Tempo:
As the spaces between the studs are not interrupted by wall plates (as they would be in platform framing), fire blocks are required at floor and ceiling levels to eliminate continuous concealed spaces in the wall. Lumber blocking 38 mm (11⁄2 in.) thick is commonly used for this purpose. Fire blocking is not required where a wall space is filled with insulation.
reduce thermal bridging caused by the framing. Thermal bridging occurs when thermally conductive materials such as wood framing conduct heat through the building envelope, thereby bypassing the insulation in the framing cavity, and can considerably reduce the thermal resistance of a wall assembly.
HIGHLY INSULATED WALLS
STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS (SIPS)
Consider building exterior walls with higher insulation levels than those required by the building code to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption and improve comfort (see Figure 19 on p. 283). Double-frame walls have been used successfully in cold climates and where the owners want highly energy-efficient construction. Rigid insulation applied over the exterior of the wall framing will increase the thermal resistance of the walls and
Structural insulated panels consisting of an outer and inner layer of plywood or OSB bonded to a polystyrene insulation core provide both structural rigidity and high insulation levels. As most studs in the wall assembly have been eliminated, SIPs have negligible thermal bridging. The joints between SIP panels should be “tongue and groove” and sealed with caulking to prevent air leakage (Figure 75).
75 Structural insulated panel system (SIPS) top plate splices
corner connection
rough opening
header panel
reduce thermal bridging caused by the framing. Thermal bridging occurs when thermally conductive materials such as wood framing conduct heat through the building envelope, thereby bypassing the insulation in the framing cavity, and can considerably reduce the thermal resistance of a wall assembly.
HIGHLY INSULATED WALLS
STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS (SIPS)
Consider building exterior walls with higher insulation levels than those required by the building code to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption and improve comfort (see Figure 19 on p. 283). Double-frame walls have been used successfully in cold climates and where the owners want highly energy-efficient construction. Rigid insulation applied over the exterior of the wall framing will increase the thermal resistance of the walls and
Structural insulated panels consisting of an outer and inner layer of plywood or OSB bonded to a polystyrene insulation core provide both structural rigidity and high insulation levels. As most studs in the wall assembly have been eliminated, SIPs have negligible thermal bridging. The joints between SIP panels should be “tongue and groove” and sealed with caulking to prevent air leakage (Figure 75).
75 Structural insulated panel system (SIPS) top plate splices
corner connection
rough opening
header panel
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