This new application method makes large building construction in winter easier for builders and contractors. It can be as cold as -20 C (-4 F) outside and one can apply the ccSPF as soon as the exterior sheeting is installed on the first floor of a building. As ccSPF is resistant to water, there is no need for the building to be completely watertight before applying insulation. This saves on heating costs during construction as the insulated floor can be heated right away. There is no need to have heating without insulation, which often creates condensation or frost issues.
Also, there is only one product to install, so it is easy.
This application method is getting a lot of traction with building projects as it easily meets new insulation requirements regarding U-value or effective R-value and it can be done with an hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)-based ccSPF. Other advantages include:
- no scaffolding or vessel necessary, less machinery required, therefore less rental cost, logistics, and risk of accident;
- less materials, therefore time and cost savings for execution;
- avoids exterior compartmentalization (National Building Code [NBC] article 3.1.11.2.);
- Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (CAN/ULC) S101, Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials,-tested assembly for high rise buildings (>3 storeys);
- sequencing of work is simpler and easier to manage for the superintendent since there are less workers to execute each step;
- avoids overspray;
- avoids having to install an interior furring in comparison with a fibreglass insulated cavity where the electricity cannot run through the stud cavity; and
- for facility owners/managers and building occupants it provides a healthy, economical, and durable living space.
Are there any downfalls to this application method?
Duzyk: In order for this method to be successful, it cannot be applied by just anybody. It must be done by a certified ccSPF installer. For those on the work site, it provides many more benefits in term of addressing thermal performance, air leakage control, and moisture management when successfully applied by a qualified ccSPF installer.
What kinds of construction products are good for this application?
Duzyk: The construction products that should be used in this application are:
- exterior finish (with hat channels or brick ties);
- transition membrane only for exterior watertightness;
- closed-cell insulation products that leverage liquid blowing agent technology;
- exterior sheeting;
- Z-girts;
- steel studs; and
- interior finish.
What are the benefits to the builders and contractors for using this method?
Duzyk: It provides time and labour efficiency and budget savings.
And how do you recycle all the foam and all the materials covered with foam? This converts materials that could otherwise have been recycled into materials that cannot be recycled. And we are producing millions on cubic meters of foam insulation every year. What will we do with all the foam in the future? How is this sustainable?
Hi Kyle,
That’s a great question you just asked. Spray foam is very durable and will outlast the building’s lifespan without ever needing to be removed or repaired . Therefore it has high reuse potential, which makes its recycling unnecessary . By blocking air and moisture transfer through the envelope, se amless spray foam insulation also prevents air and moisture-related damage to building components, allowing them to stay in good condition longer and to also be reused during renovations. Again, if they can be reused, they don’t need to be recycled. In fact, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification system grants points to projects that reuse existing on-site materials . Keeping building components in good condition with spray foam insulation allows the reuse of existing buildings themselves instead of turning to new construction , which is a main driver of global warming, pollution and resource depletion .
To summarize, sustainable development promotes either reuse or recycling. If materials are kept in good condition and can be reused on site, recycling becomes irrelevant. Reuse is how spray foam contributes to the goals of sustainable development. If you’re interested to learn more, don’t hesitate to visit us at http://www.huntsmanbuildingsolutions.com or contact me directly at mmaalouf@huntsmanbuilds.com.
No interior insulation can be a good insulation. What about continuity of insulation at the slabs or wood framed floors? It is a very poor building envelope solution.
Hi Jito. Thank you for your comment. As described in the article, the continuity is provided by the spray foam insulating the exterior of the structure in the space created by the Z-bar. I can send you our typical details for this assembly so you understand better. It is y very appreciated by architects and builder owners looking for a high-efficiency building envelope.
How exactly is the thermal bridge removed when the studs are now creating a larger thermal bridge? Wait for the steel stud condensation marks on interior drywall.
Hi Davendra. Thanks for your comment. As described in the article, the thermal bridges are removed by the spray foam insulating the exterior of the structure in the space created by the Z-bar. I would be glad send you our typical details for this assembly so you understand better.
This might be a decent solution to insulate a building in the winter if there is a plan for a continuous air/water resistive barrier and continuous insulation/cladding system i.e. EIFS applied over the exterior sheathing in the spring. Hygrothermal modelling required.
Hi Dave. Thanks for your comment. There is no need for EIFS system with this assembly but, of course, our details ask for a water-resistive barrier on the exterior of the assembly. Our U-value performance results will be published soon. Let me know if you would like to receive our typical details.
I think spray foam is/has being outlawed in Vancouver due to it’s extremely harsh environmental impact. So how is this article good news at all?
Hi Joe. thnaks for your comment. Spray Foam is not banned in Vancouver as we insulate projects constantly. Our new Heatlok Soya HFO product has a very low global warming impact (less than 1) compared to rpevious versions of the product. I would be glad to discuss this sbject further with you.
Hi Joe. Sorry for the misspelled response. Here is the correct one. Thanks for your comment. Spray Foam is not banned in Vancouver as we insulate projects constantly. Our new Heatlok Soya HFO product has a very low global warming impact (less than 1) compared to previous versions of the product. I would be glad to discuss this subject further with you.
Though the S101 is listed in the bullet points, the actual fire-resistance rating is not noted. What is it and where is it listed? In practice, there would need to be more attention to this issue than given to the subject in the article. Also, the thermal bridge is not eliminated.
Hi Peter. Thanks for your comment. The CAN/ULC S101 testing is not actually for fire resistance but for compliance with article 3.2.3.8 of the NBC for buildings higher than 3 stories. We have the UL listing EW25 for this assembly. As for the thermal bridge, it is removed by the spray foam insulating the exterior of the structure in the space created by the Z-bar. I would be glad to share our typical details with you.
Hi Maxime, We represent BASF WALLTITE and have used a similar approach with WALLTITE with good results in terms of acceptance and buildability. In our system, the exterior sheathing is supported by intermittent thermal clips that have a continuous hat channel or similar attached to it. This provides better effective R value compared to a Z girt. In most projects there are some hidden areas that may need to be sprayed from the exterior but this is fairly limited. Overall this type of system has great potential as it is much more efficient for the installers and it will help to improve the code compliance compared to typical cavity wall applications.
Hi Michael. Thanks for sharing. We do have that option with our HEATLOK SOYA HFO system as well. The thing is, the clips are much more expensive so we prefer having many options available to help builders and owners lowering the construction cost, when it is needed, while keeping a high energy efficiency building. While clips might perform better regarding effective R-value, there are also ways to comply with new energy efficiency requirements without increasing construction costs. We have many projects completed with this assembly and they involved a great collaboration between the general contractor, the architect and our team. We have a strong presence on site so it helps everyone working on the project. As a leader in the industry, HUNTSMAN BUILDING SOLUTIONS is in the process of testing many assemblies for U-value to better guide designers in choosing the best assembly for their needs and to comply with building code requirements.