Continuous Insulation Advantages Continuous insulation aids metal construction by maximizing a structure’s thermal performance


Metal construction businesses share a com- mon challenge with the entire commercial building industry: the need to design and build energy-effi cient structures and do it at a competitive cost, while creating an end product that’s practical, aesthetically pleas- ing and performs well over time. The critical path to success always includes a carefully designed building exterior, which avoids energy loss, maxi- mizes technology advances in materials and controls cost. One of the most advantageous systems currently gaining popularity in metal construction for maximizing a structure’s thermal performance is continuous insulation.


Continuous insulation Continuous insulation by defi nition is insulation with two primary characteristics. It runs continu- ously over structural members and is free from signifi cant thermal bridging. The only exceptions can be the particular fastening systems used to anchor the insulation wall systems. Building science has proven that continuous


insulation is the most effective way to insulate a building for energy effi ciency. But there are ques- tions about relative cost and practicality in some designs. Many of these questions are dispelled when the practical aspects of continuous insulation are considered in the overall project execution and building performance results. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) has been one of the


most common materials used in continuous insula- tion. Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) rigid board products are becoming more frequently specifi ed for continu- ous insulation because they’re also easy to work with, versatile and have exceptional R-value.


Metal construction advantages Key to the entire process is how the continu- ous insulation usage reduces the possibilities of thermal bridging. This is especially critical for metal construction because of the increased opportunity for energy loss through the studs. Steel has many advantages over wood for commercial structures, but it conducts heat hundreds of times faster. The layer of continuous insulation prevents hot and cold air from passing through the studs from the inside or outside of the building. Fastened directly to the outside of the studs, only a minimal amount of energy passes through the fasteners.


Multiple functions There are some practical advantages in the ap- plication of polyiso as continuous insulation, which


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One of the most advantageous systems currently gaining popularity in metal construction for maximizing a struc- ture’s thermal performance is continuous insulation.


are economical for designs and also effi cient for contractors. Polyiso board used as continuous insu- lation can be easily confi gured to perform a variety of functions in the wall assembly and be used with multiple assembly types. Rigid polyiso board installed as continuous in-


sulation can be used alone as a sheathing or com- bined with gypsum on the exterior and attached over it. Properly installed continuous insulation can also perform as an air barrier. Joints in continuous insulation can be sealed


with proper tapes and adhesives. Flashing of wall penetrations forms a drainage plane. If water passes through the cladding, this drainage plane can prevent potentially damaging moisture from getting into the wall assembly.


Multiple claddings and assemblies Continuous insulation, performing the afore-men- tioned functions, works well in a variety of assem- blies. It doesn’t limit your crews to being able to work with particular assemblies. It actually provides you with opportunities to work on a wider variety of projects, since it delivers superior performance with many types of installations and systems. When continuous insulation is installed behind


uninsulated metal panels, but over steel studs, it en- hances building envelope performance by reducing or eliminating conductivity between the two steels, with the exception of the small amount of bridging which remains via the fasteners and girts.


By Alec Minné For continuous insulation designs there are


often concerns about fastener length requirements according to code and the ability to attach certain claddings. Contacting the cladding or fastener manufacturer is a great way to gain a better under- standing of these details and what’s possible in a particular application.


Effi ciency and quality Commercial crews working with continuous insu- lation are doing more than simply working to the print. They’re installing systems that will ultimate- ly serve to deliver long-term energy performance and prepare structures for the future. There are also cost savings built into each project. These savings are the result of installation effi ciencies and the multiple functions continuous insulation can serve on the structure. Since using continuous insulation often elimi-


nates the necessity of applying additional materials to achieve air and moisture barrier requirements, this reduces material and labor costs. Design-build teams can use this advantage in competitive situa- tions to both reduce costs and control construction schedules. While joints must be properly taped and sealed, and rough openings fl ashed, these tasks can be completed in a single pass.


Energy-effi cient structures Continuous insulation is a single component that contributes extensively to energy-effi cient struc- tures. It’s a way to add signifi cant R-value to the outboard side of the building envelope. Rigid polyiso is a leading choice for energy effi ciency in continu- ous insulation because of its high R-value, which means a thinner wall assembly. There are additional safety issues that give poly-


iso continuous insulation an advantage. For exam- ple, it doesn’t melt in ASTM E84 fi re testing. Polyiso chars, but won’t melt or drip down when burned. Continuous insulation helps buildings to last lon-


ger without need for repair and upgrade. Ultimately this also contributes less waste to landfi lls and requires fewer replacement materials. All things considered, the most remarkable


aspect in wrapping a building in thermal insulation is the ongoing reduction in energy use. When building with continuous insulation, most structures will yield consistent, signifi cant energy savings over time.


Alec Minné, a LEED Green Associate, recently joined Atlanta-based Atlas Roofi ng Corp. as direc- tor of its marketing commercial division. To learn more, go to www.atlasroofi ng.com.


November 2013 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS 37


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