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

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Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing/Siding (1)

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Video describing exterior rigid foam insulation.

Application of Spray Foam Insulation Under Plywood and OSB Roof Sheathing

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

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

Case Study

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

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

Case Study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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An Inset Shear Panel constructed with 2x4 dimensional lumber installed into a 2x6 stud bay

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Fire-Resistant Wall Assemblies

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Guide describing wall assemblies and materials that are resistant to destruction from wildfires.

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

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

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Right – Ripped OSB provides furring strips for a ventilation gap behind the wood siding.

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Step 8. Attach the new cladding to the furring strips over the rigid foam for the exterior wall retrofit.

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

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

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

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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

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

Case Study

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.

Typical Concrete Tile Roofs in Florida

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Low-Slope ("Flat") Roofs

Guide

A guide describing how to install low-sloped ("flat") roofs with insulation above the roof deck that resist wind pressures during high-wind events.

Retrofit of Existing Roofs for Hurricane, High Wind, and Seismic Resistance

Guide

Guide describing ways to retrofit an existing roof to increase its resistance to damage during hurricanes, high winds, and earthquakes.

Wall Bracing for Hurricane, High Wind, and Seismic Resistance

Guide

Guide describing how to construct the walls of a home with bracing to resist high wind and earthquake loads.

Lateral Bracing in Gable End Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to brace gable end walls to resist wind pressures.