Tags: #architecture #buildingdesign #buildingscience
ABSTRACT – Three-dimensional thermal modeling was employed to compare effective R-values of cladding attachment systems. Particular emphasis was placed on the effects of fasteners and their connectivity with other thermal bridges. Thermal degradation attributed exclusively to fasteners ranged from 2 to 16%. When considering all bridging elements and an exterior insulation layer of three inches, the most efficient systems were Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS) and composite z-girts. These systems achieved the true intent of the R-20 wall with effective R-values of 21.5 and 20.1, respectively. Other means for mitigating thermal degradation such as thermal isolation pads and punched engineered z-girts offered limited effectiveness.