Continuous insulation requirements are much more stringent in the IECC 2021—the current version of the ICC’s energy conservation codes. Glenn Mathewson, a building code and building-science expert, will talk about how to decipher the energy code to install exterior insulation that meets these requirements. He will discuss the benefits of installing a 4-in-1 product that simultaneously provides structure, continuous insulation, an air and water barrier.

The discussion will also touch upon the difference between the prescriptive path (using specific product types and R-values that are clearly laid out in the code) and the new performance-based compliance path (which uses energy modeling software to prove that an alternative building assembly will pass the code). Lee Bybee, an architectural materials expert from OX Engineered Products, will join Glenn after the presentation for a live Q&A session, so have your questions ready.

Originally presented October 4, 2023

In this presentation, you will learn

• How to specify exterior insulation based on your regional climate requirements
• How the prescriptive path to compliance works
• How to use the performance-based path to make alternative wall assemblies comply with the code
• How continuous exterior insulation can reduce the need for interior vapor barriers in cold climates
• What other changes might be coming in the 2024 IECC revisions

Presenters

Glenn Mathewson Former contractor Glenn Mathewson served Westminster, Colo., as an inspector and plan reviewer for 13 years. He now works as a professional consultant and educator on residential applications of construction codes. He is an author with over 90 published articles and the ICC’s first industry-specific code book, Deck Construction Based on the 2009 IRC, recently updated to 2021 in a 2nd edition. An adviser to the North American Deck and Railing Association, he is the president of BuildingCodeCollege.com, which provides on-demand code education.

Lee Bybee With 25 years of experience in the construction and architecture industries, Lee Bybee is an expert in architectural project management. Lee has been with Ox Engineered Products since 2015. As their Director of Commercial Accounts and Architectural Services, Lee manages over 30 sales representatives across the United States. He holds both a master’s degree in architecture and an MBA from Texas Tech University. An avid mountain biker, Lee lives and rides in the gorgeous city of Golden, Colorado.