Low-rise Residential
The California Energy Code has a series of mandatory measures. These include mandatory requirements for installation, appliances, ventilation. air barriers and air quality. In addition, minimum insulation and construction configurations are defined in a number options packages that generally require that wood-framed walls above grade have at least R-13 insulation (U =0.077) installed in the cavities between the framing members. However, the prescriptive measures vary in optional packages (configurations).
Wall constructions for masonry exterior walls generally require maximum U values of 0.125 in most climate zones.
Nonresidential, High-rise Residential and Hotels/Motels
The Mandatory measures required for low-rise residential also are required in non-residential building configurations. In additional provisions for materials such as California Quality Standards for Insulating Materials ensure that insulation sold or installed in the state performs according to the stated R-value and meets minimum quality, health, and safety standards.
Manufacturers must certify that insulating materials comply with California Quality Standards for Insulating Materials (CCR, Title 24, Part 12, Chapters 12- 13), which ensure that insulation sold or installed in the state performs according to stated R-values and meets minimum quality, health, and safety standards. Builders may not install the types of insulating materials listed unless the product has been thus certified.
Next: Prescriptive Compliance