The Applied Building Technology Group has created a tool to help coordinate energy code thermal insulation compliance and building code water vapor control compliance for a proposed steel frame wall assembly on a commercial or residential building.

The Steel Frame Wall Thermal/Moisture Calculator performs the following two design checks for a user inputted wall assembly:

  • Computes the assembly U-factor and compares it to code minimum thermal performance requirements (maximum U-factors) found in the latest editions of the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1.
  • Conducts a water vapor control check as an aid to help determine if the proposed wall assembly also complies with minimum building code requirements associated with various interior vapor retarder options which are dependent on climate and other factors such as insulation amount and location.

The user is encouraged to confirm the suitability of this tool for the intended application, verify all outputs and recommendations, and seek professional advice as determined necessary.

GO TO CALCULATOR   FACTS SHEET: Moisture Control   QUICK GUIDE: Water Vapor Control   TAX INCENTIVES

Take a deep dive into our Steel Frame Wall Calculator, using specific examples to demonstrate how it helps coordinate energy code thermal insulation compliance and building code water vapor control compliance for a proposed steel frame wall assembly on a commercial or residential building. Then check out the calculator to do design checks on your own assemblies.