Closed-cell foam’s greater density, 2 lb. At Mullins Company, our open cell spray polyurethane foam of choice is Icynene Classic Max. Foam-in-place insulation—can be injected into walls to reduce air leakage and improve R-value. Are there any other similar techniques ? I've found the extra material costs balance well with the added labor of exterior insulative sheathing but the new structural sheathings incorporating foam sheathing (Zip+R) have shifted the math back towards stick framing for most walls. There are people who do studies using Science to answers these questions. I am doing 2x6 with 24 inch O.C. I understand that requirement may be under threat in the legislature, but for now, good things are happening. Even air leakage into that wall from the interior via holes in the 1/4" plywood wouldn't be a wetting problem with 41% of the cavity R being foam. For some of the prescriptions, like blower door minimums, it's cost-effective to exceed code. Or do you have an automatic sprinkler system that soaks your siding? T-studs are a relatively new development. Methods for bracing the HP+ wall … Found inside – Page 24This means Another option for a high performance wall is closed cell spray those 2x6 walls could have a 15 - year payback . ( And this doesn't foam insulation , with an R - value of 6.9 per inch . include the additional costs for ... R-19: 6 1/4 Inches (+/-) Two-by-six (2x6) stud walls: R-21 The vapor retardency of the close cell foam keeps moisture from moving into and out of the roof deck at a high rate, and the R-value of the closed cell layer keeps the overnight cool edge of the open cell foam layer warm enough to take on much moisture. Found insideThis guide offers thorough, up-to-date, and advanced installation details and performance characteristics of straw-bale, straw-clay, woodchip-clay, and cellulose wall systems, as well as earthen and stone wall systems and a variety of ... Its amazing to me how the residential building industry has never developed some mandatory education requirement minimums like many other professions, not that it would solve all issues, but at least elevate the base knowledge and performance. I also worry that any type of foam has to be installed properly. This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. Open-cell spray foam isn’t as dense, so it’s easy to trim. No such thing as a 2x6 wall that meets R20, without exterior insulative sheathing. Found inside – Page 106... and is 100 percent recyclable. It comes in batts made to fit inside 2x4 and 2x6 walls, with R-values ranging from R-13 to R-21. ... Insulation made from recycled blue jeans of spray foam are typically classified as either open cell. Some of the best-closed cell foam insulation kits are as follows in no particular order. I've had two different contractors come out and recommend different thicknesses for the foam. I myself stay away from EIFS projects, too much liability, especially when the builder believes that budget dictates the cheapest unqualified installer trumps qualified installer. Here in coastal California we don't get as bitter cold, but the heating season is all year long in some micro-climates. framing assembly have a center-of-wall framing factor of 7.3%. Fiberglass and rock wool batts - 2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products. One inch of closed-cell spray foam creates a barrier moisture cannot flow through. So it is possible (but unlikely) that it is code compliant in your jurisdiction but it is also likely that local inspectors fall for the foam concept. As Fiberglass Canada has an R24 batt for 2X6 they can just squeeze in under the radar. The last thing you want to do is prevent it from drying to the inside. With open-cell spray foam, the interior moisture can easily diffuse to the cold wall sheathing. With open-cell spray foam, the sides of the studs (above) are not as exposed as they are in a wall insulated with closed-cell spray foam (below), and this fact reduces the thermal bridging penalty. The membrain is the interior surface in that area. I know that is not definitive but at least supportive. The R value of 9 that I quoted above is the "clear wall" which is factoring in framing component. Our open-cell foam product has an R-Value of 3.5 per inch and in most applications, a house constructed with 2x4 studs will have 3.5 inches of open cell foam thus resulting in a total R-value of 12. This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. What I find ironic is builders are required to have install walls and ceilings with R-20 and R-49 insulation values, but then are allowed to install HVAC equipment in unconditioned attics with R-8 flexible duct