Code authorities, key industry innovators and even savvy homeowners will all respond with a resounding “yes,” especially as demand for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and an occupant’s desire for a durable, long-lasting home continues to rise. These homes should usually last for more than 200 years, according to “Retooling the U.S. Housing Industry: How It Got Here, Why It’s Broken, and How to Fix It.”
Exterior foam board use has been growing as part of the push towards high performance. In the United States, exterior foam board insulation in above-ground builds has gained significant momentum as a solution that has been proven to prevent thermal bridging—where framing creates a higher heat transfer ratio relative to the space around it. In turn, it can markedly improve R-value, reduce energy loss through studs and decrease the potential for condensation with wood sheathing.