Wall Construction Templates

Wall Type 1: Standard Wood Frame Exterior Wall

Basic residential construction - most common in North America

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 2: Brick Veneer Wall

Traditional masonry appearance with wood frame backup

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 3: EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish System)

Synthetic stucco with integrated foam insulation

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 4: CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) Wall

Concrete block construction for commercial/industrial buildings

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 5: Metal Stud Commercial Wall

Non-combustible construction for multi-story buildings

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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.

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Wall Type 6: Stone Veneer Wall

Natural or manufactured stone facade over wood frame

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 7: SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) Wall

Factory-built panels for faster construction and superior insulation

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 8: ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) Wall

Permanent foam formwork with reinforced concrete core

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 9: Interior Non-Load Bearing Partition

Room divider walls within conditioned space

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 10: Double-Wall High-Performance Assembly

Super-insulated system for passive house and net-zero buildings

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 11: The "Institutional Wall" (500-Year Wall)

Maximum durability for museums, libraries, and heritage buildings

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 12: The "Commercial Wall"

Optimized metal stud system with all insulation exterior

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 13: The "Residential Wall"

High-performance wood frame with split insulation strategy

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Wall Type 14: Foam-Based Perfect Wall Variation

Simplified high-performance system using one material for all control layers

Layer	Material	Imperial Thickness	Metric Thickness	Thermal Conductivity	Thermal Resistance
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)

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Vapor Permeance Classifications

Vapor Class	Permeance	Examples	Typical Applications
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

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Final Material Thermal Conductivity Reference Table

Material	Imperial k-value<br>Btu/(hr·ft·°F)	Metric λ-value<br>W/(m·K)	Notes
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.