 |
|
|
Designs That Work
|
 Figure 1 |
-
Air
sealing details at transitions – Air sealing can be particularly
difficult, but no less important, at assembly transitions such as
top-of-wall/roof assembly junctions, band joists, and between attached
garages and living spaces. These three are discussed below because they
have proven to be a consistent challenge for builders.
- Top-of-wall/roof assembly junction – The continuity of an exterior air barrier can be maintained at this junction if the air barrier material (foam insulation or stucco cladding, for example) is used continuously for the wall, soffit, and fascia. The continuity of an interior air barrier can be maintained through a combination of cut foam blocks and sealant/caulk, or spray foam. Note that neither cellulose nor fiberglass (batt or blown) can be used for the air barrier.
- Band joists – Continuity of an exterior air barrier can be maintained at the band joist with sealed or taped housewrap or rigid foam insulation. Continuity of an interior air barrier can be maintained through a combination of cut foam blocks and sealant/caulk, or spray foam. Note that neither cellulose nor fiberglass (batt or blown) can be used for the air barrier. The air barrier detail on second-story band joists is important because it is inaccessible (covered by structural/finish floor and ceiling finish) after construction. The air barrier/thermal envelope detail is important on ground floor band joists because of the thermal bridge that can occur at the top of crawlspace foundation walls (as the result of the air barrier and thermal envelope moving from the outside to the inside of the building enclosure and termite inspection zones located at the top of crawlspace foundation walls). Note that while fiberglass batts fulfill the requirement for protection from ignition in the open band joists, fiberglass batt material by itself cannot maintain the air barrier.
- Attached garages – The building enclosure surfaces shared between conditioned space and an unconditioned garage must have a continuous air barrier. See Figure 1 for details in terms of using sealants and rigid insulation to create a continuous air barrier between the attached garage and living space. Refer to Air Sealing Details.
- Drying mechanisms - In any climate, vapor control is based on
the relationships among the following: the permeability of wall
components, the type of cladding (reservoir or non-reservoir), the
presence/lack/nature of an air space, and the magnitude/duration of the
vapor drive (based on the relationship between the exterior and interior
moisture content and temperature differences). The type of sheathing and
housewrap used in any wall assembly must be based on an understanding of
these inter-relationships. See “Insulations,
Sheathings, and Vapor Diffusion Retarders” for more information.
Since both the wall and roof assemblies in this building profile have a vapor retarder or vapor barrier on the exterior, high vapor permeability of the interior sheathing and finish (gypsum wallboard and latex paint) are necessary to facilitate the drying of the wall assembly to the interior. -
Drainage plane, air barrier, and vapor control - In this wall
assembly, the 3/8" extruded polystyrene (XPS) fan-fold rigid insulation is
acting as the drainage plane (as well as providing a contribution to the
thermal barrier). While the XPS does function as a secondary air barrier,
the primary air barrier is the interior gypsum board installed using the
Airtight Drywall Approach. Note that on the second floor cantilever, there
is both an interior and an exterior air barrier. Sealing the joints
between sections of the fiber cement soffit is difficult, so blocking is
installed and sealed between the floor joists directly above the top plate
of the first floor wall.
The one-inch air space vented top and bottom by the open head joints provides a mechanism for controlling solar-driven moisture from the brick veneer (a reservoir cladding) as does the 3/8" XPS fan-fold rigid insulation by acting as a vapor barrier and draining condensed moisture. For more information on the phenomenon of solar-driven moisture and reservoir claddings, click here. See Field Experience Notes for more information on this sheathing and Material Compatibility and Substitutions if you are not using this sheathing material. - Window flashing – Window flashing details are wall assembly or cladding specific. See Figures 2a and 2b or refer to the EEBA Water Management Guide.
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
- Advanced framing - An important element of high performance wood-frame construction is an advanced framing package, in this case including cross bracing or some alternative for shear resistance. For more detailed information on advanced framing techniques, see Advanced Framing Techniques.
- Framing on slabs – Installing a capillary break between the sill plate and a concrete slab on all walls—exterior, interior, partition—is good practice. A closed cell foam sill sealer or gasket works well. Alternatively, a strip of sheet polyethylene can be used. This isolates the framing from any source of moisture that may be either in or on the concrete slab (and using sill sealer on all walls maintains wall height exactly the same).
