RAY-CORE SIPs ® Best Installation Practices
A few suggested practices to enhance the performance of your RAY-CORE SIPs home...
Rim Joist / Band Joists Insulation:
The only materials that likely separate the inside from the outside at the rim joist is the sheathing and the siding. Traditionally, this space has been insulated with fiberglass batts. Because fiberglass is air permeable, it does nothing to prevent warm, humid air from coming in contact with the rim joist where condensation can cause mold and then rot of the rim joist and floor joists and accumulate in the insulation, drastically reducing it’s effectiveness. Although spray foam is not the best insulation choice, it is a very good air sealer. Consider adding 2 to 6 inches (50 to 152mm) of polyurethane closed cell spray foam, installed by an experienced installer, to each floor’s rim board and back it with additional insulation whether it be fiberglass, cellulose, rockwool or even better, RAYCORE SIPs panel scraps to achieve at least an R-value equal to that of your walls.
Floor Insulation:
Whether your foundation is a concrete slab, full basement or crawlspace, the comfort of your home will be greatly increased if your floor temperature is close to that of your living area. Floor insulation not only increases energy savings but also level of comfort. Don’t forget to properly insulate your floors! RAYCORE SIP Panels might be considered for this application
Spray foam insulated rimboard.
Rafters, Trusses and Attic Insulation:
First and foremost, you want at least 25% more insulation value in your attic space than the rest of the house. If your new home includes vaulted ceilings, RAYCORE Structural Insulated Roof Panels are most likely the perfect solution for efficiently and effectively insulating your roof with the highest R-value possible. Should your home plans specify engineered wood trusses, you can still use RAYCORE SIP Roof Panels. If you don’t wish to condition your attic space, consider requesting raised-heel trusses. As with all modern trusses, raised heel trusses are engineered to ensure uniformity and accuracy while exceeding building code requirements. The energy savings that is gained with a “raised-heel” providing additional space for more insulation and the full depth of insulation extended to the outside of the top plate without compression. Consider, as with the rim joist, adding a few inches of spray foam at the heal for sealing. If your plans do not allow for a raised heel truss, sealing with spray foam will reduce air infiltration, transfer of warm moist air into the attic space and prevent winter condensation. Don’t forget sealing! Seal all penetrations between the living and attic space. Seal over recessed lights, around ducting vents, etc.
Raised Heel Truss and Insulation
