Thursday, September 27, 2012

Masonry Walls: Links and Tips for Thermal Performance

Why:


The Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State has 2 prescriptive paths for minimum thermal performance:  R value (continuous) or U factor (entire assembly).

If using COMcheck, the presets assume relative low R-value for CMU cavity inserts and fairly heavy reinforcement.  Select option for "other U factor" instead, and fill in the actual values.

ECCCNYS c.i. is defined in ASHRAE 90.1:  insulation that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior, exterior, or is integral to any opaque surface of the building.

A catalog of reference assemblies by thermal performance can be found here:
http://www.ncma.org/resources/design/Documents/Thermal%20Catalog%20Phase%20I.pdf

References:
NCMA.org 
NYSCMA.org