Doing the math on R-values
Building code requirements are evolving, which forces builders to choose products able meet a particular standard. Climate change and energy conservation continue to influence this paradigm, and in the United States and elsewhere, more jurisdictions are requiring specific R-values for residential and commercial structures.
However, there are a variety of ways to meet the R-value minimum for an exterior wall. Depending on thickness, integrated structural continuous insulation products can deliver R-values of 7.5 up to 13 when installed. This is before cavity insulation or other means of insulating a building are even considered.
According to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), R-values for wood-framed structures in climate zone one require a value of R-20. This means continuous insulation with a value of R-13 gets builders more than halfway to the desired final sum for a large portion of new builds throughout the United States, including the northernmost states. Of course, this number changes depending on the climate zone, but continuous insulation is a viable option to help builders solve the R-value equation, regardless of location.
Installation of this product type is continuous across all structural members by nature of its design. Panels of insulation are secured to the exterior side of the studs, and then high-performance tape is applied to the seams between each panel. This delivers comprehensive coverage behind the cladding of choice, whether that is siding, brick, stone, or another exterior finishing material. This seam tape will also allow for the natural expansion and contraction cycles which occur throughout a building’s lifespan as the seasons change.
Once the panels are installed and seam tape is applied at the gaps, the insulation is completely continuous. Therefore, when calculating the R-value of a home, an additional R-2 is factored into the equation. Builders who opt for R-13 continuous insulation panels (plus the additional R-2 for being installed continuously) can achieve a value of R-15 before adding in supplementary flash-and-batt or spray foam insulation on the interior side of the wall.
Tangible savings: Labor, time, and costs
Performance-wise, structural continuous insulation is the optimal solution when assembling and constructing the exterior wall of any building. An added benefit is this solution also delivers time and cost savings on the jobsite.
Structural continuous insulation is typically one-third the weight of traditional oriented strand board (OSB). This allows for more efficient use of labor, requiring less hands on deck. A single worker can efficiently prep, mount, nail, and tape a board of continuous insulation without any special tools or additional help.
In addition to structural and insulating components, these products feature an integrated water-resistive barrier as well as an air barrier. In typical construction, OSB or another sheathing product must be installed first, then a weather-resistive barrier, and finally a layer of continuous insulation. Combining each layer into a single product dramatically reduces the amount of time crews need to spend on the jobsite, saving both time and money for the installers and the owners.
Insulation of the future
The construction process can be a balancing act for managers and their crews. It requires paying mind to using the right high-performance materials, meeting building codes for a particular climate zone, and working efficiently to finish the job within the established timeline and on budget. Architects and contractors must simultaneously deliver on the mandate from the eventual owners and occupants of a building—a safe, comfortable structure built to last.
Regarding performance, integrated structural continuous insulation provides a solid defense against hot/cold air transfer, moisture accumulation, mold growth, and structural rot. It is a long-term solution for an incredibly important phase of the construction process, and a key consideration able to answer the call for code compliance mandates.
When factoring in the efficiencies and potential cost savings on a job site, continuous insulation can be a gamechanger for construction projects of all types.
Todd Gluski is the director of marketing for OX Engineered Products and has been with the organization for four years. Prior to his time with OX, Gluski served in a variety of marketing and brand management roles at leading building materials manufacturers across the United States. Gluski can be reached at tgluski@oxep.com.
