1. EPDs provide transparent, standardized environmental impact data that help designers and specifiers make informed building material selection decisions based on verified LCA protocols.
2. PIMA’s updated polyiso industry-average EPDs offer third-party verified, ISO-compliant environmental impact data for polyiso roof insulation, polyiso wall insulation and HD polyiso roof cover boards manufactured in the U.S. and Canada.
3. The updated polyiso EPDs help specifiers meet demand for sustainable building design and compliance with green building certification frameworks.

Global interest in the relationship between climate change and the built environment has pushed designers, specifiers and sustainability professionals to closely examine the environmental impacts of building materials. Now, building owners, developers, architects, designers and builders are increasingly including carbon footprint and other specification criteria as major considerations during the building design process. Access to reliable information through reporting tools like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) makes it possible for specifiers to make informed product selection decisions based on measurable data and metrics.

So, what should specifiers know about EPDs?

What is an Environmental Product Declaration for building materials?

An EPD is an internationally recognized document and standardized reporting tool that discloses the environmental impacts of building materials, like polyiso insulation. Think of it as a “nutritional label” that you’d see on a food item but for construction products. EPDs are developed using product category rules (PCRs) and are based on standardized life cycle assessments (LCAs), helping to ensure that specifiers have access to accurate and credible data.

PIMA’s updated EPDs provide a comprehensive look at polyiso products

As part of its commitment to research, advocacy and leadership, PIMA recently published updated industry-average EPDs for polyiso products. These third-party verified and ISO-compliant declarations provide environmental impact data for polyiso roof insulation, polyiso wall insulation and high-density (HD) polyiso roof cover boards manufactured by participating PIMA member companies in the U.S. and Canada.

The publication of PIMA’s updated EPDs represents a significant undertaking. Over a two-year period, data was collected, analyzed and validated from participating manufacturing facilities across North America to create industry-average reports for polyiso products. For building designers and specifiers, this opens a window to comprehensive environmental impact information that reflects industry-wide manufacturing data.

“As the focus on the environmental impacts of buildings and building materials continues to increase, PIMA is well-positioned to engage and educate regulators and industry stakeholders on the life cycle benefits and environmental impacts of polyiso products,” said PIMA President Justin Koscher in the Association’s statement at the time of the EPD roll out.

Polyiso EPDs support sustainable building goals

Continuing the discussion around the importance of EPDs, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the built environment accounts for roughly 40% of both total U.S. energy consumption and carbon emissions. With mounting pressure to mitigate the effects of climate change, the building construction and design industry has a responsibility to lead the charge on economy-wide sustainability goals by undertaking projects that reduce the environmental footprint of modern buildings. Since every specification decision is only as good as the information it is based on, PIMA’s updated polyiso EPDs complement existing efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of building operations through improved energy efficiency by supporting compliance with requirements related to embodied carbon emissions. Such requirements can be part of major green building rating systems like LEED, the Living Building Challenge, and other life cycle assessment-based certification frameworks.

Key EPD elements that specifiers should understand

While all EPDs are designed to communicate environmental impact data, PIMA’s updated reports include several features that are particularly relevant to designers, specifiers and sustainability professionals:

• Cradle-to-Grave LCA for Polyiso: Reports environmental impacts across the full product life cycle, based on a 75-year building service life.
• Product Category Rule (PCR) Compliance: Published in accordance with applicable PCRs for insulation and roof cover board products, including the recently updated and enhanced PCR for building thermal envelope insulation.
• Scaling Factors for Accurate Results: For polyiso roof and wall insulation products, the EPDs include scaling factors that allow professionals to calculate impacts based on specific insulation board thicknesses. 
• Roof Replacement Factor: For polyiso roof insulation and HD polyiso roof cover board, the EPDs consider the impacts of a full roof replacement during the 75-year building service life, as required by the applicable PCRs.
• Industry-Wide Data Coverage: Includes primary manufacturing data from 2023 for all participating PIMA member facilities. 
• Third-Party Verification: Independently verified and published in NSF’s official EPD database to ensure confidence. 

Accessing PIMA’s EPDs

Understanding the environmental impacts of building materials is an increasingly important part of the specification process. PIMA’s updated polyiso industry-average EPDs provide designers, specifiers and sustainability professionals with transparent, ISO-compliant and third-party verified environmental impact data for polyiso insulation and roof cover board products.

View and download PIMA’s EPDs for polyiso roof insulation, polyiso wall insulation, and HD polyiso roof cover boards at https://www.polyiso.org/page/EPDs .

1. HD polyiso roof cover boards provide added thermal performance, delivering up to five times more R-value than gypsum roof cover boards to help improve energy efficiency and reduce thermal bridging in commercial roofing systems.
2. HD polyiso roof cover boards combine durability and impact resistance, helping roof assemblies achieve severe hail and high wind uplift ratings while protecting underlying insulation from damage.
3. HD polyiso roof cover boards offer superior moisture resistance, absorbing significantly less water than gypsum roof cover boards during standardized testing, which helps support long-term roof system performance.

When it comes to commercial roof design, it’s best practice to specify a roof cover board to improve system durability, resiliency and long-term performance. In application, a roof cover board provides a stable substrate for roof membrane installation as well as reliable protection for underlying roof insulation. But here’s the thing: not all roof cover board options are the same.

Gypsum roof cover boards have long been a traditional choice for commercial roofs. However, more designers are putting high-density (HD) polyiso roof cover boards to the test. A high-performance alternative solution to one-dimensional gypsum roof cover boards, they offer designers a broader range of performance benefits in a single product. Plus, HD polyiso roof cover boards are lightweight and easy to handle on the jobsite, and installers can cut the boards without specialized tools.

So, how else do HD polyiso roof cover boards and gypsum roof cover boards compare?

HD polyiso offers designers insulating value to score energy savings

One of the biggest differentiators (and for many designers the most compelling difference) between these two roof cover board products is that HD polyiso roof cover boards offer the insulation power of a polyiso foam core. HD polyiso provides an R-value of R-2.5 in 0.5-inch-thick boards, increasing energy efficiency and, when installed as an adhered layer, can reduce thermal bridging in commercial roofing systems. In fact, HD polyiso roof cover boards can provide two to five times more R-value than gypsum-based products. This means that when combined with polyiso roof insulation, HD polyiso roof cover boards can help designers achieve required energy code minimums for R-values, resulting in more energy savings with less material and thinner overall roof assemblies.

The energy savings potential of HD polyiso doesn’t stop there. When installed with an adhesive layer, HD polyiso roof cover boards bury fasteners beneath an insulation layer, which further reduces thermal bridging and improves overall system performance.

Necessary impact resistance to achieve hail and wind ratings

A quick refresher: The primary job of a roof cover board is to provide a durable layer that protects the roof assembly from impact forces (like a hail, foot traffic, or dropped maintenance tools) and uplift forces (like high wind events) that can shorten the roof’s service life or result in the complete destruction of the roof. That’s why HD polyiso roof cover boards are manufactured with compressive strengths ranging from 80-140 psi, which allows them to dissipate impact forces effectively. This means that when included as a component of a tested roof assembly, HD polyiso roof cover boards deliver the performance necessary to achieve severe hail resistance ratings and high wind uplift ratings.

While some gypsum products are available with even higher compressive strengths, these products are often over-engineered for most roofing projects.

HD polyiso roof cover boards deliver tested moisture resistance

Although roof systems are designed to remain watertight, moisture resistance is still one of the most important considerations when specifying roofing products like roof cover boards. After all, water is a building’s worst enemy.

Industry-standard laboratory testing highlights a significant difference between HD polyiso and moisture-sensitive gypsum roof cover boards in this area. When submerged in water for two hours under standardized testing conditions, a typical 4’ x 8’ gypsum roof cover board can absorb the equivalent of nearly 9 pounds of water. HD polyiso roof cover boards absorb much less—the equivalent of 1-3 pounds of water depending on the product type.

While roof cover boards are never intended to be submerged in water over their service life, these test results clearly illustrate the differences between the two products when it comes to moisture performance. HD polyiso roof cover boards will inherently maintain their integrity under adverse weather conditions for the long-term enhancement of the roof system.

Specifying HD polyiso roof cover boards overhead to prioritize building performance

The lesson here is that roof cover boards play a critical role in protecting commercial roof assemblies. HD polyiso roof cover boards are an increasingly popular choice with many designers over gypsum roof cover boards because they serve up a dynamic combination of insulation power, durability and improved moisture resistance in a single product. Designers who understand the multi-functional benefits that HD polyiso roof cover boards offer will help ensure the roof system is optimized for the long-term protection of the building.

Discover more HD polyiso roof cover board facts at https://www.polyiso.org/page/CoverBoardFacts and see how they outperform gypsum roof cover boards.

For decades, determining R-values in below-grade conditions typically included thermal testing after a short-duration moisture exposure and drying time. But this historical practice

fails to capture more realistic moisture dynamics that occur over extended periods below grade. For example, soil moisture cycles, hydrostatic pressure, and freeze-thaw events can create conditions that exceed the duration of laboratory immersion tests that are based on 2- to 96-hourmoisture exposures. Additionally, thermal resistance tests after water submersion that include a dry-out period favor open-cell products like extruded polystyrene insulation, which can readily release absorbed moisture when allowed to drain or dry in ambient laboratory conditions. 

Much of the construction industry’s perception of “approved” below-grade insulation options stems from this historical laboratory testing as well aslimited, unrepeatable in-situpolystyrene studies completed 30 or more years ago.Ultimately, the outdated performance data collected during dry-out testingneither reflects the full range of insulation materials available today, nor does it represent current polystyrene foam chemistries that have changed due to flame retardant and blowing agent conversions. 

Why is RBG a more realistic metric for below grade applications?

R-value is a standardized metric used to report a material’s resistance to heat flow—a higher R-value means greater insulating effectiveness. Several factors influence an insulation’s R-value, including where it is installed. While above grade applications canface variable conditions, below-grade applications will almost certainly be exposed to consistent and high levels of relative humidity with minimal drying potential. For this reason, below-grade thermal resistance (RBG), which refers to the R-value of an insulation product after a 28-day simulated moisture exposure, more accurately characterizeshow an insulation material mayperform when placed in these conditions.

Recently, PIMA completed a research study with a third-party laboratory to examine the impacts of prolonged moisture exposure on the R-value of polyiso continuous insulation (polyiso CI),EPS insulation, and extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation. The research protocol used a modified ASTM D2842 water absorption test (submersion period extended to 28 days) and a modified ASTM C518 thermal resistance test (materials tested in a wet condition inside heat flow meter). 

Following the 28-day water submersion period and without drying time (as described in PIMA Technical Bulletin #603), polyiso CI retained 95 percent of its labeled R-value demonstratingreliable thermal performance in simulated below-grade conditions. Most notably, polyiso CI performed significantly better than EPS under identical independent third-party laboratory test conditions and produced comparable RBG values to XPS. These results reinforce the need to assess insulation materials intended for prolonged below-grade exposures under extended moisture conditioning scenarios. 

Which testing standards reflect moisture-exposed conditions?

Currently, commonly used test methods that examine the thermal performance of insulation material do not quantify the impacts of moisture exposure on R-value. Even standards like ASCE 32 (Design and Construction of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations) do not describe how users should quantify the thermal performance of insulation materials after moisture exposure.Instead, ASCE 32 only includes assumed R-values for polystyrene insulation products that are derived from the historical testing mentioned above and based on prior generation product types.  

Given this gap in test methods, PIMA undertook its research project to examine how today’s foam plastic insulation materials perform after prolonged moisture exposures. We expect the research results to help design professionals better understand insulation options for their below-grade applications. Eventually, the PIMA research could also help inform changes to standard for below-grade insulation applications like ASCE 32.

When below grade, polyisoCI comes out on top

Because dry state R-values do not fully represent real-world conditions, RBG provides a more accurate assessment of insulation materials under prolonged moisture exposure. Legacy standards do not reflect current material options or methodologies, so combining multiple ASTM test standards can quantify R-values in below-grade conditions more fairly, accurately, and transparently.Under these modern methods, polyiso CI maintains its industry leading R‑value per inch in below-grade applications where moisture exposure is a critical concern.

To dive deeper into this topic, check out PIMA Technical Bulletin #603.