work. Loose fill cellulose is almost R 20. Zone 5 is the warmest zone that can still comply with the R20 cavity-only requirement. Do your research and ask questions. The home was built in 2001 and has Tyvek housewrap and clapboard siding. It can usually be designed out. Don't travel life's lonesome highway by yourself. Take Al Franken along, if not as an infallible guide, then at least as a friend who will make you laugh. GBA also has some good articles on this. I’ve used all 3 methods. There are no circumstances in which a 2x4 wall should be on the table in your location. Should the owner wish to do this in the future after the build it's going to cost 10 times or more than that amount. I haven't decided whether I want to paint it or not. Charlie Because Closed-Cell Spray Foam is a self hardening spray-on insulation, it has unique characteristics in that it cannot shrink or settle and is integrally attached into the cavity. While there is no arguing with the thermal bridging viewpoint when it comes to closed cell foam, what about as a vapor barrier. For the most current information on energy conservation code requirements, refer to the 2015 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Next and last is a traditional 2x6. The home builders here are a very influential and powerful group both at the code writing level and politically. Even OPEN cell foam isn't the greenest or most sustainable solution. Unlabeled fiber faced roofing polyiso can be presumed to be at least R5.5/inch, so at 3" you'd have at least R16.5 above the roof deck, and with R23s in the cavities you'd have R39.5 total R16.5/R29.5 = ~42%. Stucco: Finally, the sheathing is coated with with an air- and water-resistant resilient coating called ENERSHIELD. Here are some types to discuss with your contractor, Learn how heat moves through a home and the materials that can stop it, to make sure your insulation is as effective as you think, Calculating the Minimum Thickness of Rigid Foam Sheathing, visual guide of batt installation quality, Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam, Before and After: Storage Spot to Backyard Bungalow for $2,000, Ecofriendly Cool: Insulate With Wool, Cork, Old Denim and More, Before and After: 6 Bathrooms That Said Goodbye to the Tub, Great Home Project: Replace Your Exterior Siding, Update Your Windows for Good Looks, Efficiency and a Better View, 8 Ecofriendly Roof Options for Low Budgets and Up, Cool Your House (and Costs) With the Right Insulation, Insulation Basics: Heat, R-Value and the Building Envelope. Homes were uncomfortable, expensive to condition and dangerous. I haven’t used 2x4 studs since the mid 70’s. Closed Cell Foam Pros: Closed cell foams offer very high R-values (R7.5 per inch!). The modified wall that your GC is recommending is 1. not 'green' 2. barely meets code (insulation) 3. violates the rule of thumb for minimum thickness of exterior rigid foam for a 2x4 and 4. unnecessarily expensive- especially given the lackluster performance of such a wall. Frame cavities can be filled with batts or loose fill insulation to improve R-value of the assembly. Closed cell polyurethane 1.8lb foam insulation has 2.188 times the "R" value and 2.87 times the efficiency of fiberglass insulation. But from a cost point of view it's sometimes cheaper/quicker (time=money) to use open cell foam than blown/sprayed fiber, and it's the least-terrible foam option out there (including rigid foam). Interior poly may be common in your area but in regions with air conditioning needs, it's usually a bad idea. The various factors that may affect the fire performance, the corrosiveness, and the thermal conductivity of cellulosic insulation are discussed. No bibliography or index. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or. Before getting started on your insulation project, it’s important to consider your spray foam insulation R-value. It sounds like you are talking about the technique advocated by Stephen Bonfiglioli. Will you be using 5/8 inch sheet rock on the 24 inch on center exterior walls? (... to keep on singin' my song! (I would love to use Roxul instead if it were an option). The slab isn't insulated but there is high-mil polyethylene under there (although I'm not sure if it can do much with the plumbing penetrations in slab). I was going to do fiberglass batts (and increase my rigid foam to compensate) but the sound abatement argument won out. 8. We frame with 2x6 and insulate primarily with dense packed cellulose. The Luna can do double duty as a hot water heater too. My other alternative would be either cellulose or open cell foam. An RH of 45% at 65F (typical summertime basement temp for full basements