With the rise in importance of the energy code (IECC) continuous exterior insulation has become part of the solutions discussion.
This educational program and related modules are focused on the appropriate use of Polyiso sheathing and its application with respect to codes, standards, and other information useful for the proper installation by the construction industry.
Contains resources on using continuous insulation for compliance with the building codes and energy codes.
Exterior siding is typically applied directly on top of housewrap covered plywood or OSB sheathing. But a growing number of builders interested in energy-efficient construction are singing the praises of using rigid-foam insulation between the wall sheathing and the exterior siding, creating a continuous insulating layer. Contributing editor Rick Arnold explains why this extra investment in labor and materials has a significant long-term payoff and tells how to detail the installation.
Sometimes we make easy things hard. And sometimes we make hard things easy. With continuous insulation and punched opening both things are true.
Changes in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) from 2009 to 2012 have resulted in an increase in minimum insulation levels required for residential buildings. Not only are the levels increased, but the use of exterior rigid insulation has become part of the prescriptive code requirements. With more jurisdictions adopting the 2012 IECC, builders will be required to incorporate exterior insulation in the construction of their exterior wall assemblies.
The addition of insulation to the exterior of buildings is an effective means of increasing the thermal resistance of both wood framed walls as well as mass masonry wall assemblies. For thick layers of exterior insulation (levels > 1.5 in.), the use of wood furring strips attached through the insulation back to the structure has been used by many contractors and designers as a means to provide a convenient cladding attachment location.
