According to Michigan Building Code, what is the minimum R-value for basement wall insulation in new construction?
Correct Answer
B) R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity
Michigan Energy Code allows either R-10 continuous insulation on basement walls or R-13 cavity insulation between framing members for Climate Zone 6A.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Michigan falls in IECC Climate Zone 6A. The Michigan Energy Code allows two compliant approaches for basement wall insulation: R-10 continuous insulation (rigid foam or equivalent applied to the wall surface without gaps) OR R-13 cavity insulation (batts installed between framing members). Both approaches meet the code — the contractor may choose either method based on the construction approach.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: R-10 continuous
R-10 continuous alone is a valid option but it is not the only option — the answer omits the equally valid R-13 cavity alternative. An answer that presents only one of two code-compliant paths is incomplete and therefore incorrect as a complete statement of the code requirement.
Option C: R-15 continuous
R-15 continuous insulation exceeds the Michigan Energy Code minimum for basement walls in Climate Zone 6A. While R-15 continuous would certainly pass, requiring it as the minimum overstates the code requirement and may lead to unnecessary cost.
Option D: R-15 continuous or R-19 cavity
R-15 continuous or R-19 cavity does not correspond to the Michigan Energy Code baseline for basement walls. These values are higher than required and reflect a misapplication of above-grade wall insulation requirements (which are more stringent) to basement walls.
Memory Technique
Basement walls in Michigan: R-10 continuous OR R-13 cavity. Remember it as '10 or 13 — below grade in Michigan.' Continuous insulation gets a lower R-value because it has no thermal bridging. Cavity insulation needs more R-value to compensate for stud bridging.
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