Page 4 - Icynene v. Rigid Foam Ebook
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All of Icynene’s medium density spray foam products Quick Facts:educational-advertiseMent All photos courtesy of ICYNENE, Inc
have been tested, evaluated and noted as air Design AdvantagesSprayfoaminsulationcanachieve
impermeable, a key feature of air barrier materials, in their
ICC-ES evaluation reports. The thickness this truly continuous insulation in
characteristic has achieved varies from 1” to 1.4” commercial buildings as required by
according to the product. Icynene ProSeal has been energy codes, particularly in curved
evaluated and listed by ABAA as an air barrier material or irregular shaped walls.
according to its air permeance (airtightness) test results
from ASTM E 2178. The testing of Icynene ProSeal Eco
according to ASTM E 2178 also found a high level of
airtightness that allows it too to be classified as “air
impermeable.”
3. AIR BARRIER ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE
It is recognized by organizations such as ABAA that the
use of medium density spray foam (as well as rigid foam
insulation board) products in exterior continuous
insulation wall applications requires membrane materials
Continuous Insulation:(self-adhered or liquid) to prove performance in key areas
Architects can achieve total design flexibility in ConTinuinG eDuCaTion
such as through wall flashings, wall transitions and Spray Foam Comparedcommercial building projects when specifying IcyneEAnRNeONE AIA/CES HSW
lEARNINg uNIt (lu)
control joints. ProSeal and Icynene ProSeal Eco in continuouslearning Objectives
to Rigid BoardstcCeoosmtnespdeoqanuneednntltisslytoe, fIdcsybunycehAnBaeAsgAyosateessmttho.eIgckryeenyaetcnloeemnPgprtoohSnseetaonl thdoaefsfianbneeeathnirebSMpeoentdtsoeiruredmr■ivben■a-ySssdrIuuCuieolYitlntaNsusatEisaibtNotywElnle,seIapnsafycrsop.as|crpy:BoylbfisPoceottaaetrmthJi.oAicnrnsesasnuav. ulialtBt,tyFiooAfItnAihl,lcNoaaCnAfnfRedpB,rrLocdEvoEeiDdnsAeitPginnufoleuxsibeila2a1xib..fttieplsicedentypxeorseettrrumreoanfeloiry:tarpaiinroftfdmayioirorioatnaewnhmngatewcrhltileicehntahhisccssauostharlhenaaaromttrtciiaisnotcbeceulneltriooeie,fsuofrystismio.rscltuuyseicsidsoneshifsuoiohunmfuilgarel-idthgxdet-ibedednerbisoiotryard
barrier assembly. Icynene ProSeal Eco is also in the applicationshe design of exterior wall assemblies
wall assemblies.
has become increasingly focused on
3. investigate the use of spray foam
process of being recognized. Among the many rigid foam T Tested in NFPA 285 approved wall assemblies forperfor■m■ ance for greater energy efficiency insulation to achieve multiple performance
board insulation located over the exterior traits in one product including thermal, air,
structural face and behind exterior claddings.
While this may be a common choice, it is not and water resistance.
the only one. In fact, closer review suggests that 4. assess the ability of spray foam insulation
using field-applied spray foam insulation, of to be installed with fewer steps and at a
a medium density, may be a better choice for lesser cost than assemblies using rigid
many situations. This has been found to be true foam insulation.
when looked at in terms of design flexibility,
insulation boards that exist in the marketplace, only four and resistance to air and water penetration.
rigid foam insulation boards have currently received the
more design flexibilityThe 2015 International Energy Conservation
air barrier assembly designation.
Code and ASHRAE 90.1 now require insulation
that is continuous in wall assemblies (i.e. not
Fire tested for commercial building types I, II, III, IVinterrupted b■y■ studs, framing, etc.) in all eight
performance, construction efficiency, and cost.
and V constructionclimate zones within the United States. This to receive aia/ces credit, you are required
to read the entire article and pass the test.
push for continuous insulation in exterior wall
assemblies is also reflected in green building Comparison of foam Go to ce.architecturalrecord.com for
To make an air barrier system, these products typically Wide range of cost effective ASTM E119 tests ofstandards an■d■ the desires of building owners
insulaTion Types complete text and to take the test for free.
to reduce energy costs. The response by many Plastic foam insulation has been in use for AIA/CES COURSE #K1506C
require sealants to be applied at all joints and rated assemblies for flexibilityarchitects has often been to use rigid foam
decades on a range of applications from coffee
penetrations—a very laborious process. Furthermore, the ■■ One hour, two hour as well as three hour fire ratings
sealing tends to get applied on the exterior, which is the appropriate for a greater range of structure types
most vulnerable location in terms of temperature and
humidity changes. ■■ One formulation with superior adhesion to
common building substrates under a wide range of
4. DESIGN FLEXIBILITY environmental conditions
Spray foam can readily adhere to curved, irregular, or Icynene ProSeal can be sprayed year round, even at
unique shapes and conditions. “Spray foam provides cold temperatures as low as 23°F while Icynene
flexibility for designers,” Duffy emphasizes. “In fact, it’s the ProSeal Eco can be sprayed year round in
flexibility of the product that they are often interested in, temperatures as low as 5°F.
which then becomes a springboard to them learning
about its other characteristics.” For more details, check out this video, which details
the performance advantages as well as the cost
5. WATER RESISTIVE BARRIER savings of closed cell spray foam in steel frame and
CMU continuous insulation applications.
All of Icynene’s medium density spray foam products are barrier at the foam’s exterior surface and drain down it
considered as water resistive barriers since they have very and not continue progressing into the wall assembly
low water absorption per ASTM D 2842 and are capable where it could cause damage. Icynene ProSeal and
of shedding water. Consequently when used as exterior Icynene ProSeal Eco have been evaluated according to
continuous insulation, water that may have gotten past
the cladding system would meet the water resistive
4+
THE EVOLUTION OF INSULATION ™