How does continuous insulation affect thermal performance in masonry veneer walls and what is a common risk if misapplied?

• A. It increases thermal bridging; risk is moisture condensation.
• B. It reduces thermal bridging; risk is trapped moisture and condensation.
• C. It has no effect; risk is structural failure.
• D. It reduces sound transmission; risk is aesthetic cracking.

Answer: (B)

Continuous insulation places an uninterrupted layer of insulating material across the wall, so heat has to travel through insulation rather than through framing members. In masonry veneer walls, that uninterrupted layer reduces thermal bridging by covering the studs and other framing, which lowers heat loss and helps keep interior temperatures more stable.

The common risk if this insulation is not installed correctly is moisture becoming trapped behind it. If the drainage plane, vapor control, and ventilation paths aren’t properly maintained, condensation can form in the cavity, leading to mold growth, moisture damage, and degraded wall performance. So the best choice reflects both the improvement in thermal performance by reducing bridging and the moisture risk when misapplication occurs.