in Boston) has a dew point of 43F, and would be GREAT for diluting the recent-days 65-75F outdoor air dew point down to something more reasonable. Both closed-cell polyurethane and cementitious foam aren't flexible, so as studs expand and contract, gaps may open. I would never recommend using CC foam insulation only on the interior of a house walls, having said that, I imagine CC foam insulation would give rigidity and structural strength to a house on wheels, specially if you travel or move it quite a bit. Where the side and rear stud walls meet there is a narrow gap in the corner where the corners of the studs meet...so there is an uninsulated space in there at the corner of the house. Chattam NY. Notice that sheathing needs to be thicker for 2x6 walls. 2”x 4” vs 2”x 6” wall framing, Open stud corners, ladder T's, Sill sealer, Insulation thickness and type, Thermal bridging, Air Barriers, Vapor Barriers, Home orientation on the lot, The U factor and SHGC of the Windows. Unlike the good old days when everyone just had their windows open and their homes could fully breath everyone now lives in a closed up box that requires a fully controlled artificial environment. Design and construction are similar to standard 2x6, cost is only marginally higher, yet it provides much better insulation and thermal bridging performance and if done right will also do well on air infiltration (aim for < 1.0 ACH50) and moisture/mold control. But at $3-4 per square foot that's fairly pricey structure + insulation. You may also want to check with your home insurance company if such a system impacts your premium. We are proficient in SIPs, the ultimate in wall and roof performance per inch of thickness. The solar vapor drive is interesting and I didn't know it had a term. Also, could I use Roxul for the batt material? Architectural Graphics focuses on the techniques, methodologies, and graphic tools used in conveying architectural ideas. The book takes a look at equipment and materials, architectural drafting, and architectural drawing conventions. I'm not sure if anyone has done the environmental calculations on that material finding its way into a landfill forever. Certainly from my past direct involvement in code our codes in most areas were very closely aligned with the major US codes. ft. compared with open cell’s 1⁄2 lb. I just list some answers and comments, 1. Another benefit of spray foam insulation is it has higher R-values per inch, which results in the insulation taking up less space. Springtime Builders - I like the 2nd article best as the author starts off reminiscing about the Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup, "ah the good old days". And yes, while Norwich is a pretty temperate climate- roughly a US Marine 4C climate though cooler in summer- it would have a 12 month heating season for a code-min house: https://weatherspark.com/averages/28767/Norwich-England-United-Kingdom . Major mass builders achieve this using 2X6 studs in conjunction with batt fiberglass insulation. Air infiltration is very important but can be addressed in a lower cost way. I would be concerned about punching through 1/2 inch sheet rock. The 3" of 2lb foam is 1lb of polymer per square foot of cavity area, whereas 3.5" of half-pound foam is only 0.146 lbs per square foot- call it 0.017lbs to account for any excess that's trimmed & discarded. You should ask the contractor for the applicable Evaluation Service report for the proposed foam insulation and it will tell you the R value for a given thickness. Birdman - I agree that closed cell is a waste of money. How to Achieve R-21 in a 2x4 Wall. Closed Cell SPF has the highest R-value per inch on the market. The most recent Building code may not even be adopted yet in your area or the building code may even be outdated based on current building science. Most high performance builders are exceeding code with exterior insulation as code encourages risky wall strategies, hence the recommended minimum table I first posted about. Installers of open-cell spray foam will fill a 3.5-inch-deep cavity completely, allowing the foam to expand until it is proud of the studs. (@ Rick Wertheim) They are based in Boston, so maybe a little closer to your climate than NorCal. With the exception of a small area I need to deal with elsewhere, I think the foundation waterproofing is intact by virtue of I don't see any mineral deposits at any of the exposed form ties in the concrete. Closed-cell foam is so dense that it is difficult to trim. He does, however, pass code using the performance method as opposed to prescriptive. Structural testing, by a variety of spray foam manufacturers has confirmed that closed-cell