Benefits of Rigid Polyiso Foam Board

As one of the most widely used and readily available building products, Polyiso is a cost-effective insulation option for reducing building energy use and improving the overall service life of roofs and walls.  

What Is Polyiso Insulation?

Polyisocyanurate insulation is a rigid, closed-cell, continuous foam board insulation. The foam in the rigid polyiso boards is pressed together so tightly during manufacturing that air and moisture cannot get through the board when installed. Facers are added to the board to further increase the polyiso board’s performance characteristics. 

What Are the Benefits of Polyiso Insulation?

Polyiso provides many benefits outside of its excellent thermal characteristics:

• High R-value per inch of thickness 

• Excellent fire test performance 

• Extensive building code approvals

• Cost-effective continuous insulation (CI) solution

• Compatible with most wall and roof systems

• Dimensional stability

• Compressive strength

• Moisture resistance

• Thinner walls and roofs with shorter fasteners

• Long service life

• High solvent compatibility

• Compatibility with most solvents used in construction adhesives

• A wide range of service temperatures

• Zero ozone depletion potential 

• Recycled through reuse

• Virtually no global warming potential

• QualityMark™ certified LTTR values

Where Can Polyiso Be Used?

Polyiso is a highly versatile form of insulation that provides superior performance in both roof and wall installations.

Roof Applications

Compatible with nearly any commercial roof system, Rmax polyiso can be used with modified bitumen, metal, built-up, ballasted single-ply, mechanically attached single-ply, and adhered single-ply. Polyiso is used in almost 70% of all commercial roof construction because of its durability and excellent thermal performance.

Wall Applications

Polyiso is a popular choice for wall installations due to its ease of installation, durability, and thermal performance. Rmax polyiso’s integrated air barrier and vapor management layers reduce the labor involved during wall construction while resulting in a better finished building. With fewer thermal breaks, the overall wall’s composite R-value will be higher too. 

Polyiso works great in continuous insulation installations which are increasing in popularity. ASHRAE defines Continuous Insulation (CI) as “insulation that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior, exterior, or is integral to any opaque surface of the building envelope.” As energy efficiency becomes more important and exterior continuous insulation becomes the standard, polyiso will be the insulation of choice for many of those installations.

Common Polyiso Facers

One great aspect of polyiso rigid boards is that they can be easily faced during manufacture to boost their performance. Sandwiched between layers of facing, polyiso becomes a truly high-performance composite material. Some common facer options include:

• Non-asphaltic, fiber-reinforced organic felt facers. Standard facers for roofing, these facers provide long-lasting performance and increase the insulation’s durability, chemical, and mold resistance.

• Foil facers. These facers work to increase the insulation's thermal performance, maintain dimensional stability, and decrease the likelihood of water absorption or water vapor transmission.

Is Polyiso Safe for the Environment?

Polyiso foam is made through a chemical reaction that mixes the components together with a fire retardant, a blowing agent, and small amounts of catalyst. Mixing these compounds together causes a heat-generating reaction to occur which boils the blowing agent, pentane. The boiling of the pentane causes the foam to expand and create gas-filled cells throughout the foam board. These gas-filled cells make polyiso rigid boards lightweight with low thermal conductivity.

One of the reasons pentane is used as the blowing agent for polyiso foam boards is because of its safety. Pentane has no ozone-depletion risk and has very little global-warming potential. In the past, blowing agents were used that damaged the environment, but those have all been replaced with more environmentally-friendly options.

Does Polyiso Have a High R-Value?

Polyiso has a high R-value per inch when compared to other insulation products, see the chart below. This allows Polyiso products to deliver more energy savings potential for buildings than other materials of the same thickness.

R-Value Per Inch Comparison

Polyiso has an R-6.5 and the highest R-value per inch when compared to other insulation.

What is LTTR?

Based on consensus standards in both the U.S. and Canada, Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) is a scientifically-supported method of calculating the 15-year, time-weighted average R-value of roof insulation. All Polyiso manufacturers in the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) have adopted the LTTR method as the exclusive means to measure thermal performance of permeable-faced Polyiso roof insulation. PIMA Polyiso manufacturers have certified LTTR-value products verified by the QualityMark™  Program. 