Modern roofing practices are advancing thanks to innovations in materials, including the insulation system. Understanding how each component contributes to performance and how these materials have evolved enables professionals to make more informed design and construction decisions.

Among these components, high-density (HD) polyiso roof cover boards stand out. Once viewed simply as a protective layer, roof cover boards can now play a far greater role in enhancing the overall durability, energy efficiency and performance of the roof assembly.

What is an HD polyiso cover board and why it matters

A cover board is a higher-density, protective component of a low-slope roof system that provides a stable substrate for roofing membranes and suitable protection for underlying insulation. HD polyiso cover boards take this protection to the next level by combining compressive strength and thermal efficiency in a single, versatile product.

HD polyiso cover boards’ compressive strength protects roofs from hail, wind and loads

Roof cover boards are often specified for applications where durability is key. This includes roofs that are subjected to extreme weather events (such as hail or high winds), consistent service traffic or those with renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar systems. For these scenarios, compressive strength is essential.

HD polyiso cover boards are manufactured in three compressive strength ratings: 80 psi (ASTM C1289 Type II, Class 4, Grade 1), 110 psi (Grade 2), and 140 psi (Grade 3). These options allow professionals to select cover boards appropriate to the anticipated load and environmental conditions, thereby optimizing the roof system without unnecessary over-engineered solutions. Additionally, HD polyiso cover boards come as individual panels or composite products (with the cover board adhered to polyiso roof insulation boards) to enhance roof resilience in a wide range of applications.

Evaluating HD polyiso vs gypsum roof cover board performance

With high compressive strengths, roof assemblies that include HD polyiso cover boards can meet the "Severe Hail" performance requirements, which cover a significant portion of the U.S. regions that face extreme weather threats. While some professionals may still favor gypsum for its nominally higher compressive strength, it is critical to recognize that higher compressive strength does not automatically equate to better overall roof system performance.

Over-engineering a roof can increase cost, weight and installation complexity without delivering meaningful improvements in durability or resilience under the conditions the roof is likely to encounter. Instead, roof cover boards should be specified based on fit-for-purpose performance, considering the overall assembly and potential hazards.

Improving thermal efficiency with HD polyiso cover boards

HD polyiso cover boards not only protect the roofing system but also enhance its overall energy efficiency. In fact, the boards outperform gypsum alternatives when it comes to thermal performance. A 0.5-inch HD polyiso panel provides an R-value of R-2.5, compared to R-0.5 for a gypsum cover board of equivalent thickness.

Source: polyiso.org

In assemblies designed to meet prescriptive energy code requirements, such as an R-30 roof, the inclusion of HD polyiso cover boards reduce the additional insulation required. This additional R-value can be particularly advantageous in roof replacement scenarios where existing rooftop conditions may present height limitations for increasing insulation levels.

By maximizing the thermal performance of each layer, including cover board, the roof system can achieve code compliance and energy efficiency without compromising assembly thickness or structural considerations.

Additionally, the closed-cell foam core of HD polyiso roof cover boards is inherently water-resistant. When combined with facers like inorganic coated glass facers (CGF) and glass reinforced organic facers (GRF), HD polyiso roof cover boards offer additional moisture protection and resistance to mold or mildew growth.

Designing roof systems for long-term performance and efficiency

By focusing on the roof system as a whole rather than individual material metrics, professionals can optimize protection, efficiency and long-term value. HD polyiso cover boards demonstrate how modern roofing materials can simultaneously meet loading and thermal demands without compromise. When incorporated thoughtfully, these high-performance cover boards enable the design of roof systems that are not only durable and energy-efficient but also precisely engineered to the challenges of today’s built environment.

For professionals seeking to make informed decisions, PIMA’s new Technical Bulletins, #502 The R-value Advantage of HD Polyiso Cover Boards, #503 Understanding Compressive Strength of Roof Cover Board Materials and #504 Evaluating the Moisture Resistance of Roof Cover Board Materials provide in-depth guidance on maximizing the value of HD polyiso cover boards.

In cold storage building design, even small temperature fluctuations can result in product spoilage, equipment damage or compliance violations. As a result, these facilities must adhere to strict industry regulations and food safety standards. Building code requirements increasingly call for specialized insulation solutions for cold storage building design, including higher R-values, vapor barriers and air-tight detailing of the building envelope.

So, what is the material used to insulate the building envelope of cold storage structures? Polyiso insulation can be used to insulate all six sides of a cold storage facility (walls, roof and below grade). In application, it delivers a high-performance thermal layer for the building envelope systems that helps to optimize the cooling process, reduce energy demands and assist operators with maintaining precise interior temperatures.

Polyiso insulation offers high R-values for cold storage

Cold storage facilities typically operate 24/7, where any inefficiency in the thermal envelope can result in sustained energy loss and higher operating costs. With excellent thermal resistance, polyiso offers one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation, allowing building teams to meet thermal performance targets with leaner assemblies.

Additionally, polyiso’s compressive strength (typically 16-25 psi) allows for cladding attachment to be installed outboard of the insulation . This capability can reduce the number of penetrations through the thermal layer and help to mitigate thermal bridging. The reduction of thermal bridges is especially important in cold storage facilities where a highly effective and continuous thermal boundary is essential to prevent unwanted heat gain.

Polyiso insulation serves as air and vapor barrier

Polyiso's performance capabilities address other considerations that are a priority in cold storage facilities. Big or small, cold storage units often operate at a cooler temperature on the inside compared to the surrounding environment. This can make them vulnerable to vapor drive, which is when warm, moist air from outside tries to move inward. When this air encounters a cold surface, it can condense into water droplets. Over time, this trapped moisture can lead to mold, corrosion, degradation and costly repairs.

Similarly, minor air leaks at transition points or penetrations in a cold storage’s building envelope can compromise temperature control, potentially leading to food spoilage, failed inspections or health code violations. That’s why precise detailing and continuous air barrier design is non-negotiable in cold storage building design.

Polyiso’s closed-cell foam core makes it highly resistant to bulk water and vapor intrusion. It is also a multifunctional building solution . When sealed and taped per manufacturer’s instructions, polyiso can serve as a three-in-one thermal, air and water barrier in above-grade wall assemblies. As a result, it can address multiple performance requirements in cold storage applications.

Project profile – Cooler and Freezer Storage at Boise School District Facilities & Operation, Idaho

To optimize the learning and working environment and avoid unnecessary utility expenditures, the Boise School District decided to convert about 3,600 square feet of existing outdoor space in its Facilities and Operations building into a cooler/freezer storage area. A unique design challenge involved the lower heated slab, which needed to discharge excess heat from the condensers into the soil below to prevent freezing over time. This required an insulation that could deliver high thermal resistance in a minimal thickness while also performing reliably in below-grade conditions.

The project team selected two layers of 2.25-inch polyiso below grade insulation by Rmax, which provided the required R-value (R-28.4) in leaner profile. In application, its compressive strength of 25 psi helps resist significant amounts of pressure and weight from the soil, floor slab, buildings or other structures placed above it. Additionally, the closed-cell and closed matrix structure of polysio provides excellent moisture resistance, helping to maintain its thermal performance over time and reducing the risk of freeze-thaw damage.

Using polyiso insulation below grade, the team delivered a highly efficient, durable cold storage structure that meets the district’s operational needs while helping control energy use, safeguard stored goods and extend the life of the facility’s infrastructure.

Have specific questions about using polyiso in cold storage applications? Please reach out to us.

With one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation materials, polyiso helps meet increasingly stringent energy code requirements without adding unnecessary bulk or structural weight. Its versatility and resilience make it ideal for both new construction and roof replacement projects across diverse climates and building types.

Here’s a small sample of how polyiso roof insulation continues to deliver value in real-world applications:

Polyiso roofs stand resilient against Mid-West’s Derecho

With consistent wind speeds ranging between 70 and 140mph, the August 2020 Midwest Derecho took its toll on commercial properties and their roof systems. Many existing roofing systems in the path of the derecho were compromised, with a portion of those resulting in blow-offs, leaving entire buildings exposed.

Yet in the aftermath, it was discovered that 29 roofs utilizing PIMA member Carlisle’s advanced roof system with polyiso roof insulation remained fully intact. In the company’s system, a durable membrane acts as the hook while the insulation acts as the loop, providing extra stability. This performance under extreme conditions underscores polyiso’s ability to contribute to high-performing roofing systems that can stand strong against harsh wind uplift.

Bowmanville Indoor Soccer field saves time and labor with a polyiso roof assembly

Following storm damage to nearly a quarter of its roofing system, the Bowmanville Indoor Soccer facility in Ontario, Canada , underwent a reroof in 2023. The new roof assembly is a two-layer SOPREMA system consisting of an SBS polymer-modified bitumen base sheet membrane laminated to a high-density polyiso support panel.

The lightweight, entirely flameless installation not only enhanced jobsite safety but also delivered impressive labor savings. Roofing crews managed to save costs equivalent to approximately two days of installation time and lower labor costs by an estimated 40%. In addition to improved efficiency, the polyiso-based system provides long-term durability and energy performance.

G150 Molson Coors Brewery’s roof in Colorado leverages polyiso tapered roof insulation

Located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, the new Molson Coors Brewery , nicknamed “G150” to commemorate 150 years of brewing, is a forward-looking, high-performance facility built from the ground up. This brewery includes production areas, fermentation halls, cold storage and administrative offices, all designed and built for energy efficiency, operational scalability and durability.

To meet these goals, the roofers, Douglass Colony Group, installed a fully tapered polyiso insulation system by Elevate (an Amrize brand) mechanically fastened under the roofing membrane. The system includes a 2-inch base layer, a tapered layer and custom-sloped variations to promote drainage and long-term performance. A roof coverboard is then applied on top. The project earned Douglass Colony the 2025 Elevate Excellence Award in the “Durability” category, recognizing exceptional, robust roofing systems that stand up to the toughest conditions.

More information and projects

For other real-world examples of polyiso's use, please reach out to PIMA’s member companies.

To learn more about how polyiso roof insulation enhances roof performance, efficiency and helps achieve code compliance, take a look at PIMA’s Technical Bulletin Series on Roofing .

By Michael Rhodes, Manager Technical Advocacy

As the need to reduce energy consumption grows across all sectors to reduce the strain on the aging energy grid, building energy codes across the United States continue to evolve. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1 are the most widely adopted model energy codes. The modern model codes applicable to residential construction play a pivotal role in improving the baseline performance of homes. Adoption of these standards varies by states and local jurisdictions.

Despite their benefits, some legislators across the U.S. are considering rolling back building energy codes and standards or even preempting local governments from adopting more stringent versions of the model codes. Opponents of the codes often cite increased construction costs and concerns about housing affordability. But this argument overlooks a key point: while contractors’ upfront costs may increase slightly between three-year code cycles, modern energy codes reduce the homeowner’s long-term operating costs and improve the quality and resilience of housing, especially when applied to affordable housing projects.

Under-insulated homes, not energy codes, create energy burdens

According to the 2021 American Community Survey, the median age of owner-occupied homes is 40 years. Nearly half of these structures were built before 1980 and about 35 percent predate 1970, long before current energy codes existed. Because new and updated homes are often more expensive, many low-income families have to live in older structures.

Some of these existing homes may have been retrofitted for eye-catching modern amenities but often lack updated insulation or other thermal efficiency measures that are out of sight and hard to profit from. As a result, the building envelope remains one of the least improved, yet most impactful areas for energy efficiency upgrades. Often in multifamily and rentals, the building owner is rarely impacted by energy inefficiencies.

Energy burden, which is the percentage of a household’s gross income that is spent on energy costs, such as heating and cooling, is worsened by drafty, under-insulated homes. When more than 6 percent of a family’s income goes towards energy bills, they are considered to have a high energy burden, often pushing them into energy poverty. This occurs when households either lack access to modern energy services or need to allocate a disproportionate share of their income to basic energy needs.

Poorly insulated, leaky homes increase energy consumption. This is why low-income households spend an average of 17.8 percent of their income on energy costs, nearly four times the national average. Reports suggest that in certain regions, particularly in the Southeast, this burden can surpass 30 percent. For those living in this kind of energy poverty, it becomes a relentless cycle, where they are unable to afford the energy essentials required for health, well-being, education and overall quality of life.

