Builder Briefs
Design & Construction of Dry Wells in Pennsylvania
Authors: Dr. Katie Blansett
Publication Date: 12/16/2016
Description:
State-level regulations require a stormwater permit (NPDES) with engineered stormwater management facilities for projects with over 1 acre of earth disturbance; however, many municipalities have ordinances that require stormwater management for projects with smaller areas of disturbance. Disconnecting downspouts to a dry well or sump is a way for a single-family home to meet local stormwater ordinances. This Builder Brief will outline the design, sizing, and construction considerations for dry wells. The sizing and construction criteria in this Brief are based on the PA Stormwater BMP Manual (2006) and the PA DEP Model Stormwater Management Ordinance (2016). See Figure 1 in this Builder Brief for a flow chart to help determine if your project needs an NPDES permit. Please note that this Brief should only be used as a guide. Special soil or geologic conditions may require design calculations by an engineer. Your county conservation district or municipal engineer can confirm if this approach is adequate.
Frost Protected Shallow Foundations in Pennsylvania
Authors: Emma Dickson, Chris Hine, and Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 5/27/2016
Description:
In cold climates, including Pennsylvania, a foundation must take into account the impact of frost penetration in order to function properly. The base of the foundation must extend below the regionally specific frost depth in order to prevent the earth below the foundation from heaving. Heaving occurs when moisture present in soil freezes and expands, thus exerting differential forces on structural components above the soil.
In an effort to reduce the required depth to which foundations and footings must be installed, builders can take advantage of building heat loss and geothermal heating by designing and installing a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF). Through specific placement of insulation around the perimeter of the foundation, it is possible to raise the soil temperature and frost depth of the surrounding soil. Soil temperature is raised due to the contribution from building heat loss in winter and the accumulation of geothermal heat from below.
Rainscreen Gaps in Exterior Walls
Authors: Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 5/27/2016
Description:
Since the publication of the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC), residential structures have been constructed with a code-mandated water-resistive barrier (IRC R703.2) as one layer within exterior wall assemblies. This water-resistive barrier is the primary layer that provides a dedicated drainage plane for shedding bulk water that penetrates the exterior cladding. In addition to the water-resistive barrier (WRB), there are numerous options for providing above-code alternatives related to moisture management, such as rainscreens. These options commonly include modifications that focus on enhanced drainage of the overall wall assembly and increased drying potential of the system once it becomes wet. Certain cladding systems, such as exterior plaster and brick veneer, may warrant these more robust options for bulk moisture management.
Durability Evaluation of Insulated Rim Joists
Authors: Emma Dickson, Chris Hine, and Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 5/27/2016
Description:
Throughout the building enclosure there are various assemblies that are deemed critical to the long-term energy efficiency and durability of a building. When best practices are followed, these critical areas contribute to a sustainable enclosure. When one or more components are incorrectly designed or installed, moisture accumulation, rot, or mold growth may arise.
Rim joists (also referred to as rim boards, band joists, or band boards) are a critical portion of the building enclosure, especially at the first framed floor level when left exposed to an unfinished basement or crawlspace. U.S. Census data suggests that more than 50% of existing and new homes are set on full/partial basements or crawlspaces in cold climates. The prominence of this assembly and the opportunities for retrofit of the insulation provides ample potential to improve the contribution of this assembly to the overall building enclosure performance.
Moisture Considerations for Insulated Wall Assemblies
Authors: Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 6/30/2015
Description:
One of the main design considerations associated with residential construction involves the building enclosure. Much attention has been paid to the installation of thermal insulation to reduce seasonal heat loss or gain in best practice and code requirements. Less attention has been paid to the role of moisture within these insulated assemblies. This document will outline some moisture-related considerations that should be taken into account during the design, construction, and inspection of insulated wall assemblies in light-frame residential structures.
Moisture Considerations for Insulated Roof/Attic Assemblies
Authors: Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 6/30/2015
Description:
One of the main design considerations associated with residential construction involves the building enclosure. Much attention has been paid to the installation of thermal insulation to reduce seasonal heat loss or gain in best practice and code requirements. Less attention has been paid to the role of moisture within these insulated assemblies. This document will outline some moisture-related considerations that should be taken into account during the design, construction, and inspection of insulated roof/attic assemblies in light-frame residential structures.