- Soil gas ventilation - The sub-slab to roof vent system handles conditions that are difficult if not impossible to assess prior to completion of the structure — confined concentrations of air-borne radon, soil treatments (termiticides, pesticides) methane, etc. The cost of this "ounce" of prevention is well balanced against the cost of the "pound" of cure. Note that this system is a passive system that can easily be converted to an active ventilation system by installing an in-line fan in the stack in the attic.
- Thermal barrier – In this climate, moisture control does not require specific levels of insulation. Inside/outside temperature differences do not require cavity-warming exterior rigid insulation to control wintertime condensing surface temperatures. Having said this, insulating sheathing in general is a good idea. We recommend full cavity fill in the walls, but the 2X6 framing is more about advanced framing than the depth of cavity insulation that can be achieved. The R-22 cellulose or R-30 batts in the conditioned attic have proven to be adequate to provide interior conditions for enhanced HVAC equipment durability and duct performance when they are located in the attic. Note that the cellulose netting or fiberglass batt supports create the insulation “belly” and accommodate cavity fill depth that exceeds the depth of the truss top chord.
- Sub-slab stone bed - The four-inch deep 3/4" stone bed functions as a granular capillary break, a drainage pad, and a sub-slab air pressure field extender for the soil gas ventilation system. The sub-slab stone bed is a practical method for venting soil gas should to be necessary.
- Fibercement siding - Fibercement siding should not be backprimed to allow continued drying of the moisture of manufacturing. To enhance this and long-term drying potential for this cladding, an air space (furring strips or spacer mesh) should be located just interior to the cladding. And as with any exterior wall cladding with wood content, all cut edges should be primed prior to installation.
Climate Specific Details
- Termite management - In hot-humid climates, termites are best
managed with a three-pronged approach that deals with the three things
termites need - cover from sunlight, moisture, and food (wood or paper):
- Reduced cover - Keep plantings 3 feet away from the building perimeter, thin the ground cover (wood mulch or pea stone) to no more than two inches depth for the first 18 inches around the building, and maintain any termite inspection zone on the exterior of the foundation.
- Moisture control - Maintain slope away from building as shown, carry roof load of water at least three feet away from building, and make sure that irrigation is directed away from the building.
- Chemical treatment - Use an environmentally-appropriate soil treatment (such as Termidor®) and a building materials treatment (such as Bora-Care®) for termite-prone near-grade wood materials.
- Inter-relationship of first three points – Since a builder and a homeowner’s ability to employ or stick to each of the three strategies above will vary, make sure that an inability to fully employ one strategy is compensated for by complete rigor with the others. For example, if for some reason, chemical treatment of soil or building materials is not an option, then complete rigor in moisture control and ground cover is required.
- Asphalt shingles and a roofing vapor barrier – Solar-driven
moisture through standard roofing papers under asphalt shingles requires
that a vapor impermeable roofing underlayment be installed between the
asphalt shingles and the structural roof deck. See the
Building Materials Property Table for
suitable materials. For an in-depth discussion of the phenomenon of
solar-driven moisture in hot-humid climates in roof assemblies, go to
Unvented Roofs.
Figure 3 - Conditioned attics – This assembly may require discussion with the local building code official. See Building Science's Unvented Roof Summary Article for assistance.
- Mechanical systems - The key elements of a system for this climate are:
- Sealed combustion gas furnace - for energy efficiency and health/safety with the unit inside conditioned space.
- Minimum 12 SEER AC unit - for energy efficient management of sensible load.
- Central-fan-integrated supply ventilation - this system is simple, effective, and economical. It provides fresh, filtered, outside air in a controlled amount using the existing HVAC delivery system for even distribution and mixing. Set-up intermittent central-fan-integrated supply, designed to ASHRAE 62.2P rate, with fan cycling control set to operate the central air handler as much as 33% of the time, but not less than 25% of the time, occurring within at least every three hours to provide ventilation air distribution and whole-house averaging of air quality and comfort conditions ($125 to $150). Include a normally closed motorized damper in the outside air duct with the AirCycler™ FRV control (+$50 to $60). See “Air Distribution Fan And Outside Air Damper Recycling Control" for more detailed information.