Building envelope upgrades cut home energy costs and improve the quality of life

Improving the thermal performance of a building envelope in alignment with modern energy codes reduces energy usage, lowering costs for homeowners and multifamily building tenants alike. In a case study from Elevate Energy, an affordable multifamily housing retrofit in Chicago, which included air sealing, insulation and furnace replacement, led to significant benefits for the building owners and the tenants. Such as 10 percent of the total utility expenses and a 17 percent reduction in repair and maintenance costs.

Underscoring the importance of thermal comfort in indoor environments, most residents reported improved comfort, with 70 percent stating they planned to renew their leases, and approximately 33 percent indicating they felt more confident and less stressed about paying rent and utility bills after the retrofit. The case study is an excellent demonstration of how building envelope upgrades, integrated to improve energy efficiency, are investments that translate into real financial relief and improved quality of life for residents.

A coalition of insulation industry trade associations, including PIMA, commissioned a third-party study to assess the state- and national-level energy and emissions impacts and economic benefits that could accrue over from code-compliant insulation retrofits in a select number of building types and representative city/climate zone combinations. For residential, single-family detached homes, the study found that most of the energy savings and the resultant economic benefit and avoided emissions can be achieved by focusing on just cost-effective retrofits.

Source: Polyiso.org

Polyiso in the building envelope helps improve energy efficiency and meet energy codes

One proven way to improve building performance and meet benchmarks set by modern energy codes in homes is by integrating polyiso insulation in the building envelope. When installed as a continuous insulation (CI), Polyiso CI in residential wall construction delivers unparalleled performance by reducing thermal bridges created by framing members in walls insulated only with cavity insulation.

Polyiso CI can also serve as an approved air barrier and water-resistive barrier (WRB) when sealed or taped as per the manufacturer's instructions. These multifunctional capabilities help reduce a project’s material and labor costs. Additionally, the enhanced building performance can help meet stringent energy codes and earn valuable government-backed tax credits. For instance, homeowners who upgrade their homes with qualifying energy-efficient improvements may be eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, worth up to $3,200. Similarly, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), a state-managed initiative, also enables low-income households to reduce heating and cooling through weatherization improvements and upgrades. This helps better energy efficiency along with the residents’ health and safety.

Looking ahead

Homeowners and builders alike are increasingly recognizing the long-term cost savings, improved comfort, and healthier indoor environments that come with energy code-compliant construction. However, there is still work to do.

Continued education about the economic, environmental and health benefits of complying with modern building energy codes is essential. By investing in high-performance multifunctional insulation materials like polyiso and supporting the adoption of current energy codes, we can reduce energy burdens, promote resilience and build a more sustainable housing stock for future generations.

To find the minimum R-value requirements for above-grade walls in residential projects, as specified by current energy codes, refer to PIMA’s energy code fact sheets.

In commercial roof replacement projects, contractors must navigate a wide range of factors, including compliance with R-value requirements set by energy codes for roof assemblies and site-specific conditions that influence roof system design. Selecting the right commercial roof insulation is essential to meeting these performance standards efficiently and cost-effectively.

Polyiso continues to be the leading solution due to its high R-value per inch compared to other insulation options. Available in multiple forms, including flat stock boards, tapered insulation and high-density (HD) cover boards, polyiso rigid roof insulation offers flexibility in design and installation. When installed in accordance with manufacturers’ installation instructions, polyiso roof insulation products can enhance energy efficiency, durability and code compliance across reroofing projects.

Install multi-layered systems with staggered joints in rigid roof insulation

To maximize energy efficiency in reroofing projects, roofing contractors should install polyiso rigid roof insulation in a multi-layered system with staggered joints. This best practice minimizes thermal bridging between board joints and reduces the opportunity for air and moisture movement through the roof system. When adhered over a mechanically attached base layer, the top layer in a multi-layered system can also be used to bury fasteners to further reduce thermal bridges. All of these practices are key factors in improving building envelope performance and long-term durability.

Staggered joints in a commercial roof insulation system also help reduce the possibility of membrane buckling. These performance enhancements support a more resilient and energy-efficient building envelope.

Utilize polyiso tapered insulation to enhance thermal performance and drainage

Certain conditions can complicate insulation upgrades in reroofing projects. This includes low curb or flashing heights, existing roof drainage configurations, or door thresholds and window sill heights that sit too close to the finished roof surface. In many of these situations, a combination of flat stock polyiso board and polyiso tapered insulation can be used for targeted increases in R-value while accommodating limiting site conditions.

The flexibility in polyiso tapered insulation system designs is beneficial for retrofit projects where roofs lack proper drainage slopes, but structural modifications are impractical or cost-prohibitive. In such projects, integrating tapered polyiso insulation can contribute to enhanced thermal performance as well as help mitigate ponding water to improve overall roof system durability.

Improve commercial roof durability with high-density (HD) polyiso cover boards

“Incredibly versatile, polyiso can function as a dual role product—it can be insulation and also a cover board,” Natalie Tobey, Product Marketing Manager at Carlisle Construction Materials, highlighted.

HD polyiso roof cover boards are an advanced building technology that protects the roof system from consistent service traffic, extreme weather events (such as hail or high winds) and even the added loads of installed rooftop solar systems. “HD polyiso cover boards can provide the compressive strength needed for most roof systems to meet extreme weather criteria, including the Severe Hail classification requirements,” Tobey explained.

“But unlike traditional gypsum boards, HD polyiso cover boards also contribute to the roof assembly’s total R-value with their polyiso core,” she noted. This added insulation can reduce the overall amount of insulation needed to meet energy codes when compared to designs that utilize traditional gypsum cover boards. The multifunctional quality of polyiso HD cover board helps contractors simplify roof system design and reduce labor and material costs.

Staying ahead

Contractors looking to stay competitive in the reroofing market must ensure every project aligns with local codes and national standards. To help industry professionals determine the energy performance requirements for the states they work in, PIMA has created State Energy Code Fact Sheets, which provide a state-by-state detail of the minimum insulation requirements for low-slope commercial roofs in both new and existing buildings.

Click here to find the energy code requirements applicable to your next roofing project.

Among various physical properties, R-value serves as a primary benchmark for comparing the many different types of insulation products available on the market. There are different methods to measure the thermal performance of a material, which can generate data that is comparable. However, it is crucial that products are tested under the same conditions to ensure accurate comparison.

R-value Rule

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established regulations for how manufacturers measure thermal performance and make claims regarding the R-value of insulating products. The R-value Rule (16 CFR Part 460: Trade Regulation Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation) governs how thermal performance must be tested as well as the labeling and marketing of R-value claims. It is designed to protect consumers from deceptive or misleading claims about insulation performance or other products marketed to save energy.

Measuring thermal performance for common insulation types

ASTM C518 is commonly used to measure the thermal resistance of insulation products. Certain rules or methods may be employed depending on the type of insulation material tested. Generally, this test is conducted at a mean temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as required by the R-value Rule. The test setup includes two metal plates on either side of the insulation sample—one warm (e.g., 95 degrees) and one cold (e.g., 55 degrees)—to simulate a thermal gradient and measure heat flow. Click here to watch how building insulation products measure and report R-value.

Other standardized test methods may be used depending on the product type and intended application. Insulation manufacturers disclose which method was used to determine the R-value listed on product labels or technical data sheets.

Determining R-value for polyiso foam insulation

The polyiso industry uses two primary metrics for determining thermal resistance: long-term thermal resistance (or LTTR); and thermal resistance following a conditioning period. Both methods comport with the R-value Rule’s requirement to test closed-cell foam products in a manner that reflects the effects of aging on the products thermal performance.

• Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR)

  LTTR values are determined using ASTM C1303 (Standard Test Method for Predicting Long-Term Thermal Resistance of Closed-Cell Foam Insulation) or CAN/ULC-S770 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Long-Term Thermal Resistance of Closed-Cell Thermal Insulating Foams). Both methods employ a technique called "slicing and scaling,” where the thermal resistance properties of thinly sliced specimens of polyiso boards are tested. From the data received, long-term changes in thermal resistance after five years are estimated.

• Thermal Resistance Following Conditioning

This method involves testing full-thickness polyiso samples after a conditioning period.

Typically, insulation samples are conditioned for a 180-day period at 73 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent relative humidity. An accelerated method is also permitted, where samples are conditioned at 140 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry environment for 90 days prior to testing.

Factors affecting R-value of insulation

While R-value is tested in controlled environments, real-world conditions and other factors including age, temperature, quality of installation and testing standard used to determine the R-value, affect the thermal performance of any insulation.

Want to learn more? Visit PIMA’s Get to Know R-value page. 

By Michael Rhodes, Manager Technical Advocacy, PIMA

Rainscreen systems, be it ventilated, pressure-equalized or drained and back-ventilated are growing in popularity. When installed, they serve as a building’s outermost moisture management mechanism. A rainscreen system typically consists of an outer layer, often called cladding, and an inner layer, which creates a gap or cavity. This cavity is designed to allow for the passive exterior drainage of bulk water and the outward ventilation of water vapor that infiltrates behind the cladding.

It is crucial to properly manage water and water vapor that enters the rainscreen system without letting it impact the energy-efficiency of the wall. Designers employ closed-cell foam products like polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) continuous insulation (CI) in their rainscreen systems as the inner layer’s water-resistive barrier and the building’s exterior air barrier.

Polyiso CI enhances performance and resists moisture infiltration

A reliable and resilient solution, Polyiso CI has one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation options resulting in the thinnest wall sections. The closed-cell rigid foam board is also inherently moisture resistant, maintaining its R-value even when exposed to moist conditions. In applications where polyiso may be exposed to moisture, professionals commonly specify the insulation with aluminum facers, which help efficiently shed water within the rainscreen assembly. When the seams between boards are sealed or taped, polyiso can function as the wall assembly’s water resistive barrier (WRB) and an exterior air barrier. 

In application, using Polyiso CI between the rainscreen and the backup wall provides a barrier to prevent moisture from entering the wall assembly. When properly installed, the exterior wall polyiso can keep the interior wall assembly above the dew point temperature, thus reducing the risk of interstitial condensation. Additionally, the option to install Polyiso CI with only screws and washers effectively mitigates energy loss associated with thermal bridges created by the wall’s framing members and more thermally conductive attachment methods such as Z-bars, clip angles, clip and rails. With high compressive strength and low density, Polyiso CI does not need the structural elements to pass the cladding and insulation loads to the building framing.

Assemblies with Polyiso CI can meet NFPA 285 criteria

Polyiso CI has excellent fire performance properties and hence an ever-growing list of Polyiso CI wall assembly configurations with many cladding types have successfully passed the acceptance criteria of the NFPA 285 fire test standard. This includes single-skin metal panels and metal-composite claddings.

Unlike other rigid foam board plastic insulations, Polyiso CI-based wall assemblies may not require additional expensive and labor-intensive fire safing around window and door openings. These factors explain why many designers prefer to use Polyiso CI as the inner layer of rainscreen system that feature popular metal panel claddings, ACM and MCM.

What’s next

Polyiso CI offers many benefits to a rainscreen system. In addition to its proven performance, the application also allows architects the design flexibility to simplify control layers within a wall assembly providing the thinnest assembly to unlock more usable interior square footage.

Looking to learn more about what makes polyiso an excellent choice in modern rainscreen systems? Explore PIMA's video series - Know the Rainscreen Facts. 

As with most wall assemblies, one of the most effective ways to meet the demand for high-performance cavity walls is by using code-compliant levels of insulation. Generally, the insulation is applied to the outer surface of the inner wythe. In application, the airspace helps prevent moisture from penetrating up the outer walls and into the structure while the insulation improves the assembly’s overall thermal performance without disrupting the channel of moisture. This is why the effectiveness of a cavity wall significantly depends on the performance of the insulating material used.

Architects often leverage the proven performance of foil-faced polyiso insulation to elevate cavity wall performance. Because polyiso has one of the highest R-values per inch, design teams can maintain the correct air space design requirement while achieving an excellent insulation value and a cost-effective wall design.

Source: PIMA’s Technical Bulletin #401 Polyiso Insulation in Masonry Cavity Walls

Cavity walls with polyiso can be leaner and enable more usable interior space

Designers should consider the appropriate depth of the air space between the two layers of masonry when insulation is placed inside the cavity. Because foil-faced polyiso has high R-value per inch, designers can introduce a thinner insulation layer to meet the thermal requirement while still maintaining the size of the air gap determined to be necessary for achieving the intended level of performance for the wall assembly.

