BSR/RESNET/ICC 380-2016 Addendum A-201x, draft PDS-02, Attics and Crawlspaces Comments Submitted

The following comments have been submitted:

Comment #1

Page Number: Various
Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: 8. Definitions
Comment Intent: Objection
Comment Type: General

Comment:

Proposed language in Section 4.3.iv references "crawlspace" and "attic." Simultaneously, "crawlspace" is removed from defnitions.  "Attics" is not defined.  I suggest reinstating "crawlspace" definition and defining "attic." Attic definition offered below is from IRC.

Proposed Change:

Add to Section 8, Definitions:

Attic - The space between the ceiling beams at the top story and the roof rafters.

Crawlspace - A shallow unfinished space, beneath the first floor of a building allowing access to wiring or plumbing.

Comment #2

Page Number: Informative annex A
Comment Intent: Not an Objection
Comment Type: Editorial

Comment:

The building volume used to determine "ACH"; the denominator in CFM50/Volume should be the space contained by the air barrier.  In the case of a sloped-roof home with a sealed attic, the triangular space that would be defined as attic if vented, would be included in that volume.  Nothing else makes sense.

RESNET has already defined this space as the "conditioned space boundary."

The existence of or availability of any load calculations has absolutely nothing to do with this.

In addition to being "logical" (that's what we engineers try to do) if would have the added benefit of calling attention to exactly what, where, and how the air barrier is created to those in the buildng professions who remain unclear on the concept of air barrier.

Notice that you are misusing the term "attic."  If the thermal and air barriers are located at the roof deck, the space between the ceiling and roof deck no longer meets the definition of attic.  It is the space formerly known as attic. Perhas RESNET should name that space.

 

Proposed Change:

On the "attic air sealed and insulated at roof deck but not conditioned" place a "yes" in Condtioned Space Volume column.

Comment #3

Page Number: Informative Annex A
Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: Footnote 2
Comment Intent: Not an Objection
Comment Type: Editorial

Comment:
 Mixup in reference.  Table 4.2.2(1) of ANSI/RESNET 301-2104.
 
Proposed Change:

 Table 4.2.2(1) of ANSI/RESNET 301-2014

Comment #4

Page Number: 2
Paragraph / Figure / Table / Note: Informative Annex A
Comment Intent: Not an Objection
Comment Type: General

Comment:

The Informative Annex A is very helpful, but I see an area of confusion.

Rows: Attic air sealed and insulated at roof deck (whether conditioned or not) both have Column: Infiltration Volume indicated as a "yes."

I agree with this and the table makes it clear. If I have an "attic" space insulated and air sealed at the roof deck, I include that in my ACH calculation for volume.

However, note 3 at the bottom of that page states "Included attic... infiltration volume if the doors... are open..."   This could be interpreted as in conflict with what the table says. Please clarify.

If I do not have an attic access, but my insulation and air barrier are at the roof deck, I still include the "attic" space volume in my ACH calculation from my blower door results. Is this correct?