Scope
Insulate the walls of an existing home with spray foam insulation to increase thermal performance. Remove interior finishes (e.g., gypsum board) from exterior walls and fill the wall cavities with spray foam insulation, while keeping wall sheathing, house wrap, and cladding intact as follows:
- Inspect the exterior walls and make any necessary repairs to the water control layer/drainage plane prior to insulating the wall cavities.
- Retain the existing cladding and trim.
- Remove interior finishes such as lath and plaster or gypsum board, and existing insulation in the wall cavity.
- Inspect open wall cavities for evidence of bulk water leaks, and rebuild or improve exterior cladding or flashing detail as indicated by the leak evidence.
- Remove windows and doors as needed to allow flashing of rough openings, and air control transitions into openings.
- Install flashings and air control transitions. Re-install windows and doors or install new windows and doors in properly flashed openings. For guidance on water management of existing windows, see Window Rehabilitation and Window Replacement.
- Install cavity insulation per project-specific details and manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Install new gypsum board.
For more on exterior wall spray foam, see the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications.
See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.
Description
Older homes often have poorly insulated exterior walls that have numerous air leaks around piping, wiring holes, windows, etc. One way to insulate and air seal the exterior walls at the same time is to remove the interior finishes and fill the wall cavities with spray foam insulation.
Another approach that can greatly increase the walls’ R-value is to construct a second stud wall a few inches inboard of the existing stud wall, to create an extra-deep wall cavity (i.e., converting the existing wall to a “double-stud wall”). This cavity can be insulated with spray foam insulation alone, spray foam insulation plus fibrous insulation (blown cellulose, blown fiberglass or batt), or only fibrous insulation. These options are described in this guide.
One consequence of insulating existing walls is that less heat will flow through the assembly: therefore, less drying of the wall assembly will occur. If any water has been getting into the wall, adding insulation without first fixing the leaks increases the risk of moisture damage to the walls. The exterior walls should be inspected for the presence and condition of the water control layer/drainage plane. This inspection could include demolition and inspection from the interior, to find existing water leakage issues, or selective disassembly of the exterior of the wall.
In new construction, the recommended method for making up for the reduced drying potential is to put an air gap between the home’s exterior siding and the water control layer (e.g., house wrap) to allow for drainage, water redistribution, and drying (see BSI-038: Mind the Gap, Eh!).In older homes, it is unlikely that an air gap was installed behind the cladding, and adding a gap would require removing the exterior siding.
The reduced drying associated with increased wall insulation levels has varying impacts on various cladding systems and sheathing. These potential impacts and recommended approaches for dealing with them are as follows:
- Wood clapboards - paint durability on the wood siding may be affected. If paint appears to be peeling, sliding wedges between the clapboards may improve ventilation between the cladding and the water control layer. If wedges do not improve the back-venting, the cladding should be replaced and installed over spacers, i.e., furring strips (see BSI-028: Energy Flow Across Enclosures).
- Cedar shingles – this type of cladding is less likely to experience issues. If it does, however, the shingles should be replaced and installed over a polypropylene spacer mesh that provides an air gap (see BSI-038: Mind the Gap, Eh! and BSI-057: Hockey Pucks and Hydrostatic Pressure).
- Stucco – this is a high-risk cladding, as it is likely an airtight cladding system with low vapor permeance, and thus low drying to the exterior (see BSI-029: Stucco Woes—The Perfect Storm). At a minimum window and door openings (and any wall penetrations) should be flashed to prevent water leakage issues. Retrofitting a stucco-clad wood frame wall by installing cavity spray foam is not recommended because of the risk prolonged dampness should any water enter the walls.
- Aluminum or vinyl – these cladding types are relatively safe for this retrofit approach, as these systems have built-in air gaps and are effectively “self-ventilated” claddings.
- Brick – brick is relatively safe for this retrofit approach because properly constructed brick walls have an air gap behind the brick these systems typically include a built-in air gap, allowing back-ventilation. This assumes that the brick veneer is properly ventilated (i.e., cavity is not filled with mortar) and that the brick is correctly detailed with flashing and weep holes. Rope weeps, if present, should be removed and replaced with open or screened head joints.
- OSB Sheathing – retrofitting closed-cell spray foam (ccSPF) into a wall cavity with OSB sheathing and no cladding ventilation raises the risks to the sheathing, as ccSPF will limit inward drying. Risk can be gauged based on exposure and cladding type, but the safest approach is to remove the cladding and add ventilation ventilating air gap (see BSI-038: Mind the Gap, Eh!) Plywood and board sheathing are less vulnerable than OSB.
