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Continuous insulation

Continuous insulation is insulation that runs over framing without breaks, often on the exterior of the wall.

Insulation, Air Sealing, and Ventilation

Why it matters

It reduces thermal bridging and improves whole-wall performance.

Where people get this wrong

It changes details at windows and doors because the wall gets thicker.

Real-world example

Think of insulation between studs as filling the spaces. Continuous insulation is the blanket that covers everything, including the studs.

Where this hits your build

This affects comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality. It gets locked behind drywall, so decisions here need to be right before finishing starts.

Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.

See how HouseChalk helps with the decisions behind terms like this