Dense Pack Insulation

Detail ID 4.0201.3
Topic
Walls
Subtopic
Accessible Walls
Desired Outcome

Continuous, contiguous, safe, and compliant thermal boundary that prevents air movement @ 50 Pascals

SF Single Family Site-Built Housing
MH Manufactured Housing
MF Multifamily Housing

Specifications

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Verify that installation area is free of:

active water leaks, fuel leaks (i.e., gas, oil, propane), and pest intrusions

energized knob and tube wiring

uncovered electrical junctions

improperly terminated devices (ventilation fans, dryers, plumbing stacks, condensate lines, combustion appliance flues/chimneys, supply and/or return air, etc.)

unshielded high-temperature devices (non-IC rated recessed lights, chimneys, flues, vents, etc.) unless they are zero clearance devices

insulation escape openings

Verify that installation area is:

intact and able to support insulation weight and pressure

Prepare for safe, effective, and airtight installation of dense-packed insulation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select insulation that has a flame spread and smoke development index of 25/450 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723

Select fire safe materials

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install airtight, rigid, blocking material at all cavity openings that aligns with the pressure boundary and will not fail under dense pack pressures

Airtight dense packed cavity insulation

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install airtight backing material over entire area to be insulated that will withstand dense packing pressures

Secure backing material using mechanical fasteners that penetrate the sub-framing a minimum of 1"

Installation must have a minimum of a 30-year service life

Airtight, durable insulation backing

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Fill 100% of each cavity with insulation to the correct density that prevents air movement

Complete, consistent, and airtight insulation coverage

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install closure system over all access holes that is airtight and permanent

Airtight, durable, access closure

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Separate all foam products from occupiable space using a thermal barrier material (e.g., 1/2" gypsum wallboard) as specified by applicable building code

If code requirements are unclear, consult local code officials for clarification

Minimize ignition and combustion potential

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Post a dated receipt signed by the installer that minimally includes: Installed insulation type, coverage area, installed thickness, minimum settled thickness, installed R-value, and number of bags installed

Comply with 16 CFR 460.17 and document contract compliance

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Batt Insulation
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Accessible Walls