Reducing Thermal Bridging with Continuous Exterior Insulation

Course Overview

The desire to build more efficient buildings along with current energy codes has driven the construction industry toward new and modified construction practices over the past two decades. As buildings have become more efficient, the strategies for reducing energy consumption have become more detailed and increasingly complex. This course will take a look at how much of an effect thermal bridging has on energy efficiency, and then, review how Chapter 11 in the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) prescriptively requires the installation of continuous insulation in climate zone 6. The course will conclude by taking a look into installation details along with specific code requirements for compliance.

Learning Goals

What will you learn?

• Understand the fundamental thermodynamic principles that allow for thermal bridges to occur in light frame platform construction.
• Identify current construction methods and assemblies that aim to reduce the effect that thermal bridging has on the efficiency and affordability of housing.
• Understand the energy efficiency requirements for meeting the prescriptive path to the 2015 IECC and 2015 IRC Chapter 11 for insulating with exterior rigid foam.
• Understand how the added insulation changes the dynamic of the “building science” within the wall assembly. This includes the movement of the dew point based on R-values and cavity insulation and associated potential risks of having the dew point located within the wall cavity.

Available Continuing Education Credits

After watching the videos, completing knowledge checks, and passing a final assessment, you will be eligible for the following continuing education credits:

• 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour
• 1.0 PDH for licensed professional engineers in Pennsylvania
• 1.0 AIA LU|HSW
• 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)
• 1.0 NARI hour/CEU

Instructor

Christopher Hine
Associate Director of PHRC
Penn State College of Engineering

Who is this for?

• Architects, builders, engineers, remodelers, and other design professionals
• Code officials and government representatives
• Product manufacturers with a residential focus
• Educators focused on building trades and residential construction