Walls typically represent the largest exterior surface area of a home. As a result, from an energy stand point, the wall system is a major component of the building envelope, particularly in extreme cold climates. When it comes to improving thermal performance, there are many ways to construct a wall, and the details of sealing, sheathing and insulating are even more numerous. There are many factors that must be taken into account when designing or choosing a wall system: Energy efficiency, cost, resistance to the elements, availability of materials, and the climate in which the wall is expected to perform, are all important considerations.