If the project requires removal of cladding, options for adding wall insulation from the exterior, such as installing rigid foam insulation, should be considered. This will create a new water control system on the exterior of the wall, addressing the moisture risks described above. When adding exterior rigid foam insulation, new cavity insulation can also be added, but lower-cost fibrous insulation may be more cost-effective than spray foam to fill the cavities.
Filling Existing Exterior Walls with Spray Foam Insulation
This retrofit assembly retains the existing stud wall and its cladding. The interior finish (e.g., drywall) and any existing insulation are removed. The windows, doors, and trim are removed and the existing water and air control layer (the house wrap or building paper) is connected to the window and door rough openings (and wall penetrations) with self-adhered flexible flashing. The existing stud wall is insulated with open-cell spray foam (ocSPF) (Figure 1), closed-cell spray foam (ccSPF) (Figure 2), or with a hybrid approach using ccSPF and fibrous insulation (loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose or batt) (not shown).
Spray foam is an excellent air barrier material, but spray foam insulated walls can still have air leaks at wood-to-wood framing connections where there is no spray foam, such as doubled/ganged studs or framed corners. In Figure 3 infrared thermography during depressurization testing reveals air leakage at the corner of the wall. This problem is solved by applying sealant at all wood-to-wood interfaces from the interior (e.g., double studs, corners, headers, sill plate-to-floor).
Converting Existing Exterior Wall to a Double Wall and Insulating with Spray Foam Insulation
Another option that can greatly increase the insulation value of the wall is to construct a new stud wall inboard of the existing stud wall to create a deeper cavity for insulation. With this approach, the drywall and original insulation are removed, then a second stud wall is built inboard of the original wall. Then the cavity is filled with ccSPF (Figure 4) or ocSPF (Figure 5) or a hybrid approach is employed using ccSPF plus loose-fill fibrous insulation (Figure 6).
The ccSPF (Figure 4) only partially fills the cavity with insulation, due to the higher cost of ccSPF, higher R-value per inch, and time required to “shave” the foam flush with the studs. The ocSPF (Figure 5) insulation fills the cavity to full depth then is trimmed flush with the framing.
With the hybrid approach (ccSPF plus loose-fill fibrous insulation, Figure 6), the ccSPF prevents condensation (from interior sources) by warming the temperature of the potential condensing surface. In colder climates, it is important to maintain a sufficient ratio of vapor impermeable insulation (ccSPF) to total wall assembly insulation. As outdoor temperatures get colder, the amount of insulation needed to maintain the sheathing temperature increases.
Guidance for the ratios of ccSPF to loose-fill fibrous insulation can be found in the fourth column of Table 1. The table presents information taken from Table R601.3.1 Class III Vapor Retarders of the 2009 IRC (ICC 2009a) and Table R702.7.1 Class III Vapor Retarders of the 2012 IRC (ICC 2009b). It shows the minimum thermal resistance values to control condensation using rigid foam installed over or as the insulating sheathing, for Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 and Marine 4. These values can also be used for ccSPF installed on the interior side of the sheathing. Column 4 of the table lists the percentage of the total wall insulation that is exterior insulation that should be vapor-impermeable insulation rather than versus fibrous insulation. This percentage applies to exterior rigid foam and can also apply to ccSPF installed on the interior side of the sheathing.
The assembly is finished with new gypsum board. The ccSPF (Figure 4) and hybrid (Figure 6) walls have sufficient vapor control that only latex paint (Class III vapor retarder) is required on the interior. In the ocSPF (Figure 5) wall, a Class II vapor retarder (e.g., vapor retarder paint) is recommended; a Class I vapor barrier (e.g., polyethylene) is not recommended. See BA-1501: Monitoring Double-Stud Wall Moisture Conditions in the Northeast.
How to Insulate Existing Walls with Spray Foam Insulation
- Retain existing wall cladding and trim. Repair the cladding as needed. See information above for potential moisture impacts to claddings systems when insulation is added to the wall.
- Remove the existing interior finishes such as lath and plaster or gypsum board. Remove existing wall cavity insulation. “Tee” intersection interior walls should have finishes removed to at least the depth of the exterior wall insulated cavity. Gaps or voids in the sheathing layer may need to be filled. The cavity should be free of dust and debris.
- Remove ceiling drywall or interior finish near exterior walls to allow access for insulation and air sealing to exterior wall section corresponding to floor-above section.
