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Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Reference

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Reference

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Unvented roof assembly at eave retrofitted with rigid foam, spray foam, and taped top edge of existing house wrap or building paper

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

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

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

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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.

Parapets – Where Roofs Meet Walls, BSI-050

Reference

Report covering wind loading on roofing assemblies.

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.

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

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With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

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

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

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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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Building in Extreme Cold, BSI-031

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Unvented roof assembly at eave retrofitted with rigid foam, spray foam, and taped top edge of existing house wrap or building paper

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

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

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

They All Laughed, BSI-026

Parapets – Where Roofs Meet Walls, BSI-050

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

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

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

With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

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

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

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.

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

Flashing of Roof-Wall Intersections in Existing Homes

Stucco Over Rigid Foam Insulation

Drainage Plane Behind Exterior Wall Cladding

Condensation Control for Walls in Cold Weather

Taped Insulating Sheathing Drainage Planes

Roof/Attic to Exterior Wall Air Control Upgrade

Rigid Foam Insulation for Existing Exterior Walls

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing