Differences between old and new construction

Insulation · The Basics · printed page 235 (PDF page 236)

Original page Sign in to save

Book index entries

Old and New Construction Re-insulating Insulation – the Basics

Text in the illustration

older construction
newer construction
little or no ventilation
plank roof sheathing
kraft paper air/vapor barrier
insulation
ceiling joist
wall
loose fitting siding
building paper (or nothing)
roof ventilation
panel-type roof sheathing
soffit vent
continuous air/vapor barrier
housewrap
tightly sealed siding
cross section

Generated explanation

Two cross sections compare older and newer construction at the exterior wall, attic floor, and sloping roof. The older assembly shows plank roof sheathing, little or no attic ventilation, insulation between ceiling joists, and a kraft paper air/vapor barrier. Its exterior wall has loose fitting siding over building paper or no paper. The newer assembly shows panel-type roof sheathing, a soffit vent and roof vent, and thicker attic insulation extending above the ceiling joists. It also depicts a continuous air/vapor barrier at the wall and ceiling, with housewrap behind tightly sealed siding.