What is QualityMark™?

The PIMA QualityMark™ Certification program is a voluntary program that allows Polyiso manufacturers to obtain independent, third-party certification for the Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) values of their Polyiso insulation products. Polyiso is the only insulation to be certified by this unique program for its LTTR value. The program is administered by FM Global and was developed by the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) based on work done at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and CAN/ULC- S770. Click here to view the QualityMark™ Brochure.

Easier on the Environment and for Installation

Polyiso boards have superior R-values, so less material is needed to get the same amount of thermal performance when using polyiso. These characteristics make polyiso a better choice throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Easier on Shipping

High-density polyiso boards take up less room, making them easier to ship and move around. Polyiso boards take up less space, they are easier to ship on trucks, store in warehouses, and store on the job site.

Easier on the Job Site

The individual boards weigh less than other insulation types, so boards can be moved around much more easily. Less manpower is needed to move insulation throughout the job site, keeping projects moving ahead on schedule.

Easier on the Building

The significantly lighter weight of rigid polyiso boards lowers the overall weight that the structure itself must bear. Compared to gypsum boards, polyiso reduces the total dead load that the building sees, which can decrease costs from structural loads.

Easier on the Environment

Not only is polyiso now made from blowing agents that do not damage the ozone layer, but the overall global warming potential of polyiso is some of the lowest in the industry. Polyiso’s incredible performance also reduces the amount of energy the building needs to operate for the life of the building. Many of the raw components that go into the rigid boards during manufacture are recycled raw materials that further reduce polyiso’s impact on the environment. Polyiso is gentle on the environment throughout its lifecycle.

Whether for commercial, residential, or specialty construction, Rmax polyiso is ready to meet your application’s needs. High-performance insulation in a building’s roof or walls leads to decades of energy savings while being economical for construction and easy on the environment. Learn more about all Rmax has to offer by reaching out to our team of insulation experts today.

How to Best Insulate a Warehouse

Warehousing in the U.S. is growing rapidly with an estimated 330M square feet of new warehouse space needed by 2025 just to keep up with demand. 

Warehouses provide flexible space for businesses to operate in a variety of different ways. With their demand growing, building warehouses efficiently will become increasingly important. Understanding the importance of insulation is the first step toward building an efficient, long-lasting metal warehouse.

Typical Warehouse Construction

Warehouses are designed to be built quickly and to allow for flexible usage of the enclosed space. Warehouse design stays pretty simple, often with just four walls and a high roof. The walls are typically made from sheet metal mounted to steel I-beam flanges to create a large, enclosed open space that can be used for many different purposes.

Why is Insulation Important?

Insulation is an unseen yet critically important feature of any structure, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or warehouses. Let’s look at some of the features that not only make insulation critical but inform why focusing on insulation is one of the most important things a builder can do.

Energy Efficiency

Energy usage in large warehouses is incredibly important and can be very wasteful if the warehouse is not very efficient. Without effective insulation, the warehouse can be uncomfortable to work in or the energy bills will be incredibly high from trying to maintain a comfortable environment. If builders decide to go cheap on insulation materials and installation, the effects could be financially catastrophic.

Think about a 50,000 sq ft warehouse that needs some measure of climate control. Non-exceptional installation of average or sub-par insulation could amount to a massive energy bill over time, cutting hard into the bottom line of the warehouse. As most all warehouses are a part, or the core, of commercial endeavors, burning financial resources for the life of the building because insulation was underappreciated during construction could add up to a severe thorn in the company's side.

And energy efficiency isn’t insulation’s only task:

Moisture Issues

Condensation occurs when a surface is cooled below the dewpoint of the air. In colder environments without insulation, the inside of the metal walls can cool down below the dewpoint of the air in the warehouse and liquid water will form on the wall. The water will pool and drip down the wall and, over time, can cause corrosion, mold growth, and structural issues for the warehouse.

Rodent Protection

Another benefit insulation provides is protection from rodents and other pests. Insulation blocks pathways that these critters can use to get into a warehouse and cause havoc. Well-installed insulation will keep bugs and rodents out, protecting not only the product in the warehouse but the warehouse itself.

