building america special research project: high-r...

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building science.com © 2009 Building Science Press All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. Building America Special Research Project: High-R Walls Case Study Analysis Research Report - 0903 March 11, 2009 (Rev. June 8, 2011) John Straube and Jonathan Smegal Abstract: Many concerns, including the rising cost of energy, climate change concerns, and demands for increased comfort, have lead to the desire for increased insulation levels in many new and existing buildings. More building codes are being modified to require higher levels of thermal control than ever before. This report considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control. Unlike previous studies, this one considers performance in a more realistic matter, including some true three-dimensional heat flow and the relative risk of moisture damage.

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building sciencecom copy 2009 Building Science Press All rights of reproduction in any form reserved

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis Research Report - 0903 March 11 2009 (Rev June 8 2011) John Straube and Jonathan Smegal

Abstract

Many concerns including the rising cost of energy climate change concerns and demands for increased

comfort have lead to the desire for increased insulation levels in many new and existing buildings More building codes are being modified to require higher levels of thermal control than ever before This

report considers a number of promising wall systems that can meet the requirement for better thermal control Unlike previous studies this one considers performance in a more realistic matter including

some true three-dimensional heat flow and the relative risk of moisture damage

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A Introduction

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2 SCOPE

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1 WALL ASSEMBLIES REVIEWED

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2 ANALYSIS CRITERIA

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Table 1 Criteria comparison matrix

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Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

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Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

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Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

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Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

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Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

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Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

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Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

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Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

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Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

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Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

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Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

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Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

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Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

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Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

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Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

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Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

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Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

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Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

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Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

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25 Material Use

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1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

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111 Thermal Control

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Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

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Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

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Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

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131 Thermal Control

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Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

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Figure 35 Double stud wall

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Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

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Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

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153 Constructability and Cost

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Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

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161 Thermal Control

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Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

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Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

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Figure 41 ICF wall construction

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13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

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(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

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ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

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25 $ 28

26 $ 28

13$ 28

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122+amp$$$ 31

133+$ 2(3 $$ 34

144+ $ 37

155+ 40

166+$$$)$ 43

177+$ $ 45

188+amp$) 48

199+)$ - 50

11010+ $$) 53

11111+$$($ ) 55

11212+($ $ )$ 58

61

$ 65

A Introduction

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) amp23)(amp(

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1 OBJECTIVE

)ampamp(amp3amp((amp(ampamp ampampamp

1amp((1amp(amp()amp )

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ampampamp)ampamp)ampamp) amp2

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

2 SCOPE

$$amp$ ($$$ $amp$amp$$ amp amp $$

$ amp $amp$amp$ $ amp $ $

$$ $ $amp$ $$ $amp

amp $ampamp amp$ $$ ( + $

3 APPROACH

$$amp)$ $amp ampamp $amp$

amp$$ ($$$$ ( $ $$ (

$ $amp2 3 $

($amp$$$ $ amp$

(((amp$amp $ $amp0$ $amp$

$ $$ $ $amp $$

B Analysis

1 WALL ASSEMBLIES REVIEWED

amp$amp $ $$ $$($$

$ $($ $ $

($$$ $ $ amp $amp$$$$

$$$$$) $$$ ($$

bull $5- $amp 13(6)

bull $5- $amp 13(6)8

bull $6-(51 13$amp$

bull $6-(81 13$amp$

bull $7- 6)7 + $

bull $8- ampamp

bull $9-amp$$

bull $-ampamp$amp13$$213$3

bull $-$amp $2$3

bull $lt-( ($2493$

bull $lt-($2643$

bull $=-$$($26432$3$ amp$$amp

bull $54- ampamp((61 $2643$ amp$$amp

bull $55-) $26432$3$ ( amp$$amp

bull $56-) $amp $$2 3

2 ANALYSIS CRITERIA

$ )(amp$ amp ($$$$

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Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 1 Criteria comparison matrix

1313 13amp13 13 13

1313 13 1313 13 13

13 1313 13 131313 1313

131313 )13 13 130) 13

13 131313 13$13

13 $

131313 $ 13 131313 13 13

13amp13 131313$13amp $13

13 13 13amp1313 13 1313$ 13

)+01313$ 13 )-+1313amp 13

131313 13 13

21 Heat flow analysis

1313 131313 13 130-amp13 (13

13( 13 131313 1313 131313 13

131313 1313 131313

13 13

1313amp 1313 13 1313 1313 13-$ 1313 13

13 13 13 13 1313 amp

13 13 13 1313 13 13 13 13 (

1313 13 1313 1313(13 13

amp131313 13 )

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp 13 13 $amp

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13 13$amp

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13131313

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((amp

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$amp amp

Figure 1 Plan view of wall section for Therm simulation

13

)amp

$ $amp

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

1313

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1313131313

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Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

13

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amp$ 131313

Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

1313$131313131313 131313 $1313

131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

Building Science Corporation ) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

amp ) (

) 13

amp

) ( $amp

$ amp$ amp

( $ amp

(

$ $

amp$ $ ( $

(

$amp $

(

13

amp $)

amp amp amp(

amp amp (

amp $$18-578

)18-)38 ( ) $

ampamp amp (

$

amp $1($ ampamp

13 $ (

7(21 23(1 $

Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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(1)13131334131313131313amp 131313

13+-131313+0++1313413

13131313amp 1313++134

131313 13131313 13131313+-

1313$1313

amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

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1 ampamp2ampamp)3amp +amp

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+

amp70 )ampamp(ampampampamp)(

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

1313(2)

13

1313$

13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

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$13

13131313

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13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

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bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

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13131313 131313

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13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

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13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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$ $ $(13 amp

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13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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$ amp$ amp$ $

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ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

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+ amp0+

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amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

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13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

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(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

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=++13 G7CAAJgt9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