The use of polyiso insulation results in a slimmer profile for the wall while meetings or exceeding the thermal efficiency requirements of the energy code. This can sometimes be hard to achieve with other types of insulation that require significantly thicker boards to achieve the same level of performance. Slimmer walls, in turn, mean more interior space, giving designers more room to work with and reducing overall construction costs.

Moisture-resistant polyiso improves cavity wall performance

Even though cavity walls are not designed to be wet environments, there is the potential for water to penetrate the assembly. This water must be drained down the cavity face and out of the wall assembly to keep the other wall assembly components and the interior space dry. Doing so is important for the wall’s thermal efficiency and long-term performance. Considering damp insulation compromises thermal integrity of a building, it is critical that the properties of the insulation are such that do not readily absorb water.

Foil-faced polyiso is water-repellent due to the low impermeability of the facers and the insulation’s inherently moisture-resistant closed-cell foam core. In a cavity wall application, foil-faced polyiso repels any water coming in contact without any impact on its dimensional stability or thermal performance. Additionally, owing to the properly maintained airspace mentioned above, a cavity wall with polyiso can more easily facilitate moisture to drain down and out of the assembly.

Polyiso is compatible with a wide range of construction materials

Cavity wall construction often involves the use of adhesives, water repellent and preservative coatings as well as bituminous damp proofing and waterproofing materials. Some of these products may contain petroleum-based solvents, which can severely compromise the physical and thermal properties of thermoplastics like polystyrene (EPS or XPS) insulation products.

This concern is sidelined when using polyiso. The versatile insulation is not affected by these materials and therefore offers a level of comfort that performance will remain in place year after year.

Optimize thermal efficiency and moisture resistance in cavity walls with polyiso

As construction demands continue to evolve, polyiso stands out as an effective, adaptable option for most types of wall assemblies including cavity walls. Its ability to deliver high R-values in a lean profile, along with its moisture resistance, ensures that design teams can meet today’s stringent building performance standards and energy codes in new and existing buildings, all while maximizing interior space and overall project efficiency.

For more detailed information on polyiso in commercial wall applications, explore PIMA’s Technical Bulletins Series 400 Series - Commercial Walls. 

To mitigate energy loss due to thermal bridges, building teams are employing high-performance solutions like polyiso as continuous insulation (CI). The practice insulates the entire opaque exterior of framed walls to reduce energy losses and gains due to thermal bridging. Because polyiso has one of the highest R-values per inch when compared to other insulating products, Polyiso CI supports excellent thermal performance. Plus, Polyiso CI used in an exterior wall assembly offers additional benefits, like reducing air and moisture infiltration along with construction efficiency.

Polyiso CI is a code-compliant air barrier

One of the most common contributors to energy loss in homes is air intrusion. It can lead to increased energy consumption because many homes, especially in temperate states do not have robust HVAC systems in place. Typically, structures may only have a heating system or use portable air conditioning systems in the summer. To enable stable interior temperatures, minimizing air leakage can be crucial.

To the benefit of building teams, Polyiso CI can be used as part of a residence’s exterior wall as an air barrier system to mitigate air intrusion. Model building codes recognize Polyiso CI as an air barrier material when installed at a minimum ½-inch thickness using approved flashing tape or sealed per the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

When installing Polyiso CI in a wall assembly, building teams should seal penetrations for plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, dryer vents and other openings with an approved sealant to ensure long-term performance. Attention should be paid to sealing the inside and outside corners and tying in the air barrier at the roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation transitions.

Managing moisture with Polyiso CI as a water resistive barrier

If untreated, air infiltration can lead to moisture accumulation in the wall assembly and home, which in the long run increases thermal conductivity and compromises building envelope performance. Moisture accumulation can also result in mold, which can be hazardous for occupant health. Adding to the complexity, walls with traditional cavity insulation may need additional air and moisture infiltration barriers, sheathing material and more within the wall assembly to ensure optimal performance. This can thicken residential walls and reduce usable floor space.

Mitigating these issues, polyiso’s closed-cell core inherently resists moisture absorption. Plus, many Polyiso CI products with taped or sealed joints can be classified as water resistive barriers (WRBs) that provide drainage planes and a secondary line of defense against rainwater intrusion behind cladding. As a result, Polyiso CI in exterior walls can provide a continuous thermal insulation plane, reducing the risk of moisture condensation in or out of the wall assembly. By using Polyiso CI, building teams can address multiple thermal, air and moisture concerns with a single solution, achieving desired performance without losing space. This versatility in application translates to leaner walls and more usable floor area, which can be especially useful in retrofit projects.

It is important to note that sealing along the top and bottom plates of the wall, around all openings and integrating window and door flashings is critical when Polyiso CI is installed as a WRB material.

Polyiso CI helps achieve leaner walls

Through its multifunctional properties, Polyiso CI can be an effective solution to address various challenges in residential walls. Like we hit on above, it can effectively act as an efficient air and water-resistive barrier. Furthermore, while not a structural bracing material itself, utilizing Polyiso CI with select bracing strategies (such as let-in bracing) in certain cases may allow building teams to eliminate traditional exterior sheathing materials. Many Polyiso CI manufacturers offer structural foam sheathing products that can be used for bracing walls. Utilizing these proprietary Polyiso CI products provides a consistent layer of insulating material across the exterior building envelope. This combination provides structural integrity and appropriate thermal resistance in the wall system and can decrease labor costs associated with installing multiple products.

Building teams should keep in mind that each home design presents unique loading conditions. It is recommended to consult local building codes and manufacturer installation guides for specific bracing requirements.

Polyiso CI is a well-rounded solution for building performance

As state and local energy codes continue to place a greater emphasis on energy conservation, building teams can turn to Polyiso CI to enhance the overall energy performance and construction efficiency of homes as compared to traditional cavity insulation-only options.

Refer to PIMA’s technical bulletin series to learn more about Polyiso CI in residential wall applications.

Leveraging the proven performance of polyiso in a roof cover board, high-density (HD) polyiso roof cover boards can protect traditional material options with the added performance of thermal insulation. For example, a typical 0.5-inch-thick HD polyiso roof cover board has an R-value of 2.5. In fact, HD polyiso cover boards offer two to five times higher R-value than gypsum products. This means that to meet the required R-value of a roof, professionals can use a combination of polyiso roof insulation and HD polyiso cover board for optimal performance and durability.

HD polyiso cover boards have excellent compressive strength

One of the key advantages of HD polyiso cover boards lies in their impressive compressive strength. HD polyiso cover boards are manufactured in three compressive strengths: 80 psi (ASTM C1289 Type II, Class, Grade 1); 110 psi (Grade 2); and 140 psi (Grade 3). Professionals can use HD polyiso cover boards over flat stock and/or tapered insulation to create roof assemblies that can better resist impact from factors like heavy foot traffic, hailstorms and strong winds.

Moisture resistance improves a roof’s service life

HD polyiso cover boards excel not only in strength but also in their resistance to moisture. With a maximum allowable water absorption rate of just 4 percent, these high-performing boards can stand up to moisture better than gypsum alternatives. This can prevent rot, disintegration and mold growth, as well as other elements that can compromise the integrity of the entire roof system. Underscoring this point, when tested under the ASTM D3273 standards, HD polyiso cover boards were resistant to mold growth. Given its resilience and proven moisture performance, HD polyiso cover boards are an excellent addition to roof assemblies in areas prone to high moisture levels.

Source: polyiso.org

Lightweight HD polyiso cover boards facilitate installation efficiencies

HD polyiso boards are 66 to 80 percent lighter than traditional gypsum options. Its lightweight properties offer several benefits and cost savings opportunities during transportation and installation as well as through structural efficiency. For instance, because HD polyiso cover boards contribute to a lighter building structure, they lower the dead load on the roof compared to gypsum boards. This can lead to significant savings in structural design and construction costs from the very beginning of the project.

Furthermore, it is possible to accommodate three times more square footage of HD polyiso cover boards per truckload, significantly reducing the number of trucks needed. This leads to substantial fuel and transportation cost savings. During installation, the lightweight nature of the HD polyiso cover boards means that they are easier to carry and maneuver around the roof, reducing crane time associated with heavier materials for hoisting, loading, and staging. This saves both time and money. Additionally, bundles can remain intact during staging, which eliminates the time required to break and distribute pallets like with gypsum products.

Achieving a durable and long-lasting roof

In addition to selecting the right materials for the job, proper installation is key for achieving performance and long-term durability. Design teams should always specify polyiso roof insulation boards in a multi-layered system with staggered insulation joints (including the HD cover board) to reduce the risk of air infiltration and thermal bridging. For information on polyiso roof insulation and installation best practices, check out PIMA’s latest article, Polyiso Possibilities: Best practices for energy efficient, durable roof assemblies.

Because each polyiso product is designed to meet the performance requirements of specific building envelope applications, PIMA has issued EPDs for:

• Polyiso roof insulation with glass fiber-reinforced felt facers and polymer-bonded coated glass facers (ASTM C1289, Type II, Class 1 and 2)
• Polyiso wall insulation with glass fiber reinforced aluminum foil facer (ASTM C1289, Type I, Class 1 and 2)
• High-density (HD) polyiso cover boards manufactured with polymer-bonded coated glass facers (ASTM C1289, Type II, Class 4; CAN/ULC S704.1, Type 4, 5 and 6)

What information do polyiso EPDs provide?

PIMA’s EPDs provide industry-averaged environmental impact information, analyzing the cradle-to-grave life cycle of a polyiso product over a 75-year building reference service life, as specified in the Product Category Rule (PCR) for thermal insulation. In particular, the reports factor in environmental impacts from the supply and transport of raw materials as well as the manufacture, transport, installation, replacement (in the case of roofing materials), and disposal of polyiso products.

Recouping the impact with polyiso roof insulation

Building insulation is more than just impacts. The use of polyiso insulation significantly reduces the negative impacts associated with building energy waste. The EPD for roof insulation highlights the energy and carbon-saving potential of polyiso roof products for roof replacements on existing buildings. An analysis within the report delineates how building teams can swiftly recoup the impacts of the insulation’s manufacturing process by the energy savings accrued using polyiso as part of a roof replacement initiative.

EPDs highlight polyiso’s conscious manufacturing

A material’s global warming potential (GWP) estimates the amount of energy emissions one ton of a certain gas will absorb in a given amount of time, relative to one ton of carbon dioxide. Polyiso products are manufactured with pentane, a hydrocarbon with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a GWP of less than 1.

When comparing the GWP of insulations used for exterior wall applications based on industry average EPDs, polyiso proved to be more environmentally friendly than most alternative options. The GWP emissions associated with the production and life cycle of polyiso insulation are 4.29 kilogram of carbon dioxide (KG CO2) equivalent as compared to mineral wood board’s 9.04. Polyiso packs more R-values per inch than other options, which means less material volume and reduced transportation requirements further reducing polyiso’s overall carbon impacts.

Chart source: PIMA’s Performance Bulletin, ‘Comparing the GWP of Common Exterior Wall Insulation Materials’

The right steps forward

The U.S. and Canada have implemented regulations that prohibit the manufacturing, import, or sale of foam plastic insulation products with higher-GWP substances (including products manufactured with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or blends thereof). Polyiso’s conscientious manufacturing ensures compliance with these forward-thinking climate policies. Consequently, building teams can continue to specify polyiso with confidence in its performance and environmental scorecard.

To learn more about benefits available to professionals building energy-efficient and environmentally conscious structures, read PIMA’s recent article that highlights the latest government programs and incentives shaping the industry.

A versatile solution, Polyiso CI has excellent thermal resistance and can also meet code requirements through its well-tested fire performance. Together these benefits make Polyiso CI a reliable choice for energy-efficient exterior wall assemblies in high-performance buildings today.

Fortifying thermal envelope performance with Polyiso CI

A trusted building technology, Polyiso CI is known for its ability to pack one of the highest R-values per inch when compared to other insulation products. When used in exterior walls, Polyiso CI's high-performance qualities help reduce heat transfer while providing an effective drainage plane that can reduce complexity in wall designs.

In application, Polyiso CI insulates the entire opaque exterior of framed walls to reduce energy losses and gains due to thermal bridging. It also minimizes the risk of bulk water intrusion and moisture accumulation within the wall assembly. In doing so, Polyiso CI can increase the overall performance of the wall, supporting design teams to meet minimum insulation requirements based on stringent energy code requirements. With high R-values per inch, architects can specify Polyiso CI to pack more energy savings into a thinner profile, resulting in more compact walls and more usable floor area within the footprint of the structure.

