Technology Solutions Case Study: Durable Interior Foundation Insulation Retrofits for Cold Climates, Cloquet, Minnesota

Program Document · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EDT 2015

OSTI ID:1220452

Thermal and moisture problems in existing basements create a unique challenge as the exterior face of the wall is not easily or inexpensively accessible. This approach by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership team addresses thermal and moisture management from the interior face of the wall without disturbing the exterior soil and landscaping. It is effective at reducing energy loss through the wall principally during the heating season. The team conducted experiments at the Cloquet Residential Research Facility to test the heat and moisture performance of four hollow masonry block wall systems and two rim-joist systems. These systems were retrofitted with interior insulation in compliance with the 2012 IECC. The research showed for the first time that, for masonry block walls in a cold climate, a solid bond beam or equivalent provides adequate resistance to moisture transport from a hollow core to the rim-joist cavity. Thus, a solid top course is a minimum requirement for an interior retrofit insulation system.

• Research Organization: NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Building Technologies Office (EE-5B) (Building America)
• OSTI ID: 1220452
• Report Number(s): DOE/GO-102015-4567; 7063
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BASEMENT
BUILDING AMERICA
FOUNDATION
INTERIOR INSULATION
NORTHERNSTAR
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
WATER SEPARATION PLANE (WSP)