$ $ 1

1$amp1

2 2

3 2

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113amp2

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21$ ) 3

22) $) 9

23 $) 27

24$) 27

25 $ 28

26 $ 28

13$ 28

11+$ $$ $ 28

122+amp$$$ 31

133+$ 2(3 $$ 34

144+ $ 37

155+ 40

166+$$$)$ 43

177+$ $ 45

188+amp$) 48

199+)$ - 50

11010+ $$) 53

11111+$$($ ) 55

11212+($ $ )$ 58

61

$ 65

A Introduction

amp1(ampamp1 amp1 ampamp

1)ampampamp()amp +amp(amp2

(amp $()amp )2amp

ampamp( ampampamp amp $( 2

)(ampamp(amp1ampampamp amp 1(amp (3

amp)amp amp( 2

amp ampamp1amp$(amp( amp(ampamp amp(3ampamp(amp

+amp(ampamp(1amp(amp

2amp amp(ampamp1amp-

ampamp amp(amp2ampampamp$(

ampamp(amp (amp(73)(8amp(2

3)(amp ampamp ampamp + A=9

) amp23)(amp(

ampampamp3)( 2ampampamp(ampamp(

ampamp(amp3)(amp1(amp(ampamp1ampampamp

(((ampampampamp(amp )2

)(amp1amp ampB94ampBA94amp1))amp(

ampamp amp )3)(amp23)(amp1ampamp1amp563)(7

amp(8 (amp(ampampamp 2amp

amp(ampampamp2

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)(ampamp amp2ampamp

amp(1 amp (amp)ampamp(ampamp(2

())ampampamp)ampamp amp1(

ampamp ampampamp ampampamp79982amp((+

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amp()ampamp(+

amp(7(ampamp(1299A82

(ampamp78ampamp( ampamp

ampamp amp1ampampampampamp amp(3

ampamp amp2)ampamp(amp()ampamp(amp1(( 7Agt=

gt=ltA87 (9981amp(

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1 1(799A82

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2 amp)((ampampBA94amp2

1 OBJECTIVE

)ampamp(amp3amp((amp(ampamp ampampamp

1amp((1amp(amp()amp )

) -amp2ampampampampamp(

ampampamp)ampamp)ampamp) amp2

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

2 SCOPE

$$amp$ ($$$ $amp$amp$$ amp amp $$

$ amp $amp$amp$ $ amp $ $

$$ $ $amp$ $$ $amp

amp $ampamp amp$ $$ ( + $

3 APPROACH

$$amp)$ $amp ampamp $amp$

amp$$ ($$$$ ( $ $$ (

$ $amp2 3 $

($amp$$$ $ amp$

(((amp$amp $ $amp0$ $amp$

$ $$ $ $amp $$

B Analysis

1 WALL ASSEMBLIES REVIEWED

amp$amp $ $$ $$($$

$ $($ $ $

($$$ $ $ amp $amp$$$$

$$$$$) $$$ ($$

bull $5- $amp 13(6)

bull $5- $amp 13(6)8

bull $6-(51 13$amp$

bull $6-(81 13$amp$

bull $7- 6)7 + $

bull $8- ampamp

bull $9-amp$$

bull $-ampamp$amp13$$213$3

bull $-$amp $2$3

bull $lt-( ($2493$

bull $lt-($2643$

bull $=-$$($26432$3$ amp$$amp

bull $54- ampamp((61 $2643$ amp$$amp

bull $55-) $26432$3$ ( amp$$amp

bull $56-) $amp $$2 3

2 ANALYSIS CRITERIA

$ )(amp$ amp ($$$$

amp(52 392) 3($$amp (

$$ $ ( $ )$$ ( (

5$)

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 1 Criteria comparison matrix

1313 13amp13 13 13

1313 13 1313 13 13

13 1313 13 131313 1313

131313 )13 13 130) 13

13 131313 13$13

13 $

131313 $ 13 131313 13 13

13amp13 131313$13amp $13

13 13 13amp1313 13 1313$ 13

)+01313$ 13 )-+1313amp 13

131313 13 13

21 Heat flow analysis

1313 131313 13 130-amp13 (13

13( 13 131313 1313 131313 13

131313 1313 131313

13 13

1313amp 1313 13 1313 1313 13-$ 1313 13

13 13 13 13 1313 amp

13 13 13 1313 13 13 13 13 (

1313 13 1313 1313(13 13

amp131313 13 )

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp 13 13 $amp

13) 13)$+amp

amp

+amp13131313

$13 13$ $amp $

13 13$amp

13

13$

$$ 13$ amp

13131313

13$$ $

amp

13131313

13$ ) 13

$ ()((

((amp

13

13$ 13

$amp

$amp $

amp

13$amp $

$

13amp

1313

+amp

$ 13

$amp amp

Figure 1 Plan view of wall section for Therm simulation

13

)amp

$ $amp

13$ amp

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

1313

131313

1313131313

1313

Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

13

1313

amp$ 131313

Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

1313$131313131313 131313 $1313

131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

Building Science Corporation ) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

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amp +$ )

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Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

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Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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1313+0413$1313131313

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1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

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Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

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1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

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Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

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13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

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Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

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131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

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13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

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131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

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114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

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13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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13 13

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13amp $

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

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3(2 213 (

(

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

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13

13 1313 13

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13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

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1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

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$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

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1313

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13

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131313

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13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

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amp13 1313$

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

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amp13 $$13

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131313$13

131313

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1313$

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

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13 1313

13

13

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143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

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amp

13

1313

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131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

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16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

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Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

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amp

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)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

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163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

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164 Other Considerations

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

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13 amp amp+1+

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13-amp(1+)13

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Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

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131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

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amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

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$amp(+($$

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

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131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

A Introduction

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1amp((1amp(amp()amp )

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

2 SCOPE

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$ amp $amp$amp$ $ amp $ $

$$ $ $amp$ $$ $amp

amp $ampamp amp$ $$ ( + $

3 APPROACH

$$amp)$ $amp ampamp $amp$

amp$$ ($$$$ ( $ $$ (

$ $amp2 3 $

($amp$$$ $ amp$

(((amp$amp $ $amp0$ $amp$

$ $$ $ $amp $$

B Analysis

1 WALL ASSEMBLIES REVIEWED

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$ $($ $ $

($$$ $ $ amp $amp$$$$

$$$$$) $$$ ($$

bull $5- $amp 13(6)

bull $5- $amp 13(6)8

bull $6-(51 13$amp$

bull $6-(81 13$amp$

bull $7- 6)7 + $

bull $8- ampamp

bull $9-amp$$

bull $-ampamp$amp13$$213$3

bull $-$amp $2$3

bull $lt-( ($2493$

bull $lt-($2643$

bull $=-$$($26432$3$ amp$$amp

bull $54- ampamp((61 $2643$ amp$$amp

bull $55-) $26432$3$ ( amp$$amp

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2 ANALYSIS CRITERIA

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5$)

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 1 Criteria comparison matrix

1313 13amp13 13 13

1313 13 1313 13 13

13 1313 13 131313 1313

131313 )13 13 130) 13

13 131313 13$13

13 $

131313 $ 13 131313 13 13

13amp13 131313$13amp $13

13 13 13amp1313 13 1313$ 13

)+01313$ 13 )-+1313amp 13

131313 13 13

21 Heat flow analysis

1313 131313 13 130-amp13 (13

13( 13 131313 1313 131313 13

131313 1313 131313

13 13

1313amp 1313 13 1313 1313 13-$ 1313 13

13 13 13 13 1313 amp

13 13 13 1313 13 13 13 13 (

1313 13 1313 1313(13 13

amp131313 13 )

