C016 -- Continuous Insulation Inward of Sheathing, High-Performance and Net-Zero Energy

While the energy code states that continuous insulation at opaque walls may be located either outward, inward or integral, most projects place it outwards. That arrangement has its disadvantages. This article will explore the back-crisscross wall concept. It is an innovative wall assembly method that places the sub-girt framing and the closed-cell continuous insulation inward of the vapor-permeable protected sheathing in an integrated high-performance wall system. This results in net-zero energy compliance, while avoiding condensation buildup, and is more than compliant with ASHRAE 90.1, Thermal Break, and ASHRAE 189.1, across Climate Zones 1 to 7.