Zero Energy Home Construction Details
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Energy Efficient Construction Details

· Advanced wall framing
· Rigid insulation on exterior walls
· Energy Star windows
· R-52 in attic
· Icynene insulation in walls
· Passive solar design

Figure 1. Good insulation under the slab is crucial
Figure 2. Insulating the edge of the slab is often a missed detail. This is critical when heating the slab with passive solar heat. Figure 3. Advanced framed corners allows for better insulation coverage
Figure 4. Advanced Framing at door header allows for better insulating coverage without compromising the strength of the assembly. Figure 5. Raised heel trusses allows for complete insulation coverage around the entire perimeter of the home.
Figures 6& 7. Attention to air sealing details assured a very tight home that did not breath from unexpected places
Figure 8. Close attention was paid to air sealing at the eave/insulation baffle to properly direct ventilation air to the attic vent. Figure 9. All exterior seams on the blue board were taped carefully to create an exterior
air seal.
Figure 10. A tall insulation dam was built around the attic access hatch to ensure insulation could be brought right up to the door without spilling into the home

Figure 11.Energy Star windows with Low E film guarantees great overall performance year round.
Figure 12. A tiled concrete slabe provides thermal mass for the southern wall of windows Figure 13. This picture taken a month prior to summer solstice demonstrates the overhang shading 85% of the rough opening for the windows. Once the gutter is installed the windows will be completely shaded.
HVAC Ductwork
· Round metal ducts to eliminate air friction
· Mastic used to ensure air tight seal
· Duct Blasted to verify air leakage is less than 3%   of the floor area


Figure 14. Jumper ducts prevent pressure imbalances between bedrooms and the main living space. Figure 15. Bath fans are verified to exhaust 50 cfm and have quality ductwork that is insulated to avoid condenstation.
Figure 16. Icynene spray foam insulation was used in the walls to achieve a R-19 in the cavity. Figure 17. Once the foam expands a technician trims off the excess achieving a great air seal as well as insulating r-value.