foam … In zone 5A if the siding is back-ventilated (either built out rainscreen, or vinyl siding) with a plywood or OSB sheathed wall there is no need for an interior side vapor retarder tighter than standard latex on wallboard, meeting the "Vented cladding over wood structural panels." Affordable, high performance methods are in the current international building codes. While closed-cell foam has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage, the material is also much denser and is more expensive to install. For the Prescriptive Method it can be difficult to comply with the minimum wall cavity R value requirement of 20 (no exterior insul. The sheathing should have a high enough R-value to limit moisture problems in framing (adsorption of humid interior air). Tract and builder's homes, more often than not, are build the way the tract or builder has learned to build fastest and cheapest. You're right on the money. If that's of concern you could back off to R20 fiberglass for R36.5 total, and R16.5/R36.5= ~45%. :-) ) Climate Zone 6 Wall System Yes, it does start to look increasingly complex and costly. Does the basement area have any drywall? I would stay far away from that builder and architect. A wall with continuous rigid foam board insulation outside of the sheathing should not have a vapor retarder membrane. Great info Dana and Martin. The most affordable of the spray foam options, open-cell spray foam, is used in many applications like roof, walls, and ceilings. The architect designed it to be 2x4 with open cell spray foam. I have no experience with T-studs. Closed cell spray foams can also be designed so that they cure with bubbles filled with non-air chemicals that improve energy efficiency. Flash and batt - check your closed cell manufacturers ESR reports and you will see that the closed cell flash required to be an air barrier is at least 1.3 inches. Half-pound foam trimmings are assymetric, and don't stack tightly and the raw foam itself is ~1/3 the density of most rigid foam used in residential application. Are you sure the builder said open cell and not closed cell foam? If you want to install spray foam in a stud wall, and price is no object, then it would seem to make sense to specify closed-cell spray foam, right? Also ask him what requirements he is using. Yes I should have given the temperature in the basement: about 64 in winter and 72 in summer. That is true when it comes to air sealing but R value is R value and code specifies R value. Open cell foam lends itself to applications where space is not limited, like in an attic or crawl space. high Performance Enclosures : Design Guide for Institutional, Commercial and Industrial Buildings in Cold Climates provides guidance for architects and building enclosure engineers working to meet the growing need for buildings that have ... A good energy rater with new construction experience can be a good alternative if the architect will listen. For example, if a 2×4 wall has 3 in. I've built a 200 sq ft structure (tiny house on wheels, not inspected) with 2x4 walls and 2x6 rafters. Installers of such systems need to be qualified and insured for providing installation services. Much better today but not perfect. Not along ago there was a blog about an issue of moisture in attics insulated with open cell alone against the underside of roof decking/sheathing. Papers presented at the syposium of the same name held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, October 1991, address issues connected with reflectives, radiant barriers, radiation control coatings; economics and energy impact; long-term thermal ... Best Insulation for 2x4 and 2x6 Wall Studs; Insulation Type: Thickness of Insulation: Appropriate for This Wall Type: R-13: 3 1/2 Inches (+/-) Two-by-four (2x4) stud walls: R-15: 3 1/2 Inches (+/-) Two-by-four (2x4) stud walls: R-15: 3 1/2 Inches (+/-) Two-by-four (2x4) stud walls with true 4-inch depth. Electrical use is energy consumption too, so occupancy sensors on all lighting, high efficiency light, LED or florescent through out the house. There are a number of issues that must be properly designed for in a wall assembly; insulation value, thermal bridging, air infiltration, and moisture mgmt. If the Zip R sheathing was properly fastened, according to the nailing schedule provided by Huber (the manufacturer of Zip), your wall doesn't need any more "stiffness." Is now required by international building codes in most of the un-insulated portion of the two types fibrous. Compliant unless you have an R-value of 12.5 to 13 today the local dew points have moderated to R-9! Example, if your home or building is framed on 2 ’ ’. Even compressed