BE6: Insulate building components to meet EarthCraft requirements

Insulation R-value requirements are based on Climate Zone the project is located:

* A minimum of R-20, spray applied insulation is acceptable

Purpose

Insulating homes to EarthCraft standards will ensure that each home features a well performing thermal envelope.

Criteria

See above language for minimum cavity and continuous insulation values

Clarifications 

• The above chart references the 2015 IECC with Georgia Amendments. Where local code is more stringent defer to the higher required R-value. 
• Attic knee walls require minimum R-18 plus sealed attic-side air barrier (e.g., R-13 +R-5 rigid insulation, R-15 + R-3 rigid insulation, R-19 batt in 2x6 cavity with air barrier material). 
• Roofline insulation may not be used in a vented attic. 
• Framed floors over basement/crawlspace only require insulation if basement/crawlspace is outside of building envelope. 
• If insulating a steel joist floor, R-6 continuous insulation must be installed in addition to floor insulation listed above. 
• If insulating a steel studded wall or steel header, R-5 continuous insulation must be installed in addition to wall insulation listed above.
• Garage walls are considered exterior walls.
• Foundation walls require insulation if inside building thermal envelope. 
• Flat ceiling insulation not installed to full depth (e.g., under attic platforms, over wall top plates at eaves, etc.) must be modeled at actual installed R-value but may not be modeled or installed less than R-21, and no more than 500 sq. ft. or 20% of the total insulated ceiling area, whichever is less, may be less than R-38 in Climate Zones 2 and 3 and R-49 in Climate Zone 4.
• Slabs greater than 12” below grade as measured from the top of the slab are not required to have insulation. 
• Permanently install insulation to crawlspace walls and extend downward from the termite inspection strip to within 9” of the finished interior grade adjacent to the foundation wall. 
• Provide a 3” inspection strip immediately below the floor joists to allow inspection for termites. (The inspection strip may be insulated with a removable section of insulation but is not required to be insulated.) 
• Paper-faced batts may not be used (see DU 10)

Verification

The EarthCraft Technical Advisor will visually confirm compliance of criteria during midconstruction and final inspections.