BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

The Habitat affiliate makes its own “ICF” foundation walls with rigid foam held in place with wood spacers.

Exterior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide describing how to insulate a new foundation wall or an existing foundation wall by adding rigid insulation to the exterior side.

IECC Climate Zone 1A: Unvented Attic with Spray foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall-CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 2A: Unvented Attic with Spray Foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall/CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

IECC Climate Zone 2A: Unvented Attic with Spray Foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall/CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 2A: Unvented Attic with Spray Foam at Roof Deck, 2x6 Wall-CMU Wall, Elevated Slab

Publication Date

Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:00

Install termite shields and use solid concrete or filled concrete block for the top of foundation walls to deter termites and other pests

This home is heated with in-floor hydronic radiant heating tubes that were installed on top of the R-20 rigid foam under-slab insulation.

Flood-Resistant Crawlspace Foundations

Guide describing how to design or retrofit a crawlspace to reduce the risk of damage during a flood event.

Flood-Resistant Pier, Pile, Post, and Column Foundations

Guide describing how to construct flood-resistant homes using pier, pile, post, or column foundations.

Rigid insulation and water control layers are installed on the exterior of a flat foundation wall; spray foam insulates the rim joist

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Potential locations for basement insulation in new construction, slab insulation should always be underneath, with walls insulated (a) inside, (b) outside, (c) sandwiched inside, or (d) inside and outside of walls.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right – Two inches of rigid foam was installed on the ground before pouring the basement floor slab while precast, pre-insulated concrete panels comprise the basement walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Wrong – The footing drain pipe should end at least 10 feet from the foundation if above ground or should drain into a drywell or storm sewer.

Pest protection measures include a termite shield under the rim joist and extending out on either side of the stem wall, insect screening under the furring air gap, and brick veneer to protect slab-edge insulation.

Publication Date

Mon, 03/01/2021 - 12:00

An anchor side plate is used to connect the concrete foundation to the sill plate from the exterior as part of a seismic retrofit when the sill plate is not accessible from the interior of the home

Publication Date

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 12:00

Right – The raised-slab, CMU block stem wall, above-grade walls, and roof of this house use flood damage-resistant materials, integrated water, vapor, and air control layers, and construction methods which promote good drainage and rapid drying

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Right – The raised-slab, poured-concrete stem wall, above-grade walls, and roof of this house use flood damage-resistant materials, integrated water, vapor, and air control layers, and construction methods which promote good drainage and rapid drying

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Right – The raised-slab, brick-and-block stem wall, above-grade walls, and roof of this house use flood damage-resistant materials, integrated water, vapor, and air control layers, and construction methods which promote good drainage and rapid drying

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2022 - 12:00

Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls

Guide describing how to insulate closed crawlspace walls and band joist areas with rigid foam board insulation.

No Vapor Retarders on Interior Side of Air-Permeable Foundation Insulation

Vapor retarder plastic should not be installed over fibrous insulation on basement or crawlspace walls unless rigid foam or spray foam is installed directly against the concrete, behind the blanket insulation.

Right – The foundation of this ICF home was constructed of ICFs that were set in place on a gravel bed, then 3.5 inches (R-36) of closed-cell spray foam was sprayed directly onto the gravel, providing an effective air, vapor, and thermal barrier.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Good water management practices like sloping grade away from house, and installing gutters, perimeter drain pipe, a capillary break, and free-draining soils or drainage mat protect the foundation from water saturation.

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

Increase Seismic Resistance and Thermal Performance of Basement, Crawl Space, and Crawl Space with Cripple Wall Foundations

Guide describing different options for providing seismic and thermal resistance for homes with basement foundations, crawlspace foundations, or crawlspace foundations with a "cripple" wall.

Water Management of Existing Basement Floor

Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.

Below-Grade Water Management for Urban Sites

Guide describing methods to manage groundwater in and around urban multifamily buildings.

Footing Drain Pipe

Guide describing how to help drain water away from the perimeter footing.

Passive House Underslab Foam & Vapor Barrier: Karuna Video #6

Publication Date

February, 2012

Video describing the under slab and vapor barrier used on a passive house.

Measure Guideline: Guidance on Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Author(s)

Grin Aaron,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

September, 2014

Measure Guideline research report providing simple, long term, and durable solutions when using tapes and flashing membranes in conjunction with the exterior face of rigid polymeric foam sheathing to create the drainage plane of a wall system.

Site Drainage Practices to Minimize Localized Flooding

Guide describing steps that builders can take to reduce the likelihood of standing water and localized flooding around the foundation of a home during rainy conditions, with links to several full guides providing detailed instructions for improving water management in new and existing homes.

Structural system components of a basement

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Points of radon entry into buildings

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Soil gas collection and discharge techniques

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Insulation Installation Achieves RESNET Grade 1

Guide describing RESNET Grade 1 level installation of insulation in walls, attics, and floors.

