September 12 2010

Building Science releases High-R Foundations Case Study Analysis

Building Science, everyone's favorite building physics shop, has released an interesting cast study analysis on the effectiveness of 15 different foundation insulation systems. The analysis is an extension of a 2009 study by Dr. Straube and Smegel which now includes assemblies ranging from code compliant to those reaching R-45. The paper is fantastic in terms of its depth and scope and should prove useful to designers out there both trying to test the limits of building efficiency or simply trying to meet code.

The full analysis can be found here.

Foundation wall systems analyzed are:

  • Case 1 : Un?insulated Basement
  • Case 2 : Code minimum R10 continuous insulation with poly
  • Case 3 : 3.5 inches fiberglass batt in 2x4 SPF wood framed wall with poly
  • Case 4 : 1 inch XPS + 3.5 inches fiberglass batt in 2x4 SPF wood framed wall
  • Case 5 : 2 inches XPS + 2 inches polyisocyanurate with R10 under slab
  • Case 6 : 3.5 inches 2.0 cc pcf spray foam with R10 under slab
  • Case 7 : 6 inches 0.5 oc pcf spray foam with R10 under slab
  • Case 8 : 2 inches XPS + 3.5 inches fiberglass batt in 2x4 SPF wood framed wall with R10 under slab
  • Case 9 : 2 inches polyisocyanurate +3.5 inches cellulose in 2x4 SPF wood framed wall with R10 under
  • slab
  • Case 10 : 6 inches 0.5 oc pcf spray foam in offset 2?x4? SPF wood framed cavity with R10 under slab
  • Case 11 : 4 inches XPS on exterior of basement with R10 under slab
  • Case 12 : 4 inches XPS in centre of foundation wall with R10 under slab
  • Case 13 : ICF wall with 4? XPS and R10 under slab
  • Case 14 : 2 inches XPS + 5.5 inches fiberglass batt in 2?x6? SPF wood framed wall with R10 under slab
  • Case 15 : 4 inches polyisocyanurate + 5.5 inches fiberglass batt in 2?x6? SPF wood framed wall with R20 under slab

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