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp 13 13 $amp

13) 13)$+amp

amp

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$13 13$ $amp $

13 13$amp

13

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((amp

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13amp

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+amp

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$amp amp

Figure 1 Plan view of wall section for Therm simulation

13

)amp

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

1313

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Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

13

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amp$ 131313

Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

1313$131313131313 131313 $1313

131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

Building Science Corporation ) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

amp ) (

) 13

amp

) ( $amp

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(

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(

$amp $

(

13

amp $)

amp amp amp(

amp amp (

amp $$18-578

)18-)38 ( ) $

ampamp amp (

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13 $ (

7(21 23(1 $

Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

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amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

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13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

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+

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

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13

1313$

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1313

13

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0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

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13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

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30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

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$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

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9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

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13 131313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

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13+

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$amp 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

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+031

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13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

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13 13

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13

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amp 1313

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

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$ $ 13

amp

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13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

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)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

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13$$

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

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131313$13

131313

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

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13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

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Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

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$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

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13 $ (

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)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

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amp $ (

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amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

2 SCOPE

$$amp$ ($$$ $amp$amp$$ amp amp $$

$ amp $amp$amp$ $ amp $ $

$$ $ $amp$ $$ $amp

amp $ampamp amp$ $$ ( + $

3 APPROACH

$$amp)$ $amp ampamp $amp$

amp$$ ($$$$ ( $ $$ (

$ $amp2 3 $

($amp$$$ $ amp$

(((amp$amp $ $amp0$ $amp$

$ $$ $ $amp $$

B Analysis

1 WALL ASSEMBLIES REVIEWED

amp$amp $ $$ $$($$

$ $($ $ $

($$$ $ $ amp $amp$$$$

$$$$$) $$$ ($$

bull $5- $amp 13(6)

bull $5- $amp 13(6)8

bull $6-(51 13$amp$

bull $6-(81 13$amp$

bull $7- 6)7 + $

bull $8- ampamp

bull $9-amp$$

bull $-ampamp$amp13$$213$3

bull $-$amp $2$3

bull $lt-( ($2493$

bull $lt-($2643$

bull $=-$$($26432$3$ amp$$amp

bull $54- ampamp((61 $2643$ amp$$amp

bull $55-) $26432$3$ ( amp$$amp

bull $56-) $amp $$2 3

2 ANALYSIS CRITERIA

$ )(amp$ amp ($$$$

amp(52 392) 3($$amp (

$$ $ ( $ )$$ ( (

5$)

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 1 Criteria comparison matrix

1313 13amp13 13 13

1313 13 1313 13 13

13 1313 13 131313 1313

131313 )13 13 130) 13

13 131313 13$13

13 $

131313 $ 13 131313 13 13

13amp13 131313$13amp $13

13 13 13amp1313 13 1313$ 13

)+01313$ 13 )-+1313amp 13

131313 13 13

21 Heat flow analysis

1313 131313 13 130-amp13 (13

13( 13 131313 1313 131313 13

131313 1313 131313

13 13

1313amp 1313 13 1313 1313 13-$ 1313 13

13 13 13 13 1313 amp

13 13 13 1313 13 13 13 13 (

1313 13 1313 1313(13 13

amp131313 13 )

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp 13 13 $amp

13) 13)$+amp

amp

+amp13131313

$13 13$ $amp $

13 13$amp

13

13$

$$ 13$ amp

13131313

13$$ $

amp

13131313

13$ ) 13

$ ()((

((amp

13

13$ 13

$amp

$amp $

amp

13$amp $

$

13amp

1313

+amp

$ 13

$amp amp

Figure 1 Plan view of wall section for Therm simulation

13

)amp

$ $amp

13$ amp

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

1313

131313

1313131313

1313

Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

13

1313

amp$ 131313

Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

1313$131313131313 131313 $1313

131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

Building Science Corporation ) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

amp ) (

) 13

amp

) ( $amp

$ amp$ amp

( $ amp

(

$ $

amp$ $ ( $

(

$amp $

(

13

amp $)

amp amp amp(

amp amp (

amp $$18-578

)18-)38 ( ) $

ampamp amp (

$

amp $1($ ampamp

13 $ (

7(21 23(1 $

Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

1313131313-amp4(131313

-)13 1313 amp 131313-4

(1)13131334131313131313amp 131313

13+-131313+0++1313413

13131313amp 1313++134

131313 13131313 13131313+-

1313$1313

amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

(amp((ampamp(amp amp

ampamp amp

3amp(amp)amp amp13ampampamp(amp

amp(0( amp ampamp amp 3()

(amp(

ampampampampampamp ampampampamp amp(ampamp

ampamp ( amp

amp ampampamp ampampamp ampampamp

-7+amp (ampampampamp ( amp(

(amp

ampamp)amp$(amp(12

-amp6789 5amp)ampamp

ampampamp(amp))ampamp4

1 ampamp2ampamp)3amp +amp

)amp( (amp()ampamp

+

amp70 )ampamp(ampampampamp)(

(amp ampampampamp

ampamp(amp(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

1313(2)

13

1313$

13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

13

$13

13131313

13

13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

bull 0+1 +

bull 0+1lt =1+0 + )$

bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

1313$13 $

$13

131313

13amp--01

- 13-

-

13+

131313

$1313

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

$

amp

$- -1 $++

0++ $amp-(

$2++ -( $

-++ amp

$ $

$)3amp $$$)-1-(

-($)-amp+$amp

$$

) amp$$

$$ amp

$$ -(

13 $20($$amp $

amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

1313

1313

amp

13

(

Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Table 1 Criteria comparison matrix

1313 13amp13 13 13

1313 13 1313 13 13

13 1313 13 131313 1313

131313 )13 13 130) 13

13 131313 13$13

13 $

131313 $ 13 131313 13 13

13amp13 131313$13amp $13

13 13 13amp1313 13 1313$ 13

)+01313$ 13 )-+1313amp 13

131313 13 13

21 Heat flow analysis

1313 131313 13 130-amp13 (13

13( 13 131313 1313 131313 13

131313 1313 131313

13 13

1313amp 1313 13 1313 1313 13-$ 1313 13

13 13 13 13 1313 amp

13 13 13 1313 13 13 13 13 (

1313 13 1313 1313(13 13

amp131313 13 )

