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Right – Ladder blocking allows for insulation behind the wall intersection

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Install an air barrier on the exterior of attic knee wall insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – The backing on this knee wall was air sealed prior to insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

Construct exterior walls with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) that provide insulation without thermal bridging, as well as air sealing, a drainage plane, and high structural strength.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

2009-2021 IECC and IRC Minimum Insulation Requirements for New Homes

Table adapted from Table R402.1.1 in the 2009 and 2012 IECC and Table R402.1.2 in the 2015 and 2018 IECC (Table N1102.1 in 2009 IRC, Table 1102.1.1 in 2012 IRC, and Table N1102.1.2 in 2015 and 2018 IRC).

2009 and 2012 IECC Code Level Insulation – ENERGY STAR Requirements

This guide describes IECC 2009 and 2012 and ENERGY STAR Certified Homes insulation requirements.

Wrong – Rigid air barrier not installed to hold insulation in place

Right – Rigid air barrier is installed to hold insulation in place

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Whole house fan installed without an insulated cover

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong - Sub-floor insulation has gaps, compression, and misalignment.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Spray Foam Insulation Applied over the Siding of Existing Exterior Walls

Guide describing how to install spray foam on the exterior of the existing home after framing over the existing siding.

Wrong – The framing and wind baffle installation will not allow for required insulation depth.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Inset band joist at mudsill - 1 1/2 inch rigid insulation

DWG

PDF

Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Attic access panel does not have an insulation cover installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

A standard site-built roof of rafters may pinch the insulation at the eaves

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The backing on this knee wall was not air sealed prior to adding insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Rigid backing was installed prior to insulating the attic knee walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Top and bottom plates were installed prior to backing and insulation.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include insulated headers over windows and doors.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify two member headers with rigid insulation between are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Verify single member headers with insulation on one side are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Blown cellulose insulation completely fills the netted wall and ceiling cavities.

Reference

Building America Best Practices Series - 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates, Volume 12

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/03/2013 - 12:00

Rigid foam forms an insulating bond break between the foundation wall and the slab

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

An insulated spline is another option for avoiding thermal bridging at SIP panel seams

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2008 - 12:00

Existing stud wall filled with closed-cell spray foam cavity insulation

Right – Insulation installed behind fireplace prior to air barrier installation

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Insulation meets RESNET Grade I prior to air barrier installation

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used for sealing holes.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used for sealing holes.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – The band joist over this wall was properly insulated and air-sealed.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong - Wind baffle installation will not allow insulation over the top plate.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – No blocking installed to prevent attic insulation from falling into stairs and opening

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is added to the wall cavities of an existing exterior wall

Single framed wall converted to double wall and insulated with closed-cell spray foam

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

A site-built rafter roof with a raised top plate allows for more insulation underneath.

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used to air-seal openings.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Conventional T-post detail is extremely difficult to insulate and usually doesn't happen

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Single framed wall converted to double wall and insulated with open-cell spray foam

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

Limited attic access can make inspections for missing air barriers and insulation challenging

Publication Date

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 12:00

Right – Graphite enhanced EPS fills these SIP panels, providing additional insulation value.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

All ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation shall achieve RESNET-defined Grade I installation

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels shall meet or exceed Builders Challenge levels

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include framing aligned to allow for insulation at interior-exterior wall intersections.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Install a continuous air barrier below or above ceiling insulation and install wind baffles.

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Wind baffle installation will allow proper insulation depth over the top plate.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Faced fiberglass batt insulation can be stapled to the stud faces or slightly inset, but avoid compressing the batts

Reference

Energy Renovations Insulation - A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners, Volume 17

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Adams Karen T,

Hefty Marye G,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Document providing descriptions of the many insulation options available to homeowners, along with guidance on where, when, and how to install insulation throughout your house.

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

Right - Rigid foam slab edge insulation is installed along the exterior edge of a monolithic slab foundation.

