Continuous insulation (CI) is a key component in modern building construction, and there is no better way to incorporate it than with a Dryvit Outsulation® system. But what exactly is CI and why is it so important?
What is Continuous Insulation (CI)?
Continuous insulation refers to the uninterrupted layer of insulation installed on the exterior of a building's wall. The purpose of CI is to eliminate thermal bridging, which occurs when heat transfers through the studs in traditional framed buildings due to the difference in air permeance between building components.
How Does CI Help Reduce Energy Loss and Meet Building Code Requirements?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, thermal bridging accounts for significant energy loss in buildings — meaning higher energy bills and a less comfortable indoor environment. That's why national code bodies have made CI a requirement for new construction projects since 2013. Dryvit has been incorporating CI into our Outsulation® Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) for over 50 years — long before it became a requirement in commercial construction.
