Scope
Install a rigid air barrier to separate the porch attic from the conditioned space.
- Install insulation in the exterior wall cavities without misalignments, compressions, gaps, or voids.
- Install a continuous rigid air barrier on the exterior side of the wall. Rigid air barrier materials could include rigid foam insulation, drywall, plywood, or OSB, among others.
- Seal the air barrier to the framing with a bead of caulk applied to the exterior face of the framing before installing the air barrier. Seal all seams, gaps, and holes in the air barrier with caulk or foam.
- Ensure that the air barrier is continuous and in full contact with the insulation.
- ENERGY STAR requires that an air barrier be installed at the exterior vertical surface of the wall insulation in all climate zones and also that an air barrier be installed at the interior vertical surface in IECC Climate Zones 4-8 (ENERGY STAR).
- If spray foam insulation is used for the wall cavity insulation, the spray foam can serve as the air barrier if it is at least 5.5 inches thick if open-cell or at least 1.5 inches thick if closed-cell spray foam insulation.
- If this wall will not be hidden from view by a porch ceiling, then cover the wall with exterior siding.
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 EPA Indoor airPLUS.
Description
In two-story homes with covered porches, builders may sometimes forget to sheathe the wall area that will be hidden when the porch ceiling is installed, because the porch is framed before the wall sheathing is installed. If there is no exterior sheathing, blown insulation cannot be installed. Even if batt insulation is installed, if there is no exterior sheathing that is caulked in place to serve as an air barrier, the insulation is subject to wind washing from outside air, especially if the porch ceiling is vented or is not air tight.
In one-story homes with vented attics where the ceiling plane of the living space is level with the ceiling plane of the porch, the wall plane between the house attic and the porch attic does not need to be insulated and air sealed. In this case, the ceiling plane of the living space should be air sealed, especially along the top plate of the walls.
In one-story homes with unvented attics, the wall plane between the porch and the house should have a solid, sealed air barrier on the exterior side of the wall cavity and the wall cavity should be filled with insulation that is fully aligned to this air barrier.
The exterior sheathing that is hidden by the porch roof and ceiling can be rigid foam, OSB, plywood, or another rigid sheathing product, and it may be installed by framers or insulators. This task should be included in the contract for the appropriate trade depending on the workflow at the specific job site. Air barrier effectiveness is measured at the whole-house level. High-performance branding programs and the 2009 and 2012 IECC require that builders meet specified infiltration rates at the whole-house level. See the “compliance” tab for these specified infiltration rates.
How to Install a Fully Aligned Air Barrier in a Porch Wall
- Install the exterior wall sheathing to extend to or beyond the porch roof rafters or install sheathing from the house attic side after porch roof framing is installed.
Figure 3. Install the exterior wall sheathing to extend to or beyond the porch roof rafters.
- OR -
- If the drywall is already installed on the interior side of the wall, install insulation in the wall cavity. Make sure the insulation fully aligns with (is completely touching) the sheathing on the interior side.
Figure 4. Insulate the porch-attic wall making sure the insulation fully aligns with the inside wall sheathing. - Apply a thick bead of caulk to the framing that will be covered.
Figure 5. Apply caulk to wall framing. - Cut wall sheathing (e.g., rigid foam insulation, OSB, or plywood) to cover the insulation on the exterior side of the wall cavity.
- Nail or screw the sheathing in place over the caulk.
Figure 6. Install rigid insulation or another wall sheathing product. - If there are seams in the sheathing, seal them with caulk or tape.
- Install a porch ceiling or cover the wall sheathing with exterior siding.
Success
A visual inspection should be made by the site supervisor to determine that the wall cavity separating the house from the porch attic is filled with insulation that is in full contact with the interior drywall and that the wall cavity is completely covered with rigid sheathing that is air sealed at all edges to form a continuous air barrier along the exterior wall of the house. Blower door testing, conducted in conjunction with inspection with an infrared camera, may also be useful in detecting air leakage or lack of insulation alignment at the porch wall.
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.
Training
CAD
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)
Rater Field Checklist
Thermal Enclosure System.
