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Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Right – This foil-faced foam sheathing has taped seams and proper flashing details so it can serve as a drainage plane.
    Scope

    In this retrofit wall assembly, the air control layer is applied directly over the existing wall sheathing and then covered by at least two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips. The vertical furring strips also provide the means of attachment for the exterior siding.

    There are two possible locations for the water control layer for this retrofit wall assembly – at the outer face of the insulating sheathing or between the insulating sheathing and the existing exterior wall.

    Insulate the walls of an existing home by removing the existing cladding and installing rigid foam insulating sheathing to upgrade the major building enclosure functions of the wall – water control, air control, vapor control, and thermal control, as follows:

    • Remove existing wall cladding and trim.
    • Prepare the wall sheathing for air/water control membrane.
    • Remove windows and doors as needed to allow flashing of openings and air control transitions into openings.
    • Install a continuous air/water control layer to the original sheathing or to the insulation sheathing.
    • Transition the wall air/water control membrane to adjacent assemblies.
    • Install flashings and air control transitions.
    • Re-install windows and doors or install new windows and doors in properly flashed openings.
    • Install insulating sheathing in accordance with code to satisfy the high R-value performance target for the assembly and for adequate condensation control.
    • Install furring strips over insulating sheathing and attach to structure (structural sheathing and/or framing) through insulating sheathing. Install furring strips in a vertical orientation only.
    • Install wall cladding and trim, by attaching to the furring strips.

    See the Compliance Tab for links to related codes and standards and voluntary federal energy-efficiency program requirements.

    Description
    Description

    One method for increasing the insulation level of the walls in existing homes is to remove the exterior cladding and install rigid foam insulation, possibly new house wrap, and new exterior cladding over the walls. This step not only increases the wall R-value, it can also greatly improve the performance of the walls to control the movement of air, vapor, and water through the walls.

    Some advantages to this retrofit approach include minimizing the impact of the wall retrofit on the interior finishes of the existing house, supporting continuity of the water and air control layers, reducing thermal bridging or heat transfer through wall framing, and lowering the risk of water damage and condensation within the existing wall structure.

    In Figures 1 and 2, the wall siding is represented as lap siding, which could be wood, vinyl, or fiber cement lap siding. Other types of siding that can be attached using the vertical furring strips may be used as well, provided the weight of the siding is less than 10 lb/sf.

    Taped insulating sheathing may serve as a layer to control water, air, and heat loss.  However, house wrap or a paint-on membrane could also be applied to the original sheathing before the insulating sheathing is installed.

    The insulating sheathing is held in place by vertical furring strips, along with other attachments per manufacturer’s instructions. The vertical furring strips also provide the means of attachment for the exterior siding and provide a ventilation gap under the siding.

    The house wrap should be overlapped and taped at all seams and attached with fasteners per the manufacturer’s instructions. (See Figure 2.) If more than one layer of foam is used, the exterior layer of the foam is the water control layer and all seams in that layer should be taped with appropriate foam-compatible tape. The exterior foam layer should be foil-faced polyisocyanurate or XPS and the layer should be at least 1 inch thick. EPS should not be used as the outer layer but EPS Type II could be used as the inner layer. If the exterior of the rigid foam serves as the water control layer, the air control layer would still be house wrap or paint-on membrane that is installed between the existing house sheathing and the rigid foam.

    The location of the water control layer has implications for how the water control function is handled at transitions and interruptions. For example, in window installations, if the water control layer is over the existing sheathing, the windows are installed within the existing wall framing. If the water control layer is at the face of the insulating sheathing, the windows are installed within the insulating sheathing layer of the wall, in order to integrate the window flashing into the water control layer.

    When installing this retrofit wall assembly, it is recommended that multiple layers of insulating sheathing be applied to the exterior of the existing wall. For example, rather than installing one 2-inch layer of rigid foam, two 1-inch layers are installed. This creates a vapor impermeable layer on the exterior of the existing wall. If there is a wetting event (e.g., a plumbing leak) that causes the existing wall structure to become wet, it is important that the wall is able to dry to the inside. To allow drying to the inside, any new or existing application of closed-cell spray foam in the wall cavities should be limited to a thickness of no more than one inch. For other types of spray foam insulation, the vapor permeance of the installed thickness must be at least 1.0 perm. Open-cell spray foam insulation meets this criteria for typical framed wall cavity depths. This may not be the case for some medium-density spray foams.