- Supplemental dehumidification - All homes in this climate call for supplemental dehumidification; the reduced sensible load of high performance homes reduces the dehumidification the AC unit provides, extends shoulder seasons, and raises the impact of occupant-generated moisture. There are a number of different ways to accomplish supplemental dehumidification with varying costs and performance advantages (For a detailed discussion see Supplemental Dehumidification.) Described below is one low-cost yet effective approach and one more costly but higher performance/systems-engineered approach:
1. Ducted stand-alone dehumidifier: This system is a "site-constructed" and consists of an off-the-shelf standard dehumidifier ducted in the attic and controlled by a dehumidistat located in the living space. This arrangement of individual components has proven to be an effective and economical system for the production home building setting. The installed cost ranges from approximately $350 to $550. The system is comprised of any Energy Star dehumidifier that uses a blower wheel instead of a paddle fan to move air past the coil (dehumidifier located in attic in an insulated enclosure and ducted to living space), Honeywell dehumidistat model H8808C located in living space and Honeywell switching relay (with transformer) model RA89A 1074. See Figure 3.
Note: The following manufacturers make Energy Star-qualified blower wheel stand-alone dehumidifiers:
- LG Electronics (all models):
- Haier America (all models):
- Heat Controller (all BHD models use a turbo-impeller with turned blades):
- Or you can check the EPA Energy Star website for dehumidifiers from these manufacturers
2. Aprilaire 1700: This is a truly engineered, coherently manufactured, supplemental dehumidification system with built-in air filtration, ducted design, and a controls package that integrates central blower cycling for distribution, dehumidification and intermittent introduction of outside air ventilation. The system is also designed for flexibility-it can be connected to the conditioned space directly or to the central air distribution system in a number of configurations. It's also compact and lightweight enough to be set on or hung from most framing. The product cost for this system is currently about $1,100. For more information, see: http://www.aprilaire.com/category.asp?id=F63D255EB0054BBF811DBB024BF068FA.
For more information on other high performance supplemental dehumidification systems, see: http://www.thermastor.com/DesktopDefault.aspx.
- Ducts in conditioned space - The preferred method for keeping HVAC ducts and mechanical equipment inside conditioned space is moving them down from the attic, moving the conditioned boundary up (to the underside of the roof sheathing) so that the attic is conditioned also works as shown below. In no case should HVAC ducts be placed within exterior wall assemblies-this is not part of what is meant by ducts in conditioned space. A vented attic assembly may be used in this climate as long as the ceiling plane is air tight and no ductwork or air handling equipment is located in the attic. See Figures 4a-c.
Figure 4a-c
- Transfer grilles and jump ducts – Single air returns require transfer grilles to provide return pathways that prevent pressurization of bedrooms. Appropriate sizing for ducts, including these pressure relief methods, can be found in the BSC paper, Cooling System Sizing and see Figures 5a-d.
Figure 5a-d
- Water heater - any type of gas water heater (in terms of venting) works if the water heater is located in the garage. If the water heater is located inside conditioned space, then it must be a gas power vented or power-direct vented unit, or an electric water heater.
Field Experience Notes
- 3/8" XPS fan-fold rigid insulation - In order for this material to function as a drainage plane, all joints must be overlapped or sealed. This thin material is easily penetrated – all holes must be sealed.
- Air sealing - Unvented assemblies — walls or roofs — are robust when the air sealing is robust. The hardest spots are not the fields but the margins/edges of assemblies. Spray foam applied at the margins (truss/rafter end blocking) may seem more expensive than cutting in air stops and caulking between each truss or rafter, but the labor savings and air sealing quality of spray foam are clear.
- Brick shelf in slab perimeter - The brick veneer "seat" is readily accomplished by securing dimensional lumber of the desired size to the inside top edge of the concrete form.
-
Figure 6Brick veneer and the air space - Harking back to "old-timer" practices—place a thin sand layer at the bottom of the 1-inch air space (to act as a bond break for mortar droppings) and leave bricks out intermittently in the first course. After the veneer is completed, the sand and mortar droppings can be easily removed and the missing bottom course brick mortared in. Head joints in the top and bottom course must be left clear for top and bottom venting of this space. Masons must also be aware of protecting the integrity of the XPS foam sheathing as they work, given its function as the wall's drainage plane. Educate this trade with some building science basics about the impact of their work on building enclosure performance.
