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Walls Behind Fireplaces

Guide

This guide describes how to install a rigid air barrier to wall framing behind fireplaces.

ETW: Wall - ICF Wall Construction

Reference

Information sheet that summarizes Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction including advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

After installing the house wrap over the SIPS, window flashing is installed

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Analysis of Joint Masonry Moisture Content Monitoring

Reference

Report on adding insulation to load-bearing mass masonry buildings.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Stand-Off Furring in Deep Energy Retrofits

Case Study

Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Case Study

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

SIP panel walls are less susceptible to air leakage and convection issues than stick-built walls

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A surface spline reduces thermal bridging much more than a structural spline at SIP panel seams

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A structural spline made of a solid 2x is used where needed to meet structural load requirements at SIP panel seams

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Garage Rim/Band Joist Adjoining Conditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing the air-sealing of rim joists on walls connecting homes and attached garages.

Make sure the beads of caulk are continuous the full length at each SIP panel seam, such as at the wall-roof seam, to maintain air barrier continuity

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Cut Batts to Fit Irregular Cavities

Reference

Job Process sheet for the manufactured housing industry showing how to cut insulation batts to fit wall cavities in a factory production environment.

Burlingame Ranch Phase I

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

Building Code Training - Residential Thermal Envelope - Air Sealing

Presentation

Presentation describing the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code air barrier requirements, envelope concepts including air flow and thermal properties, and common missed insulation and air-sealing opportunities.

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.

Thermal Bridges Redux, BSI-062

Reference

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solving thermal bridging through continuous exterior insulation.

HVAC Ducts Shall Not Be Run within Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing the use of building cavities as supply or return ducts.

Connection of a concrete foundation wall to SIP wall panel with a sill plate and floor joist

CAD File

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.

Split and Notch Batts to Fit around Wires and Electrical Boxes

Reference

Job Process sheet for the manufactured housing industry showing how to split and notch insulation batts to fit around electrical boxes and wiring in a factory production environment.

Water Managed Existing Sill Beams and Sill Plates

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate the sill beam or sill plate on the exterior side in a way that allows drying to the exterior, as part of an exterior wall upgrade.