![]() or 1.5 in., respectively, to qualify as an air barrier unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise. Open-cell or closed-cell foam shall have a finished thickness ≥ 5.5 in. EPA recommends, but does not require, rigid air barriers. 9Ģ.2 Walls behind showers, tubs, staircases, and fireplaces.įootnote 7) For purposes of this Checklist, an air barrier is defined as any durable solid material that blocks air flow between conditioned space and unconditioned space, including necessary sealing to block excessive air flow at edges and seams and adequate support to resist positive and negative pressures without displacement or damage. Walls: At exterior vertical surface of wall insulation in all climate zones also at interior vertical surface of wall insulation in Climate Zones 4-8. 7 At each insulated location below, a complete air barrier is provided that is fully aligned as follows: (Source: Building Science Corporation.)ĮNERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)įigure 2. Draft stopping and air barrier at tub enclosure - plan view. Finish the walls by installing fiberglass wall panels or tiling the surface.įigure 1. Draft stopping and air barrier at tub enclosure − side view.Block holes around the tub drain with sheet goods and spray foam.Use caulk or foam to seal seams and any holes made through the air barrier material.Cement board is not waterproof it must be coated with a fluid-applied waterproofing, or a water-resistive barrier must be applied behind it that allows drainage (See the guide Cement Board Installed Behind Tile and Panel Tub and Shower Enclosures). Note: moisture-resistant gypsum board or “green board” is not recommended. Nail or screw the thin-profile air barrier material to the studs. Apply a thick bead of caulk to the surface of exposed studs, wood blocking, and bottom plate. Cut cement board, fiber cement board, paperless gypsum board, Thermo-Ply, or other thin barrier material to size to cover area behind tub (see Figures 1 and 2).Install 2x4 blocking between the wall studs, if needed, to support the air barrier.Fill the entire wall cavity with insulation to the R-value required by local code or higher. Install exterior rigid foam sheathing. ![]() How to Install a Fully Aligned Air Barrier on the Walls behind Showers and Tubs See the “compliance” tab for these specified infiltration rates. High-performance branding programs and the IECC code require that builders meet specified infiltration rates at the whole-house level. ![]() This task should be included in the contract for the appropriate trade depending on the workflow at specific job sites.Īir barrier effectiveness is measured at the whole-house level. These materials may be installed by insulators, framers, or subcontractors or vendors hired specifically to install the tub or shower. Any type of insulation may be installed as long as it completely fills the void and will be in full contact with the air barrier. The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal. Neglecting to insulate and air seal here can result in significant heat loss and complaints from homeowners about tubs, showers, and bathrooms that are always cold. When tubs and showers are installed on exterior walls, builders may forget to insulate and air seal the exterior wall behind the tub or shower surround. ![]()
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