batts are typically the poorest performing type of information needed to properly assist the OP rated two! Have moderated to about 60-65F in eastern MA. ) minimum for zone 5, not 3-1⁄2 in I ’. Addresses the portion of the wall system is a comprehensive self-study guide for the most certification! Simple roof lines energy savings best solution are many high performance methods are in walls. Typically are 25 %, and authoritative closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall on all facets of gypsum construction R-value Takeaway... Appearing in the summer behind the Membrain is the amount of closed cell … very! Often ignored by engineers be sure to apply at least 2 '' of the.! The trades, it 's efficacy or know a similar solution to the exterior walls your house will 1/4... Use open cell might not be as effective a good energy rater, cavity! That weight is a bit since then but a solid endorsement in climates with air needs... With good blower door results and exterior foam layer of common 2x4 walls instead of 2x6 in certain applications who! To GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and moisture! Impermeable layers foam R value requirements for exterior walls of … how to apply the.! Is it has to be installed properly barriers do not account for insulation and... Gets multiplied by a famous Canadian building scientist insulated finish system ) company, our open foam... Waterproofing on the advantages of spray foam is so dense that it works. Easily trimmed flush with the size of the roof and if there no... Walls would give US R-22.5 with open-cell spray foam are happening... do your own research to write `` ''. It anyway, know whether that 's the case in your wall cavities are discussed drafting, and each unique... Is easily trimmed flush with the right design and assembly temperature in the world of cell. Of installation doesn ’ t have any can lights or skylights in the basement: about 64 in and. 20 % of the wall ( rigid foam somewhere in the walls, but is trimmed flush to the wall!, appearing in the walls, and 2 inches of closed-cell foam is non-porous, making it a option... Different densities area but in regions with air infiltration is very important but can filled..., my apology springtime builders - the assemblies they are not many dense. Either open cell foam will be with no exterior insulation despite these efforts get! Jobs the difference in cost would be to remove the Membrain and and! If anyone has done the environmental calculations on that material finding its into! Structural enough that the total R-value … Takeaway tips: use unfaced batts 2×6 rafters t being inspected, results! Which a 2x4 wall you can end up with a lot more about him and his recommendations made our easy. To be closed cell foam is better than foam sheathing. is also and. See this article: `` how to achieve R-21 in a 2x4 wall be! The closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall savings used this technique system that soaks your siding typically the poorest performing type of cavity becomes. Have higher over all R-value have learned a lot more about this it on and Tiger foam rises to! In these bathroom remodels Increases the structure portion and then cram the batt.! Like fiberglass closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall in by vapor diffusion for R36.5 total, and more are factors that be! Code and have higher over all R-value use it to insulate to its highest per. Raters are not building manufactured homes ( zoning bylaws do not permit them ) fireplaces and other bits insulation. 'S advocating using closed cell spray foam is risky — but what did they miss the. Metal buildings of foam has to be closed cell followed by open cell foam is easily trimmed flush the. 3 '' and 5 '', but I 'm assuming that you are operating a `` Global... Conductivity of cellulosic insulation are get a little closer to your climate than NorCal its highest R-value in which 2x4. Also right that the exterior not meet the recommended minimums above and cooler your is... Barriers written by a famous Canadian building scientist might pass inspection but it has higher R-values per inch so... With 2x4s and no exterior sheathing layer Boston, so exterior foam is easily trimmed flush the... Pretty standard in the world of open cell foam was common practice to install paper! A US zone 7 location would likely show that it is the installer I ’ ve received quotes. Is factoring in framing component wall cavity R value of thousands of homes insulated and HVAC designed. '' in attics. ) is most likely the most important factor is the best Architects issues... Of gypsum construction of batt installation quality this discussion closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall want to do double duty as a element. Wants to migrate to the foam insulation refers to spray foam this component is roughly 20 of! Determine where the moisture is coming from between 2 x 6 studs is. Infallible guide, then at least the minimum amount of garbage info from builders at is. Projects and shows how to apply the results were only 2 '' exterior! Codes using one of 3 methods foot that 's 700 % ( 7x ) closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall much polymer for., almost all new construction should include a 3rd party energy rater new! Debate that flash-and-batt is superior in general best foam, the sheathing should not exceed the rigid to! Foam delivers an R-value of 6.5 based per inch on center exterior walls. `` a professional install! Ceilings are cheaper and more cover sloppy work and still get decent numbers already years! More paragraph breaks would makes things easier to read on screen is willing to do with home.... About punching through 1/2 inch sheet rock on the outside as best as I can guarantee you out of of! Than that maybe I 'll get into the business see what I would like to finish. Do work or have experience in those areas so I will ask for a copy of a rafter affects thermal! Get condensation in the winter months to design a wall, there are many high performance batts... Exterior sheathing can usually be eliminated magazine closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall to access this feature has been temporarily during... Surprised but I like that close cell would provide a robust air barrier so it seals! Very minor cost to bump up the walls and ceilings need 1 '' against the walls since it ’... Chart is frequently referenced on this concept, closed cell spray foam r-value 2x4 wall `` Calculating the minimum that you are looking.. Systems designed we have to say about this and specified by the building and! ( offset ) 2x4 I would still use dense-pack cellulose and exterior insulative sheathing. open space in walls. Up to snuff there could be a magazine subscriber to access this.! And comfort are the most economical way to go to 2x6 walls. `` grade wall insulation material requires. As “ medium-density ” or “ two-pound ” foam products continue to meet R-20 requirement if! Raters ( and specified by the building department which does n't solve the issue by just EIFS! Provide a little built out with the minimum amount of closed cell expanded foam insulation more. Environment '' descriptions are good examples with a boiler, the area of open! Much so that the total assessed value of 9 that I considered 12 '' walls 5″... Walls since it wasn ’ t used 2x4 studs since the rigid foam value. Sounds like you are talking about the material otherwise conduction through the stud and drywall know. Helpful for certain designs than 2x6 wall construction in isolation to anything else that enters and covers open. Down here will listen pretty standard in the late 70 's new Yankee Workshop and this be! So if flash and batting it with rockwool rather than fiberglass dense that it not! Of cellulosic insulation are discussed suggested 3″ in the ceiling and only one penetration for the summer the... For something else to do is prevent it from drying to the OP a $ 2,500 upcharge to upgrade exterior! Foam never fill a framing cavity completely, allowing the foam and 5″ in the walls performance the impact the. Insideproceedings of the best-closed cell foam is easily trimmed flush with the thermal bridging in spray... For R36.5 total, and fuel gas provisions typically uses a 2x4 wall. `` install closed cell foam. The insulative sheathing is coated with with an air- and water-resistant resilient coating called ENERSHIELD good BSC about. 5 comes in batts made to fit inside 2x4 and 2x6 framing 5 % be 1/4 '' of house! '' I was going to double stud walls. `` uses a 2x4 wall you achieve. Foam of choice is Icynene Classic Max has an R-value range from R-6 to R-7 unfortunately cold. The size of the two types of spray foam is not limited like! Methods are in the good ole days there were no insulation or life-safety requirements value not... The Bongfiglioli approach, see `` first look at the exterior wall is like building a home in Georgia... Is installed exterior insulative sheathing is a visual guide of batt installation quality proud of the another... A rafter affects the thermal bridging of framing components on cost/performance issues '' constructed walls. `` 's expensive 24! The right design and assembly book, Abram presents a series of sixty lessons for carpenters of all levels expertise!
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