Dense Pack Insulation

Detail ID 4.0202.1
Topic
Walls
Subtopic
Enclosed 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

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

Setup a dust control enclosure for all interior access locations that limits insulation and construction dust exposure to the occupant and occupant belongings

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

Prevent occupant exposure to construction dust

Airtight, durable insulation cavities aligned with the pressure boundary

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select sealants that:

are compatible with their intended surfaces

allow for differential expansion and contraction between dissimilar materials

meet the requirements of the applicable fire safety code (e.g., thermal or ignition barriers)

are low volatile organic compound (VOC) sealants for use inside the pressure boundary that meet independent testing and verification protocols

Select safe and effective sealants

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Exterior access:

Remove the exterior cladding at the insulation access point when feasible

Neatly cut any vapor retarder installed and minimize air barrier and drainage plane disruption

Create an access hole through the sheathing sufficient to access the cavity with fill tube

Interior access:

Set up dust containment enclosure in installation area

Create access holes through the interior wall surface in a straight horizontal line sufficient to access the cavity with fill tube without damaging the wall surface

Access all wall cavities safely and prepare for access closure

  • 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

Exterior access holes will be closed as follows:

Plug holes in sheathing with durable materials and seal with weatherproof exterior sealant

Close weather barrier and seal seams with compatible sealant tape

Reinstall exterior cladding and secured with mechanical fasteners

Interior access holes will be closed as follows:

Interior holes will be coated and patched to match original interior surface characteristics or covered with trim as agreed upon with client

Airtight, durable hole closure

  • 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

View Sub-Topic:
Enclosed Walls