PNNL

Abstract

This article describes a code compliance brief written by PNNL on common walls, the wall that separates apartments in a multi-family building, helping to prevent the s0pread of fire from one unit to another and allowing the collapse of a unit that is on fire without structurally damaging adjacent units. Common walls are a good idea, but for builders trying to construct energy-efficient dwellings, issues related to common walls abound in codes and standards: Should they be insulated and if so how much? How should they be air sealed and how do you test how air tight they are? Even a clear definition of the terms is lacking. To help address these issues, PNNL code experts wrote a code compliance brief on common walls for the U.S. Department of Energy Building America Solution Center. Providing the same information to all interested parties (e.g., code officials, builders, designers, etc.) could encourage more insulating and air sealing while increasing compliance and helping smooth the process at plan review and/or field inspection time. The Building America Solution Center is a free web tool developed and maintained by PNNL for DOE to help builders construct, renovate, and sell more efficient, comfortable, durable, and healthy homes. This article will appear in the Building America Update newsletter, a monthly electronic publication with over 10,000 subscribers in the residential construction industry. The newsletter is published at http://energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-america-update-newsletter.