Challenges, Considerations, and Concerns of Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Bryan Heitzmann
Publication Date: 6/30/2015
Description:
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the quality of air within buildings, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ can be affected by gases, such as carbon monoxide or radon; microbial contaminants, like mold or bacteria due to moisture intrusion; improper and inadequate ventilation or make-up air; or any other pollutant or condition that can cause adverse health conditions. This builder brief will discuss the importance of maintaining IAQ and its connection to human health, as well as the steps that residential occupants can take both to reduce the risks from existing sources and to prevent new indoor air quality problems from occurring.
Fundamentals of Crawlspace Design & Construction in PA
Authors: Christopher Hine
Publication Date: 6/30/2015
Description:
A crawlspace in residential construction can be a viable option when dealing with certain circumstances. This builder brief will review some of those circumstances and give guidance on how to reduce potential risks associated with the construction of crawlspaces in Pennsylvania.
Details that Work
Authors: Chris Hine
Publication Date: 9/16/2014
Description:
New construction practices create a need for new and innovative details for contractors and sub-contractors to ensure proper installation. These necessary details encompass a wide range of scenarios starting from the footing level through shingles. These details will help ensure code compliance as well as increase the durability and sustainability of the structure.
Soil Freeze Depth Guide for Manufactured Housing in PA
Authors: Mark Fortney, Eric Burnett, and Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 4/1/2014
Description:
This document provides some guidance on minimum foundation depth to the manufactured housing industry in Pennsylvania to reduce the risk of damage from freezing soil. The intention is to avoid foundation movement due to freezing of the soil below the foundation.
Site Design Considerations for Manufactured Housing in PA
Authors: Mark Fortney, Eric Burnett, and Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 4/1/2014
Description:
This document is intended to provide some supplementary guidance to the manufactured housing industry, including retailers and others responsible for the onsite completion of manufactured houses in Pennsylvania. It focuses on determining:
1. The soil bearing capacity of a site and
2. Appropriate site design and drainage.
This document seeks to expand upon or enhance the information presented in the various manufacturers’ installation manuals. When installing a house, all concerned should follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions unless permission for an alternative approach is obtained from the manufacturer. The information presented here will help installers to more closely tailor the installation to the particular site on which the house is being built and improve long-term performance of the house. By using this information, the installer may reduce construction costs and avoid costly performance problems.
BB0713: “Obtaining Proper Ventilation: A Case Study in Residential Exhaust Fan Performance”
Authors: Mike Turns, Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 7/1/2013
Description:
As energy efficiency and building performance have taken on a larger role in the construction industry, expectations regarding indoor air quality have also increased. While commercial buildings have been incorporating elaborate HVAC systems and designs for years, the complexity and performance of residential systems has seen a markedly slower progression. It is apparent, based on the current state of the industry and highlighted by this case study that ventilation systems in homes will need to be studied further in order to develop an understanding of best practices.
A Quick Guide to the Residential Provisions of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code and Local Amendments
Authors: Mike Turns, BCO, Bob Buddenbohn, BCO, Katherine Blansett, PhD, PE, BCO
Publication Date: 7/1/2013
Description:
Many of Pennsylvania’s 2,562 municipalities have chosen to locally enforce the residential provisions of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which means that residential code requirements vary across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This guide summarizes residential UCC provisions, including clarification on when permits are/are not required, by municipality. Local amendments are superimposed on county maps with detailed information tabulated by municipality.
LD0213-1: “The International Stormwater BMP database – Part 1”
Authors: Katherine L. Blansett, Ph.D., P.E.
Publication Date: 2/1/2013
Description:
This brief, part of a two-part series, provides an introduction to the International Stormwater BMP Database for professionals working in residential land development and stormwater management. The brief contains a description of the data housed in the Database, a summary of Pennsylvania BMPs reported in the Database, and general recommendations on BMP selection to address specific stormwater design problems in residential applications.
