Wood-frame Above Grade Walls with Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing – Continuous Insulation
This part of the Design and Detailing guide is based on use of foam plastic insulating sheathing continuous insulation (FPIS-ci) on conventional or engineered wood frame walls that comply with the locally applicable building code. It provides a methodical step-by-step design decision-making sequence to result in an efficient exterior wood frame wall assembly with FPIS-ci.
The appropriate, code-compliant use of continuous insulation provides a means to meet or exceed energy code requirements while also protecting moisture-sensitive wood framing materials, particularly exterior sheathing materials like plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or gypsum sheathing. From an initial concept to a finished detail, the steps shown below provide an aid for compliance with relevant building code requirements and best practices related to the application of FPIS-ci on exterior wood-frame walls.
Follow the steps in sequence or click on the step that applies to your specific need:
- STEP 1 - Energy Code Compliance
- STEP 2 - Fire Safety Code Compliance
- STEP 3 - Moisture and Air Leakage Control Code Compliance
- STEP 4 - Cladding Connections
- STEP 5 - Other Considerations
Where “codes” are referred to in this guide, it should be taken to mean the locally adopted version of one of the following model codes unless otherwise indicated:
- International Building Code (IBC)
- International Residential Code (IRC)
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The FPIS-ci materials addressed in this guide are:
- EPS – expanded polystyrene per ASTM C578
- XPS – extruded polystyrene per ASTM C578
- PIC – polyisocyanurate per ASTM C1289