Ways to Insulate a Warehouse

Many options exist for insulating warehouses and many buildings use a combination of options to achieve the desired finished result. Insulation materials have R-values which measure the ability of the material to block the flow of heat. The higher a material’s R-value, the better it is at insulating. Here are some of the most popular:

Fiberglass

One of the most widely used insulation types, fiberglass batt insulation goes into a warehouse’s wall cavities between the studs. While it has a lower R-value usually between 2.9 and 4.3 per inch, fiberglass is usually applied in batts a few inches thick.

Spray Foam

Another easy-to-apply option is spray foam which is applied throughout the interior of the warehouse. Spray foam expands when it contacts the warehouse walls and fills any existing cracks or gaps. Spray foam makes an excellent air barrier and has an R-value of between 3.7 and 6.5 per inch.

Aerogel

Often seen in cold storage warehouses, aerogel packs an impressive R-value of 10 to 20 per inch. Aerogel is also lightweight and environmentally friendly but it can be expensive.

Continuous Insulation

Cavity, or internal insulation, is applied inside the warehouse between the studs, and continuous insulation is typically applied to a warehouse’s exterior. The benefit of continuous insulation is the unbroken plane of insulation that surrounds the entire warehouse. A warehouse’s studs and girts provide easy pathways for heat to “leak” around internal insulation. With continuous insulation, the warehouse is much more energy efficient.

Polyiso: The Best Warehouse Insulation

When it comes to warehouse insulation, polyisocyanurate (polyiso) is hard to beat. Polyiso mixes strength, thermal performance, and competitive cost into one product that is easily applied as a layer of external, continuous insulation.

Here are some of the many benefits of polyiso foam insulation:

• High R-value per inch compared to other insulation products used in commercial and residential construction

• An exclusive third-party thermal performance certification

• Outstanding installed cost advantages and economical cost per R-value

• The ability to achieve today’s code required R-values while minimizing space, material, and labor requirements without breaking the bank

• Excellent performance in fire tests

• Ease of use and peace of mind, as Polyiso products are designed for use in an expansive assortment of tested, approved, and code-compliant applications.

• Polyiso is stable over a large temperature range (-100°F to +250°F) and can be used as a component in roof systems utilizing hot asphalt.

• Polyiso has low density, good adhesion to facers, low water absorption, and low vapor transmission

• Polyiso is not affected by oil-based waterproofing compounds, insecticides, or fertilizers when properly protected

Utilize the Best Polyiso Insulation Has to Offer with Rmax

Rmax is changing the game by engineering superior-performance polyiso insulation for  warehouse walls. Rmax polyiso keeps warehouses energy efficient and comfortable for many years to come, positively impacting the bottom line and allowing businesses to reach their full potential.

To learn more about why Rmax polyiso is the right choice for your warehouse, reach out to our team today.

What to Know About Building Code Insulation Requirements

Building codes are used to make sure that buildings are built safely and energy efficient. A local jurisdiction’s building codes set the minimum for how well a building must be constructed. Building codes can evolve as information changes or new materials become available. Understanding the requirements for insulation keeps you adhering to the code and can save you time and money.

Building Code Standards

Building codes are adopted by local towns and cities and can vary all across the nation. These codes are typically adopted from standards published by knowledgeable organizations in the industry. Some municipalities adopt new standards into their building codes much quicker than others and are something any building owner should be aware of.

What Organizations Create Standards?

Some of the most popular organizations for creating standards are:

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

• North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)

• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

As these organizations publish standards, local jurisdictions review their building codes and decide what new standards they want to adopt into their building codes. 

Standards That Affect Insulation

Some standards that are often used in building codes to set requirements for insulation are ASHRAE 90.1, NAIMA 202-96, and ASTM C 665. 

NAIMA 202-96, for instance, is a certification that insulation manufacturers use to ensure that their products comply with the minimum requirements of that standard. Inspectors from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) make quarterly unannounced visits to the factories that produce certified insulation. The inspectors review quality control procedures, records, and randomly test products to ensure the insulation meets the requirements of the certification.

Standards like ASHRAE 90.1 prescribe what types of insulation must be used when building different kinds of buildings. These standards define items like “continuous insulation” and break down the amount of insulation required for different climate zones in the U.S. These standards help ensure that everyone is speaking the same language when it comes to insulation and building standards.