Polyiso CI’s well-tested fire performance

Along with its excellent thermal properties, Polyiso CI delivers a high level of inherent fire resistance to a building envelope. This combination makes it a suitable choice for project teams looking to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 285 compliance criteria. An extensive and growing list of polyiso wall assembly configurations pass the NFPA 285 test, which evaluates the fire performance of exterior wall assemblies that contain combustible materials.

Polyiso CI owes its fire resistance to its unique chemical structure and formulation. The insulation’s strong isocyanurate chemical bonds result in improved high-temperature resistance to up to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, more than twice that of conventional insulation foams. As a result, Polyiso CI stays intact by neither melting nor dripping when exposed to sufficient heat or flame source. Instead, the product forms a protective surface char that reduces flame spread and enhances its fire resistance.

Moreover, building codes often require insulation materials used in exterior walls typical of commercial construction to meet a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed rating of 450 as per ASTM E84. Polyiso CI products can meet the required ASTM E84 criteria for use in these assemblies.

Polyiso CI’s versatility and fire performance provide important flexibility to designers when selecting other components for exterior wall systems, including cladding materials such as MCM panels, bricks and more. Together such possibilities allow architects to specify Polyiso CI in buildings of any type and any height.

Performance meets resilience in exterior walls with Polyiso CI

Design teams looking to specify energy-efficient exterior wall assemblies will need to meet NFPA 285 criteria. By leveraging the proven capabilities of Polyiso CI in wall assemblies, they can construct superior structures, comply with stringent code requirements, and create future-proof buildings.

Consult your local building code and manufacturer installation instructions for more details on local exterior wall requirements. For information on polyiso’s fire performance, watch PIMA’s latest video series— Know the Fire Facts.

Moisture management made possible with polyiso’s closed-cell structure

Polyiso insulation’s closed-cell foam core inherently resists moisture – a key performance factor when selecting insulation products for ground contact applications like below-grade and below-slab installations. After all, below-grade applications are particularly susceptible to moisture from the surrounding soil and groundwater. Changing environmental conditions can also expose insulation materials to various freeze-thaw cycles and soil chemicals, which can compromise their service life. A hardworking building material, polyiso continuous insulation can be used in below-grade applications to protect foundation walls and slabs, isolating the foundation from the ground. This in turn helps reduce thermal bridging and provides improved moisture management.

Polyiso’s compressive strength delivers continued performance below-grade

While thermal efficiency and moisture resistance are critical in below-grade applications, an insulation material also needs to exhibit excellent compressive strength. Below-grade insulation must be selected to perform under the designed structural loads. Polyiso is manufactured and laboratory tested for various compressive strengths that meet or exceed the requirements for many below grade applications. A durable rigid foam board, it resists deformation and can retain its integrity in challenging situations like soil consolidation and shifting, making it an ideal solution for most below-grade applications.

Go deeper

A proven below-grade solution, polyiso offers a higher R-value, durability, a low moisture absorption rate, and lower embodied carbon compared to traditional insulation options. Thinking about choosing polyiso for your next below-grade project? Check out PIMA’s Technical Bulletin #601 to learn more.

Of course, the extreme temperatures buildings are exposed to are further intensified by geography and climate. As such, our country’s geographically diverse landscape adds a layer of complexity for project teams who are looking to prioritize energy-efficient building design. To meet this challenge, building and design teams can utilize a proven solution like polyiso continuous insulation, which provides excellent resistance to heat gain and loss.

Polyiso promotes thermally efficient building envelopes

A versatile solution, polyiso can be utilized in wall assemblies, roofing systems and below-grade applications to create a well-insulated building envelope. Polyiso offers one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation options and can be manufactured in a wide range of incremental thicknesses, typically ranging from 1.0 inches to 4.5 inches (other options available upon request) to suit varying project requirements. The effectiveness of the insulation product makes it possible for project teams to meet required R-values and maintain stable indoor temperatures without building up extra layers of materials in building envelope systems. Moreover, polyiso’s high R-value per inch helps project teams retain existing building components during upgrades while improving the structure’s overall thermal performance.

Achieving energy-efficient designs with polyiso

Due to its versatility and thermal performance, polyiso is also a proven solution to support energy-efficient building design in regions that experience rainfall and snow during the winter months. Moisture accumulation increases thermal conductivity and promotes heat transfer between indoor and outdoor spaces. Polyiso’s closed-cell foam provides inherent resistance to moisture absorption. Pro tip: polyiso continuous insulation is available in different facer types that can be matched to the project and location needs.

Navigating temperature differentials with polyiso continuous insulation

Polyiso’s energy-efficient performance makes it a popular insulation solution for construction in regions with higher temperature differentials. For instance, many data centers and cold storage facilities in southern California spent almost all of July 2023 under heat advisories and broke multiple high-temperature records. In such applications, where a consistently cool indoor temperature is critical, polyiso continuous insulation in vertical wall applications is recommended to keep interior spaces cooler than the outside temperature. What’s more, with properly sealed joints, polyiso continuous insulation can serve as an approved and code-complaint WRB and can act as an efficient air barrier to reduce heat transfer.

Taking the next step toward prioritizing energy performance in commercial buildings

As we continue to navigate the real-world impacts of today’s record-breaking temperatures, polyiso is one proven solution that can help project teams increase building envelope energy performance.

Want to learn more about polyiso’s effectiveness in geographically diverse climates? Check out PIMA’s latest article, with insights from regional building design experts: Prioritizing Energy-Efficient Building Construction & Design in the West.

Polyiso’s proven thermal performance is just the start

Polyiso provides excellent resistance to heat gain and loss, offering one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation options. Incredibly versatile, polyiso can be used in wall assemblies, roofing systems and below-grade applications to create a continuous layer of insulation throughout the building envelope. But there is more to the hardworking material than its excellent insulating properties. Polyiso’s well-tested fire performance and effective resistance to moisture and water intrusion also support a more resilient, forward-thinking structure that can stand strong against the impacts of today’s extreme weather events.

Delivers tested fire performance

Polyiso can contribute to resilient building and design through its well-tested fire performance. Polyiso stays intact by neither melting or dripping when exposed to flame, and instead, forms a protective surface char that enhances its fire resistance by reducing flame spread. Many exterior wall assemblies with polyiso pass the stringent NFPA 285 test and can be used in buildings of any type and any height. 

Exhibits inherent moisture resistance

Extreme weather events like rain and flooding also compromise occupant safety and the building’s long-term integrity. Prolonged exposure to water and moisture accumulation in building components increases the thermal conductivity of the envelope and can lead to premature building failure. Mitigating this issue, polyiso’s closed-cell core inherently resists moisture absorption.

With properly sealed joints, polyiso continuous insulation is available as an approved and code-compliant water-resistive barrier (WRB) and can act as an efficient air barrier. Using polyiso continuous insulation in exterior walls can provide a continuous thermal insulation plane, reducing the risk of moisture condensation and accumulation in the wall assembly. In this application, polyiso contributes to a building’s energy efficiency by reducing thermal bridges and improving moisture management.

Building for the future  

Explore PIMA’s Technical Bulletins to learn more about how polyiso can be used in walls, roofs and below-grade to create resilient and adaptive structures that combat the effects of today’s extreme weather events.

A recent analysis by Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory and the Brattle Group found that building electrification without a parallel focus on efficiency would strain the electric grid by causing an increase in building electricity use of up to 23 percent in 2050 over current projections. However, with aggressive efficiency upgrades, energy use and electricity use in buildings would drop by 33 and 13 percent, respectively, and reduce the cost of grid decarbonization by one-third.

GSA Experts Say “Efficiency First”

In a recent series of advice letters (or recommendations) to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on the topic of building decarbonization, an influential governmental advisory body has consistently highlighted the importance of improving the thermal envelope as part of any electrification or decarbonization strategy. Following President Biden’s Executive Order #14057 (Dec. 2021) directing agencies to achieve a net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045 and a 50 percent emissions reduction by 2032, GSA’s Green Building Advisory Committee (GBAC) has been hard at work developing strategies for meeting these goals, which place a priority on both energy efficiency and eliminating onsite fossil fuel use. As the largest landlord in the U.S., GSA’s policies on this topic are likely to influence other large federal building owners as well as the private sector. 

The first two advice letters issued in 2022 urge GSA to accelerate the pace of federal building retrofits and to adopt a strategy of continually achieving carbon reductions over a building’s life cycle (i.e., “zero-over-time” strategy) with upgrades coinciding with the regular schedule of building component replacements. The 2022 letters also urge GSA to undertake energy efficiency upgrades prior to electrification and to optimize “sequencing” of building improvements to take advantage of the opportunities of combining measures, completing them in the optimal order, and addressing “interactive building systems holistically” like the envelope and HVAC systems.

The third letter issued in December 2023 focuses on building electrification strategies and provides even more emphasis on the importance of envelope upgrades explaining that “opportunities to reduce load before electrifying will generally enhance project cost-effectiveness and results.” The letter also urges GSA to look beyond the simple replacement of failed mechanical equipment and to consider envelope improvements. The letter goes on to explain that integrated holistic solutions will typically lead to better long-term financial results. As an example, the advice letter points out that HVAC and electrical systems can be “right sized” (and electricity demand peaks better managed) when heating and cooling demands are reduced through improvements to ventilation, building enclosures, and lighting. The GBAC recommendations were influenced by New York’s Empire Building Challenge, a building retrofit demonstration program that uses a “resource efficient decarbonization” engineering solution that relies significantly on reducing energy loads as much as possible to decrease the need for an “oversized electric thermal energy system.”

The “Low-Hanging Fruit” of Envelope Improvements: Energy-Efficient Roof Alterations

Energy-efficient roof alterations are a good example of how to execute on the GBAC recommendations for an “efficiency first” approach to building decarbonization. Adding insulation during a roof replacement or re-cover is a cost-effective approach to lowering whole building energy use, reducing a building’s heating and cooling loads, and generally helping to meet the owner’s short and long-term decarbonization goals. In an analysis from October 2021, ICF International estimated that upgrading a typical existing low-slope roof with a roof system containing current code-compliant levels of roof insulation (i.e., 2021 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2019) is life-cycle cost effective and reduces whole-building energy use by as much as 12 percent. Additionally, the roof improvement can reduce on-site natural gas use by 5 to 33 percent, depending on building type and climate zone.

How big of an opportunity does reroofing present in terms of energy savings and decarbonization goals? Based on the Energy Information Administration’s Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) data, roof replacements are the most common envelope-specific alteration and the third most common building alteration with an impact on building energy use (see 2018 CBECS, Table B1, “Renovations Since 2000”). This combined with the fact that it is common for existing low-sloped roofs to be under-insulated by 50 percent or more compared to current energy code requirements, suggests that roof replacements are the largest and most achievable opportunity to improve the thermal envelope efficiency of commercial buildings.

Unlike the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program for new multifamily buildings, which can vary in stringency depending on a State’s base code, the ZERH program is the same in all states except California. More importantly for envelope efficiency, the ZERH program establishes a higher level of energy efficiency and requires the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) insulation levels as a mandatory backstop. Also, on-site power generation cannot be used trade off efficiency.

DOE’s ZERH-Multifamily program has three compliance pathways:

1. Energy Rating Index (ERI): Requires a score in the mid-40s, which is comparable in stringency to the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. This is intended to improve energy efficiency by at least 15% more than the 2021 IECC.
2. ASHRAE 90.1: Requires 20% energy cost savings or source energy savings compared to the ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Standard using appendix G.
3. Prescriptive: Prescriptive measures that establish a level of stringency approximately equal to the ERI and ASHRAE paths described above.

Noteworthy improvements between Version 2 and the previous version (Version 1, Revision 9) include:

• Strengthening the envelope backstop by moving from the 2015 IECC insulation levels to the 2021 levels as mandatory requirements.
  • Note: The ERI and ASHRAE compliance paths may use a total UA calculation for the whole building envelope.
• Increasing the ERI path stringency from the mid-50s to the mid-40s (lower is more stringent).
• Adding the ASHRAE 90.1-2019 compliance pathway, which is intended to make the program more accessible for commercial multifamily builders.

