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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

External Insulation of Masonry Walls and Wood Framed Walls

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1067905· OSTI ID:1067905
 [1]
  1. Building Science Corporation, Somerville, MA (United States)
Exterior insulation is an effective means for increasing the overall thermal resistance of wall assemblies. It also has other advantages including improved water management and often increased airtightness of the building. The engineering basis and support work for exterior insulation, however, has not been conducted, resulting in obstacles for building official and building code acceptance. Additionally, water management strategies and integration practices for window systems, door systems, decks, balconies, and roof wall intersections have not been adequately developed. This gap also stands in the way of wider deployment. In this research project, the Building Science Corporation (BSC) developed baseline engineering analysis to support the installation of thick layers of exterior insulation (2 in. to 8 in.) on existing masonry walls and wood framed walls. Wood furring strips (fastened through the insulation back to the structure) were used as a cladding attachment location. Water management details necessary to connect the exterior insulated wall assemblies to roofs, balconies, decks, and windows were created as guidance for integrating exterior insulation strategies with other enclosure elements.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1067905
Report Number(s):
NREL/SR--5500-54643; DOE/GO--102013-3571; KNDJ-0-40337-00
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English