    It is advisable to avoid use of an interior vapor barrier and vapor impermeable wall coverings such as non-latex paint and vinyl wallpapers with this retrofit wall approach because these limit the drying potential to the interior. These types of wall coverings may contribute to problems if the interior space has high humidity, there is a history of water leakage in the wall, or the exterior wall has gotten wet during construction.

    Insulating sheathing is installed on exterior of an existing framed wall with water control between existing sheathing and insulating sheathing.
    Figure 1. Insulating sheathing is installed on exterior of an existing framed wall with water control between existing sheathing and insulating sheathing. (Source: Mass Save Dep Energy Retrofit Guide.)

     

    Insulating sheathing is installed over existing wall sheathing in a wall retrofit to improve insulation, air, and water control. The water control layer is at face of insulating sheathing, which is foil faced and has taped seams.
    Figure 2. Insulating sheathing is installed over existing wall sheathing in a wall retrofit to improve insulation, air, and water control. The water control layer is at face of insulating sheathing, which is foil faced and has taped seams. (Source: Mass Save Dep Energy Retrofit Guide.)

     

    How to Install Rigid Foam Board Insulation at Exterior Wall

    1. Remove the existing wall cladding and trim, and inspect the structural integrity of the wall. Check the wall framing for any deficiencies, rot, insect damage, etc.  Based on the findings of the inspection, revise the wall assembly plans and review specific detailing as needed. Proceed only after needed repairs are performed. Meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the current adopted building and energy codes.
    2. Prepare the wall sheathing to receive the air/water control membrane or house wrap, if one is going to be used. Appropriate preparation of the wall sheathing will depend upon the nature of the existing sheathing and the air control strategy pursued. If using a sheet good (house wrap) as the air/water control layer, all protruding fasteners must be removed to avoid punctures or tears in the membrane. Gaps or voids in the sheathing layer may need to be filled in. Use a primer for self-adhered membranes if recommended by the membrane manufacturer if installing membrane.
    3. Remove windows and doors and trim to allow for proper flashing of the window and door openings, and to permit the installation of air control transition membranes.
    4. Install a continuous air control membrane (house wrap or paint-on membrane) over the existing sheathing as shown in Figure 1. Connect the air control membrane to the air control layer of adjacent assemblies in a tight and durable manner. Seal all penetrations against air and water leaks. This layer may also serve as the water control layer, or the surface of the rigid foam can serve as the water control layer if all seams are sealed, as shown in Figure 2.
    5. Install flashings and air control transitions. Transition the air control at the top and bottom margins of the exterior wall into the window and door rough openings and air seal all penetrations through the wall. Flash window and door rough openings as well as all wall penetrations.
    6. Re-install windows and doors or install new windows and doors in properly flashed openings. If the water control layer is over the existing sheathing, the windows are installed within the existing wall framing whereas if the water control layer is at the face of the insulating sheathing, the windows are installed within the insulating sheathing layer of the wall. This is to ensure the window flashing is properly integrated into the water control layer. Air seal the window and door units to the air control transition membranes at the interior perimeter of the window and door units.
    7. Install insulating sheathing over the air/water control membrane. Butt joints tight. When installing multiple layers, offset seams in two directions. If the surface of the rigid foam will serve as the water control layer, then the exterior layer of rigid foam cannot be EPS, it must be foil-faced polyisocyanurate or XPS and all seams of the exterior foam layer must be taped. Until furring strips are installed, insulating sheathing pieces can be held in place with cap nails or screws with roofing washers.
    8. Install furring strips over insulating sheathing and attach furring strips to the wall structure (structural sheathing and/or framing) through the insulating sheathing. Install furring strips in a vertical orientation only. It is important to install furring strips in a vertical, not horizontal, orientation to allow drainage behind the cladding/trim and to prevent water from dwelling within the system. 1x4 furring is recommended. The furring need not be preservative treated for moisture protection. The spacing of fasteners through the furring strips must be such that the cladding load is distributed to no more than 10 lb per fastener.
    9. Attach cladding and trim to the vertical furring strips.
    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Refer to the current adopted building and energy codes for information on appropriate levels of insulation for the different climate zones as well as the proper ratios of vapor and air impermeable and permeable insulation.

