T
he U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Building America program
has released new guidelines covering the design and construction
of wall assemblies that use more than 1
1/2
inches of rigid exterior
insulation. Measure Guideline: Incorporating Thick Layers of Exterior
Rigid Insulation on Walls details the use of rigid exterior insulation
boards such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS),
polyisocyanurate (PIC), and rigid mineral fiber (MF) as exterior insulation on
wall assemblies.
The new 115 page guideline was written by Joe Lstiburek and Peter Baker
of Building Science Corporation (BSC) and offers step-by-step guidance on
some of the tricky details required to maintain a consistent "water-control
layer" when you have thick layers of exterior foam.
How much foam is the right amount? The guide provides the answer in
clear terms via the 2009 and 2012 International Residential Codes. Many
examples are based on real-world experience, and a number of key issues
that are common in homes are covered, including integrating thick foam
with the step-flashing and kick-out needed for an intersecting roof and
attaching a deck ledger. Details for installing the water-control layer over
and under foam are also provided.
New Insulation Guide
For Thick Wall Assemblies
the DoE offers several other informative reports on EPS foam insulation:
| teCh talk |
Measure guideline: incorporating thick layers
of Exterior Rigid insulation on Walls
t I t l E a U t h o r S Y E a r
Moisture Durability with vapor-Permeable
insulating Sheathing
External insulation of Masonry Walls and
Wood Framed Walls
Hygric Redistribution in insulated assemblies:
Retrofitting Residential Envelopes without Creating
Moisture issues
Measure guidelines: installing Rigid Foam insulation
on the interior of Existing brick Walls
Measure guideline: transitioning from three-Coat
Stucco to one-Coat Stucco with EPS
J. Lstiburek and P. Baker, Building Science Corporation
R. Lepage and J. Lstiburek, Building Science Corporation
P. Baker, Building Science Corporation
J. Smegal and J. Lstiburek, Building Science Corporation
H. Natarajan, S. Klocke, and S. Pattagunta, Consortium
for Advanced Residential Buildings
K. Brozyna, G. Davis, and A. Rapport, IBACOS, Inc.
April 2015
September 2013
January 2013
January 2013
June 2012
April 2012
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