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Vented Attic, Interior Double Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

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Vented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

7

Vented Attic, Exterior Double Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

7

Vented Attic, Exterior Double Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

8

Vented Attic, Interior Double Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

7

Vented Attic, Interior Double Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

8

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

How Insulating Concrete Form vs. Conventional Construction of Exterior Walls Affects Whole Building Energy Consumption

Author(s)

Petrie Thomas W,

Kosny Jan,

Desjarlais Andre O,

Atchley Jerald A,

Childs Phillip W,

Ternes Mark P,

Christian Jeffrey E

Organization(s)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,

ACEEE

Publication Date

January, 2003

Report sumarizing results of an ICF investigation of side-by-side houses in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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

Right – The flashing is properly installed to create a complete drainage system with continuous rigid insulation sheathing/siding

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 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

Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications, ASTM C553-13(2019)

Author(s)

American Society for Testing and Materials,

ASTM International

Organization(s)

ASTM

Publication Date

October, 2019

This standard specification covers the classification, composition, physical properties, and dimensions of mineral fiber (rock, slag, or glass) blanket intended for use as thermal insulation on surfaces at various temperature ranges. This version of the standard was published in the year 2019 and is...

An uninsulated (or existing insulated) basement slab is retrofitted to reduce moisture transmission by sealing with epoxy paint.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:00

Right – Mineral wool batt insulation is cut to fit snuggly and to fully fill wall cavities with minimal voids and gaps.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Insulated splines consisting of boards layered with rigid foam minimize energy loss at joints between the SIP wall panels.

Right – Spray foam insulation is sprayed on the underside of the roof deck to provide a conditioned space in this low attic for the HVAC ducts.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Right – 11-inch ICFs provide R-50 of wall insulation from the footing to the roof on this cold-climate home.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Wrong - Craft faced batt insulation is compressed behind PEX pipe instead of being sliced to fit around it.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/17/2014 - 12:00

Right - Precast concrete basement walls come to the site with integrated rigid foam insulation and steel-faced concrete studs.

When wrapping metal ducts with insulation allow two inches of overlap and staple along the seam with outward clinching staples

The base of the plywood parapet is air sealed with spray foam and fibrous insulation is installed in the rafter cavities in this flat roof retrofit

Right - Spray foam fills the walls and rim joists to air seal and insulate while caulk seals the framing joints.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Insulating sheathing is extended up to the roof rafters and sealed around the framing with spray foam as part of this exterior wall retrofit

Right – A mall crew with a crane can assemble a home of structural insulated panels (SIPs) in just a few days.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 7 and 8: Vented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 6: Vented Cathedral ceiling, 2x6 Wall, interior Insulated Basement (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4C: Vented Attic, Exterior Double Wall, Interior Insulated Basement (with notes)

Publication Date

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:00

Moisture-resistant rigid foam insulation was installed to provide a continuous air and thermal barrier behind the tub-shower insert.

If a dropped soffit is used to house a duct, the soffit space must equal the duct diameter plus the insulation thickness

The walls and floors of this modular home were constructed in a factory and are brought to the site already insulated and ready for quick assembly.

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Rigid Insulation and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Wrong - Crawlspace hatches should have weatherstripping and insulation when excluding the crawlspace from the building thermal envelope.

Wrong – A clothes dryer that vents to the crawlspace can contribute moisture to the crawlspace; this can result in damp, molding, and rotting insulation

If HVAC duct must be installed in an exterior wall, separate it from the exterior with at least R-6 of continuous rigid insulation

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

Right - the vapor barrier is extended up the sides of the piers in this crawlspace, which is sealed and insulated to house the HVAC ducts.

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

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

Ladder blocking where exterior walls intersect interior walls provides more space for insulation and reduces thermal bridging.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

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

Publication Date

Thu, 08/31/2017 - 12:00

Vented roof assembly at rake retrofitted with spray foam and additional insulation installed at the attic floor and extended to the rake edge

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Adding air-sealing and rigid foam insulation at the wall-to-overhanging floor juncture at the outside corner of an existing home

Publication Date

Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:00

Right - The existing basement slab is retrofitted by installing a dimple plastic drainage mat, rigid foam insulation, and a floating subfloor.

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Affordable Cold Climate Infill Housing with Hybrid Insulation Approach, Wyandotte, Michigan

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a new construction project using high R-value enclosures with a hybrid insulation approach.

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

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Right – The insulated concrete forms that are below-grade have a damp-proof coating to prevent moisture seeping into the foundation

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Cost Analysis of Roof-Only Air Sealing and Insulation Strategies on 1-1/2 Story Homes in Cold Climates, Minneapolis, MN

Author(s)

University of Minnesota,

NorthernSTAR

Organization(s)

NSTAR,

UMN

Publication Date

December, 2014

This case study describes costs associated with the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.

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

Right – The rigid insulation covers all exterior walls and all seams are taped to provide a complete drainage system

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Right - Below-grade concrete has been properly sealed against moisture and is now having insulation installed.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Evaluation of Two CEDA Weatherization Pilot Implementations of an Exterior Insulation and Over-Clad Retrofit Strategy for Residential Masonry Buildings in Chicago

Author(s)

Neuhauser Ken

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

August, 2013

Report examining implementation of an exterior insulation and over-clad strategy for brick masonry buildings in Chicago.

