The Residential Thermal Envelope – Strategies to Meet the IECC

Description: This workshop deals with the new, more stringent standards of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code as it relates to the thermal envelope of residential construction. For the purposes of this workshop, the thermal envelope is defined as the boundary between conditioned interior space and the outside environment. It comprises the foundation/basement, the exterior walls, exterior doors and windows, and the roof. Particular attention is paid to the management of conductive heat flow out of and into the conditioned space, as well as the management of convective heat flow through proper air sealing. Methods and materials that comply with the 2015 IECC are highlighted, as well as alternative pathways that can be used to meet the code’s requirements. The session includes a brief discussion of how a thermal envelope built in accordance with the 2015 IECC improves both energy efficiency and indoor air quality in new home construction.

Learning objectives: At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to
1. List and describe the basic components of the Foundation, the exterior walls, and the roof as they relate to the thermal envelope and provide at least two methods of construction for each that comply with the 2015 IECC
2. Calculate dew points at each design interface within a wall or ceiling structure, given the temperature difference across the structure, and the relative humidity of the inside space
3. Use simple arithmetic to arrive at conductive heat loss values in a sample wall or roof
4. Explain the techniques used in blower door testing, and give examples of likely areas of leakage in the thermal envelope and how to fix them.

Length of Session: 120 minutes, including Q & A

About the Presenter: David Johnston, David Johnston & Co, Gorham, ME
David Johnston has been involved in the residential construction industry since 1976, and has constructed over 100 high-performance, healthy homes. David has been teaching construction practices since 2012, serving as a co-trainer of the MIAQC Residential Construction Training Series, as well as an adjunct instructor for building trades in Maine’s Community College System.

Date & Time Options:

Click on a session to register.

November 9, 3:00-5:00 p.m. 
November 16, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
November 29, 6:00-8:00 p.m.