What Insulation Meets Code Requirements?

Certified products help you know whether or not a certain product will meet code requirements. Insulation is not always produced in the same way for use in all different applications. For example, NAIMA 202-96 Certified Metal Building Insulations are fiberglass insulations intended for use in metal buildings, specifically. While they can sometimes be used in different applications, certifications help you know that a product will meet the requirements of a given standard.

Breaking Down ASTM C 665, Including Types and Classes

ASTM C 665 is an additional certification used for mineral fiber blankets that quickly lets you know if an insulation type will be acceptable. ASTM C 665 breaks insulation down into Type I, Type II, and Type III.

ASTM C 665 Types

Type 1

Blankets without membrane coverings. Unfaced insulation.

Type 2

Blankets with a non-reflective vapor retarder membrane covering one principal face. Classes A, B, and C are typically kraft-faced.

Type 3

Blankets with a reflective vapor retarder member covering one principal face. Class A, B, and C, foil-faced. 

ASTM C 665 Classes

Additionally, there are three different classes (A, B, and C) that describe how membranes are faced on the insulation.

Class A

Membrane-faced surface with flame spread of 25 or less. For use in exposed applications meeting building code requirements.

Class B

Membrane-faced surface with flame propagation resistance critical radiant flux of 0.12 W/cm2 or greater.

Class C

Membrane-faced surface not rated for flame propagation resistance (for use in non-exposed applications only)

A building code will prescribe what is minimally acceptable, allowing you to find a material that meets or exceeds the requirement then easily. Ultimately, building codes provide a minimum for thermal effectiveness, fire resistance, and moisture resistance that all new buildings must adhere to.

Polyiso Exceeds Expectations and Achieves Strict Code Compliance

Because of polyiso’s exceptional performance, it often exceeds the requirements laid out in building codes making it an easy choice for code-compliant construction. Notable building codes polyiso achieves are ASHRAE 90.1, NAIMA 202-96, and ASTM C 665. 

And while the great benefits of polyiso have been understood and employed for roof installations, Rmax polyiso is also the superior choice for walls and below-grade applications. Let’s take a look at what makes polyiso so effective:

Thermal Conductivity

The higher an insulation’s R-value, the better it is at insulating. Polyiso boasts an impressive 6.5 R per inch value that demonstrates its low thermal conductivity. Meeting the minimum R-value required by code requires a thinner wall when using polyiso over other insulation types.

Polyiso also provides exceptional strength and dimensional stability which makes it great for use as continuous insulation. More standards are beginning to require continuous insulation layers on buildings because they outperform cavity insulation techniques. When buildings are built with cavity insulation, the studs in the wall act as thermal bridges allowing heat to “leak” around the insulation and through the studs. Continuous insulation avoids these issues by applying a continuous layer of unbroken insulation on the outside of the building’s walls, just behind the exterior cladding.

Fire Resistance

Polyiso is a type of plastic known as a thermoset. Unlike other insulation types, when polyiso is exposed to fire and intense heat it chars instead of melting. Polyiso makes for a highly resilient insulation material that can help limit damage in case of a fire. As standards raise the minimum fire ratings that insulation types are allowed to have, polyiso will be in a great position to meet and exceed those requirements.

Moisture Resistance

Polyiso comes in a rigid foam board format, and it can be laminated to foil facers during manufacture. The foil face provides a built-in vapor barrier for reducing the amount of water vapor that can be transmitted through the insulation. Some insulation types are very permeable to water vapor and require additional costly vapor barriers to be added to the wall during construction to ensure the building meets code requirements.

Utilize the Best Performing Polyiso Insulation with Rmax

Rmax polyiso is high-performance insulation available throughout the USA at a competitive price. Using quality materials ensures a well-finished building and avoids headaches worrying about being code compliant. To learn more about Rmax polyiso’s extensive building code approvals, reach out to our team of insulation experts today.

EPS vs XPS Insulation and a Better Alternative

When deciding on which insulation type to use, it can be difficult to figure out the differences between all the options on the market. Knowing what makes each insulation type special will help you make an informed decision. Insulation is one of the most important parts of your building, so it is a decision you will want to get right.