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp 13 13 $amp

13) 13)$+amp

amp

+amp13131313

$13 13$ $amp $

13 13$amp

13

13$

$$ 13$ amp

13131313

13$$ $

amp

13131313

13$ ) 13

$ ()((

((amp

13

13$ 13

$amp

$amp $

amp

13$amp $

$

13amp

1313

+amp

$ 13

$amp amp

Figure 1 Plan view of wall section for Therm simulation

13

)amp

$ $amp

13$ amp

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

1313

131313

1313131313

1313

Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

13

1313

amp$ 131313

Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

1313$131313131313 131313 $1313

131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

Building Science Corporation ) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

amp ) (

) 13

amp

) ( $amp

$ amp$ amp

( $ amp

(

$ $

amp$ $ ( $

(

$amp $

(

13

amp $)

amp amp amp(

amp amp (

amp $$18-578

)18-)38 ( ) $

ampamp amp (

$

amp $1($ ampamp

13 $ (

7(21 23(1 $

Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

1313131313-amp4(131313

-)13 1313 amp 131313-4

(1)13131334131313131313amp 131313

13+-131313+0++1313413

13131313amp 1313++134

131313 13131313 13131313+-

1313$1313

amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

(amp((ampamp(amp amp

ampamp amp

3amp(amp)amp amp13ampampamp(amp

amp(0( amp ampamp amp 3()

(amp(

ampampampampampamp ampampampamp amp(ampamp

ampamp ( amp

amp ampampamp ampampamp ampampamp

-7+amp (ampampampamp ( amp(

(amp

ampamp)amp$(amp(12

-amp6789 5amp)ampamp

ampampamp(amp))ampamp4

1 ampamp2ampamp)3amp +amp

)amp( (amp()ampamp

+

amp70 )ampamp(ampampampamp)(

(amp ampampampamp

ampamp(amp(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

1313(2)

13

1313$

13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

13

$13

13131313

13

13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

bull 0+1 +

bull 0+1lt =1+0 + )$

bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

1313$13 $

$13

131313

13amp--01

- 13-

-

13+

131313

$1313

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

$

amp

$- -1 $++

0++ $amp-(

$2++ -( $

-++ amp

$ $

$)3amp $$$)-1-(

-($)-amp+$amp

$$

) amp$$

$$ amp

$$ -(

13 $20($$amp $

amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

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Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

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Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

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Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

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Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

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Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

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24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

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1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

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13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

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1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

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13 $ 13 13

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

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Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

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112 Moisture Control

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

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114 Other Considerations

13

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131+13

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12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

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1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

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Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

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123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

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1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

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13 $amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

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14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

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143 Constructability and Cost

13

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144 Other Considerations

13 13

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15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

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13 13 13

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Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

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131313

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13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

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13

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13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

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154 Other Considerations

13 $$

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16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

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Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

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Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

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amp

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)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

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163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

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+amp

164 Other Considerations

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

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amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

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13 amp amp+1+

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Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

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131313 23

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13 13

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1313 13

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1313 13 13

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113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

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19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

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13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

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131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

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193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

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110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

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13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

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131313 1313 13 13 13 13

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111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

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13 131313

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13 13131313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

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1114 Other Considerations

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112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

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1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

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131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

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13131313 131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

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Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13

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Figure 1 Plan view of wall section for Therm simulation

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

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Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

13

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Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

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13131313 13131313131313

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Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

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) ( $amp

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Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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13+-131313+0++1313413

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131313 13131313 13131313+-

1313$1313

amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

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13

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13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

13

$13

13131313

13

13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

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bull 1+0lt =10 amp

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1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

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1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

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13+

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

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13 13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

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13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

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amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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$13$1313$ 13$

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 2 Top plate simulation with 8rdquo of wall

131313

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Figure 3 Rim joist simulation with 8 of wall

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Figure 4 Plan section of rim joist floor joists and fiberglass batt insulation

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

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131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

amp ) (

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amp

) ( $amp

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( $ amp

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amp $)

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amp amp (

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ampamp amp (

$

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13 $ (

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Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

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1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

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13

1313$

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1313

13

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13

- 13

13

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$13

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Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

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$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

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13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

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13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

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1313 1313$1313

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13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

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13((-131313$13 1313

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Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

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1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

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Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

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Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

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13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

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13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

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131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

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114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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13amp13

13 13

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13amp $

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13

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

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3(2 213 (

(

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

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131313 $ )

2 131313

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123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

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$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

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$ $ 13

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13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

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13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

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amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

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13$$

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

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)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

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27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

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amp $ (

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Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

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amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

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1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

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193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

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amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

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111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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1313 13 13( 1313

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131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

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13 13131313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

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1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

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112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

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13$$$$+

(amp $

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

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1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

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1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

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13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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1313131313 13

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) 13

131313$

$13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

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Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

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E Works Cited

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

1313 131313 1313131313 131313

1313131313131313

13amp

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131313131313 131313 1313

1313131313131313

$13+$1313 131313 13$13 13

13 13

$13 13 13 13

13 13 1313131313131313

1313131313$131313 1313

13131313 13131313131313

13(

Figure 5 Common Convective Heat Flow Paths in Enclosures

131313 131313131313 131313

1313131313131313 13131313

131313131313 13131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(

amp ) (

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amp

) ( $amp

$ amp$ amp

( $ amp

(

$ $

amp$ $ ( $

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(

13

amp $)

amp amp amp(

amp amp (

amp $$18-578

)18-)38 ( ) $

ampamp amp (

$

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13 $ (

7(21 23(1 $

Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

$ $ amp (

amp +$ )

(13 amp$ amp

-34( $$ 05 ((-5

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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131313 13131313 13131313+-

1313$1313

amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

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221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

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13

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13

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13

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Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

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1 57+4-middot2middot

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9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

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13+

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

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Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

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Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

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131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

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114 Other Considerations

13

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131+13

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13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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amp 3131(ampamp

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13

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

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3(2 213 (

(

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

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$ $ 13

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

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1313)13amp

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amp13 1313$

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

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$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

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16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

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13 $ (

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$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

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amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

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)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

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163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

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+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

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amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

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- +13amp()$)$

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

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$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

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13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

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13

13 +(

131313

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193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

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131313

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13 131313

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13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

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1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

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111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

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13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

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13 131313

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13 13131313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

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112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

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13131313131313

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1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

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1124 Other Considerations

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1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

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13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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1313131313 13

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131313$

$13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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E Works Cited

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

(

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Table 2 Conductivity values used for two dimensional heat flow analysis

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Building Science Corporation 6 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313341313131313

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Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

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1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

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221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

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Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

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+ $

$ 30 amp

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Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

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1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

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1313131313

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13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

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13((-131313$13 1313

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Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

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Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

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Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

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13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

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13 $ 13 13

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

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114 Other Considerations

13

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12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

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Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

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2 131313

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123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

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13 1313

124 Other Considerations

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131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

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Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

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13 $amp

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

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amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

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amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

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amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

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$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

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13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

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$amp(+($$

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($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

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amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

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13 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

131313341313131313

1313$1313$$

Figure 6 Typical framing 16oc - 9 framing factor

13 13131313 131313$+013$$

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13+-131313+0++1313413

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131313 13131313 13131313+-

1313$1313

amp 13

Figure 7 Actual average framing factor of 23 in standard construction

1313131313 1313(1313

13$)13013$$131313

1313 131313$13131313 131313

1313+0413$1313131313

1313131341313 131313+041313

13-1313amp 131313 13 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation 2 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

