Wall Construction Templates
Wall Type 1: Standard Wood Frame Exterior Wall
Basic residential construction - most common in North America
Exterior
Vinyl siding
1/4"
6 mm
k = 0.087 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.151 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Weather barrier
Building wrap (Class III)
-
-
-
-
Sheathing
OSB
7/16"
11 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.5 (RSI-0.09)
Structure
Wood studs (16" OC)
5-1/2" (2x6)
140 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-6.9 (RSI-1.21)
Insulation
Fiberglass batt
5-1/2"
140 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-21 (RSI-3.7)
Vapor barrier
Polyethylene sheet (Class I)
6 mil
0.15 mm
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 6-3/4" (171 mm) | R-21 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-3.7 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 2: Brick Veneer Wall
Traditional masonry appearance with wood frame backup
Exterior
Brick veneer
4"
100 mm
k = 0.45 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.78 W/(m·K)
R-0.8 (RSI-0.14)
Air cavity
Ventilated cavity with weep holes
1"
25 mm
-
R-1.0 (RSI-0.18)
Weather barrier
Building wrap (Class III)
-
-
-
-
Sheathing
OSB
7/16"
11 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.5 (RSI-0.09)
Structure
Wood studs (16" OC)
5-1/2" (2x6)
140 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-6.9 (RSI-1.21)
Insulation
Fiberglass batt
5-1/2"
140 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-21 (RSI-3.7)
Vapor retarder
Kraft facing (Class III)
-
-
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 11-7/16" (290 mm) | R-23.7 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-4.2 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 3: EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish System)
Synthetic stucco with integrated foam insulation
Exterior
Acrylic finish coat
1/8"
3 mm
k = 0.116 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.201 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Reinforcement
Mesh embedded in base coat
1/8"
3 mm
-
-
Insulation
EPS rigid foam board
2"
50 mm
k = 0.024 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.041 W/(m·K)
R-8 (RSI-1.4)
Attachment
Adhesive
-
-
-
-
Sheathing
OSB
7/16"
11 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.5 (RSI-0.09)
Structure
Wood studs (16" OC)
5-1/2" (2x6)
140 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-6.9 (RSI-1.21)
Cavity insulation
Fiberglass batt
5-1/2"
140 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-21 (RSI-3.7)
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 8-3/4" (222 mm) | R-30 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-5.3 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 4: CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) Wall
Concrete block construction for commercial/industrial buildings
Exterior
Stucco finish
3/4"
19 mm
k = 0.41 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.71 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Structure
Concrete masonry units (fully grouted)
8"
200 mm
k = 0.58 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 1.00 W/(m·K)
R-1.2 (RSI-0.21)
Insulation
Rigid XPS foam board
2"
50 mm
k = 0.020 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.035 W/(m·K)
R-10 (RSI-1.76)
Furring
Steel studs (24" OC)
2-1/2"
64 mm
k = 314 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 543.5 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Cavity insulation
Fiberglass batt
2-1/2"
64 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-9 (RSI-1.6)
Vapor retarder
Polyethylene sheet (Class I)
6 mil
0.15 mm
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
5/8"
16 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.56 (RSI-0.10)
Total Wall: 14-3/8" (365 mm) | R-21 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-3.7 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 5: Metal Stud Commercial Wall
Non-combustible construction for multi-story buildings
Exterior
Metal panel system
1"
25 mm
k = 314 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 543.5 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Air cavity
Ventilated cavity with weep holes
1"
25 mm
-
R-1.0 (RSI-0.18)
Weather barrier
Air/weather barrier membrane (Class II)
-
-
-
-
Sheathing
Exterior gypsum sheathing
5/8"
16 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.56 (RSI-0.10)
Structure
Steel studs (24" OC)
6"
152 mm
k = 314 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 543.5 W/(m·K)
Thermal bridge
Insulation
Mineral wool batt
6"
152 mm
k = 0.029 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.050 W/(m·K)
R-21 (RSI-3.7)
Interior
Type X gypsum drywall
5/8"
16 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.56 (RSI-0.10)
Total Wall: 9-1/4" (235 mm) | R-12 effective hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-2.1 m²·K/W)* *Thermal bridging through steel studs reduces cavity R-21 to approximately R-11 effective. The ventilated cavity adds R-1.0.
