Guide
Description
Guide describing how to construct homes with structural insulated panels.
Guide
Description
Guide describing installation of sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace of a home.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install an airtight cover on a sump pump in the basement or crawlspace of a home to minimize humidity in the home.
Guide
Description
Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install step and kick-out flashing where walls meet roofs.
Guide
Description
Guide describing the installation of insulating sheathing above the roof deck on existing homes. This retrofit assembly is appropriate for homes with conditioned attics or where the retrofit is intended to create a conditioned attic.
Guide
Description
Guide describing principles of insulating and air sealing band joists as a stand alone energy upgrade, or as part of creating a closed crawlspace.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install and properly integrate flashing at the intersection of the wall and roof on an existing home.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to slope solid surfaces outside of a home so rainwater flows away from the home.
Guide
Description
Guide describing vapor retarder permeability, insulation interaction, and example construction in a hot-humid climate.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install low-emissivity exterior storm windows.
Guide
Description
Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.
Information Guide
Description
Information guide providing an overview of pest-resistant construction practices and guides in the Building America Solution Center for builders, contractors, and home owners.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate the sill beam or sill plate on the exterior side in a way that allows drying to the exterior, as part of an exterior wall upgrade.
Information Guide
Description
Information guide listing Building America Solution Center guides that describe ways to air-seal and insulate a new or existing home's walls to resist heat gain.
Information Guide
Description
Information guide describing things to consider before retrofitting walls, windows, and doors, including wiring, moisture protection, and lead paint.
Guide
Description
Guide describing methods for short-term control of erosion during construction and long-term measures for controlling erosion on sloped sites or sites with river banks or shore lines.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install a corrosion-resistant drain pan in condensate-producing HVAC equipment.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to provide a continuous water control layer across the roof assembly by sealing all penetrations for pipes, vents, etc. in existing roofs.
Guide
Description
Guide describing ways to use landscaping to keep a home cooler.
Home Improvement Expert™ Checklist
Description
Many home walls have inadequate insulation resulting in excessive heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Adding wall insulation can significantly address this home performance challenge. However, critical installation best practices need to be followed to ensure a successful project. In particular, the traditional exterior “drill and fill” approach will not work with masonry brick or concrete walls. Use this checklist to get the significant energy savings and enhanced comfort benefits possible with quality installed masonry wall insulation.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to insulate the wall cavities of an existing home with spray foam.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped roof and add insulation above the roof deck.
Guide
Description
This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to walls behind showers and tubs.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to install a capillary break to help manage moisture in foundations.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to construct exterior walls with insulated concrete forms.