- Inspect open wall cavities for evidence of bulk water leaks and redo or improve exterior cladding or flashing detail as indicated by the leak evidence.
- Remove windows and doors as needed to allow flashing of rough openings, and water and air control transitions into openings.
- Transition the air control layer into window and door rough openings and air seal all wall penetrations. Flash window and door rough openings and all wall penetrations. Re-install windows and doors (or install new windows and doors) in properly flashed openings. Air seal window and door units to the air control transition membranes at the interior perimeter of window and door units.
- Install insulation in the wall cavity per project specific details and manufacturer’s recommendations. Locate the electrical and plumbing services prior to installing insulation in the cavity. Avoid plumbing pipes in exterior walls in cold climates. If pipes cannot be moved, increase insulation value on the exterior side of the pipe with spray foam or rigid foam. Insulation outboard of the pipes makes them warmer in winter; insulation inboard of the pipes makes them colder. ALTERNATELY, convert the exterior wall to a double wall by constructing a new stud wall inboard of the existing wall. Build the deeper window and door openings ensuring a continuous air barrier and proper water flashing details. (See Air Control Upgrade for Existing Walls with Interior Retrofit for more details.) Remove or build around obstructions such as fireplaces and built-in cabinets.
- Install new gypsum on the walls and new gypsum and/or crown molding on the ceiling to replace ceiling surfaces cut away to access the wall.
Success
Remediate any hazardous conditions that will be affected (e.g., exposed or aggravated) by the planned work. Examples of hazardous materials that may be found in wall assemblies of existing structures include (but are not limited to) lead, asbestos, mold, animal dropping/remains, etc. Follow applicable laws and industry procedures for mitigation of hazardous materials. Engage the services of a qualified professional when needed.
Inspect the existing cladding, water control layer, windows, and doors for active water leaks. Install new flashing as needed and connect it to the existing water control layer.
Spray foam is a material that is essentially “manufactured” when applied at the building site. Given the importance of this material’s performance, quality control measures should be set in place. Some key issues include moisture content and temperature of the substrate, applied spray foam layer or “lift” thickness, ratios of the two spray foam components during application, and storage/handling of spray foam components. Further information is available at the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance.
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.
Given the increased airtightness associated with this retrofit, combustion safety and controlled mechanical ventilation upgrades are required to maintain acceptable indoor air quality.
Climate
The exterior wall assembly should be designed for a specific hygrothermal region, rain exposure zone, and interior climate.
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.
Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)
Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)
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 table below provides the minimum thermal resistance (R-value) requirements for exterior walls specified in the 2009 IECC (ICC 2009b) and the 2012 IECC (ICC 2012b), based on climate zone.
Table 1. Wall Insulation Requirements per the 2009 and 2012 IECC.
Training
Compliance
Compliance
The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which 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.
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes requires that ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels meet or exceed those specified in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with some alternatives and exceptions, and achieve Grade 1 installation per RESNET Standards (see 2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR Requirements and Insulation Installation (RESNET Grade 1). If the state or local residential building energy code requires higher insulation levels than those specified in the 2009 IECC, you must meet or exceed the locally mandated requirements. Some states have adopted the 2012 or 2015 IECC. Visit the U.S. DOE Building Energy Codes Program to see what code has been adopted in each state.
National Rater Design Review Checklist
3. High-Performance Insulation.
3.1 Specified ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels comply with one of the following options:
3.1.1 Meets or exceeds 2009 IECC levels5, 6, 7 OR;
3.1.2 Achieves ≤ 133% of the total UA resulting from the U-factors in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3, per guidance in Footnote 5d, AND specified home infiltration does not exceed the following:6, 7
- 3 ACH50 in CZs 1, 2
- 2.5 ACH50 in CZs 3, 4
- 2 ACH50 in CZs 5, 6, 7
- 1.5 ACH50 in CZ 8
Footnote 5) Specified levels shall meet or exceed the component insulation levels in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.1. The following exceptions apply:
a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation levels of 2009 IECC Table 402.2.5. In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24 in. on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;
b. For ceilings with attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for R-38 and R-38 shall satisfy the requirement for R-49 wherever the full height of uncompressed insulation at the lower R-value extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;
c. For ceilings without attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for any required value above R-30 if the design of the roof / ceiling assembly does not provide sufficient space for the required insulation value. This exemption shall be limited to 500 sq. ft. or 20% of the total insulated ceiling area, whichever is less. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;
d. An alternative equivalent U-factor or total UA calculation may also be used to demonstrate compliance, as follows: An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3 complies. A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table 402.1.3 also complies. The performance of all components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, slabs, and fenestration) can be traded off using the UA approach. Note that Items 3.1 through 3.3 of the National Rater Field Checklist shall be met regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method.