Why is this certification program important?  Over 15 states and local governments now reference the ZERH program in their low-income housing tax credits, incentive programs, and building codes.  In addition, the recently improved 45L tax credit for energy efficient new homes ties the highest tier incentive level (up to $5,000 per dwelling unit) to the ZERH multifamily certification (and compliance with prevailing wage requirements). Moving forward, multifamily buildings are likely to comprise a large portion of annual housing construction, which accounted for more than 34% of all new residential construction in 2022 and averaged 31% over the last 10 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

For more information on the Zero Energy Ready Home Program, visit the DOE website here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home-program.

No. As a closed-cell foam, polyiso insulation is inherently water resistant. This is a critical property to consider when selecting insulation for below grade applications. Many people associate polyiso’s resistance to water with foil or coated glass facers. While these facers themselves act as good barriers to water, the polyiso foam itself holds up when exposed to high moisture environments.

Polyiso insulation is manufactured with different facer types that make the product suitable for a wide range of applications. Facers are critical to the manufacturing process allowing the foam to rise and form a rigid board as it passes through the laminator. Additionally, polyiso can be specified by facer type to meet the performance demands of the application or project.

However, users may have questions on the performance of the polyiso foam itself so we put the product to the test. PIMA engaged a third-part laboratory to perform experimental testing to measure the performance of the polyiso foam (i.e., with the facing materials removed) under cyclic environmental – moisture and temperature – conditions in accordance with the ASTM C1512 test standard.

ASTM C1512 is a standardized test method for insulation that characterizes the effects of exposure to environmental cycling conditions on the thermal performance of insulation products. During the test, product samples are first pre-conditioned for 28-days to increase moisture content. The second stage of testing features a 20-day environmental cycling exposure during which samples are exposed to cyclic temperature and moisture conditions. This stage redistributes the moisture within the sample that was first introduced during the pre-conditioning stage.

How did polyiso perform? The test results demonstrate that the closed-cell structure of the polyiso foam itself provides inherent and suitable resistance to moisture intrusion. This counters a common misperception that polyiso products rely exclusively on facers for water and moisture protection. In fact, the minimal amount of moisture that was introduced into the polyiso sample during testing was well below maximum moisture content limits for other common below-grade products like extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation (0.3% by volume).

Want to learn more about polyiso’s performance for below grade applications? Read PIMA’s recent technical bulletin – Evaluating the Moisture Resistance of Polyiso Closed-Cell Foam – available at: https://www.polyiso.org/page/TB602. This technical bulletin includes a detailed explanation of the testing conducted under ASTM C1512.

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association has recently updated its Technical Bulletin 107: Dimensional Stability of Polyiso Roof Insulation. This resource provides readers with a definition of dimensional stability and how it is tested. The bulletin summarizes the different test methods used in the United States and Canada to evaluate popular roof insulation materials. The bulletin also explains key differences between the test methodologies cautioning readers on the pitfalls of comparing test results for different materials (tested under different methods).

Ultimately, for designers and users, dimensional stability information may be useful to compare the performance of similar products and materials with two important caveats: (1) that both the test methodology (test specimen dimensions, exposure conditions, etc.) and (2) the type of material tested (i.e., cellular plastics) need to be the same. Technical Bulletin 107 can be viewed and downloaded for free as part of the PIMA Technical Bulletin 100 Series on roofing.

To underscore polyiso CI’s unique performance attributes, the product can also be installed as a 3-in-1 building envelope solution to meet water resistant and air barrier requirements. Other benefits of Polyiso CI for commercial construction include:

• Excellent fire performance (versatile solution for NFPA 285-compliant assemblies)
• Reduced risk for water vapor condensation and moisture accumulation in the wall
• Durable; lightweight; ease of installation
• Low global warming potential blowing agents
• Industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration

To help designers and users identify the benefits of polyiso CI when it comes to water, PIMA has published a new video series - Know the Water Facts. The videos underscore the importance of selecting an insulation product that stands up to the challenges presented by water and the tagline for the video series says it all - Keeping Water Out, Keeps Performance In. The video series is also available on the PIMA YouTube channel here. And for building professionals looking for more information on continuous insulation, please visit www.continuousinsulation.org.

Continuous insulation provides improved performance compared to typical cavity insulation by creating an uninterrupted thermal barrier across the wall. The unparalleled performance of continuous insulation results from the reduction of thermal bridges created by wall framing members. Continuous insulation also can serve as a water resistant barrier and air barrier. Polyiso continuous insulation (“Polyiso CI”) delivers a high R-value when compared to other products, which allows for designed thermal performance to be achieved with a minimum thickness of insulation. Polyiso CI can be installed as a 3-in-1 building envelope solution to meet water resistant and air barrier requirements.

The new PIMA fact sheet series can be located HERE.  

With change comes questions from our industry partners about the program and what it delivers in terms of value for the roofing industry. To help answer common questions, PIMA has published a new frequently asked questions webpage. The new FAQ page is available here and readers will find details on the program’s history and learn more about how sampling and testing is performed on polyiso roof insulation products.

Do you have other questions on the QualityMark Program or polyiso insulation more generally? If yes, you can always reach PIMA via our Contact Us form available here. 

The survey asks respondents to report year-over-year activity for customer inquiries and project contracts as indicators of future reroofing activity. The survey produces indexes for each question. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism, while a value below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

For the steep-slope market, the Q2 2023 Customer Inquiries Index turned negative dropping to 42.3 from a reading of 53.8 in the prior quarter. The negative reading is similar to the pessimistic outlook held in late 2022 for the market segment.

For the low-slope market, the Q2 2023 Customer Inquiries Index continued to rise reaching a reading of 65.3 up from 62.5 in the prior quarter. The positive sentiment in the low-slope market is at its highest reading since the first quarter of 2022.

Scores for the Project Contracts Index followed similar trends with the steep-slope market score dipping to 50.0 for Q2 2023 from 60.0 in the prior quarter. The low-slope market score remained positive dropping slightly to 60.5 from a reading of 61.7 in Q1 2023. The sentiment in the low-slope market remains off its highs reported in early 2022.

The survey also asks respondents to report the length of project backlogs as an indicator of economic activity. For the steep-slope market as of July 2023, 46 percent of respondents reported a project backlog of one month or longer. Respondents in the low-slope market reported longer project backlogs with 56 percent reporting a backlog of 3 months or more, and only 11 percent reporting no backlog.

New for the Q2 2023 survey, roofing contractor respondents were asked to compare the volume of materials installed to the same quarter prior year (Q2 2022). Forty-three percent said materials installed increased with 31 percent reporting no change and 25 percent reporting a decrease.

Roofing contractors and consultants doing business in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate in the quarterly survey. For the Q2 2023 survey, 81 percent of respondents were roofing contractors and 19 percent of respondents were roof consultants. Interested parties can sign-up for alerts to patriciate in future surveys at http://eepurl.com/hZH-29. The Q3 2023 survey will open in early October. Survey participants receive access to the full survey results.

The Market Index Survey for Reroofing is an industry-wide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

To make strides toward the aggressive energy savings and emission reductions that are now necessary, policymakers are passing increasingly tough building performance requirements at the federal and state levels.

What is my state’s energy code?

State-specific energy codes recognize the diversity of climatic conditions, energy resources, building practices and regulatory autonomy within the United States. To help today’s industry professionals determine the energy performance requirements for the state they live and work in, PIMA created State Energy Code Fact Sheets. The fact sheets provide a state-by-state detail of the minimum insulation requirements for low-slope commercial roofs in both new and existing buildings. Each fact sheet includes state-specific insulation requirements and code-compliant assembly examples.

Why are state energy codes necessary?

Recognizing and meeting state-specific minimum energy codes is more important than ever. State energy codes account for the unique climate conditions of each state, ensuring that commercial buildings are designed and constructed to optimize energy performance. They typically align with local building practices and construction standards, facilitating compliance and integration within the local construction industry. Lastly, state-specific codes provide regulatory autonomy to states, making it possible for policymakers and stakeholders to address specific performance targets while reducing their carbon footprint.

What’s next?

To meet minimum energy code requirements, today’s industry professionals are employing high-performance insulation solutions like rigid foam polyiso . Interested in understanding how polyiso can be a valuable compliance tool? Contact PIMA manufacturing members for roof insulation product options, technical information, and installation instructions. For additional resources to help you meet state-specific energy efficiency requirements on your next project, consult this non-exclusive list of tools and programs.

Why are roof replacements such a valuable opportunity to improve performance?

These under insulated roof systems are replaced at least once or twice during the building’s life cycle. During a roof replacement, the existing materials are removed down to the roof deck, providing an opportunity to install a more energy-efficient system. How much can a building owner save by capitalizing on this replacement cycle?

Significant energy savings available with roof replacements on commercial buildings.

PIMA worked with ICF, an international consulting firm with expertise in the building energy space, to quantify the energy and carbon emission savings that result from enhancing the level of insulation during a roof replacement. The study considered four commercial building types (primary school, retail store, strip mall, and small office) located in Canadian Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, and 7A. During the simulated roof replacement project, insulation was added to reach a target level of efficiency (comparable to the requirements applicable to new construction buildings).

The analysis revealed significant savings opportunities. For example, buildings located in Climate Zone 5 (example city: Toronto, Ontario) can generate whole building energy savings of 6-10% annually through an energy-efficient roof replacement. As you move into colder climates such as those experienced in Edmonton, Alberta, the range of whole building energy savings climbs to 9-11% annually. These energy savings equate to dollars saved as well as avoided carbon emissions associated with energy generation and waste.

Climate Zone fact sheets detail information for building owners and operators.

PIMA created a webpage to showcase the results of the study: Energy and Carbon Emissions Savings Benefits of Roof Replacements. Readers will find fact sheets organized by Climate Zone that summarize the savings for all the studied commercial buildings. Stakeholders interested in a detailed explanation of the methodologies, assumptions, and results from the study can also download the full report at the link above.   

While long used as the preferred insulation product for roofing applications, polyiso manufacturers design and produce products for a variety of applications. While the closed-cell foam core provides a strong foundation for all polyiso products, differences between product types can include facers, compressive strength, and other physical properties.

The use of continuous insulation products like polyiso in exterior below-grade applications protects foundation walls and slabs by isolating the foundation from the ground. This in turn saves energy by reducing thermal bridging and improving moisture management.

Polyiso products intended for use in below-grade projects check all the boxes for performance, including:

• Higher R-value – Better thermal performance per inch means fewer delivery trucks and less material on the jobsite.
• Low Moisture Absorption – Closed-cell foam structure delivers inherent ability to effectively manage moisture absorption.
• Durable – Available in the compressive strengths needed to meet the demands of most below-grade jobs.
• Installer Friendly – Facers that virtually eliminate jobsite breakage common with traditional below-grade products complement this lightweight insulation that is also easy to handle and cut.
• Environmentally Preferred – Lower embodied carbon when compared to traditional below-grade insulation options.

Interested in understanding how polyiso can be used in your next project? Contact PIMA manufacturing members for below-grade and below-slab product options, technical information, and installation instructions. For additional details on polyiso’s performance benefits in below-grade applications, consult PIMA’s new Technical Bulletin 601 here.

Justin Koscher

Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association

The Market Index Survey for Reroofing is an industry-led initiative that takes the pulse of business activity in the United States and Canada on a quarterly basis. For the quarter ending March 31, 2023, the survey results reversed trends that had continued through the end of 2022 and gave a more optimistic outlook on business activity.

The survey asks respondents to report year-over-year activity for customer inquiries and project contracts as indicators of future reroofing activity. The survey produces indexes for each question. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism, while a value below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

For the steep-slope market, the Q1 2023 Customer Inquiries Index jumped to 53.8 from a reading of 43.8 in the prior quarter. This was the first positive reading for the steep-slope market since the first quarter of 2022.

For the low-slope market, the Q1 2023 Customer Inquiries Index experienced a more modest increase rising to 62.5 from a reading of 58.6 in the prior quarter. While sentiment has remained positive in the low-slope market over recent quarters, the first quarter improvement reversed a dip in positive sentiment reported in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Scores for the Project Contracts Index followed similar trends with the steep-slope market score rising sharply to 60.0 for Q1 2023 versus 43.3 for the prior quarter. The low-slope market score ticked up a few points to 61.7 from a reading of 58.9. The sentiment in the low-slope market remains off its highs reported in early 2022.

