Wall Insulation/Vapor Barrier

[msmity29]

I am having a 2-story, 2600 sq ft home built in the far west burbs of Chicago and have a question concerning wall construction. From what I understand, the house walls are being constucted from exterior to interior as follows: 1) vinyl siding, 2)upgraded Menard's brand Tyvek wrap, 3)7/16" OSB, 4)2x6s with R-19 poly-vapor barrier. Does this sound sufficient? Thanks in advance for your help!

[CThomp]

It sounds in agreement with most codes, including Florida. To go to a higher r-value is your call. You could get spray in foam insulation. I think that stuff seals better and has as a bit higher r-value.

[David]

I wouldn't do the spray foam without a thorough understanding of proper installation. You would definitely want a tough-act professional inspector, which may be hard to find in your area.

As for the materials and their order, they are fine. Check the warranty of your materials.

[rabadger]

In the 2003 residential code book Kane and DuPage counties are in zone 14. From table N1102.1

Wall R-21
Ceiling R-49
Floors R-21
Basement walls R-11
Slab perimeter R value and depth R-11, 4ft
Crawl space walls R-20
Maximum glazing U-Factor .035

It also states in N1102.1.1 Exterior walls.
The min. required R-value in table N1102.1 shall be met by the sum of the R-values of the insulation materials installed in the framing cavities and/or insulating sheathing applied, and not by framing, drywall, structural sheathing, or exterior siding materials. Insulation separated from the conditioned space by a vented space shall not be counted towards the required R-value.

Find out what codes the town and county follow so you don't cause a fuss if not needed.

[CThomp]

Norhterners have to insulate like crazy.

Florida Code is only like
Ceiling R-30
Walls R-13
Floor R-11

We don't have to insulate crawlspaces and I don't anyone who has a basement in Florida. I know they exist.

[rabadger]

R-13 walls, it must be nice.:(

[CThomp]

It's best of course to insulate more. I think most people who have framed walls go with R-19+ for their walls and as much as they can for their ceilings.

[David]

R19 here.
:|