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1 ampamp2ampamp)3amp +amp

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+

amp70 )ampamp(ampampampamp)(

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ampamp(amp(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

1313(2)

13

1313$

13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

13

$13

13131313

13

13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

bull 0+1 +

bull 0+1lt =1+0 + )$

bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

1313$13 $

$13

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13amp--01

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

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Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

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Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

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13131313 131313

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13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

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13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

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1313131313

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13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

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13+

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

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13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

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13

1313 13

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131313 1313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

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13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

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13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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13 13

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

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13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Table 3 R-values for analyzed wall systems

22 Hygrothermal Analysis

ampampamp ampamp amp( ) ampamp3

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3amp(amp)amp amp13ampampamp(amp

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ampamp ( amp

amp ampampamp ampampamp ampampamp

-7+amp (ampampampamp ( amp(

(amp

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-amp6789 5amp)ampamp

ampampamp(amp))ampamp4

1 ampamp2ampamp)3amp +amp

)amp( (amp()ampamp

+

amp70 )ampamp(ampampampamp)(

(amp ampampampamp

ampamp(amp(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

1313(2)

13

1313$

13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

13

$13

13131313

13

13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

bull 0+1 +

bull 0+1lt =1+0 + )$

bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

1313$13 $

$13

131313

13amp--01

- 13-

-

13+

131313

$1313

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

$

amp

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0++ $amp-(

$2++ -( $

-++ amp

$ $

$)3amp $$$)-1-(

-($)-amp+$amp

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) amp$$

$$ amp

$$ -(

13 $20($$amp $

amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

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13 13

13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

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amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

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amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

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-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

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$amp(+($$

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($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

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amp$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13

amp

221 Moisture Balance

13 amp

1313

1313(2)

13

1313$

13

1313

13

13

0+ 1313

1313(13-++1)

13

- 13

13

131313

13

$13

13131313

13

13$13

Figure 8 Moisture balance

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

bull 0+1 +

bull 0+1lt =1+0 + )$

bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

1313$13 $

$13

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13amp--01

- 13-

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$1313

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

$

amp

$- -1 $++

0++ $amp-(

$2++ -( $

-++ amp

$ $

$)3amp $$$)-1-(

-($)-amp+$amp

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$$ amp

$$ -(

13 $20($$amp $

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

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13 13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

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1313 13

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131313 1313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

222 Wintertime Condensation

13 +

( $

+ $

$ 30 amp

60 + $ $

$ +) $ 20

30 +amp $ +

) $ $ ) 40 50

+

2007 ) $

1 57+4-middot2middot

bull 0+1 +

bull 0+1lt =1+0 + )$

bull 1+0lt =10 amp

$ 5)6)7)8 4

1102+5+ )$ )$

1102+5+1+

9 $$ 1)

)2)$ +$

1)$ 21

)amp 24 +4

$ $ 9+

Table 4 Vapor control strategies and permeance values for Case 1 and 2

Building Science Corporation 11 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

1313$13 $

$13

131313

13amp--01

- 13-

-

13+

131313

$1313

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

$

amp

$- -1 $++

0++ $amp-(

$2++ -( $

-++ amp

$ $

$)3amp $$$)-1-(

-($)-amp+$amp

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) amp$$

$$ amp

$$ -(

13 $20($$amp $

amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

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-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

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$amp(+($$

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($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

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$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 9 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 1 and Case 2

13 + - 13

amp-02())+1313

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$13

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Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

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$ $

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13 $20($$amp $

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 10 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 2

$

(13 amp (

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13 $20($$amp $

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

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13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

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=++13 G7CAAJgt9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 11 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 1 and Case 9

13 $1313

13

13

Figure 12 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13$13 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

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1313

amp

13

(

Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

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amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

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$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

131313amp13 13 13$

131313

Figure 13 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

1313 131313$1313$13

131313-13 13)$1313$1313

13131313 131313

13131313131313$13131313 13

13 13131313131313

131313 -013 13 132+)$

13$1313$ 1313131313$

13-)13$1313$1313

3$13+1313)$13$131313

13 $13 1313 131313

131) 131313-313 13

131313 13$13 13

13$13 13amp 13 1313 amp13

13131313131313

13 131313 131313

1313 1313 13)$13$13

$ $1313213$amp13

1313 1313 1313 13

($13amp131313 13 1313

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

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(

Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 14 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 4 and Case 10

13

13131313

1313$

1313131313

13

131313 131313

13amp

13 131313

13 1313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

1313amp

13+

(-)amp--amp-13 (

)amp(13)

$amp 13

13 amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

( ampamp$ amp

$ $ $(13 amp

$amp ( $

amp$ (

13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

(amp amp

(13 (

13 - amp$ $$+(13

$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

1313

1313

amp

13

(

Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

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13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

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amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

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Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

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(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

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-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

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$amp(+($$

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($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

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131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

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$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 15 Installation of high density spray foam in an Offset Framed Wall in a cold climate

13

amp 13amp

131313

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13+

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$amp 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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13$ )$

$ $amp $ $ampamp

( amp amp $

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$ amp$ amp$ $

amp (13$ amp $$ amp

ampamp amp (

Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

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13 13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

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13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

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13 13

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13amp $

13amp

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13

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

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3(2 213 (

(

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

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13$$

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

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amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

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)(ampamp13+$(amp

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

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amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

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$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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$ $

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-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

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$amp(+($$

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($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

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1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

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13 1313

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131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 16 Winter time air leakage condensation potential for Case 5 and Case 11

13 $$

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$ $amp $ $ampamp

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Building Science Corporation +- wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

13 1313 13$(ampamp+1313 13 1313 13

13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

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13 13

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

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13

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131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

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13amp13

13 13

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13amp $

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13

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

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$ $ 13

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

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)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

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13$$

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

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$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

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163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

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193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

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131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

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1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

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$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

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13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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1313131313 13

131313

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131313$

$13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

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131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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$13$1313$ 13$

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13 $amp13

13$13 13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 17 Winter time sheathing relative humidity for Case 8

13131313 13 131313

13131313131313131313 13

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13 131313amp)1313131313

13131313131313 13 13131313

1313 13 13

13131313 13131313 13

131313131313131313

13131313131313 13

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

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1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

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1313131313 13131313$

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13((-131313$13 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

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+ amp0+

02 )$

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13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

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13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

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13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

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114 Other Considerations

13

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131+13

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12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

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$ $ 13

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

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13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

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13 13

$ 13

1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

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144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

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13

1313

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131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

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Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

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)13 $$

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13 $ (

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$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

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Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

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163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

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amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

