BE R2: Complete Insulation Coverage

(Requirement)

PURPOSE

Reduce energy loss and increase building durability by creating a complete thermal boundary at the building envelope.

CRITERIA

Installed insulation shall be free of defects in accordance with manufacture requirements (Grade I). Projects must fulfill the minimum envelope design requirements described below for thermal break for mass and/or steel framed walls (as applicable) and proper insulation installation. Even with trade-off, a minimum thermal break of R-3 is required.

Thermal Break Required for Mass Wall and/or Steel Framed

Projects complying with BE R1 Option A: Prescriptive Option must fulfill the following:

BE R2.1: Prescriptive required thermal break for energy code compliance (non-residential buildings)

Wall, Above Grade	Climate Zone 2	Climate Zone 3	Climate Zone 4
Steel Framed Mass	R-3.8 R-5.7	R-5 R-7.6	R-7.5 R-9.5

Projects complying with BE R1 Option B: COMcheck Trade-Off Option must fulfill the following:

Projects that have mass and/or steel framed walls as a component of the building envelope assembly must have a minimum thermal break of R-3 in the form of exterior continuous insulation, regardless of energy code compliance pathway. Projects are to document with COMcheck.

Grade I Insulation Coverage- The building thermal envelope is comprised of two components: insulation and an air barrier. All insulation must be continuous (no gaps or missing pieces) and in direct contact with the building’s continuous air barrier. The quality of the insulation application will be graded upon inspection: Grade I is required. Ensure careful installation at narrow cavities and cavities that contain plumbing or electrical work. Meet the following requirements below, as applicable: 

• Insulation Application Installation must be a minimum of Grade I quality. Any project receiving a Grade II or Grade III upon inspection must resolve deficiencies and supply photos to demonstrate that corrections have been made. 
• Loose-fill Attic Insulation Any applied loose-fill attic insulation must have an attic card (listing type of insulation, bag count and appropriate depth) located near the access, and rulers must be present every 300 square feet. For vented attics, insulation dams and ventilation baffles shall be installed to provide insulation coverage over top plates (prior to insulation). Loose-fill insulation shall not be used in attic roof spaces when the slope of the ceiling is more than 3:12. 
• Band/Rim Joists Band/rim joists must be insulated to a minimum of R-13, regardless of energy code compliance pathway.
• Chase Penetrations All chases must be completely sealed and insulated where they penetrate the building thermal envelope. 
• Cantilevers and Overhangs Ensure there is complete insulation coverage where cantilevers or overhangs intersect with installed blocking above supporting wall. 
• Parapet Walls Insulation must be in direct contact with the building’s continuous air barrier. 
• Insulated Attic Access R-value to be same as attic insulation.

Performance Badge- must meet the following criteria: Band/rim joists must be insulated with rigid or spray applied insulation to a minimum of R-13, regardless of energy code compliance pathway.

VERIFICATION 

• Construction Documents indicate the following: 
  • R-value of thermal break 
  • Insulation requirements listed in architectural set notes 
  • Details of thermal envelope connections 
• Photographs if cannot be Site Inspected: 
  • Thermal break installation
  • Envelope insulation coverage

RESOURCES

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) www.naima.org