This video is the second in a short series in which we assess and improve the energy performance of a 20' x 20' cabin under construction in Fairbanks, Alaska, in IECC Climate Zone 8. The initial builder of the cabin made a number of choices that were less than ideal for Fairbanks winters. The property was sold before the cabin was completed, and we’re working with the new owner to insulate and otherwise improve the cabin to maximize its energy efficiency on a tight budget.
This video focuses on the cabin’s walls and windows. We start by evaluating the windows, then transition to a deeper dive into the wall framing. We’ll discuss the energy performance shortcomings of the initial framing methods and how to improve upon them.
Future videos in the series will detail energy efficiency improvements to the roof and floors. (There’ll also be a brief video about the cabin’s foundation). We’ll conclude with a review of an energy audit that will quantify how the changes made affect energy performance, and we'll also discuss how the improvements impact building durability and comfort.
We welcome questions and discussion in the comments and you can also reach us at [email protected]. For more information on wall systems please view some of the below videos:
The benefits of furring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afTGDYCvCV0&list=PLBtw7qpC24vLes3TTm-6m7Zz7gWf1QgVo&index=15
Penetrating exterior walls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eD8tNeFzG4&list=PLBtw7qpC24vLes3TTm-6m7Zz7gWf1QgVo&index=13
Furring in an exterior wall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFp3y0KIaqk&list=PLBtw7qpC24vLes3TTm-6m7Zz7gWf1QgVo&index=8
Vapor retarders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8RMR-e-LlE&list=PLBtw7qpC24vLes3TTm-6m7Zz7gWf1QgVo&index=2
CCHRC website: www.cchrc.org
CCHRC YouTube channel: @coldclimatehousing
Music: "Motivational inspiring music" by Alexander Blu from https://orangefreesounds.com/. The song is permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”