The Importance of Insulation

Insulation is incredibly important to a building’s performance and longevity although it often does not get the credit it deserves. The main role of insulation is to slow down the transfer of heat into and out of the building. By slowing down this rate of heat transfer, the building’s HVAC does not have to use as much energy to keep the building comfortable.

In addition to energy efficiency, some other benefits of insulation are:

Noise Reduction

Buildings with little or no insulation tend to be very loud. Insulation reduces the noise from loud sounds outside and prevents sound from being able to echo off the building’s walls internally. Without insulation, noise can reverberate throughout the building. Insulation acts to dampen these sounds, keeping them from getting louder and making your building more enjoyable to be in for all occupants. 

Fire Resistance

Code requirements require insulation to pass a minimum fire rating test. Buildings with insulation make it harder for a fire to spread throughout the building. Not only can this reduce structural damage in case of a fire, but it will also reduce the likelihood of fire-related injuries to building occupants.

Thermal Comfort

Insulation helps to slow down heat transfer into and out of the building, and also keeps the temperature in a building more consistent. Without proper insulation, a building is more likely to have hot and cold spots throughout. Thermal comfort keeps occupants more productive and reduces the variability in how your HVAC equipment operates.

EPS and XPS: What’s the Difference?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are both popular forms of insulation and while similar, they do have their differences.

Composition

XPS is made via an extrusion process, resulting in a closed cell structure and a smooth layer on the top and bottom sides of the board. The closed cell structure of XPS prevents water penetration into the insulation and gives XPS enhanced strength and durability

EPS is made using beads of foam instead of an extrusion process. The beads are placed into a mold and then heated to fuse them. Since voids can occur between the beads, the insulation is not a closed cell board and is less resistant to water.

Thermal Conductivity

One of the key parameters for any type of insulation is its thermal conductivity. XPS and EPS are both popular insulation types because they both have low thermal conductivity. EPS has pockets of air trapped inside the foam board, so XPS typically outperforms EPS. High-density EPS is closer in performance to XPS, but XPS still usually performs better.

Compressive Strength

For some applications, the insulation’s compressive strength becomes very important. Concrete floors, flat roofs, foundations, and cold storage all put more stress on the insulation. XPS is typically stronger in compression than EPS, requiring thicker,  higher-density versions of EPS to match XPS insulation’s performance.

Water Vapor

Often a deciding factor for when to use XPS versus EPS is the ability to resist water vapor diffusion. Water vapor can travel through insulation and into the building. The closed-cell nature of XPS makes it much more difficult for this to occur. In wetter locations, XPS is usually selected over EPS.

Polyiso: the Better Alternative

Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) provides a superior alternative to both EPS and XPS insulation. Polyiso is a completely different kind of plastic, a thermoset instead of a thermoplastic. When exposed to high heat, XPS and EPS soften and melt. Polyiso, on the other hand, simply chars.

The structure of polyiso tends to be stronger than XPS or EPS due to the bonds of its chemical makeup.  Polyiso has a three-dimensional network of bonds or cross-linking, that gives it both strength and high-temperature durability. This durability helps polyiso keep its shape and high performance better than XPS and EPS.

Polyiso is higher-performing insulation with thermal conductivities better than XPS. Even with exceptional performance, polyiso is still comparable in cost with XPS and EPS, based on its lower price per R-value per inch. Polyiso matches or exceeds the performance of both XPS and EPS including being more sustainable for the environment, having higher thermal performance, greater fire resistance, thinner wall profiles, and better moisture management and air infiltration reduction.

Find the Best in Polyiso with Rmax

At Rmax, our mission is to take the best polyiso insulation available and maximize its performance even further. When choosing the insulation for your building, reach out to our experts at Rmax today to learn more about why Rmax’s polyiso wall insulation is the best choice.

Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Building Insulation

Commercial building insulation is a critical building component for both energy efficiency and building longevity. Insulation works hard to keep your building comfortable and to reduce energy consumption. Knowing the options lets you decide when selecting the right insulation.

What is Insulation?