A concrete slab-on-grade foundation with exterior insulation, which can be elevated above the local grade as a flood-prevention strategy.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Baffles allow ventilation under roof decking while keeping wind from blowing insulation back from the edges of an attic.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Construct a double wall consisting of two framed walls forming a wide wall cavity for more insulation in the home’s exterior walls.

Right – This three studs in this corner are positioned to allow insulation against more of the exterior wall than standard three-stud corners.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Right - Blown insulation in existing attic provides even coverage completely filling the attic space to a depth that covers the ceiling joists.

Right – an instructor shows a student how to cut batt insulation around wiring rather than compressing the batt behind the wiring.

Publication Date

Fri, 12/31/2021 - 12:00

Wood blocking for future PV panel installation is installed in the layers of polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation during a flat roof retrofit

The builders sprayed the underside of the roof assembly with 6 inches of open-cell spray foam to create an unvented, R-48 insulated attic.

The sealed, insulated crawlspace is a clean, dry location to house the main floor heating ducts and also provides bonus storage space.

This builder installs spray foam in exterior wall cavities where tubs and showers will be installed to air seal and insulate the exterior wall.

The rim joists and top plates are air sealed and insulated with open-cell spray foam while the walls are filled with blown fiberglass.

Extra-wide air sealing tape seals seam where the structural insulated panels (SIPs) that form the roof and walls meet.

Right – Rigid foam is installed behind HVAC ducts to provide additional insulation to the ducts which are installed within the conditioned space.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 4C: Vented Over-Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:00

Wrong: open wall cavity connected to this return air plenum is allowing cellulose attic insulation to be pulled into the furnace

Publication Date

Sun, 06/01/2014 - 12:00

Externally insulated concrete slab-on-grade foundation with a turn-down footing, showing anchorage of the wall to the foundation for seismic resistance

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.

2021 IECC Climate Zone 5B: Vented Over Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 5C: Vented Over Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 6A: Vented Over-Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Wed, 01/17/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 6B: Vented Over-Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Wed, 01/17/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zones 7 and 8: Vented Over-Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Wed, 01/17/2024 - 12:00

2021 IECC Climate Zone 5A: Vented Over Roof, Unvented Cathedral Ceiling, 2x6 Wall, Interior Insulated Basement

Publication Date

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:00

Windows are installed as “outies” in this wall assembly using a self-adhered membrane water and air control layer with continuous exterior insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:00

Step 1. Apply roof underlayment over roof deck and up the sidewall over the rigid foam insulation

Reference

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Marine Climate, Volume 11

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 providing builders in marine climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:00

An installer fills these wall cavities with spray foam insulation, which will be trimmed flush with the stud faces after it dries and hardens.

Reference

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Hot-Humid Climate, Volume 15

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Adams Karen T,

Noonan Chrissy F,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

A guidebook helping builders in hot-humid climates design and construct homes for energy efficiency, durability, health, safety, and comfort.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

2021 IECC Window Detail: Framed Wall with Thick Rigid Insulation and Siding (Wood, Fiber Cement, Aluminum or Vinyl)

Publication Date

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 12:00

Install insulating foam sheathing and tape all seams to serve as a continuous drainage plane behind the home’s cladding.

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

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

Triple-pane windows are highly insulating (U=0.18) to slow heat transfer while letting in plenty of sunlight.

Metal hat channel provides a drainage gap of 1 inch between fiber-cement siding and mineral wool continuous insulation.

Publication Date

Mon, 06/28/2021 - 12:00

This home is framed with post-and-beam construction and 7-inch wall cavities that will be filled with blown-in fiberglass insulation.

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity trains its volunteers to construct homes made of construct insulated concrete forms (ICFs).

This flood-resistant masonry wall design with metal framing and rigid foam insulation will limit moisture damage in exterior walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Some whole-house fans use an automatic insulated cover achieve high R-values when the fan is not in use

Publication Date

Mon, 08/22/2022 - 12:00

Wrong - The faced batt insulation does not provide an air barrier in the joist bay between the garage and the conditioned space of the home.

Retrofit of cantilevered wall showing details at the inside corner for installing air sealing and rigid foam insulation in the wall and overhanging floor

Publication Date

Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00

Building America Energy Performance Brief: Installing Sidewall and Kick-out Diverter Flashing On Homes with Rigid Foam Insulation Sheathing

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2011

Case study describing the importance of proper flashing on a home with rigid foam insulation sheathing, as well as the steps for installing flashing and diverters.

There are three potential locations for an attic radiant barrier – adhered to the underside of the roof decking, hanging from the rafters, or on the ceiling insulation

Publication Date

Wed, 06/01/2005 - 12:00

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

Right - This concrete basement wall is insulated on the interior basement walls with spray foam and under the slab with rigid foam; footing details are shown.

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 12:00

Terminate 4" tape with 2" wide tape placing tape offset high on the joint, 2/3 of the tape should be adhered to the sheet of insulation

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

Wrong - This plastic-covered blanket insulation is not perforated, does not cover the entire basement wall, is not sealed at the edges, and is not installed over rigid foam.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:00

Using dry wall clips or a 1x nailer strip to avoid the third stud in corners provides more room for insulation and reduces lumber.

Publication Date

Thu, 10/01/2009 - 12:00

This assembly for above-grade and below-grade garage walls in any climate zone uses continuous rigid insulation along the interior of the wall.

Publication Date

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 12:00

Rigid insulation and air-sealing can be used to thermally isolate garages from interior occupied space in multifamily row houses/townhouses.

Publication Date

Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00