Developing a Design Protocol for Low Air and Vapour Permeance Insulating Sheathing in Cold Climates
Abstract
This paper presents a design protocol for the application of insulating sheathing to low-rise buildings with high interior relative humidity for a range of Canadian climates. The protocol is consistent with the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for sheathing with low air and vapour permeance.
2D hygrothermal modeling was utilized to develop the protocol for a range of insulation levels, airtightness, vapour permeance of materials, and climates. The paper presents the development of the model, parametric study, and analysis.
This paper is of interest to readers looking for background information on determining insulation ratios for hybrid wall assemblies and modeling air leakage for framed wall assemblies.