Footnote 6) Consistent with the 2009 IECC, slab edge insulation is only required for slab-on-grade floors with a floor surface less than 12 inches below grade. Slab insulation shall extend to the top of the slab to provide a complete thermal break. If the top edge of the insulation is installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab, it shall be permitted to be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall. Alternatively, the thermal break is permitted to be created using ≥ R-3 rigid insulation on top of an existing slab (e.g., in a home undergoing a gut rehabilitation). In such cases, up to 10% of the slab surface is permitted to not be insulated (e.g., for sleepers, for sill plates). Insulation installed on top of slab shall be covered by a durable floor surface (e.g., hardwood, tile, carpet).
Footnote 7) Where an insulated wall separates a garage, patio, porch, or other unconditioned space from the conditioned space of the house, slab insulation shall also be installed at this interface to provide a thermal break between the conditioned and unconditioned slab. Where specific details cannot meet this requirement, partners shall provide the detail to EPA to request an exemption prior to the home’s certification. EPA will compile exempted details and work with industry to develop feasible details for use in future revisions to the program. A list of currently exempted details is available at: energystar.gov/slabedge.
National Rater Field Checklist
Thermal Enclosure System.
1. High-Performance Fenestration & Insulation.
1.3 All insulation achieves Grade I install. per ANSI / RESNET / ICC Std. 301. Alternatives in Footnote 5.5, 6
2. Fully-Aligned Air Barriers 7 - At each insulated location below, a complete air barrier is provided that is fully aligned as follows:
Ceilings: At interior or exterior horizontal surface of ceiling insulation in Climate Zones 1-3; at interior horizontal surface of ceiling insulation in Climate Zones 4-8. Also, at exterior vertical surface of ceiling insulation in all climate zones (e.g., using a wind baffle that extends to the full height of the insulation in every bay or a tabbed baffle in each bay with a soffit vent that prevents wind washing in adjacent bays). 8
Walls: At exterior vertical surface of wall insulation in all climate zones; also at interior vertical surface of wall insulation in Climate Zones 4-8.9
Floors: At exterior vertical surface of floor insulation in all climate zones and, if over unconditioned space, also at interior horizontal surface including supports to ensure alignment. Alternatives in Footnotes 12 & 13.11, 12, 13
3. Reduced Thermal Bridging.
3.4 At above-grade walls separating conditioned from unconditioned space, one of the following options used (rim / band joists exempted): 17
3.4.1 Continuous rigid insulation, insulated siding, or combination of the two is: ≥ R-3 in CZ 1-4; ≥ R-5 in CZ 5-8 OR;18, 19, 20
3.4.2 Structural Insulated Panels OR; Insulated Concrete Forms OR; Double-wall framing OR;18,21
3.4.3 Advanced framing, including all of the Items below:22
3.4.3a Corners insulated ≥ R-6 to edge23, AND;
3.4.3b Headers above windows & doors insulated ≥ R-3 for 2x4 framing or equivalent cavity width, and ≥ R-5 for all other assemblies (e.g., with 2x6 framing) 24, AND;
3.4.3c Framing limited at all windows & doors to one pair of king studs, plus one pair of jack studs per window opening to support the header and sill, AND;
3.4.3d Interior / exterior wall intersections insulated to same R-value as rest of exterior wall,25AND;
3.4.3e Minimum stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. for 2x4 framing in all Climate Zones and, in CZ 6-8, 24 in. o.c. for 2x6 framing.26
4. Air Sealing (Unless otherwise noted below, “sealed” indicates the use of caulk, foam, or equivalent material).
4.1 Ducts, flues, shafts, plumbing, piping, wiring, exhaust fans, & other penetrations to unconditioned space sealed, with blocking / flashing as needed.
Footnote 5) Two alternatives are provided: a) Grade II cavity insulation is permitted to be used for assemblies that contain a layer of continuous, air impermeable insulation ≥ R-3 in Climate Zones 1 to 4, ≥ R-5 in Climate Zones 5 to 8; b) Grade II batts are permitted to be used in floors if they fill the full width and depth of the floor cavity, even when compression occurs due to excess insulation, as long as the R-value of the batts has been appropriately assessed based on manufacturer guidance and the only defect preventing the insulation from achieving Grade I is the compression caused by the excess insulation.
