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Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

Guide describing how to frame and insulate corners to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Insulating Existing Floors over Garage

Guide with information about how to upgrade a garage ceiling when a portion of the interior of the house is located directly above the attached garage by adding insulation and air sealing.

Batt Insulation for Existing Vented Attics

Guide describing how to increase insulation in existing homes by installing batt insulation on the ceiling plane of a vented attic.

Stucco Over Rigid Foam Insulation

Guide describing how to install stucco over rigid foam insulation in new and existing homes.

Adding Insulation when Re-Siding

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

June, 2023

Fact sheet poster describing how to add exterior, continuous, rigid insulation to the exterior walls when replacing siding on an existing home.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing/Siding

Author(s)

National Association of Home Builders Research Center,

U.S. Department of Energy,

Green Building Advisor,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Organization(s)

NAHB Research Center,

DOE,

GBA,

ORNL,

EPA

Publication Date

August, 2013

Document presenting step-by-step process for installing rigid insulating sheathing over wood studs or house wrap.

Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Guide describing techniques for installing insulating sheathing as a continuous drainage plane on walls.

Insulating sheathing is installed on exterior of an existing framed wall with water control between existing sheathing and insulating sheathing

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to apply an air control layer directly over existing wall sheathing and cover with two layers of insulating sheathing held in place by vertical furring strips.

Right – Battens were installed above the cork insulation to provide a ventilating layer between the insulation and the roof sheathing on this “hot roof” design.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Certified Insulated Siding: Quality, Comfort and Energy Performance

Author(s)

Dobson,

Brignati

Organization(s)

Vinyl Siding Institute,

Newport Ventures

This presentation will help you define insulated siding, understand R-value testing of insulated siding, describe proper installation of insulated siding, comply with energy codes and understand building energy performance program and software recognition.

Above Deck Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Roofs

Guide describing the installation of insulating sheathing above the roof deck on existing homes. This retrofit assembly is appropriate for homes with conditioned attics or where the retrofit is intended to create a conditioned attic.

Install continuous rigid foam insulation or insulated siding to help reduce thermal bridging through wood- or metal-framed exterior walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Structural Testing of Screws through Thick Exterior Insulation

Author(s)

Tatara Jun,

Ricketts Lorne

Organization(s)

RDH Building Science Inc.,

Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology,

CCBST

Publication Date

January, 2017

Conference paper describing testing of the performance of fasteners used to attach rigid foam insulation to the exterior of walls.

Right – Continuous rigid insulation has been installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Rigid insulation is being installed with cap nails

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Insulated sheathing has been taped and sealed at seams

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Pumpkin Ridge Passive House video #006: Insulation Details

Publication Date

December, 2012

Video describing the EPS foam used to insulate the exterior of a passive house.

Insulating and Air Sealing Existing Floors above Unconditioned Spaces

Guide describing how to insulate a floor over unconditioned space with conditioned space above by adding insulation and air-sealing.

Stud Walls With Continuous Exterior Insulation for Factory Built Housing

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

January, 2014

Case study describing a panelized construction method for stud walls with continuous rigid foam insulation.

Wrong – Insulated sheathing seams should align with framing members

No insulated sheathing seams are visible from the inside during framing

Wrong – Rigid insulation is being installed without cap nails

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing

Publication Date

July, 2015

Video describing how to air seal attic rafters with spray foam.

To reduce the risk of condensation on the interior of the roof sheathing in cold weather, the ratio of exterior (above-deck) insulation must be increased as a percent of total attic insulation as outside temperature decreases

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Continuous Insulation – Cladding/Furring Attachment - Code Compliance Brief

Guidance is needed for code-compliant installations of various cladding materials when installed over thicker foam sheathing also known as insulated sheathing or continuous insulation (c.i.).

Right – This coated OSB sheathing product is available with an integrated insulation layer.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation Over a Sloped Roof

Guide describing how to re-roof an existing home with a sloped and add insulation above the roof deck.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Moisture Durability of Vapor Permeable Insulating Sheathing

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2013

Case study describing research about using exterior, vapor permeable insulation of retrofit walls with vapor permeable cavity insulation.

Water Managed Roof – Re-roofing and Adding Insulation over a Flat Roof

Guide describing an approach to re-roofing an existing flat roof to improve thermal, water, and air control performance.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Cladding Attachment Over Thick Exterior Insulating Sheathing

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing optimal design and limitations of cladding attachments over exterior sheathings.

