Building Envelope Code Compliance – Prescriptive Path

Last week we started to talk about Residential Building Envelope Code Compliance and the 2015 IECC.

This week we are going to focus on the first compliance method, the method that is most commonly used as a default by builders, the prescriptive path.

The prescriptive path means following the specific written requirements of the code, such as installing insulation to meet the R-value requirements of IRC Table N1102.1.2 (IECC Table R402.1.2) or the U-Factor requirements of Table N1102.1.4 (IECC Table 402.1.4).

For example, if you are in Dallas, TX, that is Climate Zone 3, and your prescriptive insulation requirements are:

To meet the prescriptive requirements, you have to install the insulation to these minimum R-Values or these maximum U-Factors.

Following prescriptive requirements is the most common method of code compliance, but there is often more design flexibility when using the other compliance options, especially when using a high performance material like spray foam insulation.

Next week we will look at the performance path as an option for building envelope code compliance.

Stay tuned next week as we continue to discuss the interesting world of spray foam insulation.

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