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Foundation wall exterior board insulation with above-grade wall insulation

CAD File

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Exterior XPS basement insulation is correctly installed to completely cover the foundation wall

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Right - This concrete basement wall has exterior rigid insulation and comprehensive moisture management details.

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Technology Solutions Case Study: Retrofit Measures for Embedded Wood Members in Insulated Mass Masonry Walls

Case Study

Case study describing retrofit measures for embedded wood members in insulated mass masonry walls.

This farmhouse was retrofit by removing the existing siding and adding taped insulated sheathing and battens before installing new siding

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Because the above-grade potions of the wall lack exterior insulation, condensation and even ice form during cold winter conditions

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The Perfect Wall includes water, air, thermal, and vapor layers with continuous insulation exterior of the sheathing to reduce the condensation potential in the wall.

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Masonry wall interior retrofit with fluid-applied water control layer and wood-framed wall with cavity insulation (climate zones 1-4 only)

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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

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Foil-faced rigid foam and spray foam can be used to insulate a basement on the interior; use good moisture management techniques to keep the basement dry

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Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5, Part II: 2x4 Walls with 1” - 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Reference

The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 in. thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Exterior fiberglass insulation on this new home was (incorrectly) cut to terminate below-grade after backfill, which will expose the above-grade portions of the foundation wall to cold temperatures

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In warm-humid climates, do not install Class 1 vapor retarders on the interior side of air-permeable insulation in above-grade walls, except at shower and tub walls.

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Masonry wall interior retrofit with parge coat, fluid-applied water control layer, wood-framed wall with cavity insulation, smart vapor barrier, and wood or metal service cavity

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Masonry wall interior retrofit with parge coat, fluid-applied water control layer, rigid mineral wool, wood-framed wall with cavity insulation, smart vapor barrier, and wood or metal service cavity

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The builder in this very cold climate installed three layers of unfaced mineral wool batt in the double wall with a code-required vapor barrier between the middle and inner layers of wall insulation that is taped to barriers in the ceiling and floor.

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Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide

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

Building Materials with High Moisture Content Not Enclosed

Guide

Guide describing why and how to avoid using damp materials in construction.

Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

Guide

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

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

Video

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

Reference

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.