In six out of eight U.S. climate zones, continuous insulation (ci) is no longer simply a value-added option, it's required, according to ASHRAE 90.1-2007. And although the requirements reference using fiberglass insulation to achieve minimum R-values, they now recognize the value of continuous insulation. What's more, design professionals across the country are beginning to realize that continuous insulation alone can achieve specified R-values and optimum moisture control.
The prescriptive path to meeting the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 requirements outlines specific configurations for the various geographic locations or zones that must be used to meet the code requirements for walls, roofs and fenestrations (see map for zone locations). By simply varying the thickness of THERMAX™ (ci) Exterior Insulation to maintain prescribed U-factors, the THERMAX™ Wall System can meet ASHRAE 90.1-2007 building envelope requirements for all U.S. climate zones.
                 
| Meeting ASHRAE 90.1-2007  Building  Envelope Requirements(1) For U.S. Climate Zones Using The THERMAX™ Wall System | ||||
| Climate Zone | Nonresidential(2) Requirements | THERMAXâ„¢ (ci) Thickness Required and Resulting U-Factor | Residential(3) Requirements |
THERMAXâ„¢ (ci) Thickness Required and Resulting U-Factor |
| 1 R= 8.06 |
R-13 + 0 ci U= 0.124 R= 10.6 |
0.625" U= 0.0947 R= 8.06 |
R-13 + 0 ci U= 0.124 R= 10.6 |
0.625" U= 0.0947 |
| 2 | R-13 + 0 ci U= 0.124 R= 8.06 |
0.625" U= 0.0947 R= 10.6 |
R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
| 3 | R-13 +Â 3.8 ci U= 0.084 R= 11.90 |
1.0" U= 0.079 R= 12.7 |
R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
| 4 | R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
| 5 | R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
| 6 | R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
| 7 | R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
R-13 +Â 15.6 ci U= 0.042 R= 23.8 |
3.0" U= 0.039 R= 25.5 |
| 8 | R-13 +Â 7.5 ci U= 0.064 R= 15.63 |
1.55" U= 0.061 R= 16.5 |
R-13 +Â 18.8 ci U= 0.037 R= 27.0 |
3.5" U= 0.035 R= 28.6 |
(1) The ASHRAE commercial nonresidential requirements are used as the baseline for THERMAXâ„¢ Wall System.
(2) All occupancies other than residential
(3) Spaces in buildings used primarily for living and sleeping. Residential spaces include, but are not limited to, dwelling units, hotel/motel guest rooms, dormitories, nursing homes, patient rooms in hospitals, lodging houses, fraternity/sorority houses, hostels, prisons and fire stations.
Ready to make your mark? We'll do our level best to answer your questions.
