What is the best bang for the buck wall detail in climate 5a?
Timothy Guy| Posted inEnergy Efficiency and Durabilityon
I am planning a lake home in the mountains, elevation 3000 feet. I will not be living there full time and am looking for a tight envelope. I want a logical approach that will balance cost with results. Builder is on the old fashioned side. Thanks
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
Timothy,
If I understand your question correctly, you are asking, "How can I be sure that my builder makes a tight wall?"
The answer doesn't depend on the wall design. It depends on attention to detail. Choose a builder with a successful track record building tight houses that have been tested with a blower door. Ask the builder to share blower door results on houses that he or she has already built. Most builders who have gotten good blower-door results would be happy to share that information.
Such a builder will pay attention to all of the areas that need attention when your house is being built.
Timothy,
If you have a different question -- namely, if your question is just "what kind of wall assembly should I build?" rather than "how do I make it tight?" -- then you might be interested in the discussion on this page:
Choosing a High-Performance Wall Assembly.