LD0213-2: “The International Stormwater BMP database – Part 2”
Authors: Katherine L. Blansett, Ph.D., P.E.
Publication Date: 2/1/2013
Description:
This brief is the second in a two-part series on the International Stormwater BMP Database. This brief provides water quality and flow findings based on data submitted to the BMP Database by other researchers.
LD0912: “Land Development Brief – LD Process flow chart”
Authors: Katherine L. Blansett, Ph.D., P.E.
Publication Date: 9/1/2012
Description:
The process of developing a piece of land into a residential community is complicated, and involves technical design aspects, as well as interactions with many different agencies for permits and approvals. This brief provides an overview of the land development process in Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on typical permitting and approval requirements.
BB0412: “Kitchen Ventilation Systems – Part 2”
Authors: Anthony Jellen, Mike Turns, Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 4/1/2012
Description:
In this brief, we provide design guidance for introducing makeup air for a residential kitchen exhaust system using three common techniques: (1) engineered openings, (2) HVAC-integrated air systems, and (3) dedicated makeup air units. We will also discuss common design practices for meeting the interlocking and closure requirements of the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) Section M1503.4.
BB0312: “Kitchen Ventilation Systems – Part 1”
Authors: Anthony Jellen, Mike Turns, Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 3/1/2012
Description:
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) requires the introduction of makeup air when kitchen exhaust equipment capacity exceeds 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM). This brief investigates whether the code threshold for requiring makeup air is justified, and what rates of exhaust might pose risks in modern residential construction.
RB0511: “Life-Cycle Assessment Tools for Building Analysis”
Authors: Guiyuan Han, Jelena Srebric, Ph.D.
Publication Date: 5/1/2011
Description:
A Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a methodology to assess the total costs and environmental impacts of a product. LCA is especially useful when it comes to evaluating trade-offs between initial and operating costs. This builder brief will introduce four different LCA tools, and discuss the similarities and differences among these tools when applied to LCA of buildings.
Impact of the Uniform Construction Code in Rural Pennsylvania
Authors: Bohumil Kasal, Ph.D, and Mike Turns, M.S.
Publication Date: 9/1/2010
Description:
This research investigated the potential impacts of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which was established under the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (Act 45 of 1999) and implemented in 2004, in rural Pennsylvania. The research, which was conducted in 2009, also assessed how well the UCC met its intended goals.
BB0710: “Insulating Basements: Part 3 Basement Wall Systems”
Authors: Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 7/1/2010
Description:
Insulating Basements consists of three PHRC Builder Briefs addressing fundamental building physics, basement wall materials, and basement wall systems. This document is the third PHRC Builder Brief in that series, describing code requirements pertaining to basement wall systems and common basement wall configurations. An overall analysis f pros and cons of each system is presented.
BB0610: “Insulating Basements: Part 2 Materials”
Authors: Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 6/1/2010
Description:
Insulating Basements consists of three PHRC Builder Briefs addressing fundamental building physics, basement wall materials, and basement wall systems. This second brief covers important material properties of basement wall components. All materials are referred to in this brief according to their generic name without reference to specific brands.
BB0510: “Insulating Basements: Part 1 Fundamentals”
Authors: Brian Wolfgang
Publication Date: 5/1/2010
Description:
Insulating Basements consists of three PHRC Builder Briefs addressing fundamental building physics, basement wall materials, and basement wall systems. This first brief describes the fundamental building physics concepts that play a role in the performance of a basement wall system.
Foundation Systems for Relocated Manufactured Housing
Authors: Mark Fortney, Brennan Glantz, P.E., and Anthony Jellen
Publication Date: 1/1/2007
Description:
The intent of this document is to provide prescriptive foundation systems for relocating manufactured houses. These houses are typically lacking the manufacturers’ installation instructions that include their approved foundation systems. This document presents several economical permanent alternative foundation systems that can be used and reused in both private land and in park settings. These foundation systems were developed to be consistent with the performance requirements of the International Residential Code and to be acceptable throughout Pennsylvania.
