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Outsulation and barrier

user-5826883 | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Hello, first time on this site. I live in Squamish, B.C., and am contracting my first home build. It is a small home on a 4.65 m FCL with a 600 sq. foot living space above.

We are using 6″ wood stud construction because regulations include walls in FAR. I am wondering what the best products are to use for the outsulation. We are considering hardie boards, and are unclear as to what the best products are to wrap, outsulate and how to install the boards after.

Is there a place where we can see the breakdown of what an exterior wall with all its product installed looks like? As well are there products in our area you can recommend for taping seams, papering, and outsulation?

Thank you! Let my adventure begin.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Susan,
    It would be easier to understand what you write if you reduce the number of abbreviations. I don't know what an "FCL" or a "FAR" is. (I know what "BC" means, however.)

    There are lots of articles on the Green Building Advisor site that explain what you need to know about walls with exterior rigid foam (or exterior mineral wool). I suggest that you start by reading this article: How to Install Rigid Foam Sheathing.

    The article has a great many links -- so if you have an interest in diving deeper into any of the issues mentioned in the article, you can click some of the links to learn more.

    My next blog, scheduled for publication tomorrow morning, is titled "How to Design a Wall." You might want to return to the site tomorrow to read the article.

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