Wall Type 6: Stone Veneer Wall
Natural or manufactured stone facade over wood frame
Exterior
Manufactured stone veneer
4"
100 mm
k = 1.50 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 2.60 W/(m·K)
R-2.0 (RSI-0.35)
Air cavity
Drainage gap
3/4"
19 mm
-
R-0.9 (RSI-0.16)
Weather barrier
Building wrap (Class III)
-
-
-
-
Sheathing
OSB
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.6 (RSI-0.11)
Structure
Wood studs (16" OC)
5-1/2" (2x6)
140 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-6.9 (RSI-1.21)
Insulation
Spray foam (closed-cell)
5-1/2"
140 mm
k = 0.016 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.028 W/(m·K)
R-21 (RSI-3.7)
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 11-3/4" (298 mm) | R-31.8 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-5.6 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 7: SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) Wall
Factory-built panels for faster construction and superior insulation
Exterior
Fiber cement siding
5/16"
8 mm
k = 0.29 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.50 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Air cavity
Ventilated rainscreen gap
3/4"
19 mm
-
R-0.9 (RSI-0.16)
Weather barrier
Building wrap (Class III)
-
-
-
-
Outer facing
OSB sheathing
7/16"
11 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.5 (RSI-0.09)
Core
EPS foam insulation
8-1/4"
210 mm
k = 0.024 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.041 W/(m·K)
R-33 (RSI-5.8)
Inner facing
OSB sheathing
7/16"
11 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.5 (RSI-0.09)
Service cavity
Furring strips
1-1/2"
38 mm
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Panel: 12-3/16" (310 mm) | R-34.9 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-6.1 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 8: ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) Wall
Permanent foam formwork with reinforced concrete core
Exterior
Stucco finish
7/8"
22 mm
k = 0.41 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.71 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Outer insulation
EPS foam
2-5/8"
67 mm
k = 0.024 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.041 W/(m·K)
R-10 (RSI-1.76)
Structure
Reinforced concrete core
6"
152 mm
k = 0.90 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 1.56 W/(m·K)
R-0.75 (RSI-0.13)
Inner insulation
EPS foam
2-5/8"
67 mm
k = 0.024 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.041 W/(m·K)
R-10 (RSI-1.76)
Furring
Furring strips
1-1/2"
38 mm
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total ICF: 14-1/4" (362 mm) | R-21 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-3.7 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 9: Interior Non-Load Bearing Partition
Room divider walls within conditioned space
Interior finish
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Structure
Wood studs (16" OC)
3-1/2" (2x4)
89 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
Not applicable
Cavity
Empty
-
-
-
Not applicable
Interior finish
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 4-1/2" (114 mm) | Not applicable (interior partition)
Wall Type 10: Double-Wall High-Performance Assembly
Super-insulated system for passive house and net-zero buildings
Exterior
Fiber cement siding
5/16"
8 mm
k = 0.29 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.50 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Air cavity
Ventilated rainscreen gap
3/4"
19 mm
-
R-0.9 (RSI-0.16)
Weather barrier
Building wrap (Class III)
-
-
-
-
Outer sheathing
OSB
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.6 (RSI-0.11)
Outer structure
2x4 wood studs (24" OC)
3-1/2"
89 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-4.4 (RSI-0.77)
Outer insulation
Dense-pack cellulose
3-1/2"
89 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-13 (RSI-2.3)
Mid-layer sheathing
OSB
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.077 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.133 W/(m·K)
R-0.6 (RSI-0.11)
Inner structure
2x4 wood studs (24" OC)
3-1/2"
89 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-4.4 (RSI-0.77)
Inner insulation
Dense-pack cellulose
3-1/2"
89 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-13 (RSI-2.3)
Air/vapor control
Vapor-intelligent membrane (Variable Class)
-
-
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 13-3/16" (335 mm) | R-36.9 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-6.5 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 11: The "Institutional Wall" (500-Year Wall)
Maximum durability for museums, libraries, and heritage buildings
Exterior
Stone cladding
2"
50 mm
k = 1.50 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 2.60 W/(m·K)
R-1.0 (RSI-0.18)
Air cavity
Ventilated air space
1"
25 mm
-
R-1.0 (RSI-0.18)
Thermal control
Rigid mineral wool
4"
100 mm
k = 0.025 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.043 W/(m·K)
R-16 (RSI-2.8)
Rain control
Self-adhered membrane (Class II)
-
-
-
-
Air control
Self-adhered membrane
-
-
-
-
Vapor control
Integrated with air barrier
-
-
-
-
Structure
Concrete masonry units
8"
200 mm
