Innovative Retrofit Insulation Strategies for Concrete Masonry Foundations

Stacey Rothgeb; P. Huelman; L. Goldberg; R. Jacobson; Stacey Rothgeb

Innovative Retrofit Insulation Strategies for Concrete Masonry Foundations

Stacey Rothgeb, P. Huelman, L. Goldberg, R. Jacobson, Stacey Rothgeb (NREL Technical Monitor)

Building Technologies and Science Center

University of Minnesota

Research output: NREL › Subcontract Report

Abstract

Basements in climates 6 & 7 can account for a fraction of a home's total heat loss when fully conditioned. Such foundations are a source of moisture, with convection in open block cavities redistributing water from the wall base, usually when heating. Even when block cavities are capped, the cold foundation concrete can act as a moisture source for wood rim joist components that are in contact with it. Because below-grade basements are increasingly used for habitable space, cold foundation walls pose challenges for moisture contribution, energy use, and occupant comfort.

Original language	American English
Number of pages	98
State	Published - 2015

Bibliographical note

Work performed by NorthernSTAR, St. Paul, Minnesota

NREL Publication Number

NREL/SR-5500-63139

Other Report Number

DOE/GO-102015-4538

Keywords

Building America
CMUs
cold basements
concrete block foundations
core fill
foundation experimental research
foundation heat loss
moisture in concrete blocks
NorthernSTAR
number of basements in cold climates
residential
residential buildings
wet basements

Access to Document

https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/63139.pdf

Cite this

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abstract = "Basements in climates 6 & 7 can account for a fraction of a home's total heat loss when fully conditioned. Such foundations are a source of moisture, with convection in open block cavities redistributing water from the wall base, usually when heating. Even when block cavities are capped, the cold foundation concrete can act as a moisture source for wood rim joist components that are in contact with it. Because below-grade basements are increasingly used for habitable space, cold foundation walls pose challenges for moisture contribution, energy use, and occupant comfort.",

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AU - Rothgeb, Stacey

AU - Huelman, P.

AU - Goldberg, L.

AU - Jacobson, R.

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N1 - Work performed by NorthernSTAR, St. Paul, Minnesota

PY - 2015

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N2 - Basements in climates 6 & 7 can account for a fraction of a home's total heat loss when fully conditioned. Such foundations are a source of moisture, with convection in open block cavities redistributing water from the wall base, usually when heating. Even when block cavities are capped, the cold foundation concrete can act as a moisture source for wood rim joist components that are in contact with it. Because below-grade basements are increasingly used for habitable space, cold foundation walls pose challenges for moisture contribution, energy use, and occupant comfort.

AB - Basements in climates 6 & 7 can account for a fraction of a home's total heat loss when fully conditioned. Such foundations are a source of moisture, with convection in open block cavities redistributing water from the wall base, usually when heating. Even when block cavities are capped, the cold foundation concrete can act as a moisture source for wood rim joist components that are in contact with it. Because below-grade basements are increasingly used for habitable space, cold foundation walls pose challenges for moisture contribution, energy use, and occupant comfort.

KW - Building America

KW - CMUs

KW - cold basements

KW - concrete block foundations

KW - core fill

KW - foundation experimental research

KW - foundation heat loss

KW - moisture in concrete blocks

KW - NorthernSTAR

KW - number of basements in cold climates

KW - residential

KW - residential buildings

KW - wet basements

M3 - Subcontract Report

ER -

Innovative Retrofit Insulation Strategies for Concrete Masonry Foundations

Abstract

Bibliographical note

NREL Publication Number

Other Report Number

Keywords

Access to Document

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Cite this