ICF is a better foundation system than you're describing. Probably cheaper too. Concrete block is a thermal bridge. Putting foam inside the block would have limited effect. Also, closed-cell foam is what you need for a vapor barrier.
There are two barriers between the block foundation and the 2x8 pressure treated sill plate: First, a plastic separation sheet on the block then they installed a FoamSealr product by Owens Corning before setting the sill plate.
This video was made at a new home that was certified EarthCraft House, www.earthcraft.org/ . Jeff is a trained HERS Rater, BPI Analyst, etc. professional with Nashville Home Energy Solutions (he is no longer with E3.) Jeff, the contractor and me had a several meetings to discuss all the different material & methods options for Energy Star, EarthCraft requirements, budget and design. We were very deliberate in our material & methods choices with the last 3 items I mentioned. The video does not show the entire house's components. There are always different energy efficiency choices or better materials. Some of these choices or materials may not be OK with your house design, budget and/or your climate zone. This is why I believe it’s important to have a team and/or an energy efficiency professional evaluate your home situation.
Thank you for your response. TH-cam only allows 500 characters maximum to a post. The technical explanation is long. Please go to my blog for the video and see the explanation, which may clear up some of your questions. Video - "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier"
I cannot find the video "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier" on either your blog pages or your videos page. I too would like to read your explanation regarding the vapor barrier issue with open cell foam.
Lynn Taylor In a response below to THIS video, a recommendation was made to see the "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier" video due to a 500 character TH-cam explanation limitation. In any case, it was supposed to answer a question about using foam to support a rim joist vapor barrier. I'll watch it again to check for the answer. Thanks.
ICF is a better foundation system than you're describing. Probably cheaper too. Concrete block is a thermal bridge. Putting foam inside the block would have limited effect. Also, closed-cell foam is what you need for a vapor barrier.
There are two barriers between the block foundation and the 2x8 pressure treated sill plate: First, a plastic separation sheet on the block then they installed a FoamSealr product by Owens Corning before setting the sill plate.
This video was made at a new home that was certified EarthCraft House, www.earthcraft.org/ . Jeff is a trained HERS Rater, BPI Analyst, etc. professional with Nashville Home Energy Solutions (he is no longer with E3.)
Jeff, the contractor and me had a several meetings to discuss all the different material & methods options for Energy Star, EarthCraft requirements, budget and design. We were very deliberate in our material & methods choices with the last 3 items I mentioned.
The video does not show the entire house's components. There are always different energy efficiency choices or better materials. Some of these choices or materials may not be OK with your house design, budget and/or your climate zone. This is why I believe it’s important to have a team and/or an energy efficiency professional evaluate your home situation.
Thank you for your response. TH-cam only allows 500 characters maximum to a post. The technical explanation is long. Please go to my blog for the video and see the explanation, which may clear up some of your questions. Video - "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier"
should the sill plate be open for termite inspection
I cannot find the video "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier" on either your blog pages or your videos page. I too would like to read your explanation regarding the vapor barrier issue with open cell foam.
mel2000, this is the video "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier" on this page.
Lynn Taylor
In a response below to THIS video, a recommendation was made to see the "Insulating the House RIM joist band & Vapor Barrier" video due to a 500 character TH-cam explanation limitation. In any case, it was supposed to answer a question about using foam to support a rim joist vapor barrier. I'll watch it again to check for the answer. Thanks.