Exterior Wall Insulation Design

The energy performance of exterior walls is enhanced by continuous insulation between the siding and the framing which may also influence the selection of a vapor retarder in the wall.

Exterior wall insulation design.

Exterior sheathing is a board or panel that may be made of several different materials. Non structural exterior wall installation of the sheathing is on the exterior or interior side of the structural sheathing. Since modern two by fours are not 4 inches the true depth of the wall cavity is 3 1 2 inches. Condensation and elevated moisture levels cause rot mold and mildew.

A continuous layer of insulating sheathing applied to the exterior surface of a wall will minimize condensation and moisture levels. Designed for easy handling and use between framing such as studs and joists making it among the best insulation for walls. Lower exterior wall clad in 1 inch thick stone veneer atop a backerboard with a pressure treated 2x4 attached vertically to allow additional roxul batts in the 1 1 2 inch cavity for insulation and drainage. Insulating sheathing comes in various r values.

For the outside facing walls of your home insulating exterior walls is a cost effective way to reduce heat loss and help prevent moisture buildup in your home year round. The entire 14 inch cavity between the exterior and interior wythes is filled with dense packed cellulose insulation r 53. The advantages are plenty here panels are between 4 5 inches and 8 inches thick the exterior insulation is continuous and they can be attached with 6 inch 10 screws from 4 to 6 inches long. So in an.

As these walls are your home s first line of defense it s important that the insulation you use accounts for all of the changing weather conditions outside. In most wall applications you will use r 13 or r 15 kraft faced fiberglass insulation rolls for these two by four stud walls. If the exterior wall sheathing is below the dew point temperature condensation will form on the sheathing. Having a central screw that attaches the panel to the wall and a separate screw attaching exterior furring strips to the rail breaks the thermal bridge.

These are pre cut sections of insulation that are usually fiberglass although cellulose mineral wool natural fibers and plastic versions are also available. Insulation for 2x4 walls most wall assemblies especially those in older homes are built with two by four 2x4 studs. Building codes and green building standards are continuing to raise the bar on energy efficiency and high performance in buildings. It s installed over the exterior walls of the home and can have several purposes from lending structural support to helping to insulate the home.