Most people have heard of insulation but may not fully understand what it means. Insulation is simply a material used to slow down the transfer of heat, whether into or out of a building. Insulation is one component of a wall assembly, either inside the wall cavity or as a continuous layer that is part of the wall. Continuous insulation performs better and is increasingly required in building codes because there are no gaps in the insulation for heat to leak through.

Why is Continuous Insulation So Important?

Continuous Insulation provides a host of benefits, from energy efficiency to providing air & moisture control and meeting advanced energy code requirements. Keep the following features in mind when choosing the type of continuous insulation for your building.

Energy Efficiency

With rising energy prices and the increased importance of efficient energy usage, continuous insulation is becoming more important than ever. Inside and outside temperatures naturally want to come to equilibrium or the same temperature. Building occupants typically want commercial buildings to be warmer or cooler than the outdoor environment depending on the season. Central HVAC systems are good at conditioning indoor environments, however, it is continuous insulation that keeps those environments comfortable and reduces the energy required to keep them that way.

Occupant Comfort

Thermal comfort is an absolute must for commercial buildings. Continuous Insulation eliminates thermal breaks through the studs and helps keep a commercial building at a consistent temperature and also reduces air leakages. Without continuous insulation, buildings are more likely to have hot and cold spots throughout the building.

Moisture  Control

Continuous Insulation and cladding systems play a critical role in moisture control, an issue that can begin to slowly - or, sometimes, quickly - start to degrade structures. Utilizing a modern continuous insulation system will also help provide moisture protection in the exterior wall. 

Fire Resistance

When specifying continuous insulation in a commercial building, wall components must be tested together and meet NFPA 285 (National Fire Protection Association) requirements. 

Improve the Bottom Line

Climate control isn’t just about comfort and cold storage; it’s really about financial efficiency. When insulation performance is average,  HVAC systems are forced to work harder at additional costs. If the insulation system is pretty good, same story - the air will be conditioned or heated, and costs will be saved. Imagine then that builders seek the best insulation system possible, a continuous insulation system featuring the best insulation material. Stretched across a larger building or structure, the financial benefits of this one investment will pay dividends for decades.

What are the Most Common Types of Continuous Insulation?

The three most common types of continuous insulation are:

1. Polyiso

Polyisocyanurate is a closed-cell, rigid foam board insulation with facers bonded to both sides. Used in roof, wall, ceiling, and below-grade applications, polyiso is used in commercial buildings of all types. At 6.5 R-value for one inch, Polyiso provides the highest thermal performance of widely used continuous insulation options. Additionally, polyiso has fire-resistive properties that make it the insulation type of choice for many architects, builders, and building owners.

2. XPS

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a type of foam plastic insulation. XPS is a thermoset material, and when exposed to high heat it softens or turns to a liquid. At a 5 R-value for one inch, XPS provides the second-best thermal performance of widely used continuous insulation options. Available as a foam board, XPS is similarly easy to install as polyiso.

3. Mineral Wool

Made from spinning molten rock, mineral wool is a soft, fibrous form of insulation. At 4 R-value for one inch, mineral wool provides the third-best thermal performance of widely used continuous insulation options; however, as an insulation batt material,  it provides exceptional sound and fire resistance. Mineral wool’s lack of compressive strength means it can be harder to install and keep in place as a continuous insulation solution. Mineral wool tends to sag over time requiring conductive and costly Z-furring, hat channels, or proprietary clips for installation.

Polyiso: the Superior Choice

Polyiso reigns supreme on many fronts. Rmax polyiso blends high performance, ease of use, and competitive prices into one product, making it the superior choice for most commercial building applications.

Typically, polyiso has been used for roofing insulation and is the industry standard; however, it is now the leading choice of architects and designers for exterior wall continuous insulation because of its superior thermal and fire-resistive properties. Additionally, foil-faced polyiso can serve as the building’s primary air & water-resistive barrier, eliminating the need for wraps and liquid-applied sprays, which reduces material & labor costs and provides less environmental impact. Rmax is pushing the envelope with polyiso to create a complete insulation solution for builders, attaining the same great insulation results found in roofing installs with walls.

Fire Resistance

As a thermoset, polyiso irreversibly cures when exposed to high heat. Since it is permanently rigid and cannot return to liquid form, polyiso is an excellent choice for high-temperature applications. Under fire conditions, polyiso chars where other types of insulation can melt and drip.