Footnote 6) Ensure compliance with this requirement using ANSI / RESNET / ICC Std. 301 including all Addenda and Normative Appendices, with new versions and Addenda implemented according to the schedule defined by the HCO that the home is being certified under, with approved exceptions listed at www.energystar.gov/ERIExceptions.
Footnote 7) For purposes of this Checklist, an air barrier is defined as any durable solid material that blocks air flow between conditioned space and unconditioned space, including necessary sealing to block excessive air flow at edges and seams and adequate support to resist positive and negative pressures without displacement or damage. EPA recommends, but does not require, rigid air barriers. Open-cell or closed-cell foam shall have a finished thickness ≥ 5.5 in. or 1.5 in., respectively, to qualify as an air barrier unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise. If flexible air barriers such as house wrap are used, they shall be fully sealed at all seams and edges and supported using fasteners with caps or heads ≥ 1 in. diameter unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Flexible air barriers shall not be made of kraft paper, paper-based products, or other materials that are easily torn. If polyethylene is used, its thickness shall be ≥ 6 mil.
Footnote 8) All insulated ceiling surfaces, regardless of slope (e.g., cathedral ceilings, tray ceilings, conditioned attic roof decks, flat ceilings, sloped ceilings), must meet the requirements for ceilings.
Footnote 9) All insulated vertical surfaces are considered walls (e.g., above and below grade exterior walls, knee walls) and must meet the air barrier requirements for walls. The following exceptions apply: air barriers recommended, but not required, in adiabatic walls in multifamily dwellings; and, in Climate Zones 4 through 8, an air barrier at the interior vertical surface of insulation is recommended but not required in basement walls or crawlspace walls. For the purpose of these exceptions, a basement or crawlspace is a space for which ≥ 40% of the total gross wall area is below-grade.
Footnote 11) EPA highly recommends, but does not require, an air barrier at the interior vertical surface of floor insulation in Climate Zones 4-8.
Footnote 12) Examples of supports necessary for permanent contact include staves for batt insulation or netting for blown-in insulation. Alternatively, supports are not required if batts fill the full depth of the floor cavity, even when compression occurs due to excess insulation, as long as the R-value of the batts has been appropriately assessed based on manufacturer guidance and the only defect preventing the insulation from achieving the required installation grade is the compression caused by the excess insulation.
Footnote 13) Alternatively, an air barrier is permitted to be installed at the exterior horizontal surface of the floor insulation if the insulation is installed in contact with this air barrier, the exterior vertical surfaces of the floor cavity are also insulated, and air barriers are included at the exterior vertical surfaces of this insulation.
Footnote 17) Mass walls utilized as the thermal mass component of a passive solar design (e.g., a Trombe wall) are exempt from this Item. To be eligible for this exemption, the passive solar design shall be comprised of the following five components: an aperture or collector, an absorber, thermal mass, a distribution system, and a control system. For more information, see: energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_passive_solar_home_design.pdf. Mass walls that are not part of a passive solar design (e.g., CMU block or log home enclosure) shall either utilize the strategies outlined in Item 3.4 or the pathway in the assembly with the least thermal resistance, as determined using a method consistent with the 2013 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, shall provide ≥ 50% of the applicable assembly resistance, defined as the reciprocal of the mass wall equivalent U-factor in the 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3. Documentation identifying the pathway with the least thermal resistance and its resistance value shall be collected by the Rater and any Builder Verified or Rater Verified box under Item 3.4 shall be checked.
Footnote 18) Up to 10% of the total exterior wall surface area is exempted from the reduced thermal bridging requirements to accommodate intentional designed details (e.g., architectural details such as thermal fins, wing walls, or masonry fireplaces; structural details, such as steel columns). It shall be apparent to the Rater that the exempted areas are intentional designed details or the exempted area shall be documented in a plan provided by the builder, architect, or engineer. The Rater need not evaluate the necessity of the designed detail to certify the home.
Footnote 19) If used, insulated siding shall be attached directly over a water-resistive barrier and sheathing. In addition, it shall provide the required R-value as demonstrated through either testing in accordance with ASTM C 1363 or by attaining the required R-value at its minimum thickness. Insulated sheathing rated for water protection can be used as a water resistant barrier if all seams are taped and sealed. If non-insulated structural sheathing is used at corners, the advanced framing details listed in Item 3.4.3 shall be met for those wall sections.