The survey also asks respondents to report the length of project backlogs as an indicator of economic activity. For the steep-slope market as of April 2023, 60 percent of respondents reported a project backlog of one month or longer. Respondents in the low-slope market reported longer project backlogs with 58 percent reporting a backlog of 3 months or more, and only 14 percent reporting no backlog.

Roofing contractors and consultants doing business in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate in the quarterly survey. For the Q1 2023 survey, 84 percent of respondents were roofing contractors and 16 percent of respondents were roof consultants. Interested parties can sign-up for alerts to patriciate in future surveys at http://eepurl.com/hZH-29. The Q2 2023 survey will open in early July. Survey participants receive access to the full survey results.

Given the consequences of ponding water, it makes sense that shedding water is considered one of the primary functions of a well-designed roof assembly. But a roof’s ability to shed water effectively has less to do with the roof membrane itself and more to do with its ability to control the flow of water and direct it toward proper drainage devices. Tapered roof insulation systems are a proven solution to this challenging task. These systems can be particularly effective in retrofit projects on existing buildings that lack proper roof slope and where achieving the desired slope through structural changes is impractical or cost prohibitive.

Tapered roof insulation systems at a glance

Tapered insulation systems combine tapered roof insulation (many industry professionals use polyiso) with flat insulation boards and other drainage provisions (i.e., crickets) to create a multi-layered roof assembly with adequate slope. The ability to create slope in any direction makes it possible to control the flow of water, direct it toward specified drainage points and consequently, reduce or nearly eliminate the risk of ponding water. The design of each tapered insulation system is governed by the footprint and complexity of the roof, including the slope of the roof deck, configuration of primary and secondary roof drains, scuppers, and roof edge conditions (i.e., the height of parapet walls or presence of gutters or drip edges). Additionally, roof structures such as expansion joints, mechanical equipment or skylight curbs, through-wall flashings heights, window and door thresholds, and any other fixed elements that may obstruct water management also need to be considered.

Four-way systems are typically the most efficient and effective way to manage water and ensure positive roof drainage. In this scenario, a drain is in the center, and water is drained from the higher perimeter on all four sides. Variations of two- and four-way systems are less typical but do exist to accommodate unique complexities in the field.

Achieving long-term performance through effective water management

Tapered insulation systems are a proven, code-compliant approach to water management, making it possible to overcome insufficient roof slope and solve complex or limiting rooftop conditions that may pose challenges in reroofing with flat stock insulation. That said, these systems can add upfront costs to a new construction or reroofing project. But forgoing a tapered insulation system can compromise the long-term performance of and ultimately reduce the lifespan of a roof assembly. In the same vein, the building owner risks trading savings on the roof assembly for increased costs over its service life resulting from poor roof drainage, including additional roof maintenance and even premature roof system failure.

Although roof assembly designs, job conditions and budget constraints may vary, tapered 

The modifications, effective for the tax year beginning January 1, 2023, are designed to provide greater access to the tax deduction and drive deeper energy savings. While new construction can qualify for the tax deduction, the real excitement around the incentive for the roofing industry relates to the opportunity that surrounds existing buildings.

Building owners can access the tax deduction by improving the existing building’s energy performance by at least 25 percent. We know roof replacements can dramatically reduce energy loss in commercial buildings due to the relative size of the project. The benefits of an energy efficient roof replacement are particularly evident on older buildings that were originally constructed prior to the adoption of today’s energy codes.

There are few (if any) single upgrades that can alone generate the required 25 percent improvement in energy performance for an existing building. This means owners and their teams will need to invest in multiple upgrades in order to meet (or exceed) the tax deduction’s minimum energy performance requirements.

We encourage owners to evaluate the condition of the roof on any existing building that is undergoing an energy-efficient retrofit, especially if the owner plans to claim the 179D deduction. The roofing industry has prepared a fact sheet (available here) that provides a summary of the 179D tax deduction and how roof replacements can play a critical role in qualifying projects.

The results included data for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, where we learned the opportunity associated with simple insulation upgrades is immense and can significantly contribute to lowering emissions attributed to buildings. The overall impact is the equivalent of increasing current wind production by 135 percent or offsetting the emissions associated with 40 percent of total natural gas-fired generation in the United States.

Drilling down a little more into the report, here are other interesting findings:

Commercial Buildings:

The study assessed the impact commercial roof and pipe insulation retrofits would have on state- and national-level energy use, energy costs and carbon emissions on an annual basis and over a projected 30-year service life. ICF analyzed a range of commercial buildings, including schools, small to midsize office buildings, midrise apartments and stand-alone retail.

• Insulation upgrades reduce energy use in primary schools by an average of nearly 9 percent and secondary schools would save an average of more than 7 percent.
• Upgrading roof and pipe insulation in just 25 percent of existing commercial building floor space in the U.S. would save more than 700 therms of natural gas each year, or the equivalent of having 800,000 fewer gasoline-powered passenger vehicles on the road.
• Over a 30-year service life of these insulation upgrades, cumulative CO2 equivalent emissions savings reach nearly 360 million metric tons. This is equivalent to the annual energy use of more than 45 million American households.

Industrial Buildings:

The study also assessed the state- and national-level energy and emissions impacts as well as the economic benefits that could accrue over a 20-year horizon from the installation of code-compliant steam pipe insulation in a select number of manufacturing sectors.

• Making pipe and mechanical insulation improvements to industrial facilities in eight major industrial sectors (Chemical, Food, Paper, Petroleum and Coal Products, Primary Meals, Nonmetallic Mineral Product, Transportation Equipment, and Plastics and Rubber Products) would save these sectors more than $126 billion in energy costs based on an average capital cost of $3.77 billion. The average payback on this investment is about one year. For many industrial sectors, the payback is as little as six months.
• Energy savings from insulation upgrades can reduce natural gas use by 118 billion therms across the U.S. industrial sector and help reduce demand on the electric grid as electrification technologies roll out.

Residential Buildings:

For existing homes, ICF assessed the state- and national-level energy and emissions savings benefits as well as the economic benefits that could accrue over 50-years as a result of the implementation of code-compliant insulation retrofits.

• Energy savings ranging from 10 to 45 percent can be achieved in existing homes that are air sealed and have insulation added in the ceiling and floors (and walls in very limited circumstances) to levels prescribed by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.
• Nationally, this retrofit activity could yield roughly 10 billion tons of carbon emission reductions over a 50-year period—the assumed useful life of building insulation. This is equivalent to eliminating over 25,000 natural gas-fired electrical generation power plants for a year, the annual energy use of over 1 billion homes, or operating almost 3 million wind turbines over a year.

Learn more about the results of the study through an executive summary, review the “Commercial Building Insulation Savings” breakout document, or download the full report on our “Significant Energy Savings Available with Existing Building Insulation Retrofits” page.

• Polyiso insulation
• Mineral wool board insulation
• XPS insulation
• EPS insulation
  
  

• The benefits of tapered roof insulation and tapered insulation systems;
• Why and when the sloped roof configurations are used; and
• Design considerations for installing a tapered roof system.
  
  

The largest source of GHG emissions comes from the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation. Another significant contributor to GHG emissions is the building and construction sector. Emissions in this sector come from two sources: the embodied carbon emissions from construction materials and processes, and the emissions generated from building operations once a building is completed and occupied.

PIMA’s new performance bulletin, Comparing the GWP of Common Exterior Wall Insulation Materials, reviews the GWP impact of polyiso wall insulation versus other common insulation products used for exterior walls across the products’ full life cycles. This bulletin demonstrates polyiso’s relatively low environmental impacts compared to alternative products helping design professionals to make informed product selection decisions for future projects.

PIMA has updated its Technical Bulletin 112: Moisture Generated During Construction, which highlights:

• How moisture generated during construction affects the roofing system; and
• Construction practices that can be implemented to reduce moisture problems.

• Product EPDs using the specification format (CSI MasterFormat®) with which they are familiar, and
• Brands that have products with disclosures information that can help project teams meet transparency credits and criteria in various green building rating systems.

Sustainable Mind’s Industry Affiliate Program is designed to highlight the work of organizations and their members to advance product transparency. PIMA’s catalog listing includes information on how polyiso products compare to other insulation options as well as links to resources that provide details on product attributes and performance characteristics.

Benefit for building owners:

• Lowers the building’s overall heating and cooling demand to generate energy cost savings
• Cool buildings in the summer, while keeping them warm in the winter
• Increases occupant comfort and safety
• Provides passive protection in times of need, such as heat waves, extreme cold or power outages
• Effectively manages moisture
• Optimizes service life of roof

Benefits for cities and communities:

• Improves air quality from reduction in ground-level ozone and pollutants
• Reduces demand on electrical grid created by short-term surges due to extreme weather events
• Mitigates urban heat island impacts by lowering surrounding outdoor air temperatures

Benefits to the planet:

• Provides cost savings that can be reinvested into the economy
• Creates job opportunities and sustainable economic growth (components are regionally manufactured and locally installed)
• Promotes energy security through energy efficiency
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Increases albedo and mitigate climate impacts
• Decreases landfill waste by improving roof durability and service life
  
  

PIMA collaborated with other industry associations to develop a fact sheet highlighting the benefits of high-performance roofing. The fact sheet summarizes what building owners, roofing contractors, architects and policymakers can do to advance the adoption of high-performance roof system options, and details the range of benefits at the building, community and national levels.

Click here to read the full fact sheet.

• Building Energy Codes: $225 million (FY22-26) awarded by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to states and other eligible entities to support the adoption and enforcement of building energy codes as applied to various topics, including existing buildings and alterations, net zero energy buildings and environmental impacts.
• INSULATE Buildings Act: $250 million (FY22 only) to create an energy efficiency revolving loan fund that would provide states with the capitalization to fund insulation upgrades for commercial and residential buildings. A majority of the funding will be directed to the 15 states with the highest per capita energy consumption rates.
• Energy-Efficient Schools: $500 million (FY22-26) for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at public schools. An important opportunity in light of recent PIMA research that demonstrates the huge opportunities for improving the energy performance of schools through roof replacements.
• Federal Buildings: $250 million (FY22 only) for the Federal Energy Management Program to conduct energy efficiency upgrades in federal buildings using an existing grant program. This investment is well-timed given the U.S. General Services Administration’s recent clarification that all alterations in federal buildings should comply with ASHRAE 90.1, a move championed by PIMA.
• Industrial Efficiency: $550 million available through DOE to support advancements in energy efficiency and decarbonization for smaller manufacturers. This follows prior year authorizations to fund demonstration projects that showcase decarbonization opportunities within the manufacturing sector.
• Energy Conservation Block Grants: $550 million (FY22 only) to the existing Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program, which can be used for building energy efficiency retrofits and related activities.
• Increased Weatherization Assistance: $3.5 billion for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funding for low-income homeowners to improve building energy efficiency.

The inconvenient truth for critics of building energy codes is that compliance with current versions of the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 serves as the most cost-effective mechanism for reducing building energy use and the associated carbon emissions generated from powering schools, office buildings and other commercial spaces. While today’s supply chain challenges are certainly frustrating, ignoring the energy code eliminates long-term improvements in building energy efficiency and saddles building owners with higher energy costs for decades to come.

Energy codes provide minimum standards for new and existing buildings. One way the codes help improve the performance of existing buildings is by requiring that roof replacement projects comply with code minimums for building envelope insulation. A recent study by PIMA and the consulting firm ICF International confirmed that energy code-compliant roof replacements are life-cycle economical under various conditions even when subjected to higher incremental installation costs and discount rates. For example, a primary school located in Climate Zone 5 (Chicago) can experience an estimated 9% savings in annual whole building energy use by installing a roof replacement with code-compliant levels of insulation. These savings will continue to compound year-over-year during the roof’s service life.

Simple, short-term solutions can be appealing in times of duress. In the case of building energy efficiency improvements, a short-term focus that sacrifices long-terms benefits is a bad deal for building owners. Check out the PIMA study for more information on how installing an energy efficient roof today is the right decision for your project or building.  

Every three years, the IECC is updated giving states and municipalities the opportunity to adopt the latest and greatest IECC code – or not. The truth is that many states lag behind and enforce codes that are weaker and waste more energy than their modern counterparts. However, we are starting to see significant and meaningful change in terms of speed in code adoption in states such as Virginia and Maine.