Right - These roof insulation panels are installed in multiple layers with joints offset both vertically and horizontally. The plywood nail base fastened to the roof framing holds the insulation layers together snuggly thus minimizing gaps

Expanded polystyrene insulation is installed with joints taped and lath attached in preparation for the application of stucco

Right – Furring strips provide a drainage and ventilation gap between the siding and the cork insulation.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Sloped roof with cavity spray foam insulation, strapping, and gypsum board thermal barrier

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

Cladding Attachment Solutions for Exterior Insulated Commercial Walls, RDH Technical Bulletin No. 011

Author(s)

Finch Graham,

Higgins James

Organization(s)

RDH

Publication Date

December, 2015

Article describing correct ways to attach rigid insulation to the exterior of commercial and residential buildings.

Impact Resistance of Advanced Framed Wall Systems with Insulating Sheathing as the Primary Sheathing, RR-0603

Author(s)

Baker Peter,

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Research study describing the impact resistance performance of advanced framed wall systems with insulating sheathing as the primary sheathing from wind blown debris.

Holes in the exterior walls are flashed and flashing is integrated with housewrap before installing rigid mineral wool insulation.

Polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation is installed in multiple layers with staggered, taped seams over the flat roof

Right – All insulated sheathing boards are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommended fastening schedule and taping specifications

The home is sheathed with rigid foam insulation and all seams and holes are taped to provide a continuous air barrier.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Raised-heel trusses increase the roof height above the eaves allowing more space for insulation above exterior wall top plates; exterior wall sheathing extends up to keep wind from soffit vents from disrupting insulation.

Flat roof with cavity spray foam plus loose-fill insulation and gypsum board thermal barrier.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

R-5 XPS rigid foam exterior sheathing provides an air seal, moisture barrier, and additional insulation value.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Mold- and water-resistant fiber glass insulating sheathing is installed after panelized walls are assembled on site.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/16/2021 - 12:00

Wrong – If the insulated sheathing will serve as an air barrier and drainage plane, any cuts and seams must be taped or sealed.

Technology Solutions Case Study: BA-1312: Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing research about spray foam roof insulation and moisture management.

Rigid foam insulated sheathing placed exterior to house wrap, interior to house wrap, or take the place of the house wrap

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Wrong – A visible gap in the insulated sheathing introduces unwanted outside air, creating a thermal bypass and encouraging convective air flow

Wrong – When insulated sheathing is installed correctly, you should not see daylight. Nail holes were also left unplugged.

Step 4. Install insulating sheathing and vertical furring strips on the retrofitted exterior wall; seal around pipe or duct with urethane sealant.

Sloped roof with cavity spray foam insulation sprayed on underside of roof deck and covered with sprayed-on thermal or ignition barrier coating.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

Rigid mineral wool insulation is covered with ¼-inch wood battens which provides a air and drainage gap under the cedar and fiber cement siding.

Stucco is installed over rigid insulation, which is installed over a drainage plane consisting of a drainage gap and building wrap layer over the sheathing

The wood blocking for future PV panel installation extends above the surface of the top layer of polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation installed as part of a flat roof retrofit

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam is taped at the seams to provides a continuous air and weather-resistant barrier so no house wrap is needed; it also provides a continuous layer of insulation.

Standard Practice for the Installation of Mounting Flange Windows into Walls Utilizing Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing (FPIS) with a Separate Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB), FMA/AAMA/WDMA 500-16

Author(s)

Fenestration Manufacturers Association,

American Architectural Manufacturers Association,

Window & Door Manufacturers Association

Organization(s)

FMA,

AAMA,

WDMA

Publication Date

April, 2016

Guide describing the installation of windows in walls that have foam plastic insulating; guide provides several methods for attaching, supporting, and flashing windows in walls with rigid foam sheathing. (Note: The link only goes to the table of contents for the guide, the full guide can be...

Right – Structural insulated sheathing can provide racking strength (lateral load resistance), and serve as an air barrier and thermal barrier if installed according to manufacturer’s specifications with taped, sealed seams

Retrofit an existing roof by installing rigid foam, new moisture and air control layers, new sheathing, and new cladding plus cavity insulation in the roof rafters to create an unvented attic

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Right - Foil-faced polyisocyanurate insulating rigid foam sheathing is installed below the floor framing of this house built on piers; however, the seams should be sealed with metal taped and the plumbing elevated and protected.