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- +13amp()$)$

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

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1313

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$( $ (

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$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 18 Winter air leakage condensation potential for Case 8

223 Summer Inward Vapor Drives

13 13 131313

1313 1313$1313 1313

1313 1313$13 13$13131313$

1313 13 $13

13131313

1313

13 13 131313 131313

131313 13 131313

1313131313

1313 13 13 13)13$$13

13131313 13 1313$1313

1313 1313$1313

11313$1313$13-$13 131313

13$1313113131313 1313

13 1313$1313 1313 13

1313131313 13131313$

13 131313 131313amp

1313 1313 1313amp 13)0

13((-131313$13 1313

1313 1313 1313amp

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

1313 131313 13

1313$1313 13

13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

1313

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

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13amp13

13 13

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13amp $

13amp

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13

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

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1123 Constructability and Cost

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1124 Other Considerations

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Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

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1313

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1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 19 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 1 Case 2 and Case 9

13$13 131313

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13131313131313

Figure 20 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

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+ amp0+

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

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13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

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Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

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13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

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13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

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13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

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114 Other Considerations

13

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131+13

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12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

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1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

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1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

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$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

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(13

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Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

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131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

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Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

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$amp

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13 $amp

$

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

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13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

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)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

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Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

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131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

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13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

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144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

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amp

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131313

13

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13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

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$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

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16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

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amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

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13 $ (

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27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

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Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

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)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

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163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

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$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

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amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

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13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

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13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

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13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

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193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

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131313

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13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

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13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

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131313 1313 1313(13 13

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13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

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1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

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112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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1313131313 13

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131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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$13$1313$ 13$

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

1313amp$

( 13amp

131313

13 13

13 13

13

1313

1313

amp

13

(

Figure 21 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 4 and Case 10

1313

13

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 22 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Case 8

() 13

13$

(1313 amp13

13 13$

1313 13(

13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 23 Inward vapor drive relative humidity of poly or GWB for Cases 5 8 and 11

224 Wall Drying

-

+031

amp

amp $ (

+ amp0+

02 )$

$

amp amp

13 amp

Building Science Corporation 02 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 24 Drying Curves for Case 1 and Case 2

13131313 13 13

13 131313

Figure 25 Drying curves for Case 3 Case 4 and Case 5

13 1313

13131313131313

131313 13

13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

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amp+( 1313

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1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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1313

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 26 Drying curves for Case 8

1313 1313$13)1313

1313$ 13amp 13)1313 13amp13 13 1313

13(13131313 13)13 13 13

13131313131313131313131313 13

1313131313 13131313 131313

131313131313131313131313131313 13

Figure 27 Drying Curves for Case 4 and Case 10 with and without a poly vapor barrier

131313131313 1313 131313

131313 13131313 13 13

Building Science Corporation 30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

(+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

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Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

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9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

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+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

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-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13 1313

1313 131313

$$ 1313

amp 13 131313

13

1313 13

13

131313 1313

13

Figure 28 Drying Curves for Case 5 and Case 11

23 Enclosure Durability

13 13 13

131313

13 131313

13 13 13 1313

13131313 13

1313

1313

24 Buildability

13 1313

13131313 13

1313 13 13131313

1313

13

1313 131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

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(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

25 Material Use

13131313 1313

13131313$131313

13 1313131313131313131313

13131313131313$1313131313

1313131313

131313$

26 Cost

13 131313131313

1313$1313131313

13131313 1313

13$13amp1313 213

1313 )+$1313 13)-$+

1313$13131313 1313131313

131313$

C Results

1 CASE 1 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

131313131313--0130(13

13131301313131313133 13$)-2

131313 13131313$

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

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9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

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0BJJF9

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+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 29 Standard construction practice

111 Thermal Control

13) amp( 13

+amp-

13 13 ( ampampampamp(amp13$

13 $ 13 13

13 13

13(

Building Science Corporation - wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

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) 13

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$13

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Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

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13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 30 Therm modeling of Case 1 - 2x6 construction

1313 13 13 131313 (-$13

13 131313 1313 13

131313) )13131313131313(-131313

13131313131313131313

13 13131313131313131313)+

13)-13131313131313 13

13

Table 5 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 1

1313131313131313131313

131313 131313 13 13

13 1313131313

1313 1313 131313

13 13 13 13

112 Moisture Control

1313131313 13131313 13

++ +13 1313)+ )- 131313

131313131313131313 13 1313131313(amp

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

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amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

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13amp $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

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Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

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)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

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$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13 ampamp(1313$

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1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

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(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

131313

amp 13

2-)0--)04011+amp

113 Constructability and Cost

13

amp13

13amp

114 Other Considerations

13

13amp

131+13

amp 13

13amp

12 Case 2 Advanced framing with insulated sheathing

1313

amp 13131313

amp 3131(ampamp

amp

13amp13

13 13

amp

13amp $

13amp

(1(0+ampamp2(

13

(

amp 1313

13amp

Building Science Corporation 0 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 31 Advanced framing construction

121 Thermal Control

131313 13$13 1313

1313 13$13$1313 13

$$)amp $$)13$$13 13) 13

1313131313 1313

131313(-(13$amp-( 1313amp

+(13$13$1313$1313amp13

1313131313 1313

131313 1313

13131313131313

131313amp1313 13

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

$) 3( -(3 1(2($

$ amp 2($ )

$ ($ $

)13 ( amp amp

3(2 213 (

(

) $ $3(

Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

( )

$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

amp (4 $ $13

(13

$amp$ amp (

Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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1313131313 13

131313

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) 13

131313$

$13

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 32 Therm modeling of Case 2 advanced framing with 1 XPS insulated sheathing

amp $ $ 13 + 2 3$$35

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$ amp 2($ )

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3(2 213 (

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Table 6 Summary of R-value results from Therm modeling for Case 2

122 Moisture Control

$

$$$

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$ (-(2( $

3$ 76(23$amp (

$

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Building Science Corporation 00 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

131313$ 1313

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13 1313 13

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13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

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131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

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13$$++(amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

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1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

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Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

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13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

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131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

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($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

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13 ampamp(1313$

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1313131313 13

131313

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131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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13 $amp13

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$ $ 13amp

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

131313$ 1313

1++-++13

13

13 1313 13

13)-

13

131313 $ )

2 131313

13

123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

13130$

13-$131313

131313(13

$$13131313

13 1313

124 Other Considerations

amp 1313

1313

1313$ 13 13

131313$1313 13

1313

13 Case 3 Interior 2x3 horizontal strapping

13 $

13$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

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)(ampamp13+$(amp

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

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13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

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13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

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13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 33 2x6 wall construction with interior strapping

131 Thermal Control

1313 1313131313

1313131313 amp

1313131313 1313

131313 13 13131313

1313 1313131313

1313 1313 1313131313

13131313 13

13 13131313$

131313 13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

$$

13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

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17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