Structural system components of a crawl space

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Crawl space with exterior insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Easy access

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

Termite control techniques for basements, footing detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Radon control techniques for basements, footing detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Termite control techniques for basements, sill detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Radon control techniques for basements, sill detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Vented crawl space with insulation in the ceiling

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Concrete crawl space wall with interior insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Concrete crawl space wall with exterior insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Crawl space radon control techniques

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Concrete masonry basement wall with exterior insulation.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Concrete crawlspace wall with exterior insulation.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Trapezoid swale design

Drainage and waterproofing system components in a basement, footing detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Drainage and waterproofing system components of a basement, sill detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Concrete crawl space wall with interior spray foam insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Vented crawl space with concrete walls and insulated ceiling

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Concrete masonry crawl space wall with exterior insulation

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Basement with interior semi-permeable XPS or EPS insulation.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Crawl space drainage: crawl space below grade with dual drains

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Crawl space drainage: crawl space floor at or above grade

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Water intrusion

A damp crawlspace

Drainage and waterproofing system components in a basement, single perimeter drain system, footing detail

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Crawl space interior insulation with EPS or XPS semi-permeable insulation on inside wall

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Unvented crawl space with interior insulation - designed for termite resistance in heavily infested areas

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - This concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior with rigid insulation; sill details are shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - The concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior with rigid foam; the footing detail is shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - This concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior with spray foam insulation; sill detail are shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Wrong – Polyethylene sheeting does not completely cover the aggregate and the footing

Back to Basics: Termites and Building Construction

Publication Date

July, 2014

Author(s)

PMP TV

Organization(s)

PMP TV

Video presentation from PMP TV covering different building strategies as they relate to different slab and foundation types and building materials to keep out termites.

Unvented concrete masonry unit crawl space with exterior insulation - designed for termite resistance in moderately infested areas

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - The concrete masonry unit (CMU) basement wall has exterior insulation; the footing details include interior and exterior footing drain pipe.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Poured concrete basement wall showing exterior insulation and sill detail; above-grade wall has sheathing to the outside of the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Poured concrete basement wall showing exterior insulation and sill detail; above-grade wall has sheathing to the inside of the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Right – Polyethylene sheeting completely covers the aggregate and the footing with no tears or open seams

Wrong - Polyethylene sheeting should be lapped up sides of walls and pillars and taped

Right - This rigid insulation is correctly installed in a level layer over aggregate; the seams will be taped

Right - Concrete masonry unit (CMU) basement wall showing exterior insulation and sill detail; above-grade wall has sheathing to the inside of the rigid foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Wrong – Polyethylene sheeting does not extend beyond edge of aggregate to separate the footer from the stem wall which will be poured next

West Virginia Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual

Organization(s)

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

Publication Date

May, 2012

Manual showing how to properly use grass swales to manage excess water runoff.

Poor drainage conditions can enable water to pool around the home.

Right - Potential locations for crawlspace insulation: vapor sheeting should always cover the floor with insulation (a) outside walls, (b) inside walls, (c) both sides of walls, (d) sandwiched inside walls, or (e) under the first floor.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Radon Mitigation in New Construction

Publication Date

August, 2013

Author(s)

Benesch

Organization(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center,

CCHRC

Video describing radon precautions taken for a construction project in a high-risk radon area in Alaska.

Insulating Garages in Multifamily Buildings

Guide describing how to properly insulate garages in multifamily buildings.

Polyethylene Over Aggregate

DWG

PDF

Rigid Insulation Over Aggregate

DWG

PDF

Insulation for Existing Crawl Space Floors

Guide describing how to upgrade a crawlspace floor in an existing home by adding insulation.

There is no polyethylene sheeting installed in the crawlspace

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Foil Bubble Pack: Subslab Insulation?

Author(s)

Fulger Don

Organization(s)

Home Energy

Publication Date

November, 2004

Article describing the effective R-values of various subslab insulation products, including foil bubble pack.

The seams of the rigid insulation are not taped and it will not provide a complete capillary break

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

There is 6 mil. polyethylene sheeting installed and sealed in the crawlspace

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Driveway is not sloped away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – No polyethylene sheeting vapor barrier is installed on the crawlspace floor

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – Driveway is installed to slope water away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The final grade does not slope away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right – The final grade slopes away from the house

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Comprehensive water management features include a capillary break (≥ 6-mil polyethylene sheeting) at all crawlspace floors

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

Taping polyethylene sheeting at interior pier footings

Publication Date

Mon, 11/01/2004 - 12:00

Vertical Radon Ventilation Pipe

Guide describing how to install a radon-mitigating vertical ventilation pipe in new and existing homes with various types of house foundations.

Lapped and taped polyethylene sheeting

Publication Date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

Managing Indoor Humidity and Ventilation in Cold Weather

Guide describing steps to take to minimize indoor humidity in preparation for cold winter weather.

Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters

Guide describing design for shelter-in-place spaces during windstorm storm events.

Radon Resistant Construction

Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas naturally occurring in the earth that can cause lung cancer in humans. It can enter homes through foundations and basements unless steps are taken to prevent it. Radon-resistant homes help minimize this risk by including a radon barrier with a fully...