North America – “ci”: The Better Way to Green


Continuous protection for all types of buildings

Continuous Protection for All Types of Buildings

You might be surprised to learn that the best way to reduce your building's carbon footprint isn't installing those swirly CFEs or even energy-efficient windows and doors. Adding continuous insulation ("ci") is an easier, more cost-effective and far more energy-efficient solution.

Why "ci"?

While "ci" is not a new concept, design and construction professionals, and even building/home owners, are becoming increasingly aware of the value of "ci" in helping to achieve desired thermal and moisture performance. This is in large part due to emerging standards – and state and local energy codes based on those standards – placing a greater emphasis on "ci" and its ability to reduce thermal bridging and associated issues.

The topic of continuous insulation is relevant for all types of construction. Building scientists consider it a best practice whether the building in question is a commercial structure or a home.

Continuous insulation comes into play with all manner of structural methods, too – whether wood frame, steel stud, structural insulated panels (SIPs), precast or poured-in-place concrete, metal building or a blend of many methods. 

Insulation materials that meet "ci" requirements are varied, as well. These range from well-known rigid foam insulated sheathing materials to spray foam (over structural members) to newer "three-in-one" products and systems, such as STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS) and the THERMAX™ Wall System – an innovative commercial wall insulation system that provides continuous insulation, air barrier and flashing.

Bridging the Gap

Thermal bridging (thermal short) occurs when heat flows through the path of least resistance, such as the surface area of steel and wood stud framing. The best way to avoid this significant source of air infiltration is to install continuous insulation, covering both the wall cavities and studs.

Not only does "ci" minimize air infiltration to optimize the structure's heating and cooling efficiency, it moves the dew point from inside the wall cavity to outside of the wall cavity. Moving the dew point location reduces the potential for condensation within the wall where mold and mildew often accumulate undetected.

See the Difference "ci" Makes

Thermographic imagery shows heat transfer on a scale of red (low resistance) to blue (high resistance.

This house is covered with oriented strand board (OSB) and has R-13 fiberglass batts installed between the wood studs. A good start, but look at all of the thermal shorts.

This house is covered with oriented strand board (OSB) and has R-13 fiberglass batts installed between the wood studs. A good start, but look at all of the thermal shorts.

 


Now look at the home with 1/2" (13 mm) rigid foam exterior continuous insulation covering the OSB, wood studs and R-13 batts. Continuous insulation covers the entire wall, insulating all the areas fiberglass alone cannot reach.

Now look at the home with 1/2" (13 mm) rigid foam exterior continuous insulation covering the OSB, wood studs and R-13 batts. Continuous insulation covers the entire wall, insulating all the areas fiberglass alone cannot reach.

 

The impact of "ci" on commercial steel stud wall designs is even more dramatic. In fact, design and construction professionals are becoming increasingly aware that continuous insulation alone can achieve specified R-values and moisture control.

The building on the left has continuous insulation (extruded polystyrene foam) installed directly on the steel studs without fiberglass in the cavity. The building on the right has a wall assembly with fiberglass in the cavity and gypsum on the exterior.

Here, the building on the left has continuous insulation (extruded polystyrene foam) installed directly on the steel studs without fiberglass in the cavity. The building on the right has a wall assembly with fiberglass in the cavity and gypsum on the exterior. Note the differences in energy loss between these buildings.

 

 

 



 

Now take a closer look inside the wall assembly in these cross-sections.

Condensation chart
Based on a 2x6 assembly with batt insulation and exterior gypsum at conditions of 70ºF and 35 percent R.H. on the interior and 0ºF and 80 percent R.H. on the exterior. Note that the interior of the surface of the gypsum is 12ºF with the potential for condensation very high. The system R-value is R-11.1.
Reduced condensation chart
Replacing the batt insulation and exterior gypsum with R-10 continuous insulation increases the insulation's interior surface temperature to 61ºF. The cavity is now a conditioned space with the condensation potential near zero. Plus, the system R-value is R-13.1.

 

Learn how a system that includes an air barrier component can enhance the wall's moisture management performance even more.

Saving Steps ... and the Planet

Saving Steps ... and the Planet

STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation and Dow polyisocyanurate insulation are easy to install and can eliminate the need for exterior gypsum or OSB and a separate water vapor barrier, saving labor costs and time on the job site.

When considering insulation for a commercial or residential structure, continuous insulation will provide long-term thermal performance as well as protection against air infiltration and moisture penetration ... while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn about Dow's continuous insulation solutions and more:

Dow Building Solutions : North America