Building America Case Study: Incorporating Thick Layers of Exterior Rigid Insulation on Walls

This measure guideline provides information regarding the design and construction of wall assemblies that are using thick layers of rigid exterior insulation (in excess of 1.5 inches) that require a secondary cladding attachment location exterior of the insulation to be provided. Current energy code requirements are beginning to use exterior rigid insulation as part of the prescriptive thermal resistance requirements. More and more buildings will need to incorporate exterior insulation. Specific information about the simple incorporation and detailing will continue to be developed to accommodate this need.