Unlike traditional stick-frame houses, houses constructed using structural insulated panels, insulating concrete forms, and concrete block insulation literally have the insulation built into their walls. Therefore, these houses usually have superior insulating qualities and levels.
If you’d prefer to build a stick-frame house, you should consider using advanced wall framing techniques. These techniques improve the whole-wall R-value by reducing thermal bridging and maximizing the wall area that is insulated.
For stick-frame house construction, you also should consider using foam-insulated wall sheathings instead of the standard wood or asphalt-impregnated sheathing. A half-inch thick foam-insulated sheathing provides an R-value of R-2 to R-3.5. Sheathing thicker than a half-inch thick will yield even higher R-values. These are some other advantages of foam sheathing:
* The continuous layer of insulation reduces thermal bridging through wood studs, saving energy and improving comfort.
* Foam sheathing is easier to cut and install than heavier sheathing products.
* It protects against condensation on the inside wall by keeping the interior of the wall warmer.
* It usually costs less than plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Source: U.S. Department of Energy