Abstract
IBACOS, in collaboration with GreenHomes America, was contracted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to research exterior wall insulation solutions. This research investigated cost-effective deep energy retrofit (DER) solutions for improving the building shell exterior while achieving a cost-reduction goal, including reduced labor costs to reach a 50/50 split between material and labor. The strategies included exterior wall insulation plus energy upgrades as needed in the attic, mechanical and ventilation systems, and basement band joist, walls, and floors. The work can be integrated with other home improvements such as siding or window replacement. This strategy minimizes physical connections to existing wall studs, encapsulates existing siding materials (including lead paint) with spray foam, and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying. GreenHomes America applied construction details created by IBACOS to a test home. 2x4 framing members were attached to the wall at band joists and top plates using 'L' clips, with spray foam insulating the wall after framing was installed. Windows were installed simultaneously with the framing, including extension jambs. The use of clips in specific areas provided the best strength potential, and 'picture framing' the spray foam held the 2x4s in place. Short-term testing was performed at this house, with monitoring equipment installed for long-term testing. Testing measurements will be provided in a later report, as well as utility impact (before and after), costs (labor and materials), construction time, standard specifications, and analysis for the exterior wall insulation strategy.
Original language | American English |
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Number of pages | 71 |
State | Published - 2014 |
Bibliographical note
Work performed by IBACOS, Inc., Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaNREL Publication Number
- NREL/SR-5500-61519
Other Report Number
- DOE/GO-102014-4399
Keywords
- Building America
- cold climate
- deep energy enclosure retrofits (DER)
- energy retrofits
- existing homes
- exterior wall insulation
- Greenhomes America
- IBACOS
- insulation
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- residential
- residential buildings
- spray foam
- stand-off furring
- window installation