Why Exterior Insulation is the MVP of Insulations

Insulation Thermal Comfort Energy Use Condensation

Course Description

Exterior insulation is, of course, terrific in that it greatly improves the thermal performance of the building enclosure and reduces energy use. What’s less well-known is that including exterior insulation can also improve the performance of the existing cavity insulation. And, if that weren’t enough, exterior insulation will also reduce the risk of condensation in a building’s wall assemblies. This short presentation explains the physics behind these additional benefits to exterior insulation.

Course Instructor Christine Williamson

Course Length 9:30

Published 07 Jul 2022

Please note: viewing this course and completing this quiz do not currently count towards AIA CEU credits.

Keywords: building science, insulation, energy, energy efficiency, exterior insulation, condensation control, convective looping, thermal bridging, thermal bridge

About Building Science Fight Club

Christine Williamson - Assoc. AIA

Building Scientist | Instructor

Christine Williamson has spent her career in building science forensics, discovering why buildings fail and working with owners, architects, and builders to remedy the problems. She is the founder of the Instagram account @BuildingScienceFightClub, an educational project that teaches architects about building science and construction.