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 12:00

The wall behind the fireplace is an exterior wall and requires a thermal barrier that is continuous with the rest of the wall’s insulation

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

Siding has been removed so cellulose insulation can be dense-packed into the exterior walls of this home

Design the roof with raised heel trusses to allow full insulation over the top plates of the exterior walls.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Blocking has been installed around the perimeter of this attic access to prevent insulation falling into the house

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Full length 2x6 nailer has been installed to allow space for insulation at wall intersection

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:00

Right – Rigid air barrier installed between double-wall assembly. Inside cavity will be insulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

ICFs provide continuous wall insulation from the roof to the footing with very little thermal bridging

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2009 - 12:00

Right – Cantilever has been properly insulated, air sealed, and cavity has been blocked.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Install an ENERGY STAR labeled insulated door with an automatic closer. Weather strip the door frame

Reference

Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing, Volume 10

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Williamson Jennifer,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:00

In cathedral ceilings, parallel chord trusses allow thicker insulation levels over the exterior wall top plates.

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

The soffit dam and baffle allow air to flow through the vents without disturbing the insulation covering the top plates

Special molded corners provide continuous insulation layer at the corners to improve structural strength and minimize thermal bridging

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 12:00

Building America Existing Home Case Study: Insulated Siding Retrofit in a Cold Climate, New Paltz, New York

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

April, 2015

Case study describing the application of insulated siding on an existing home.

Standard roof trusses are narrow at the eaves, preventing full insulation coverage over the top plate of the exterior walls

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – Insulation does not fill entire cavity nor is there an air barrier present between the double wall

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – This attic knee wall and the floor joist cavity openings beneath it are being sealed and insulated with spray foam.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

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

After all holes through the ceiling are air-sealed and the baffles have been installed, then the insulation can be installed.

Publication Date

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 12:00

Advanced framing details include corners that are constructed with fewer studs or studs aligned so that insulation can be installed in the corner.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – Attic access hatch has been properly insulated by attaching a fiberglass batt, gasketed, and opening has blocking

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Wrong – The batt insulation on this knee wall is not properly supported and there is no air sealed rigid backing to provide a solid air barrier.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

All seams between structural insulated panels (SIPs) foamed and/or taped per manufacturer's instructions

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Air seal and insulate double-walls that are half-height or full-height walls used as architectural features in homes.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Air-seal and insulate the rim and band joists of walls separating an attached garage from the home’s conditioned space.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 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.

Air seal the floor above an unconditioned basement or crawlspace and make sure floor insulation is in full contact with the underside of the subfloor.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Unfaced fiberglass batt insulation is installed to completely fill the wall cavities and is sliced to fit around wiring, piping, and other obstructions in the wall cavities

Reference

Energy Renovations Insulation - A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners, Volume 17

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Adams Karen T,

Hefty Marye G,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Document providing descriptions of the many insulation options available to homeowners, along with guidance on where, when, and how to install insulation throughout your house.

Publication Date

Tue, 05/01/2012 - 12:00

For slabs on grade in CZ 4 and higher, 100% of slab edge insulated to ≥ R-5 at the depth specified by the 2009 IECC and aligned with thermal boundary of the walls

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Right-- IR photo shows how effectively spray foam insulated/air sealed attic kneewall and the floor cavities under kneewall

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

Limited attic access may make it necessary to use a bore scope when inspecting for missing air barriers and insulation in existing buildings.

Publication Date

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:00

Air seal the top, bottom, and sides of a cantilevered floor cavity and ensure that insulation is in full contact with all sides without voids.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Fill in the hole left by the missing top plate with a rigid air blocking material or rolled batt insulation that is spray foamed in place

Publication Date

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 12:00

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

Baffles provide an air space over the insulation to guide ventilation air from the soffit vents up along the underside of the roof deck

Publication Date

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 12:00

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

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

Author(s)

Kochkin Vladimir,

Wiehagen Joseph

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

June, 2017

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

Raised heel energy trusses extend past the exterior wall and are deeper at the wall allowing room for full insulation coverage over the top plate of the exterior walls.

Publication Date

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - This ceiling-mounted mini whole-house fan has built-in insulated covers to reduce heat loss when the fan is not in use

Publication Date

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:00

Air-seal the floor above a garage when there is living space above the garage and make sure floor insulation is in full contact with the underside of the subfloor.

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

Right - New flashing has been installed to complete the air and water control layers at the window openings of this wall retrofit that includes insulating the wall cavities with spray foam

With balconies in multifamily buildings, it is important to establish correct structural attachment while also providing insulation in a way that minimizes thermal bridging where the balcony attaches to the building

Publication Date

Sat, 06/01/2024 - 12:00

Infrared thermography during depressurization testing reveals air leakage at corner of spray foam-insulated room where wood-to-wood seams in framing were not air sealed

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