    Remediate any hazardous conditions that will be affected (e.g., exposed or aggravated) by the planned work. Follow applicable laws and industry procedures for mitigation of hazardous materials. Engage the services of a qualified professional when needed.

    Given the increased airtightness associated with this retrofit, combustion safety testing and controlled mechanical ventilation upgrades are required to maintain acceptable indoor air quality.

    Climate
    Climate

    The exterior wall assembly should be designed for the specific hygrothermal region, rain exposure zone, and interior climate where the home is located.

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.

    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)

     

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.

    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

     

    Cold Climates

    The insulation levels should be based on the minimum requirements for vapor control in the current adopted building code and the minimum requirements for thermal control in the current energy code. Additional insulation can be added above these minimums to create high R-Value exterior wall assemblies. The minimum insulation requirements for ceilings, walls, floors, and foundations in new homes, as listed in the 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 IECC and IRC, can be found in this table.  

    High Wind Zones

    If your home is located in one of the designated high-wind zones shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, ensure that siding is wind resistant to minimize the risk of damage to the rigid foam sheathing layer.

     

    Graph of ultimate design wind speeds
    Figure 3. Ultimate Design Wind Speeds. (FEMA 2019).

     

    Graph of wind zones in the US
    Figure 4. Wind Zones in the U.S. (FEMA 2014).

     

    Rigid foam should not be used as the sole sheathing material in gable end walls in high-wind areas; it should be supported by plywood or OSB. In the house shown in Figure 5, the vinyl siding at the gable end wall was installed over plastic foam insulation with no plywood or OSB wood sheathing behind it. The foam insulation and vinyl siding alone were not able to withstand wind pressures which caused the wall to fail allowing wind-driven rain to freely enter the attic and saturate the ceiling insulation, causing collapse of the ceiling. 

    Vinyl siding with no structural sheathing.
    Figure 5. The vinyl siding at this gable end wall was installed over plastic foam insulation with no structural sheathing behind it. (FEMA 757 2009).

     

    Wildfire Prone Areas

    With limited exceptions, International Building Code Section 2603.5.5, Vertical and lateral fire propagation, requires wall assemblies in Type I, II, III and IV construction using foam plastic insulation to pass the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 285 testing requirements. Despite stating “non-load bearing” in its title and scope, NFPA 285 applies to both non-load bearing and load-bearing walls. There are many polyiso, EPS, and XPS rigid foam products that have passed the NFPA 285 wall assembly test for fire resistance; some fireproofing installation details may be required. Consult the manufacturers’ instructions (Walls & Ceilings 2017).

    See the Solution Center guide “Wind and Disaster Resistant Siding” for more information.

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
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    Right - XPS foam insulation is attached to the existing exterior wall with wood furring strips that serve as a nail base for the siding and are installed vertically to allow for drainage and drying behind the siding
    Right - XPS foam insulation is attached to the existing exterior wall with wood furring strips that serve as a nail base for the siding and are installed vertically to allow for drainage and drying behind the siding
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    Right - Foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is attached to the existing exterior wall with vertical wood furring strips
    Right - Foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is attached to the existing exterior wall with vertical wood furring strips
    Image
    Right - This foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is installed on an existing exterior wall and the seams are taped so the rigid foam can serve as a water control layer
    Right - This foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is installed on an existing exterior wall and the seams are taped so the rigid foam can serve as a water control layer
    Image
    Right – Ripped OSB provides furring strips for a ventilation gap behind the wood siding.
    Right – Ripped OSB provides furring strips for a ventilation gap behind the wood siding.
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    Right – Furring strips provide a drainage and ventilation gap between the siding and the cork insulation.
    Right – Furring strips provide a drainage and ventilation gap between the siding and the cork insulation.
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    Right- The rigid foam sheathing is taped at all seams before installing the metal lathe for stucco cladding.
    Right- The rigid foam sheathing is taped at all seams before installing the metal lathe for stucco cladding.
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    Right – The seams are taped on the coated OSB sheathing of this home to provide a complete air barrier.
    Right – The seams are taped on the coated OSB sheathing of this home to provide a complete air barrier.
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    Right – Furring strips provide a drainage gap between the rigid foam and the siding.
    Right – Furring strips provide a drainage gap between the rigid foam and the siding.
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    Right – Coated sheathing is taped at all seams to serve as an exterior air barrier on the walls.
    Right – Coated sheathing is taped at all seams to serve as an exterior air barrier on the walls.
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    Right – Some tape is pressure sensitive; a roller is used to apply even pressure to ensure full adhesion.
    Right – Some tape is pressure sensitive; a roller is used to apply even pressure to ensure full adhesion.
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    Right – This coated OSB sheathing product is available with an integrated insulation layer.
    Right – This coated OSB sheathing product is available with an integrated insulation layer.
    Image
    Right – Furring strips were installed to provide a 3/8-inch drainage plane over the rigid foam and under the fiber cement lap siding.
    Right – Furring strips were installed to provide a 3/8-inch drainage plane over the rigid foam and under the fiber cement lap siding.
    Image
    Right- This concrete block home in the hot-humid climate is insulated on the interior with rigid EPS foam; all framing uses mold- and termite-resistant borate-treated lumber.
    Right- This concrete block home in the hot-humid climate is insulated on the interior with rigid EPS foam; all framing uses mold- and termite-resistant borate-treated lumber.
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    Right – The walls of this home were constructed with “insulated studs” fashioned on site by adding 2-inch-thick strips of rigid foam to the inside face of 2x4 studs then topping that with a plywood nailing surface.
    Right – The walls of this home were constructed with “insulated studs” fashioned on site by adding 2-inch-thick strips of rigid foam to the inside face of 2x4 studs then topping that with a plywood nailing surface.
    Image
    Right - Furring strips were installed with blocking to allow adequate room for 4 inches of mineral wool.
    Right - Furring strips were installed with blocking to allow adequate room for 4 inches of mineral wool.
    Image
    Right - Mineral Wool insulation is installed on the exterior of wall with furring strips.
    Right - Mineral Wool insulation is installed on the exterior of wall with furring strips.
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    Wrong - Dark pattern on wall is showing where warm air is leaking into the wall cavity from interior of home.
    Wrong - Dark pattern on wall is showing where warm air is leaking into the wall cavity from interior of home.
    Image
    Wrong - Dark patterns on the Home's exterior siding show where warm air is leaking into the wall cavities.
    Wrong - Dark patterns on the Home's exterior siding show where warm air is leaking into the wall cavities.
    Videos
    Publication Date
    Author(s)
    Cold Climate Housing Research Center
    Organization(s)
    CCHRC
    Description
    Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center on complete wall system construction guidelines in cold climates. Part 1 of 2.
    Publication Date
    Author(s)
    Cold Climate Housing Research Center
    Organization(s)
    CCHRC
    Description
    Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center on complete wall system construction guidelines in cold climates. Part 2 of 2.
    Compliance
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    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    Case Studies
    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    Neuhauser Ken,
    Gates Cathy,
    Pettit Betsy
    Organization(s)
    Building Science Corporation,
    BSC
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    High-R Wall Insulation = High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Wall Insulation

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    Technical Description

    There are two levels of wall insulation: high-efficiency insulation, which meets the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and ultra-efficient insulation, which is 25% more efficient than this national code. Using high-efficiency and ultra-efficient insulation along with professional installation (e.g., no gaps, voids, compression, or misalignment with air barriers, complete air barriers, and minimal thermal bridging) creates conditioned spaces that require very little heating and cooling, along with even comfort and quiet throughout the house.

    High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Wall Insulation
    Sales Message

    High-efficiency wall insulation helps provide added thermal protection. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort and quiet. Knowing there is one opportunity to optimize performance during construction, wouldn’t you agree it’s a great opportunity to meet or exceed future codes?

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