https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/ Building science knowledge, HVAC design, & fun Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:04:47 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8260 Sat, 25 Apr 2015 04:18:16 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8260 @Allison, thanks for covering
@Allison, thanks for covering this. There was a thread about this in one of the LinkedIn building science groups, which I imagine you saw. Interesting stuff. I agree with Thomas (and Joe) that this wall, though no damage in 3 years with some high moisture peaks, is too risky over the long haul.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8261 Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:18:16 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8261 @Allison, thanks for covering
@Allison, thanks for covering this. There was a thread about this in one of the LinkedIn building science groups, which I imagine you saw. Interesting stuff. I agree with Thomas (and Joe) that this wall, though no damage in 3 years with some high moisture peaks, is too risky over the long haul.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8258 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:03:25 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8258 For Greg L.V. – I’m pretty
For Greg L.V. – I’m pretty sure latex paint on the drywall is the only vapor retarder on the inside.  
 
Also, whether or not they sealed the electrical boxes doesn’t really matter here…the house is tight AND they are using continuous exhaust ventilation…so in the winter, cold/dry air from outside would be pulled into the walls (rather than warm/moist air from the inside).

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8259 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:03:25 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8259 For Greg L.V. – I’m pretty
For Greg L.V. – I’m pretty sure latex paint on the drywall is the only vapor retarder on the inside. &nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />Also, whether or not they sealed the electrical boxes doesn’t really matter here…the house is tight AND they are using continuous exhaust ventilation…so in the winter, cold/dry air from outside would be pulled into the walls (rather than warm/moist air from the inside).

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8256 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 06:22:47 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8256 Well that certainly clears up
Well that certainly clears up the controversy. All homes should now be constructed with ICF’s 
 
We must learn how to design walls and houses that can withstand 35% to 40% RH. Comfort, health and wellness, as well as material stability demand it.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8257 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 02:22:47 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8257 Well that certainly clears up
Well that certainly clears up the controversy. All homes should now be constructed with ICF’s&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />We must learn how to design walls and houses that can withstand 35% to 40% RH. Comfort, health and wellness, as well as material stability demand it.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8254 Thu, 23 Apr 2015 01:13:51 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8254 Update I
Update I spoke with Joe Lstiburek today, and he wants to make sure it’s clear to readers that he does not recommend this wall assembly. “I would never build that wall because I consider it too risky,” he said. This was a research project for BSC, not a building that incorporated their design. I’ll write another article about his thoughts and what he does recommend.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8252 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 22:12:22 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8252 Allison, 

Allison, 
 
I have had no need to open up any of the wall systems. The one problem that I am aware of was when an exterior patio swing door, whose brand was know for leaking, did leak into the exterior of the wall. It was not addressed for several years and rot was the result, however, I doubt that the lack of a vapor retarder would have helped it to dry to the inside and may well have caused more damage.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8250 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:41:18 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8250 Any info on how the interior
Any info on how the interior side of the wall was treated regarding vapor? Were they relying on the latex paint as a vapor retarder? Did they seal the electrical boxes? Smart vapor membrane? 
 
I’m just thinking that this kind of wall assembly allows moisture to move sideways much more readily than an ordinary stud wall. I’d like to see how the moisture level at the sheathing compares to a wall with interior side air sealing and vapor control.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare/#comment-8255 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:13:51 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=is-this-the-end-of-the-double-wall-cold-sheathing-scare#comment-8255 <b>Update</b> I
<b>Update</b> I spoke with Joe Lstiburek today, and he wants to make sure it’s clear to readers that he does not recommend this wall assembly. "I would never build that wall because I consider it too risky," he said. This was a research project for BSC, not a building that incorporated their design. I’ll write another article about his thoughts and what he <i>does</i> recommend.

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