- Advanced framing – For a technical resource that may help with resistance to advanced framing methods from local code officials, see the Building Safety Journal article written by Peter Yost of BSC.
- Energy trusses – There are a number of different truss configurations that yield greater depth at the heel, but they vary quite a bit in cost. The truss shown in Figure 6 (sometimes called a “slider” truss) has proven to be among the most cost-competitive. And of course, the pitch of the roof affects just how much insulation you can get at this location, regardless of the type of truss.
- HVAC commissioning – The most efficient equipment means little if the system is not set up and started up properly. Follow high performance start-up procedures.
Material Compatibility and Substitutions
- Exterior sheathing/building "paper" - Because the brick veneer is a reservoir cladding, relief from solar-driven moisture can come from the free-and-clear one-inch continuous air space or a vapor impermeable or semi-impermeable layer just interior to the cladding, or both (as is the case in this building profile). For this profile the ventilated air space behind the brick veneer could be eliminated due to the vapor impermeable XPS rigid insulation. Alternately, the vapor impermeable XPS rigid instulating sheathing can be replaced with housewrap and OSB or plywood, provided a ventilated air space is provided between the brick veneer and the sheathing and no impermeable layer is placed near the interior surface (such as polyethylene or vinyl wall coverings). High permeability sheathings such as fiberboard or gypsum should not be used behind brick veneer unless a minimum 2 inch clear air space and a vapor open interior assembly is provided.
- Cavity insulation - Any type of cavity insulation would be acceptable in this application—spray foam (open cell and closed cell), cellulose, fiberglass, (as long as air sealing is accomplished by a separate component or system when cellulose or fiberglass is used). The only exception is with high permeability sheathings (such as fiberboard and gypsum), where a vapor permeable cavity insulation should be used. Since this wall assembly is designed to dry exclusively to the interior, do not use any layers at the interior surface that have a low vapor permeability (polyethylene or vinyl wall covering). Note that when foam insulation is left exposed in an assembly, a "thermal barrier" or "protection against ignition" may be required. Code implementation/interpretation have proven to be particularly troublesome for "gray" areas, such as spaces that are conditioned but not occupied (conditioned attics and crawlspaces).
- Soffit material - Fiber cement material was selected for the soffit because of its robustness with regard to moisture. Excellent control of moisture, air, and heat flow is critical at this overhang of interior floor space.
- Flooring - Many finished flooring materials — either because of their impermeability (sheet vinyl, for example) or sensitivity to moisture (wood strip flooring, for example) — should only be installed over a slab with a low w/c ratio (≈0.45 or less) or a slab allowed to dry (<0.3 grams/24hrs/ft2) prior to installation of flooring. In general, sheet vinyl flooring should be avoided.
- Sub-slab sand layers - A sand layer (to prevent differential drying and cracking) should never be placed between a vapor barrier and a concrete slab. Place the concrete directly on top of the vapor barrier. This problem is better handled with a low w/c ratio (≈0.45 or less) and water curing of the concrete with wetted burlap or ponding for up to 72 hours. See Sand Layers Should Not Be Placed Between Polyethylene Vapor Barriers and Concrete Floor Slabs by BSC.
- Vapor barrier roofing "paper" - Note that it is the combination of reservoir roof cladding and conditioned attic that dictates the low permeability roofing underlayment. The roofing underlayment should have a permeability less than 1 perm.
- Interior latex paint - The substitution of low permeability interior finishes (vinyl wall paper, oil-based paints) for latex paint is strongly discouraged since drying to the interior is critical in hot-humid climates.
- Gypsum wallboard – Areas of potentially high moisture, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens are excellent candidates for non-paper faced wallboard systems (e.g. James Hardie’s Hardibacker®, GP’s DensArmor®, USG’s Fiberock®). In addition, paper-faced gypsum board should never be used as interior sheathing or backer for tub or shower surrounds where ceramic tile or marble (any material with joints or grout lines) is used as the finish.
|
Building Science Consulting |