Using An External Wall Made Of Solid Concrete Under An Iecc?

The 2009 IECC defines mass walls as those made of concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete form (ICF), masonry cavity, brick, earth, adobe, and solid timber or logs. These walls are required to meet minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings, ensuring reductions in energy use and emissions. Penetrations through concrete foundation walls and slabs must be air sealed, and Class 1 vapor retarders should not be used as an air barrier on below-grade walls.

In Climate Zones 4 and 5, exterior insulation is required. Construction documents submitted with the application for permit must include the Completed COMcheck Envelope, Mechanical, and Lighting. Mass walls can be used as a component of the building thermal envelope, either above-ground or below-grade. Below-grade masonry walls typically use single-wythe wall construction, which can accommodate interior, integral, or exterior insulation. These wall coverings are vapor impermeable and increase the risk of condensation within the wall.

Exterior walls do not have any additional requirements given for insulation. The air barrier requirement is fully met by the solid concrete core of the ICF. In determining compliance with Table C402.1.4, the use of the U-factor of concrete masonry units with integral insulation shall be permitted.

Concrete block walls must comply with ASTM C 90, and ungrouted or below-grade walls must meet exterior insulation requirements for heated spaces. NCMA has conducted research showing that single coats of paint or block filler can reduce air leakage of a concrete masonry assembly below the required requirements. Insulation must be at least 50 on the exterior or integral to the wall to count.

How do you insulate solid walls externally?

External wall insulation is a process that involves adding a layer of insulating material to the outside walls of a building and coating it with a protective render or cladding. The depth of this layer can range from 50mm to 130mm, depending on the system used. This is particularly suitable for avoiding space loss, disruption of internal work, or for re-rendering. It is a specialist job that requires an approved contractor qualified to a specific insulation system. A Bristol homeowner shares their experience in a short video.

Do you insulate exterior concrete walls?

Applying continuous insulation to the outside face of a wall reduces thermal bridging and improves energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. This configuration also prevents condensation, keeping the concrete foundation wall at the same temperature as the interior air. However, there are two disadvantages to this configuration: the above-grade portion of the insulation requires protection, extending at least 6 inches, and the potential for insect infestation.

Insects may find their way through gaps between insulation panels if not properly taped and sealed. To avoid these issues, it is essential to properly tape and seal the joints to prevent insect infestation. Overall, installing insulation on the outside face of a foundation wall can offer several benefits.

How to insulate exterior walls from the outside?

Blown-in cellulose is a method of installing insulation from the exterior of a building. It involves the removal of the exterior siding, the drilling of holes into the sheathing, and the blowing-in of the cellulose. This method does not necessitate the dismantling of the building, but it does have the potential to disperse dust through vents and outlets. Furthermore, it is susceptible to shifts and settlements over time, which may result in gaps devoid of insulation.

Should I fill hollow concrete blocks?

Concrete hollow blocks are a durable alternative to solid blocks due to their reduced strength due to empty spaces. To enhance their strength, cement or rebar can be filled into the hollows. These blocks are eco-friendly due to their fewer materials, shorter curing times, and lighter transport. They also serve as excellent thermal insulators, helping a structure stay warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy consumption from artificial heating and cooling.

Do I need a vapor barrier on exterior wall insulation?

Building codes mandate the use of vapor barriers with insulation to improve indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. Building scientists recommend this method, as it protects against diffusion. Polyguard recommends a quality air barrier system to limit infiltration, exfiltration, and moisture accumulation in the building envelope. Contact Polyguard professionals for more information on when to use a vapor barrier with insulation.

Do you need a vapor barrier between concrete and insulation?

Moisture build-up in a basement is a common issue, and proper basement insulation, moisture barriers, and wall sealants can help prevent condensation and damage to the building. When building a new house or repairing a basement, it is most effective to run a moisture barrier directly in the structure. Place vapor barriers on foundation walls before installing posts and primary insulation. Proper use of basement insulation, moisture barriers, and wall sealants can keep the basement dry and safe.

Melt is always present in modern homes, including water in the ground, condensation, dampness, and moisture from stoves or showers. To waterproof a basement, more than just concrete is needed. Water vapor can pass through the concrete from the subsurface or indoor air, and can condense if it passes through walls, ceilings, or other obstructions. A vapor barrier is a material used to prevent water vapor from penetrating a wall, ceiling, or floor during cold winters.

The intelligent vapor barrier adapts to wick moisture away from the wall, regardless of humidity levels outside or inside the wall. Drywall or green foil is not resistant to moisture trapped in the barrier.

Do concrete block walls need a vapor barrier?

Moisture build-up in a basement is a common issue, and proper basement insulation, moisture barriers, and wall sealants can help prevent condensation and damage to the building. When building a new house or repairing a basement, it is most effective to run a moisture barrier directly in the structure. Place vapor barriers on foundation walls before installing posts and primary insulation. Proper use of basement insulation, moisture barriers, and wall sealants can keep the basement dry and safe.

Melt is always present in modern homes, including water in the ground, condensation, dampness, and moisture from stoves or showers. To waterproof a basement, more than just concrete is needed. Water vapor can pass through the concrete from the subsurface or indoor air, and can condense if it passes through walls, ceilings, or other obstructions. A vapor barrier is a material used to prevent water vapor from penetrating a wall, ceiling, or floor during cold winters.

The intelligent vapor barrier adapts to wick moisture away from the wall, regardless of humidity levels outside or inside the wall. Drywall or green foil is not resistant to moisture trapped in the barrier.

What is a mass wall in IECC?

A mass wall is defined as a wall with a heat capacity exceeding 7 Btu/ft² – °F or 5 Btu/ft² – °F, provided that the material unit weight is 120 lb/ft³ and the heat capacity is calculated by multiplying the material’s mass by its specific heat.

How do you insulate exterior concrete block walls?

The insulation of concrete block walls can be achieved through the use of spray or injection foam, which creates an air seal and thereby enhances the comfort and energy efficiency of the enclosed space. The two methods of installation differ in their respective approaches. The initial method entails the injection of insulation foam into the cores of concrete blocks, representing the most efficacious approach to insulation.

How do you insulate solid concrete walls?

Internal wall insulation is a cost-effective method of insulating walls, typically done by fitting rigid insulation boards or building a stud wall filled with insulation material like mineral wool fiber. It can reduce floor area, require removal and reattachment of skirting boards, door frames, and external fittings, and can be difficult to install heavy items. However, it is not recommended before addressing issues with penetrating or rising damp.

External wall insulation involves fixing a layer of insulation material to the wall and covering it with a special type of render or cladding. The finish can be smooth, textured, painted, tiled, panelled, pebble-dashed, or brick slips.

Is a concrete wall a mass wall?

This chapter defines a mass wall as an above-grade wall constructed from concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete form, masonry cavity, brick, earth, solid timber or logs, or any other wall with a heat capacity greater than that of the aforementioned materials.