A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
Discover a cost-effective system for applying continuous insulation that can help you achieve targeted R-values.
Applying continuous insulation on the exterior of a building can improve energy efficiency and durability. However, running continuous exterior rigid insulation can present some challenging new details for builders to learn. A recent innovation from InSoFast stands out for its relatively low cost and overall practicality.
The X-Bracket System consists of composite plastic standoff brackets designed to secure furring strips and siding while creating a void to fill with insulation. The system can achieve targeted R-values with insulation depths from 21/2 in. to 41/4 in. The X-Bracket System also excels in retrofit applications, allowing for continuous insulation to be installed over existing siding.
Proper Installation
The success of the insulation installation depends on proper setup of the X-Brackets. For spray foam, the process begins with attaching the brackets to the wall with screws, nails, or adhesive and then attaching furring strips to the brackets to secure the siding or roof sheathing. The foam is applied with a 1/4-in. setback from the furring strips to create a rainscreen gap for drainage and ventilation.
For dense-pack insulation, a water-resistive barrier such as housewrap is stretched over the brackets to form a cavity for the insulation. Furring strips are then added to support the housewrap, holding it in place as the insulation is packed in. Dense-packing often requires specialized installation techniques and reinforced barriers to ensure long-term performance, so coordinating with your insulation contractor is key.
Tried and True
The X-Bracket System has demonstrated impressive performance in testing conditions, withstanding wind speeds of over 200 mph and lateral loads of over 300 psf under specific fastening configurations.
The brackets, priced at approximately $1.50 each, contribute to an estimated assembly cost of $5 to $8 per sq. ft. While the X-Bracket may not become a mainstream solution for exterior insulation on new homes, its ability to simplify retrofits could make it a valuable tool if the costs work out.
— Fernando Pagés Ruiz; builder and ICC-certified residential building inspector
RELATED STORIES
- The Case for Continuous Insulation
- Is Adding Exterior Insulation When Re-siding Your Home Worth the Cost?
- A Deep Dive Into Continuous Exterior Insulation
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