Rmax Polyiso, the Commercial Insulation of Choice

Rmax polyiso provides a well-rounded profile of performance characteristics and cost that makes it an excellent choice for commercial insulation applications. For a long-lasting, high-performing building, use insulation you can count on. To learn more about why Rmax polyiso outperforms other options, reach out to our experts today.

Why insulate the exterior side of the foundation wall?

All building foundations come in contact with the ground. Wherever a building is located, water, temperature, air, and soil on the foundation can impact the performance and integrity of the total structure. Continuous polyiso rigid foam insulation effectively reduces foundation energy loss and protects against moisture problems.

ADVANTAGES OF INSULATING
EXTERIOR VS. INTERIOR SIDE OF THE WALL

• It does not reduce the usable building space

• Completely continuous for optimal energy efficiency

• Mass of foundation within the insulated building envelope

• Warm wall solution minimizes condensation on the interior side of the wall

• Protects the waterproofing

• Eliminates freeze/thaw on structural elements

• Easiest install

Supply chain woes? Don’t compromise on the long-term benefits of building energy efficiency.

Posted By PIMA

To solve today’s supply chain challenges, should we ignore the building energy code? No, accepting less today in return for higher costs tomorrow is no strategy at all.

The inconvenient truth for critics of building energy codes is that compliance with current versions of the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 serves as the most cost-effective mechanism for reducing building energy use and the associated carbon emissions generated from powering schools, office buildings and other commercial spaces. While today’s supply chain challenges are certainly frustrating, ignoring the energy code eliminates long-term improvements in building energy efficiency and saddles building owners with higher energy costs for decades to come.

Energy codes provide minimum standards for new and existing buildings. One way the codes help improve the performance of existing buildings is by requiring that roof replacement projects comply with code minimums for building envelope insulation. A recent study by PIMA and the consulting firm ICF International confirmed that energy code-compliant roof replacements are life-cycle economical under various conditions even when subjected to higher incremental installation costs and discount rates. For example, a primary school located in Climate Zone 5 (Chicago) can experience an estimated 9% savings in annual whole building energy use by installing a roof replacement with code-compliant levels of insulation. These savings will continue to compound year-over-year during the roof’s service life.

Simple, short-term solutions can be appealing in times of duress. In the case of building energy efficiency improvements, a short-term focus that sacrifices long-terms benefits is a bad deal for building owners. Check out the PIMA study for more information on how installing an energy efficient roof today is the right decision for your project or building.  

Excited to be part of the ABAA Education Webinar Event on December 30th!!

REGISTER for our, “Polyiso: The Next Generation Air & Water Resistive Barrier” CE webinar, available through ABAA Education Webinar Events.

FREE LIVE CEU WEBINAR - NOVEMBER 30TH!

This course is designed to provide an understanding of how better construction practices can increase building sustainability and longevity. Discover how polyiso insulation air and water-resistive barrier systems contribute to meeting energy code requirements and outperform traditional water-resistive barrier materials and construction methods. Learn about the science behind thermal, air, and moisture control, in projects of steel stud construction. Review building and energy code requirements relative to building envelope design and performance.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Understand Building Sustainability and Longevity

2. Learn About the Science Behind Thermal, Air, and Moisture Control for Steel Stud Construction

3. Interpret the Code Requirements for Building Envelope Design and Performance

4. Discover How Polyiso Meets Requirements and Outperforms Traditional Methods for Optimum Control

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Sponsored By: Rmax

Presented By: Matt Stevens

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Matthew Stevens, CSI, CDT, REWO received his Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas Tech University and has over 20 years in the building industry. His experience includes architectural design, construction, consulting, training, and development roles. As the Commercial Envelope Specialist for Rmax, he works directly with architects and contractors to select the optimal insulation for their projects while meeting applicable building codes. Matthew is an active member that serves on the boards of several CSI and BEC chapters in Texas.

Why is Proper Insulation Critical During Building Roof Replacement?

