V8 Field QA Q10: AGW

PHOTOS REQUIRED of above grade wall insulation per ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 APPENDIX B and HERS® Standards Chapter 9. A minimum of one wideout photo is required for each above grade wall type that exists. Raters/RFIs are responsible for documenting reasons for missing the minimum requirement for photos of each above grade wall type that exists in the dwelling unit. Rater/RFI verifies and documents the correct above grade wall types, insulation types, R-values, insulation thicknesses, insulation grades, stud spacings/dimensions, framing factors, areas, locations, orientations, and exterior surface colors.

• Be sure that where multiple above grade wall types exist they are documented separately, including where their “location” with respect to conditioned areas of the home may vary between wall types and within the same wall type.
• In homes with Advanced Framing, verify that adequate insulation exists in 3-stud corners, interior/exterior wall intersections, behind blocking, behind any exterior wall tubs/showers/fireplaces, etc. This verification is for insulation grading. Areas have been inspected and verified; any area of missing or inadequate insulation has been documented.

Many of these items may not be visible or accessible at a final inspection, the rater should provide photo documentation of the elements that are still visible at this stage.

SCORING: (These errors are assessed per wall; the same error can occur multiple times on each wall that exists and should be added to the overall total) "Satisfactory": When all mandatory photos are provided, and no errors in verification "1": One to two errors (listed below) "2": Three to four errors (listed below) "3": Five or more errors (listed below) "Missing Photo": One or more of the mandatory photos are missing, and no errors in verification "Missing Photo + "1": One or more of the mandatory photos are missing, plus "1" per scoring above "Missing Photo + "2": One or more of the mandatory photos are missing, plus "2" per scoring above "Missing Photo + "3": One or more of the mandatory photos are missing, plus "3" per scoring above

GUIDANCE: Above Grade Wall Verification Errors - The Rater/RFI can correctly identify or determine the following items (if installed at the time of the pre-drywall inspection): * Wall Construction type, including material, framing depth, and stud spacing * Insulation R-Value and thickness * Gypsum thickness * Surface Area * Surface Color * Insulation Location * Wall Orientation