k = 0.58 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 1.00 W/(m·K)
R-1.2 (RSI-0.21)
Interior
Plaster finish
5/8"
16 mm
k = 0.41 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.71 W/(m·K)
R-0.5 (RSI-0.09)
Total Wall: 15-5/8" (397 mm) | R-19.7 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-3.5 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 12: The "Commercial Wall"
Optimized metal stud system with all insulation exterior
Exterior
Metal panel system
1"
25 mm
k = 314 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 543.5 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Air cavity
Ventilated air space
3/4"
19 mm
-
R-0.9 (RSI-0.16)
Thermal control
Rigid polyiso foam (all exterior)
3"
75 mm
k = 0.014 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.024 W/(m·K)
R-18 (RSI-3.2)
Rain control
Self-adhered membrane (Class II)
-
-
-
-
Air control
Self-adhered membrane
-
-
-
-
Vapor control
Integrated with air barrier
-
-
-
-
Structure
Metal stud frame (24" OC)
6"
152 mm
k = 314 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 543.5 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Cavity
Empty (no insulation)
-
-
-
-
Interior
Gypsum drywall
5/8"
16 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.56 (RSI-0.10)
Total Wall: 11-3/8" (289 mm) | R-19.5 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-3.4 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 13: The "Residential Wall"
High-performance wood frame with split insulation strategy
Exterior
Wood siding
3/4"
19 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
Negligible
Air cavity
Ventilated air space
3/4"
19 mm
-
R-0.9 (RSI-0.16)
Thermal control (exterior)
Rigid mineral wool
2"
50 mm
k = 0.025 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.043 W/(m·K)
R-8 (RSI-1.4)
Rain control
Self-adhered membrane (Class II)
-
-
-
-
Air control
Self-adhered membrane
-
-
-
-
Vapor control
Integrated with air barrier
-
-
-
-
Structure
Wood stud frame (24" OC)
5-1/2" (2x6)
140 mm
k = 0.080 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.138 W/(m·K)
R-6.9 (RSI-1.21)
Cavity insulation
Dense-pack cellulose
5-1/2"
140 mm
k = 0.027 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.047 W/(m·K)
R-20 (RSI-3.5)
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 10-1/16" (255 mm) | R-36.2 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-6.4 m²·K/W)
Wall Type 14: Foam-Based Perfect Wall Variation
Simplified high-performance system using one material for all control layers
Exterior
Stucco finish
7/8"
22 mm
k = 0.41 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.71 W/(m·K)
Negligible
All control layers
Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam
4"
100 mm
k = 0.016 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.028 W/(m·K)
R-24 (RSI-4.2)
• Rain control function
-
-
-
-
• Air control function
-
-
-
-
• Vapor control (Class II)
-
-
-
-
• Thermal control
-
-
-
-
Structure
Concrete masonry units
8"
200 mm
k = 0.58 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 1.00 W/(m·K)
R-1.2 (RSI-0.21)
Interior
Gypsum drywall
1/2"
13 mm
k = 0.096 Btu/(hr·ft·°F)<br>λ = 0.166 W/(m·K)
R-0.45 (RSI-0.08)
Total Wall: 13-3/8" (340 mm) | R-25.7 hr·ft²·°F/Btu (RSI-4.5 m²·K/W)
Vapor Permeance Classifications
Class I
≤ 0.1 perm
6 mil polyethylene, foil-faced insulation, closed-cell spray foam (≥2")
Interior vapor barriers in cold climates
Class II
> 0.1 to ≤ 1.0 perm
Self-adhered membranes, kraft facing, closed-cell spray foam (<2")
Exterior air/water barriers, moderate climates
Class III
> 1.0 to ≤ 10 perm
Standard building wraps (Tyvek, Typar), most paint, unfaced fiberglass
Exterior weather barriers, mild climates
Variable Class
Changes with RH
Smart vapor retarders (Intello, MemBrain)
High-performance assemblies requiring bi-directional drying
Final Material Thermal Conductivity Reference Table
Steel
314
543.5
Severe thermal bridge
Aluminum
136
235.4
High conductivity
Stone (natural)
1.00-2.00
1.73-3.46
Variable by type
Concrete (dense)
0.90
1.56
High thermal mass
CMU (grouted)
0.58
1.00
Commercial standard
Brick (clay)
0.40-0.50
0.69-0.87
Traditional masonry
Stucco/Plaster
0.40-0.42
0.69-0.73
Finish materials
Fiber cement
0.29
0.50
Siding material
Acrylic finish
0.116
0.201
EIFS coating
Gypsum board
0.096
0.166
Interior finish
Vinyl
0.087
0.151
Cladding material
Wood (softwood)
0.080
0.138
Framing lumber
OSB/Plywood
0.077
0.133
Structural sheathing
Mineral wool (batt)
0.029
0.050
R-3.5 per inch
Fiberglass batt
0.027
0.047
R-3.7 per inch
Cellulose (dense-pack)
0.027
0.047
R-3.7 per inch
Mineral wool (rigid)
0.025
0.043
R-4 per inch
EPS foam
0.024
0.041
R-4 per inch
XPS foam
0.020
0.035
R-5 per inch
Closed-cell spray foam
0.016
0.028
R-6 per inch
Polyiso foam
0.014
0.024
R-6.5 per inch
Thermal Conductivity Unit Definitions:
k-value (Imperial): Btu/(hr·ft·°F)
λ-value (Metric): W/(m·K)
Conversion: λ = k × 1.731
All thermal conductivity values verified against ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and building science references. Lower values indicate better insulating performance. Materials with k-values above 1.0 are considered thermally conductive rather than insulating.
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