2. Fully-Aligned Air Barriers.7 At each insulated location below, a complete air barrier is provided that is fully aligned as follows:
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
2.2 Walls behind showers, tubs, staircases, and fireplaces.
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
2.7 All other floors adjoining unconditioned space (e.g., rim / band joists at exterior wall or at porch roof).
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 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.
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)
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. See the guide 2015 IECC Code Level Insulation – DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements for more details.
Exhibit 2 DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Target Home.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home program allows builders to choose a prescriptive or performance path. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home prescriptive path requires builders to meet or exceed the minimum HVAC efficiencies listed in Exhibit 2 of the National Program Requirements (Rev 07), as shown below. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home performance path allows builders to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance to the minimum HERS index of a modeled target home that meets the requirements of Exhibit 2 as well as the mandatory requirements of Zero Energy Ready Home Exhibit 1.
Exhibit 2, Insulation and Infiltration) Insulation levels shall meet the 2015 IECC and achieve Grade 1 installation, per RESNET standards. Whole house leakage must be tested and meet the following infiltration limits:
- Zones 1-2: ≤ 3 ACH50;
- Zones 3-4: ≤ 2.5 ACH50;
- Zones 5-7: ≤ 2 ACH50;
- Zone 8: ≤ 1.5 ACH50;
- Attached dwellings: ≤ 3 ACH50.
Footnote 12) Building envelope assemblies, including exterior walls and unvented attic assemblies (where used), shall comply with the relevant vapor retarder provisions of the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC).
Footnote 23) Envelope leakage shall be determined by an approved verifier using a RESNET-approved testing protocol.
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) E1677-11
Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or System for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls. This specification covers minimum performances and specification criteria for an air barrier material or system for framed, opaque walls of low-rise buildings. The provisions are intended to allow the user to design the wall performance criteria and increase air barrier specifications for a particular climate location, function, or design.
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 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Table 402.4.2 Air Barrier and Insulation Inspection Component Criteria, Walls: Insulation in exterior framed walls is in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air barrier and thermal barrier: Exterior wall insulation is installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.
Table R402.1.1 Insulation and Fenestration. Walls: Insulation in exterior framed walls is in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air barrier and thermal barrier: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope. The exterior thermal envelope contains a continuous air barrier. Breaks or joints in the air barrier are sealed. Air-permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.
Section R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building should be tested for air leakage and should have an air leakage rate of ≤ 5 in CZ 1 and 2 or ≤ 3 in CZ 3-8.
Table R402.1.2 Insulation and Fenestration Requirements – meet or exceed the insulation levels listed in this table.
Table R402.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, Walls: Insulation in exterior framed walls is in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. General requirements: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope; breaks and joints in the air barrier are sealed. Air-permeable insulation is not used as an air-sealing material.
Section R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building should be tested for air leakage in accordance with ASTM E 779 or E 1827 (or RESNET/ICC 380 in 2018 IECC) and should have an air leakage rate of ≤ 5 in CZ 0,1, and 2 or ≤ 3 in CZ 3-8.
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 International Residential Code (IRC)
Table N1102.4.2, Air Barrier and Insulation Inspection Component Criteria, Walls: Insulation in exterior framed walls is in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air barrier and thermal barrier: Exterior wall insulation is installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.
Table N1102.4.1.1, Walls: Insulation in exterior framed walls is in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air barrier and thermal barrier: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope including rim joists and exposed edges of insulation. Breaks or joints in the air barrier are sealed. Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.
N1102.4.1.1, Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, Walls: Insulation in exterior framed walls is in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. General requirements: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope; breaks and joints in the air barrier are sealed. Air-permeable insulation is not used as an air-sealing material.
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.
Retrofit
SCOPE
Retrofit a wall adjoining an existing porch roof for improved energy efficiency by air sealing and insulating the wall.
- For deep energy retrofits, remove the porch framing, roof, and ceiling from the adjoining exterior wall. Install exterior sheathing, a water control membrane, and insulation then re-install or replace the porch framing. Flash the porch roof-to-wall interface.
- For retrofits in which the porch framing and porch roof remain in place: remove the porch ceiling, inspect for signs of water leakage; repair as needed. Install sheathing between the house and the porch attic. Add cavity insulation, as described in the Scope and Description tabs.