Footnote 20) Steel framing shall meet the reduced thermal bridging requirements by complying with Item 3.4.1 of the Checklist.
Footnote 21) Double-wall framing is defined as any framing method that ensures a continuous layer of insulation covering the studs to at least the R-value required in Item 3.4.1 of the Checklist, such as offset double-stud walls, aligned double-stud walls with continuous insulation between the adjacent stud faces, or single-stud walls with 2x2 or 2x3 cross-framing. In all cases, insulation shall fill the entire wall cavity from the interior to exterior sheathing except at windows, doors and other penetrations.
Footnote 22) All advanced framing details shall be met except where the builder, architect, or engineer provides a framing plan that encompasses the details in question, indicating that structural members are required at these locations and including the rationale for these members (e.g., full-depth solid framing is required at wall corners or interior / exterior wall intersections for shear strength, a full-depth solid header is required above a window to transfer load to jacks studs, additional jack studs are required to support transferred loads, additional cripple studs are required to maintain on-center spacing, or stud spacing must be reduced to support multiple stories in a multifamily building). The Rater shall retain a copy of the detail and rationale for their records, but need not evaluate the rationale to certify the home.
Footnote 23) All exterior corners shall be constructed to allow access for the installation of ≥ R-6 insulation that extends to the exterior wall sheathing. Examples of compliance options include standard-density insulation with alternative framing techniques, such as using three studs per corner, or high-density insulation (e.g., spray foam) with standard framing techniques.
Footnote 24) Compliance options include continuous rigid insulation sheathing, SIP headers, other prefabricated insulated headers, single-member or two-member headers with insulation either in between or on one side, or an equivalent assembly. R-value requirement refers to manufacturer’s nominal insulation value.
Footnote 25) Insulation shall run behind interior / exterior wall intersections using ladder blocking, full length 2x6 or 1x6 furring behind the first partition stud, drywall clips, or other equivalent alternative.
Footnote 26) In Climate Zones 6 - 8, a minimum stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. is permitted to be used with 2x6 framing if ≥ R-20.0 wall cavity insulation is achieved. However, all 2x6 framing with stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. in Climate Zones 6 - 8 shall have ≥ R-20.0 wall cavity insulation installed regardless of any framing plan or alternative equivalent total UA calculation.
Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in your state.
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)
The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program is a voluntary high-performance home labeling program for new homes operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Builders and remodelers who are conducting retrofits are welcome to seek certification for existing homes through this voluntary program.
Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
Exhibit 2, Item 2) Ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation shall meet or exceed 2015 IECC levels and achieve Grade 1 installation, per RESNET standards.
2009-2021 IECC and IRC Insulation Requirements Table
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.
2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Section R401.3 Certificate
Section R402.1.2 Insulation and fenestration criteria
Table R402.1.2 (402.1.1 in 2009 and 2012 IRC) Insulation and fenestration requirements by component
Table R402.1.4 (402.1.3 in 2009 and 2012 IRC) R-value Computation
Section R402.4 Air leakage (Mandatory)
Table R402.4.1.1 (402.4.2 in 2009 IRC) Air barrier and insulation installation
Retrofit: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 IECC
Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)
Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.
2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
Section R302.10 Flame spread index and smoke-developed index for insulation
Section N1101.10.1 (N1101.4 in 2009 and N1101.12.1 in 2012 IRC)Building thermal envelope insulation
Section N1101.10.4 (N1101.6 in 2009 and N1101.12.4 in 2012 IRC) Insulation product rating
Section N1101.14 (N1101.9 in 2009 and N1101.16 in 2012 IRC) Certificate (Mandatory)
Section N1102.1.2 (N1102.1 in 2009 and N1102.1.1 in 2012 IRC) Insulation and fenestration criteria
Table N1102.1.2 (N1102.1 in 2009 and N1102.1.1 in 2012 IRC) Insulation and fenestration requirements by component
Table N1102.1.4 (N1102.1.2 in 2009 and N1102.1.3 in 2012 IRC) R-Value Computation (Equivalent U values in 2012 and 2009 IRC)
Section N1102.4 Air leakage (Mandatory)
Table N1102.4.1.1 (N1102.4.2 in 2009 and N1102.4.1.1 in 2012 IRC) Air barrier and insulation installation
Retrofit: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 IRC
Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)
Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.
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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.
The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.
Building Science Corporation, lead for the Building Science Consortium (BSC), a DOE Building America Research Team
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High-R Wall Insulation = High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Wall Insulation
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.
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?