Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/399448
Installation Matters 4 With today's design-oriented goals of sustainability and energy efficiency, the proper use of insulation is becoming more important than ever. There are many different ways to insulate a building, and there are dozens of insulation assemblies in existence. Using the proper ingredients isn't enough – they have to be properly installed to be enabled to do their job. The maximum thermal performance of insulation is very dependent on accurate installation Specifying the appropriate product for a building application and installing it properly has a critical impact on long-term performance of a building assembly. Fortunately, there are various building codes and industry standards - both at national and regional levels – that establish best practices for product specification and installation. In order to provide high- performance, long-lasting buildings and minimize liabilities, it is imperative for building and design professionals to be well informed of all applicable building codes and product standards (e.g., ASTM in US or CAN/ULC in Canada) as well as manufacturer recommendations. Adherence to applicable building code requirements results in healthier, more stable and sustainable buildings. Used in an array of building applications, EPS foam insulation is an incredibly versatile material. Refer to your manufacturer's specific guidelines for installation of: • Roofing • Exterior Insulating Finishing Systems (EIFS) • Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFS) • Structural Insulating Panels (SIPS) • Below Grade • Floors Walls & Ceilings • Door Cores There are multiple types of materials that require precise installation, and even the slightest undetected flaw can quickly become the Achilles heel of the system. One important aspect of wall assembly construction using EPS insulation installation is to prevent water infiltration and trapped moisture. Consideration must be given to the chance that the moisture infiltration rate will exceed the drying rate within the wall, particularly in regions where the climate is humid. When this occurs, trapped moisture will begin to deteriorate the wall. Trapped moisture within the wall cavity also can lead to problems such as mold growth, rotting wood framing and wall board, rusting of metal studs and fasteners and weakening of the foam components. If untreated, the effects can propagate into other parts of the building, damaging window and door frames, interior walls and carpets. Any poorly installed or omitted flashing in areas where water can enter the exterior wall assembly can easily cause the cladding, sheathing and wood framing members to deteriorate. Attention to detail is required for the installation of multiple component materials, adhesives and fasteners as well as sealing properly around windows, doors, various joints, flashing, corners, edges, ridges, wall-mounted air conditioner units and wall penetrations. Moisture can be trapped if any of these aspects of installation do not meet applicable building code requirements. Best practices to consider (dependent upon the local climate) for applications using EPS insulation include: • High quality flashing details, connecting the weather resistant barrier to any and all flashings at penetrations. • High quality air sealing details at any transition, penetration, or panel joint. • Back-venting of all claddings to strongly promote convective drying. • Trade contractor scopes of work that require any workers who penetrate the building envelope to properly air seal and flash that penetration. Contractors are now required to install a multitude of building components with varying designs that require a large amount of installation knowledge, expertise and precision. Meticulous workmanship and attention to detail are vital to a building's performance and longevity. The largest contributor to problems is deviation from code requirements, industry standards and manufacturer guidelines during installation. Strict adherence to proper installation ensures all insulation products serve as an effective design solution that complement one another, rather than a structural or financial problem. It also ensures greater comfort, safety and lower maintenance while leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. Newsline