Publication Date

Fri, 09/18/2009 - 12:00

Floors: Above Unconditioned Basement, Vented Crawlspace, Cantilevered Floors, and Floors above Garage, Code Compliance Brief

New language in the 2015 IECC allows different installation of insulation in floors over unconditioned spaces.

ROXUL Mineral Wool | Madrona Passive House

Publication Date

February, 2015

Video describing the installation of mineral wool monolithic exterior insulation.

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Guide outlining how to retrofit an exterior wall and/or attic to provide continuous air sealing.

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

Passive House Wall Assembly Mock | Hammer & Hand

Publication Date

March, 2015

Video showing a mock wall assembly used in Hammer and Hand’s passive houses.

Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

Guide describing ways to construct wall assemblies in cold climates to minimize the likelihood of condensation formation inside the walls.

Lay out the rigid foam sheathing joints so they do not align with the window and door edges

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2007 - 12:00

With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

Publication Date

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00

Moisture Management in Residential Construction Series - Building Enclosure: Exterior Wall Overview

Publication Date

January, 2011

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs giving an overview of moisture problems common to exterior walls and how to mitigate these problems with proper framing, flashing, sheathing, cladding, and insulation.

They All Laughed, BSI-026

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2017

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Use flashing tape to seal around any pipes or vents that penetrate through the foam

Publication Date

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00

Two layers of XPS are installed with staggered seams over a liquid-applied membrane on the structural sheathing

Publication Date

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00

Wrong – Either this tape was not pressed down firmly or the surface was wet or dirty so the tape is not sticking properly even during construction.

Publication Date

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 12:00

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Organization(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Publication Date

April, 2015

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

Attic Radiant Barriers

Guide describing application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Preventing Thermal Bypass

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

October, 2012

Case study describing techniques used to prevent thermal bypass in new homes.

Step 7. Install a vent hood on the pipe to keep out rain.

The retrofitted flat roof has PV panels and walking mats installed over the roofing membrane

Right - Foil-faced polyisocyanurate rigid foam is attached to the existing exterior wall with vertical wood furring strips

Rigid foam serves as the sheathing on these 2x6 24-inch on center walls; plywood is used only at the corners for wind bracing.

Closed-cell spray foam fills the roof joist cavities forming an air barrier between the masonry parapet wall and the roof sheathing

Right – Furring strips were installed to provide a 3/8-inch drainage plane over the rigid foam and under the fiber cement lap siding.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Step 5. Install sheathing tape flashing over the duct or pipe and wood blocking on either side for later attachment of trim.

Step 6. Install vent hood trim block, metal cap flashing; seal top edge of flashing with sheathing tape.

Closed-cell foam is sprayed into roof cavities along the masonry parapet wall to form a continuous air barrier between the wall and the sheathing of the flat roof

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

The exterior of the home is wrapped in a continuous layer of rigid foam with all seams taped to provide a thermal, air, and moisture barrier and serve as a drainage plane, eliminating the need for house wrap.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2013

Case study describing a builder in Georgia that designs energy-efficient homes for a green community, yielding homes with HERS scores as lowas 59 and electric bills as low as $50 a month.

The exterior walls of this home consist of two wall cavities: a 2x6 wall with plywood sheathing plus 8-inch I-joists sheathed with engineered wood; both cavities are dense-packed with cellulose for R-60 total.

Waverly Home Addition | Exterior Cladding Details

Publication Date

February, 2014

Video describing the exterior cladding details of a residential home addition project.

The builder installed 1.5 inches of soy-based spray foam on the outside of the walls over the OSB sheathing, then kept a ¾ inch gap between the foam and the brick veneer siding to allow moisture vapor from the bricks to dissipate.

These factory-built walls consist of 9.5-inch I-studs sheathed with coated OSB, faced with OSB, and dense-packed with cellulose; a second interior surface of drywall is added to provide a 1.5-inch cavity for electrical wiring.

Right – R-23 of blown fiberglass fills the walls and unvented vaulted attic cavities of this marine-climate home while an additional R-20 (4-inches) of graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene is installed above the roof sheathing.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Are the Walls Closing In?

Author(s)

Kochkin

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Webinar describing research on moisture performance in high-R walls.

The existing 2x8 roof rafters were topped with OSB; two layers of 2-inch rigid foam; plywood; ice and water shield at rakes, eaves, and valleys; underlayment; and fiberglass shingles, plus 6 inches of open-cell foam under the decking.