For more information on conditions that may be encountered when working with walls and attics in existing homes, see the assessment guides on walls, windows, and doors and attics.
See the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications for more on sealing walls to keep out moisture, air, and pests. Follow safe work practices as described in the Standard Work Specifications.
DESCRIPTION
Ideally the exterior sheathing of a house will run continuously along the exterior walls, even where porch framing intersects the exterior wall, such that the porch is completely separated from the conditioned part of the house. However, in existing homes, the porch is sometimes built before exterior sheathing is installed and no sheathing or solid air barrier is put in place to separate the wall from the roof. (See Figure 1 in the Description tab for a graphic representation of this concept.) Insulation is sometimes also lacking in this section of wall.
In deep energy retrofits with ambitious air tightness and energy saving goals, the ideal way to address this issue would be to temporarily remove the porch roof framing adjoining the exterior wall so that sheathing and/or rigid insulation may be added from the exterior prior to re-installing or replacing the porch framing.
If the extensive retrofit involving detachment and re-attachment of the porch roof is impractical, significant improvements to comfort and energy efficiency can still be achieved by air sealing and insulating the wall from the exterior after removing only the porch ceiling to access that section of wall. Although not as effective as disconnecting the framing to make the house’s exterior sheathing and insulation continuous , this approach is often pursued, even in new construction. Figure 1 shows foil-faced rigid insulation and canned spray foam providing an air-sealed barrier between a porch roof and the home’s exterior wall. The rigid foam is taped and foamed to form a continuous air barrier.
How to Retrofit a Wall Adjoining a Porch Roof
For deep energy retrofits:
- Remove the porch framing, roof, and ceiling; or detach and provide temporary support for the porch roof structure if it will be reused.
- Install insulation in the area of the wall that adjoins the porch, if wall cavity insulation is missing or insufficient.
- Install exterior sheathing.
- Install a water control membrane.
- Install a new ledger over the face of the sheathing; provide blocking as needed for structural support.
- Re-install or replace the porch framing.
- Provide flashing at the porch roof-to-wall interface, integrating the drainage plane of the water control membrane of the house with the porch roof.
For retrofits in which the porch framing and porch roof remain in place:
- Remove a large enough section of the porch ceiling nearest the wall to allow space to work on the wall.
- Inspect the existing porch-to-wall interface for signs of water leakage, such as water stains and rot. Remove wet, sagging, or pest-infested insulation. Replace any damaged framing and repair porch roof flashing if needed.
- If insulation is missing or insufficient in the section of wall adjoining the porch, install insulation to fill the wall cavities. Using sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation will improve the air tightness of the retrofit but batt or blown insulation will also suffice.
- Install caulk on the exterior face of the framing then install sheathing (plywood, OSB, or rigid insulation), as shown in the Description tab. Caulk or tape seams.
- If plywood or OSB is used for the air barrier, consider installing rigid insulation under or over it to improve thermal performance.
- Replace the porch ceiling or cover the wall with exterior siding.
COMPLIANCE
See Compliance tab.
More
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.
The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Steven Winter Associates, Inc., Lead for the Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB), a DOE Building America Research Team
Building Science Corporation, lead for the Building Science Consortium (BSC), a DOE Building America Research Team
Sales
Fully Aligned Air Barriers = Whole-House Draft Barrier
A whole-house draft barrier is a continuous layer of air-tight materials that block air leaks. This barrier can be integrated with other materials to also function as a water barrier, thermal barrier, and vapor barrier. For example, rigid foam insulation can be used to block thermal flow as well as air flow when seams are sealed with tape, caulk, adhesives, or liquid-applied sealants. Some rigid foams have an integrated water control layer as well. Additionally, drywall can serve as an interior air barrier when the seams are taped and spackled, and caulk, spray foam, or gaskets are used to seal around wiring, plumbing, and other penetrations. It also serves as the vapor barrier when finished with paint. Insulation should be in full contact with the air barrier layer.
Sales Message
Whole-house draft barriers block air flow that can undermine the thermal protection with a complete high-performance insulation system. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort, quiet, and durability. Wouldn’t you agree it would be a shame to only get a partial return on your investment in advanced insulation?