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Board declines to adopt prescriptive 'grade 1' insulation requirement
Summary
A proposal to require a ResNet 'grade 1' standard (or a specified edition reference) for prescriptive insulation installation failed after members raised concerns about changing external standards and duplicative/conflicting code language.
Kim proposed a prescriptive clarification to require a minimum installation quality (grade 1) or to reference a fixed ResNet/ResNET standard edition for prescriptive compliance. Supporters argued it would close a performance gap where installations meet manufacturer instructions but not high-quality HERS installation expectations.
Hope and others warned ResNet grading language is changing to pass/fail and that placing grade-based requirements into the prescriptive code may create conflicts with manufacturer instructions and other code sections (R303.2). Several jurisdictions noted they already require high-quality installations either informally or by referral to manufacturer instructions; some local governments prefer a clear code citation to avoid ambiguity.
On the vote, the board recorded six votes in favor, one opposed and six abstentions on the initial tally, producing a failure to reach a majority; the motion did not pass and the proposal will not advance. Members recommended working offline to find alternate language or to reference a specific edition of the ResNet standard if the board pursues this again.
