There are several key elements that must be considered with a cavity wall system. Heat, air, and moisture — both vapor and liquid — have a definite impact on how a cavity wall system should be designed and constructed. Once these elements have been addressed, a cavity wall system will increase energy efficiency, meet the required energy and fire code standards, and will provide cost-savings over the life of the building.

Learning Objectives

1.     Identify the key concepts for proper design of cavity wall construction to manage the movement of heat, air, and moisture (vapor and liquid).

2.     Introduce the importance of the hygrothermal (dew point) analysis.

3.     Articulate current energy and fire codes that must be complied with in the construction of exterior walls.

4.     Explain the role that continuous insulation can play in meeting design and code requirements for cavity wall applications

5.     Describe the critical design element needs to ensure continuous air and vapor barriers in roof-to-wall transitions.