Why design with Continuous Insulation?

Continuity is key when ensuring the highest performance of a building. Proper control of the thermal, air and moisture layers is not only desirable but also achievable. Continuous insulation provides control at each layer, through its thermal performance, reduced air infiltration & exfiltration and reduced risk of water condensation and moisture intrusion.

Thermal Imaging: Conventional Construction versus CI Construction

Conventional construction can cause up to 65% reduction in the effective R-value of insulation. Exterior continuous insulation can reduce or eliminate this heat loss.

Air Leakage

Air leakage can contribute to up to 40% of energy loss and be responsible for 30-50% of heating & cooling costs. Effects of air leakage include mold, occupant discomfort and reducing the life span of a building.

Air barrier systems provide a complete and total barrier to air leakage through allowing air to enter and exit buildings only at designed locations for specific purposes. Learn more here more about how the Rmax Envelope First Solution can create an air barrier assembly that protects buildings from the adverse effects of air leakage. 

Rmax ECOMAXci® Wall Solution is evaluated and listed with The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) for use in commercial buildings, a system that meets the most advanced building codes for air, water, fire and continuous insulation. Click here to learn how to use ECOMAXci® Wall Solution in your commercial building today.

Air Sealing Trouble Spots

Moisture Control

Over 90% of moisture that enters a wall assembly is in the form of vapor due to air leaks. Moisture can also enter a wall assembly through bulk water leaks and the transition of vapor through a building material. 

In addition to reducing the effects of cavity insulation, condensed water vapor can lead to mold, moisture and serious health problems. 

Continuous insulation with a water-resistive barrier (WRB) resists condensation build-up by creating a temperature-controlled wall that works in any climate. 

For supreme moisture control, learn how Thermasheath®-3 & Thermasheath®-SI create a fully tested WRM and air barrier wall system

Unsuccessful Moisture Control

Moisture damage can be the result of inadequate condensation control (left) or localized wetting from a leak (right).

How Can Polyisocyanurate be Used as an Air and Water Barrier

Air and water barriers play an important role in protecting a building from the elements. For instance, if not properly protected, water and moisture could pass through a building’s exterior, contributing to rot and mold that erodes performance and sustainability over time. Additionally, in colder climates, warm air inside a heated building can condense into vapor if it passes through a building’s envelope and settles on a colder surface, which can only be prevented by effective continuous insulation.

Many environmentally conscious architects are now designing with polyiso continuous insulation and removing redundant materials like exterior gypsum and spray-applied membranes to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability. With each added component comes greater costs and a larger environmental footprint. For example, 40,000 square feet of wall space on a commercial building might include approximately 100,000 pounds of unnecessary gypsum board, which is typically covered with petroleum-based chemicals.

Continuous Insulation Project Types