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( 131313$1313$13

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1313131313 13

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) 13

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$13

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Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 34 Therm analysis of horizontally strapped wall

13$13-amp0)132amp 13$

3-1 1amp13 13

amp 13 13amp

Table 7 Calculated R-value of an interior horizontal strapped wall

132 Moisture Control

13

(1313$amp

$ 13)

-amp $$13 13$

$amp

13$ 13$

13 $amp

$

$1++ amp

$ $ 13

amp

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13$$++(amp

Building Science Corporation 1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

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13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

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$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

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(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

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Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

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13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

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amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

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-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

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CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13 13

133 Constructability and Cost

1313$

13 13

1313

134 Other Considerations

13

131313

13

14 Case 4 Double Stud

1313

131313

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

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$( $ (

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$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 35 Double stud wall

141 Thermal Control

13

1313) 13

)13

amp( 1313

13 13

1313

1313

13

13

131313

) 13

13 13

$ 13

1313

1313

1313$13

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

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(

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$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

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CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13$131313

-amp1313

1313 13$ 13131313

1313)13amp

)-0 13 13

amp13 1313$

13amp$1amp(13 13

-amp $

-+ 131313 amp

13$$

1313amp

Figure 36 Therm model of the double stud wall

Table 8 Calculated R-value of a double stud wall

142 Moisture Control

13131313

01313 13

amp13 $$13

1313 1313amp

131313$13

131313

13amp 0++ 13$-

1313$

13 13)-amp

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

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$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

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30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13

13)amp 13

13 1313

13

13

13(13$)- 13)amp

143 Constructability and Cost

13

amp 13

144 Other Considerations

13 13

131313

13 1313

15 Case 5 Truss Wall

1313

13 13131313

13 13 13

131313amp

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 37 Truss wall construction

151 Thermal Control

1313

13 13(

1313)1313

13 $)13)+

amp

13

1313

)-13

131313

13

13 $)

13 13

13131313

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

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$amp ( 13

$( $ (

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$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 38 Therm results of the truss wall

Table 9 Calculated R-value for truss wall

152 Moisture Control

13

1313

13 1313

13amp(

131313

13 13

1313

13$

13

13

13 13$13

13

13

1313

13

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

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$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

153 Constructability and Cost

13

13131313

13

13+($13

13

$ 13

154 Other Considerations

13 $$

1313amp

)

16 Case 6 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs)

131313

13 13$13 13

amp

Figure 39 SIPs wall construction

Building Science Corporation + wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

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1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

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$( $ (

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$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

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$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

161 Thermal Control

13 13

-)2)4+(4)4+(6)4+) 13

)13 $$

$2)6)

13 $ (

(( $

)

$1302( -

27( $ amp03)4 13

)$ amp02)5

-0( $)

amp $ (

$( ) $

amp 13$)

Figure 40 Therm results of SIPs panel analysis

Table 10 Calculated R-value for a Sips wall system

162 Moisture Control

13 $ $ amp

$ ) ( 13

amp

-1311) 13 $

)

Building Science Corporation 33 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

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$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

$($$

amp$$+$($

163 Constructability and Cost

$amp $$$$ $

()$$(($(

+amp

164 Other Considerations

()($$$((

$) $ $$

$)$amp$amp($

$)

$$)($amp

amp)ampamp13+$$$

)(ampamp13+$(amp

$

- +13amp()$)$

)($

17 Case 7 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

(amp($

$$$

$$$

amp)($$

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

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$( $ (

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$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

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0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

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=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

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-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

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CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 41 ICF wall construction

171 Thermal Control

1313

1313 1313

131313 (

+$)$13 13($

amp)$)

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

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9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

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+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

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279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

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CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 42 Nine inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

Figure 43 Fifteen inch foam ICF with five inches of EPS

13 13 1313

13 1313131313$13$1313

1313amp1313 13 1313

13131313$amp

172 Moisture Control

1313131313131313 13$amp131313

131313 13amp13

$ 13$1313$13ampamp

13 1313$1313131313

131313amp13

1313131313 13amp

173 Constructability and Cost

13131313 $1313$13$ 13

13 13$1313amp13$13

1313 amp13 13

13 13 1313$

13$13 13$131313

131313 1313 13$amp

174 Other Considerations

13 1313 131313$

13$$131313 1313 13

13amp131313$ 131313

1313 13amp13 131313

Building Science Corporation () wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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131313 1313 1313(13 13

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13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

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) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

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13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

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$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

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131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

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Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13 1313 13131313 1313 13 13

13 13 1313 13

131313 13131313131313

131313 1313 13 13 1313 13

131313131313 131313

13131313

18 Case 8 Advanced framing with spray foam

13 13 13131313131313

13131313131313 13$

13 $

Figure 44 2x6 wall construction with spray foam insulation

181 Thermal Control

13131313 1313131313 13131313131313

131313131313

Building Science Corporation amp( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

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1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

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amp$

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13

13 $amp13

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$ $ 13amp

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Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

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-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

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-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13amp13 1313$

13amp

0$+ $0

13$

$131313

13131313$1313

13-

Figure 45 Therm modeling of spray foam wall and rim joist

13 amp amp+1+

$+ amp

13-amp(1+)13

amp 131

amp

Table 11 Therm results of spray foam insulation analysis

182 Moisture Control

13 $

1313 13

131313

13

Building Science Corporation -1 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

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(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

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- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

1313 13 13

13 13 $ 13

131313 23

(+-)$

13 13

1313

13 (+)$

1313 13

1313 3

1313$

1313 13 13

13 1313$

(+) 13 13 1313+-

113 13 13 13

-1313+-$

183 Constructability and Cost

13 13 13 13

$13 13

1313 13 13$

184 Other Considerations

1313

$ 1313

13 1313$

19 Case 9 Hybrid Wall Insulation ndash Flash and Fill

13 $1313

1313 $13

131313$13 131313

13 13$

1313 13 0amp $

13 13

13$ 1313

13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

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(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

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- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

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+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 46 Hybrid wall construction with 2 spray foam and fibrous fill

191 Thermal Control

131313131313

13 1313 13

$amp $ amp 13

131313$(

13 13 13 13

1313

Building Science Corporation amp$ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 47 Therm analysis of hybrid wall system

Table 12 Calculated R-value for a hybrid wall system

192 Moisture Control

+ amp 13

$1313

13 $1313 $ 13

13

13 +(

131313

131313)13(

193 Constructability and Cost

13131313131313

13

1313

194 Other Considerations

1313

1313 1313

1313

Building Science Corporation -+ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

