The new residential energy code is finally requiring more than 2 X 4 studs with R-13 cavity insulation at the exterior walls of your new home. Consider adding 1” or 2” thick XPS board insulation to the outside face of your structural sheathing. This will provide a continuous thermal barrier, unlike cavity insulation which is broken at each stud. While 2 X 6 studs with R-19 cavity insulation will meet today’s energy code, future changes to the energy code will likely require the continuous board insulation because of its superior performance over a long period of time.
Be on the watch for builders who are installing the bare minimum insulation required by code. For instance, it is possible to meet the current energy code with only one or two 2 X 6 exterior walls, in combination with 2 X 4 studs on the remaining exterior walls. This will result in an unequal thermal envelope and an additional challenge to maintaining comfortable, consistent temperatures in each room.
DRF DESIGN will educate you on other options for insulating the exterior envelope of your home. We are capable of assigning pricing to each of these options as well. Consider your options and dedicate sufficient time during the design phase of your new home. If you rush to the construction phase, you may learn of alternative materials, methods or layouts too late!
DRF DESIGN has designed custom homes in the following towns in Western New York: Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Akron, Alden, Amherst, Angola, Aurora, Billington Heights, Blasdell, Boston, Brant, Cheektowaga, Clarence Center, Clarence, Colden, Collins, Concord, Depew, East Amherst, East Aurora, Eden, Eggertsville, Elma Center, Elma, Evans, Farnham, Gowanda, Grand Island, Hamburg, Harris Hill, Holland, Kenmore, Lackawanna, Lake Erie Beach, Lake View, Lancaster, Marilla, Newstead, North Boston, North Collins, Orchard Park, Pendleton, Sardinia, Sloan, Snyder, Springville, Tonawanda, Town Line, Wales, West Seneca, Williamsville.
David Fleming, the owner of DRF DESIGN, has also designed homes in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.