Virginia Adopts 2018 IECC with Improved Language on Existing Buildings

Effective July 1, 2021, Virginia will enforce the 2018 Virginia Energy Conservation Code (VECC) and the 2018 Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC). The VEBC includes a roof replacement amendment intended to improve the State’s existing building code by clarifying when alterations must comply with the energy code’s insulation requirements. The minimum insulation (R-30) requirements apply both to new construction and roof replacements on existing buildings. An updated PIMA fact sheet for the Old Dominion is now available.

Maine Adopts 2015 IECC and Increased Roof R-values 

Effective July 1, 2021, Maine now enforces the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with the option for local jurisdictions to adopt the 2021 version of the energy code. This state-wide change results in a significant increase to the minimum requirements for above-deck roof insulation for new construction and roof replacements. The new minimum R-values are R-30 for Climate Zone 6 and R-35 for Climate Zone 7. An updated PIMA fact sheet for the Pine Tree State is now available.

The entire suite of PIMA’s state energy code fact sheets can be found here.

Roofs are built using weather resistive or waterproofing materials like roofing membranes and flashings as well as insulation and other components to protect building occupants from wind, rain, heat, cold and other weather elements. While an effective roofing system incorporates adequate polyiso insulation to limit unwanted energy loss, designing roofs with tapered insulation offers the additional opportunity to improve the roof’s ability to shed water while also enhancing energy performance and durability.

Tapered insulation designs can be tailored to meet specific project requirements for increased roof slope and improved drainage. The popularity of polyiso tapered insulation in low-slope roofing applications is due to its numerous performance advantages also found in flat stock polyiso board insulation. These advantages include:

• Available in various slopes and configurations to fit almost any project
• High R-value for added thermal performance
• Versatility to combine with most roof system types
• Compatible components like crickets to complete the tapered design
• Technical design support from product manufacturers
• Lightweight for ease of installation  
• Excellent fire performance

Learn more about embracing your roof’s slope with polyiso tapered insulation here.

Different facers are used to tailor the foam sheets for its particular end use. 

Aluminum Foil Facer (AFF) composed of aluminum foil that may be coated or laminated to a supporting substrate and is often used in roof, wall, and below-grad applications.

Glass Reinforced Facer (GRF) made of a blend of cellulosic and glass fibers and used primarily on boards used for roofs.

Coated Glass Facer (CGF) in which coated, polymer-bonded fibrous glass mats are bonded with organic polymer binders and coated with organic polymer, clay, or other inorganic substances. The coating may be applied either to the glass fibers before bonding into mats or after the glass mats are bonded together. This facer commonly appears in roof insulation, coverboard and base layers as well as in above- and below-grade wall assemblies.

Cellulosic Fiber Board is a fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel made from ligno-cellulosic fibers (typically wood) bonded to polyiso for residential wall use.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) which is a type of engineered wood formed by compressing layers of wood strands with adhesives in specific orientation. This is used in roof and wall applications and can serve as a nailbase.

Plywood is another engineered wood product made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together with alternating grain rotations used in roof and wall applications and offering a nailbase.

Glass-Mat Faced Gypsum Board is a moisture-resistant fiberglass reinforced gypsum core with coated fiberglass mat face that is used on roofs.

For more details about polyiso facers, including their individual ASTM C1289 classification, click here.

1. Higher number of occupants sharing the same egress routes can slow down evacuation times in the event of a fire, and
2. Fires spread faster vertically and in smaller spaces.

The United States continues to be the global leader in building fire safety requirements, which are critical to protecting people and spaces. Although home to 220 buildings taller than 656 feet, and thousands of additional high-rise buildings, there have been only four high-rise façade fires in the United States since 1990. The United States’ fire safety record can be partially attributed to stringent fire safety protocols such as façade assembly testing that include NFPA 285.

High-rise façade assemblies that do not comply with NFPA 285 can compromise occupant safety. As a flame propagation test for building exteriors, the NFPA 285 test standard has many decades of use and includes tested assemblies that cover a wide-range of building materials. The National Fire Protection Association developed NFPA 285 as a consensus-based test standard in the 1980s to ensure that builders use tested and code-compliant façade assemblies in the construction of multi-story buildings.

Fire safety code compliance continues to be a critical component of improving safety standards in modern buildings. You can get more details on fire-safety testing and standards here.

The 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Energy Conservation Code determines the energy-efficiency requirements for commercial building roofs in new construction. The minimum requirement for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck is R-30 for all climate zones. This code is effective January 1, 2019.

Sample roof assembly diagrams and additional information can be found in PIMA’s North Carolina code fact sheet.

The applicable building energy code that determines the minimum insulation requirements for commercial roofs with insulation entirely above the deck in South Carolina is the 2009 South Carolina Energy Standard (based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code with state specific amendments and ASHRAE 90.1-2007). The minimum requirement for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck is R-20 for the entire state. Note that the current model code requirements for insulation entirely above the roof deck are 25 percent more stringent (R-25 for CZ3) than Sputh Carolina minimum requirements This code is effective January 1, 2013.

Sample roof assembly diagrams and additional information can be found in PIMA’s South Carolina energy code face sheet.

The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code reviews the energy-efficiency requirements for commercial building roofs in Texas. The minimum requirement for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck is R-25 for climate zones 2 and 3, and R-30 for climate zone 4. This code became effective on November 1, 2016.

 Sample roof assembly diagrams and additional information can be found in PIMA’s Texas code fact sheet.

The minimum requirement for insulation installed entirely above the roof deck is R-25 for climate zones 2 and 3, and R-30 for climate zone 4. This code became effective in January 1, 2020.

 Sample roof assembly diagrams and additional information can be found in PIMA’s Georgia code fact sheet.

The new $8 million K-6 East Point Elementary School includes 17 classrooms, a gymnasium, a stage, a lunch/multipurpose room with a commercial kitchen, a learning resource center, a music room and a family resource room. The school currently has 160 students enrolled and can accommodate approximately 340.

For protection from the elements, this school building required outstanding thermal performance for both the roof and wall systems. IKO polyiso insulation and high-density polyiso cover board were used on the roof. In addition, the masonry cavity wall features four inches of foil-faced polyiso insulation. Polyiso's unique benefits, strength and versatility allow it to adapt to a variety of applications. It’s outstanding thermal performance and high R-value per inch make it a smart choice for the most demanding environments.

Learn more about this project here.

This unique museum project also had unusual building requirements. Its roof is comprised of three sections:

• a base with green roofing;
• the “Cloud,” a wrapped section, which includes the glass tower; and 
• the “Mountain.”

Winnipeg-based Oakwood Roofing was the contracting firm responsible for sections two and three of the roof. After receiving plans from the building’s design team, Oakwood did a careful assessment of the unique building and recommended some changes that would result in a better roofing system with easier installation. A roof system combining products from IKO was devised to meet the building’s particular needs. Two of its key components were polyiso roof insulation and a layer of high-density polyiso cover board which was added to provide durability to the roof surface and increase valuable insulative R-value to improve building energy performance.

Learn more about this project here.

For more information on polyiso insulation’s performance in fire tests, consult the following Technical Bulletins:

• Technical Bulletin 103:"Fire Performance in Walls and Ceilings"
  
• Technical Bulletin 104:"Fire Performance in Roof Systems"
  
• Technical Bulletin 105: "Fire Test Definitions"
  
• Technical Bulletin 405: Fire Resistance Properties of Polyiso Foam Plastic Insulation Used in Wall Assemblies - Facts and Comparisons"

• Bundles should be stored flat above the ground utilizing included feet or on raised pallets. If possible, the bundles should be placed on a finished surface such as gravel, pavement, or concrete rather than on dirt or grass.
• Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer, cover the package and pallet with a waterproof cover, and secure to prevent wind displacement.
  

Note: Polyiso insulation is fully cured and fit for installation upon delivery. No additional storage time is required.

Handling
Exercise care during handling of polyiso insulation to prevent breaking or crushing of the square edges and surfaces. Remove the polyiso bundles from trucks with proper equipment. Other means of mishandling, such as pushing pallets off the edge of the truck or “rolling” the pallet across the roof deck, must be avoided.

Product Application
Polyiso should always be installed on dry, clean roof decks in dry conditions. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding product application to ensure performance to the intended design life of the roofing system. Apply only as much polyiso roof insulation as can be covered by completed roofing the same day.

Construction Traffic
Avoid excessive traffic during roof construction of or on a completed roof surface. Although polyiso has been designed to withstand limited foot traffic, protection from damage by construction traffic and/or abuse is extremely important. Roof surface protection such as plywood should be used in areas where storage and staging are planned and heavy or repeated traffic is anticipated during or after installation.

Some designers and membrane manufacturers specify the use of cover boards as a means of protecting the insulation. If specified, installers should ensure that the cover board used is compatible with all components of the roofing system, is acceptable to the membrane manufacturer, and meets specified fire, wind, and code requirements.

Polyiso roof insulation, like other roofing materials, requires a proper understanding of storage, handling, and application to result in a properly constructed roof system. You can find additional technical information about polyiso roof and wall insulation at polyiso.org.

The NFPA 285 test is performed on both load-bearing and non-load-bearing wall assemblies. It requires a wall assembly mockup spanning two stories (18’ high) with a test room on each floor. A single window opening is provided in the first-story room where a test burner is located. This burner is ignited in order to simulate an interior room fire. A second burner located on the exterior side of the test wall further enhances the flames to the window header. The test simulates a common, real-world interior fire scenario that reaches flashover, breaches a window, and spreads upward along the wall face. The test examines fire performance of the entire wall assembly, including within the wall assembly. It’s important to note also that the test is conducted without any interior fire suppression system.

To pass the NFPA 285 test, flame propagation cannot occur on or within the wall assembly beyond a certain distance either vertically or laterally from the area of flame plume impingement. Thermocouples are placed throughout the wall assembly to measure temperatures. Exceeding defined temperature limits results in a test failure. Additional requirements include:

• No flame propagation in second-floor room;
• The inside wall assembly thermocouples shall not exceed 1000°F rise during the 30-minute test;
• External flames shall not reach 10′ above the top of the window; and
• The external flame shall not reach 5′ laterally from the center line of the window.
  

It is a common misconception that only foam insulation products trigger NFPA 285. While any wall containing foam plastic insulation in Types I-IV Construction must comply with the test requirements, the use of other wall assembly configurations may also need to pass NFPA 285. These assemblies can include those constructed with combustible claddings and weather resistant barriers.

Since 2000, NFPA 285 has been in the International Building Code (IBC) and has gained attention due to the increased diversity in exterior wall systems and greater compliance with building energy efficiency standards. To learn more about NFPA 285, please refer to the National Fire Protection Association.

• Increased thermal performance
  By blocking thermal bridging, a continuous insulation system increases the overall thermal performance of a wall assembly and a building.
  
  
• Reduced operating costs
  Continuous insulation keeps energy and heat loss to a minimum, increasing the building’s energy efficiency and leading to lower monthly operating costs.
  
  
• Reduced air infiltration and exfiltration
  Continuous insulation with taped or sealed joints restricts air movement through the wall, helping to further reduce building heat loss.

The benefits of certain CI solutions go beyond enhanced energy efficiency. For example, polyiso insulation can serve as an air barrier, water resistant barrier, and water vapor control/retarder in wall assemblies. These capabilities provide the following additional benefits:

• Reduced risk of water condensation and moisture intrusion
  Continuous insulation is a very moisture-resistant system, guarding the thermal and structural performance of the building.
  
• Efficient installation
  When used as sheathing, continuous insulation can simplify the steps to construct a code-compliant wall assembly.
  
• Dimensional Stability
  Polyiso insulation has excellent dimensional stability and meets ASTM C1289 Standard Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board.
  

There are a multitude of building envelope product options, and a variety of design and construction methods used for achieving compliance with code requirements for the thermal envelope. To learn more about polyiso CI systems and their tried and true methods to meet these requirements refer to PIMA Technical Bulletin #403: “Continuous Insulation Using Polyiso Wall Sheathing” and this AIA CEU course which covers:

• The different roles a product can play in the building envelope to simplify its design.
• The code requirements for buildings classified as International Building Code Type I-IV Construction.
• Strategies for achieving code compliance.
• How polyiso can play multiple roles to meet or exceed these code requirements.
   
  
  

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