13 13

13

110 Case 10 Double Stud Wall with Spray Foam

amp 13 13

) 13 13

)13

amp 13 13

131313

13

13 131313

1313 13 1313 13

13

Figure 48 Double stud wall with 2 of spray foam and cellulose fill

1101 Thermal Control

$) 13

13(amp() $

13$

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 49 Therm analysis of double stud wall construction with spray foam

Table 13 Calculated whole wall R-value for a double stud wall system with 2rdquo spray foam

1102 Moisture Control

13 13 (13

13 13

13 1313 13

13 13

($$13(amp$$$13

13 1313 1313 13 13

13 13 13 $13 13

1313 amp+ 13

1313 amp1313 13

13 1313 amp

1313 13 13

1103 Constructability and Cost

13131313 13 13

13131313131313

Building Science Corporation )( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

1104 Other Considerations

13 13 13 1313

131313(13 131313 1313 13 amp

13 13 (

131313 1313 13 13 13 13

13 (

111 Case 11 Offset Frame Wall with Exterior Spray Foam

131313 1313 13 1313

13 13 13 13( 13 1313131313 131313

13 1313$ 13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13 13

$ 13 ( 1313 13 131313131313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13(

13 13 13 13 13(

1313 ( 1313 13 13

1313 (1313 13 13 13 1313

1313 13 13( 1313

13 13 13$13 -++13 13

131313 1313 1313(13 13

13 13 13 )13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

(

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 50 Offset frame wall construction with exterior spray foam

1111 Thermal Control

131313 13 1313131313

1313 131313

13 13 13131313

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

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$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 51 Therm analysis of an offset truss wall with exterior spray foam

Table 14 Calculated whole wall R-value for an offset framed wall with exterior spray foam

1112 Moisture Control

13

$ 13$

+amp13

+amp$

13 131313

1313 ()amp$13

13 13131313

1313$

1313

13

(-amp$

1113 Constructability and Cost

13 $13

1313 13 13 $

Building Science Corporation wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

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amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

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7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

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$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

$($( $$

$ $($$($$+

1114 Other Considerations

$$amp$(amp$+

( $ $(($$

ampamp$amp$+

amp$+13 $-

$$(($

112 Case 12 Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

$(- 13()+

$ $

amp$$+amp$

-016532443405amp(+

13$$$$+

(amp $

$amp(amp$(+

$$ampamp 13$ampamp$(

$amp(+($$

amp$$$ $()+

($amp$13$$

($$ 13($$+

Building Science Corporation 25 wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 52 Wall construction using the EIFS cladding system

1121 Thermal Control

1313 1313

1313 1313

1313 131313

13 13 $

Building Science Corporation amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Figure 53 Thermal analysis of an EIFS wall system

Table 15 Calculated whole wall R-value for a EIFS wall system with 4rdquo of EPS

1122 Moisture Control

1313131313131313

131313amp1313

13131313

131313amp

13131313131313

13 13 13+ 13amp 131313

1313131313 131313) amp

1123 Constructability and Cost

131313131313

131313amp1313131313amp

131313131313 1313 13

1313amp

1124 Other Considerations

131313131313amp 13

13131313 131313

13amp13$1313131313

1313131313amp 131313131313

131313131313amp

Building Science Corporation ( wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

D Conclusions

amp 1313

)- 13$13

13131313 1313

1313

Table 16 Summary of all calculated R-values

131313 amp

amp(

13amp 1313

13 ampamp(1313$

13amp) amp

amp13$ 13$

131313 amp )

( 131313$1313$13

amp+( 1313

13$1313$13

amp 13131313

1313131313 13

131313

13 $

) 13

131313$

$13

13

Building Science Corporation -) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Table 17 Hours of potential winter time air leakage condensation

13

) 1313amp$13

amp 13amp 13)

amp13amp$13

131313

13

1313

13

1313

Building Science Corporation (amp wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

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$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Table 18 Wall Comparison Chart

$$ 13$$13

$13

amp$

amp$13

1313

(

1313

$amp ( 13

$( $ (

13

$ 13 amp amp

13 13 amp

$13$1313$ 13$

amp

$ $13$ amp13 $13

13

13 $amp13

13$13 13

$ $ 13amp

amp

Building Science Corporation +) wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

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=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

1313

13

13 1313

13

131313 1313

Building Science Corporation $ wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

E Works Cited

9ADF8+amp+ 81$$=-amp-7gt9( amp00CAAI9

(8ltlt9-$amp+amp9lt-amp+lt(+lt+(ADF+amp+ 1$$

-amp-lt+ampC +1$$ -+lt+ M KCA -+9

(amp77amp - 9 2ampamp++

+amp$-$amp+913ampamp)327307CAAD9

9$$-+amp+ amp913ampamp 0CAAH9

(8ltlt9 9lt+ LL+ampL$19+(09

+amp77amp +amp19+amp$()-$$amp$900 ) $

0BJJF9

- amp79FA9amp($+(($amp amp+-$13+amp1$$9( amp7BJGE9

+amp17 amp7- 7 $$( $+7amp1213 -amp9 $$amp$

amp$-+8$amp+amp-ampampamp$$ $ampampamp

$$$+9( amp07CAAH9

+-79((0131D7CAAH9 (8ltlt91--9lt M D(A5-M ampamp$(

=++13 G7CAAJgt9

279amp+- -ampamp2-$ -+ $amp + -amp$amp+

$2amp9 (((ampampampamp7-( 1+CJ=CAAHgt8DBBDBC9

-++-7139979139amp713997137amp13913913ampampamp913267113$amp5113)

- ampamp amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAI9

3713999amp4(13)( ) $ amp amp

+ amp07amp8amp$+ -amp$amp7CAAG9

(+amp7$$7ampampampamp$9 1+$(+amp13+-$amp+9amp

7DBDCE913+amp7 8+-+17BJJJ9

9(amp -amp-7$+++-9(( amp( ampamp0-1CAAC9

(8ltlt9+(+9ltampamplt amp$ltamp09 MBGB=++ADBA7CAAJgt9

$7amp amp7amp amp-913amp )amp amp(amp0$7amp8

$amp$-amp+ amp97CAAG9

-7 amp7amp-amp9( ( amp(amp0+8-$ampamp++7

CAAF9

Building Science Corporation GF wwwbuildingsciencecom

30 Forest St Somerville MA 02143

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document

Building America Special Research Project High-R Walls Case Study Analysis

About this Report This report was prepared with the cooperation of the US Department of Energyrsquos Building America Program

Direct all correspondence to Building Science Corporation 30 Forest Street Somerville MA 02143

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

Building Science documents are intended for professionals The author and the publisher of this article have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind expressed or implied with regard to the information contained in this article

The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing If professional advice or other expert assistance is required the services of a competent professional shall be sought The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the information contained within this Building Science document