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The Benefits of Energy Code-Compliant Roof Replacement

For U.S. Climate Zone 5 – Chicago, IL

Insulation, whether in a public or commercial building, has a tremendous impact on the energy efficiency, resilience, cost savings, and comfort of a space. While insulation can be an inconspicuous and sometimes overlooked building feature, it spans the entire surface area of a building’s roof and helps to protect other aspects of building performance.

Roof insulation is particularly important for building performance as the roof comprises the largest single side of most buildings. Recognizing the importance of an energy-efficient building thermal envelope, modern energy codes have set minimum requirements for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck.

For low-slope roofs with insulation entirely above deck, which is typical of public and commercial buildings, standards require that roof insulation be installed in multiple layers with staggered joints to reduce airflow through gaps and require that it meets the prescribed minimum R-value requirement for the building’s climate zone, space conditioning category, and roof construction type.

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Finding the Right Insulation for U.S. Climate Zone 5

When selecting the proper roof insulation for your building, it is critical to consider the climate zone for your location. Cities located in U.S. Climate Zone 5 are characterized as cold climates, which is defined as an area with between 5,400 and 9,000 heating degree days on a 65 degrees Fahrenheit basis.

U.S. Climate Zone 5 - Cold Climates I Example City – Chicago, IL

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Potential Savings Estimates for Buildings in Climate Zone 5

During a roof replacement, installing additional roof insulation to meet the prescribed minimum R-value established by building energy standards for your region is estimated to yield cost savings and enhance overall performance for each of the building types modeled below. For buildings located in Climate Zone 5, current model energy codes require a minimum R-30 for roof insulation installed entirely above the deck.

In cold climate zones where building energy expenditure is often dominated by heating processes, an inefficient thermal building envelope can waste gas and electricity, generating unnecessarily high utility bills.

The estimated payback of using code-compliant levels of insulation at the time of roof replacement can help companies and building owners realize a faster return on investment, while also locking in long-term energy savings at no additional operation and maintenance cost for the life of the investment – typically 30 to 40 years. The result is greater cost savings, improved building performance, and downstream emissions benefits, as well as decreased risk and the likelihood of premature maintenance and repairs. When viewed as a long-term investment, code-compliant levels of roof insulation entirely above deck can help companies reach energy reduction goals while cutting costs and carbon emissions in the process.

This analysis was prepared by ICF. For more information on insulation and to access the full report, visit www.polyiso.org.

SAVE YOUR FREE SEAT TO EARN LU/AIA CEH!

This course is designed to provide an understanding of how better construction practices can increase building sustainability and longevity. Discover how polyiso insulation air and water-resistive barrier systems contribute to meeting energy code requirements and outperform traditional water-resistive barrier materials and construction methods. Learn about the science behind thermal, air, and moisture control, in projects of steel stud construction. Review building and energy code requirements relative to building envelope design and performance.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Understand Building Sustainability and Longevity

2. Learn About the Science Behind Thermal, Air, and Moisture Control for Steel Stud Construction

3. Interpret the Code Requirements for Building Envelope Design and Performance

4. Discover How Polyiso Meets Requirements and Outperforms Traditional Methods for Optimum Control

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Sponsored By: Rmax

Presented By: Matt Stevens

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Matthew Stevens, CSI, CDT, REWO received his Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas Tech University and has over 20 years in the building industry. His experience includes architectural design, construction, consulting, training, and development roles. As the Commercial Envelope Specialist for Rmax, he works directly with architects and contractors to select the optimal insulation for their projects while meeting applicable building codes. Matthew is an active member that serves on the boards of several CSI and BEC chapters in Texas.

FREE CEU Webinar...Don't miss out!

Thursday, August 12, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm EDT

This course outlines the danger posed By Mother Nature and the science, codes, testing and methods in which to build and combat these forces.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn About the Science Behind Thermal, Air, Vapor and water control for Steel stud construction

2. Understanding Rainscreens and How They Enhance Building Design

3. Discover How POLYISO and ACM/MCM Meet Requirements and Outperform Traditional Methods

4. Interpret the Code Requirements for Building Envelope Design and Performance

5. Examine How to Develop and Test a Solution for the Issues Presented

Sponsored By:

Rmax, A Business Unit of the Sika Corporation

Presented By:

Matt Stevens

AIA Course Number:

WRX07B