What Should I Use

Jake emphasizes the critical need for maintaining continuity in the control layers of buildings, particularly the water control layer. According to Jake, the absence of continuous control layers can lead to water infiltration and energy inefficiencies. Instead of the traditional method of cavity insulation between studs, Jake advocates for the use of continuous insulation, which he believes is a more effective alternative. He delves into the building code requirements for continuous insulation and explains the impact of different options on energy performance, including R-values for walls, basements, and crawl spaces. Jake underscores the higher cost and complexity of continuous insulation, but highlights its superior energy efficiency and environmental control. The discussion also covers practical considerations, such as managing penetrations and water while incorporating continuous insulation. Additionally, Jake compares advanced framing techniques with traditional methods, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of continuous insulation. Lastly, he draws from his personal experiences to suggest that a combination of cavity and continuous insulation often provides the best balance between cost and performance.