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Abstract
Many changes to the International Residential Code are related to building envelope design recommendations based on recent climate zone designations provided by the International Energy Conservation Code. The building science technical community has long recognized the influence of temperature, precipitation, and humidity on building envelope performance, as well as material selection and placement in the assembly. Historical construction practices regarding interior vapor retarder use and placement, air barrier specifications, roof system ventilation, and crawl space ventilation have changed from traditional recommendations to practices not allowed until recently. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the building envelope research and analysis conducted to support the various changes to the code language. Vapor retarder and air barrier requirements will be reviewed, as well as the allowance of unvented attic and crawl space assemblies. A thorough technical literature review detailing issues related to energy efficiency, moisture management, and building envelope performance will be discussed.
Many changes to the International Residential Code are related to building envelope design recommendations based on recent climate zone designations provided by the International Energy Conservation Code. The building science technical community has long recognized the influence of temperature, precipitation, and humidity on building envelope performance, as well as material selection and placement in the assembly. Historical construction practices regarding interior vapor retarder use and placement, air barrier specifications, roof system ventilation, and crawl space ventilation have changed from traditional recommendations to practices not allowed until recently. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the building envelope research and analysis conducted to support the various changes to the code language. Vapor retarder and air barrier requirements will be reviewed, as well as the allowance of unvented attic and crawl space assemblies. A thorough technical literature review detailing issues related to energy efficiency, moisture management, and building envelope performance will be discussed.
Date
3/2009
3/2009
Author(s)
S Gatland
S Gatland
Page(s)
43-54
43-54
Source
Roof Consultants Institute
Roof Consultants Institute
Keyword(s)
building code; IBC; IRC; building design
building code; IBC; IRC; building design