Instructions / Assembly
6
OVERVIEW
Evolution of Continuous Insulation
The Evolution of Energy Efciency
In the simplest terms, the exterior wall or shell provides protection from the weather or outside environmental conditions. It provides
interior occupants protection from heat, cold, water, and the overall outside environment. It also provides protection from solar radiation,
In the late 19th century and early 1900s, an exterior wall would look much like the assembly pictured: structural masonry wall (in this
illustration, triple wythe), great for structure and moisture but with no insulation, not very good for thermal performance. In this period,
the fuel and materials used to heat these structures were very inexpensive, so it didn’t matter that they were drafty, damp, and needed a
lot of energy to regulate.
Evolving up through today’s assemblies with the emphasis on energy reduction, and numerous other performance attributes,
we see systems that effectively manage air, water, and thermal performance elements all in one assembly.
We now have improved designs, building on previous assembly iterations, with continuous insulation, effective air barrier, water
management, and thermal bridging reduction, including, in some cases, the use of thermally isolated specialty fasteners and
support members.
1900s
No Insulation
1940s–1970s
Limited Insulation
Current
Integrated Air/Water/
Thermal Assembly
In the 1900s, an exterior wall would
have no insulation.
As we move into the 1940s and
especially during the energy crisis
of the 70s, designers and building
owners start to recognize the
need for more insulation, but it’s still
used in a limited amount.
In today’s designed assemblies with
the emphasis on energy reduction
and sustainable construction, we
now see systems that incorporate
one assembly. These systems must
work correctly and in concert with
each other in order for the entire wall
assembly to perform as desired.