The building thermal envelope will be durably sealed to limit air infiltration with caulk, gaskets, weather stripping or an air barrier material. This includes all exterior wall penetrations and sealant requirements for the exterior wall base plates and vertical wall intersections.

IC-rated enclosures that are sealed and gasketed to prevent air leakage from the living area to the attic area are to be used.

Fiberglass or cellulose insulation must have thickness markers installed every 300 square feet in the attic space. These markers shall be be written in inches and face towards the attic access opening.

The City of Dallas in conjunction with the North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) has designated the Dallas / Ft Worth Metroplex area as a Zone 3.2 designation.

The IECC requires specific minimum R values for walls, floors and ceilings. R-13 is typical for wall requirements, R-30 is typical for ceilings. Floors over unconditioned spaces requires R-19, however slab foundations do not have to be insulated. Windows have specific U Values (maximum .50) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) maximum of .30.

All HVAC supply and return ducts will be insulated to R-8 if they are located outside the building thermal envelope. R-6 ducts are allowed in floor trusses.

All duct joints and seams, air handlers and filter boxes will be sealed with mastic.

Building cavities will not be used as supply ducts.

Mechanical system piping that is capable of carrying fluids above 105 degrees or below 55 degrees will be insulated to at least R-3.

All circulating service hot water piping will be insulated to at least R-2.

The city of Dallas requires a finish frame inspection after the wall insulation is installed and before the sheetrock is installed. They also require a final insulation inspection after the ceiling insulation and mechanical HVAC equipment is installed. The energy certification is required by the City of Dallas Building Department before the final Electrical inspection is approved.