Month: March 2024

In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of structural continuous insulation. This innovative approach has redefined the way builders think about putting together an exterior wall, whether they are using traditional sheathing, insulated sheathing, structural insulated panels (SIPs), or another solution. 

Today’s advancements in integrated building envelope solutions are contributing to enhanced energy efficiency, durability, and cost effectiveness. This means savings during installation and for the operating cost of both residential and commercial properties. 

Regions across the United States have seen a growth in integrated insulation on the exterior of buildings. According to Green Building Advisor, the exterior insulation on the wall can make it perform up to 50 percent better than the same wall without the rigid foam. 

When it comes to building envelope construction, few products afford builders the same benefits that integrated insulated sheathing materials do. 

Strength in Numbers: Structural Sheathing + Continuous Insulation 

Structural sheathing serves as the outer layer of a building’s frame, providing essential support and stability. Traditional sheathing materials such as plywood have long been used, but the rise of innovative products such as insulated sheathing board and SIPs has paved the way for more energy-efficient and resilient construction practices. 

Structural continuous insulation, often referred to as insulated structural panels, is revolutionizing the way we insulate and sheath buildings. It involves the use of materials such as OX-IS to create a continuous layer of insulation that minimizes thermal bridging and enhances the overall energy performance of a structure. This approach not only improves insulation quality and longevity, but it also offers structural support, effectively combining two crucial elements in one efficient solution. 

How is Insulated Sheathing Superior? 

Enhanced energy efficiency: The primary advantage of structural continuous insulation is its ability to create a continuous thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency. Insulated sheathing panels contribute significantly to maintaining a consistent temperature inside the building, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. As part of a sustainably built home, they can also help lower HERS scores and assist builders in earning federal tax credits. 

Cost effectiveness: Despite initial concerns about the cost of structural insulated panels, the long-term benefits often outweigh the upfront investment. The improved energy efficiency can lead to substantial savings on utility bills over the life of the building. Additionally, the speed of installation reduces labor costs, making it a cost-effective choice for construction project managers. 

Durability and structural integrity: Opting for structural sheathing enhances the overall strength and stability of the building. These panels provide robust support and durability, ensuring the structure can withstand environmental conditions, including wind, seismic activity, and extreme temperatures. 

Common Questions 

Construction professionals who might be new to integrated products often have questions regarding the selection of insulated sheathing and the advantages of structural versus nonstructural versions.  

• Is continuous insulation structural? Continuous insulation, in its standalone form, lacks structural properties. However, it is deemed structural when featured in integrated products such as structural continuous insulation. 

• What is the best form of insulated sheathing? Selecting the best continuous insulation involves considering various factors to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency for a specific project. Considerations include climate, construction type, long-term needs, and more. 

• What are the pros of SIP panels? Structural insulated panels offer continuous insulation, structural strength, quick installation, and long-term performance. 

• How do you install insulated sheathing? Installing insulated sheathing typically involves attaching the panels or boards to the framing of the building and ensuring panels are properly sealed using seam tapes. Proper installation techniques vary depending on the specific product, so following manufacturer guidelines is crucial. 
   
• What is structural sheathing vs non-structural sheathing? Structural sheathing provides both support and insulation, contributing to the building’s structural integrity. Non-structural sheathing, on the other hand, focuses solely on providing a substrate surface for attaching insulation, weather barriers, and exterior finishes. 

A Lasting Impact 

The adoption of integrated products such as structural continuous insulation is transforming the way that buildings are being designed and constructed. With a growing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, continuous insulation solutions are helping buildings meet stringent energy codes and the standard for 21st-century construction. 

Structural continuous insulation has emerged as a transformative option in modern construction, offering a holistic solution for both insulation, sheathing, and even weather barrier challenges. Products such as OX-IS or other insulated sheathing products are changing the landscape by promoting energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and durability. As the industry continues to explore innovative materials and processes, structural continuous insulation is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of construction. 

In modern-day construction, meeting the demands of energy efficiency and structural integrity is paramount for any builder. One key innovation in the construction space that was designed specifically to address these needs is continuous insulation. When installed continuously, insulation outboard the studs provides a myriad of benefits for owners and occupants.

Continuous insulation is becoming a go-to choice for modern builders, and those that use it can tout its benefits to prospects and customers to earn more business. With initiatives such as 45L pushing green building practices and overall sustainability across the industry, using energy-efficient building materials is incentivized more than ever before.

What is Continuous Insulation?

Continuous insulation is installed continuously around the exterior walls of a building. Unlike traditional insulation methods that may have gaps and succumb to thermal bridging, continuous insulation provides a seamless thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.

Many industry professionals refer to continuous insulation as a “big blanket” that surrounds the entire structure. Unlike traditional batt insulation that is split by the stud, there are no spaces or breaks in a continuous insulation installation for thermal energy to pass. Therefore, the material is popularly used in residential, multifamily, and even commercial applications to eliminate thermal loss.

Advantages of Continuous Insulation 

Continuous insulation offers several advantages over traditional insulation methods such as fiberglass batts, spray foam, or loose fill. It provides a higher level of thermal performance, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs for owners. When combined with high-performance windows and doors, continuous insulation is the perfect solution for lower HERS scores, landing these homes in the top percentile of energy-efficient homes across the country.

Continuous insulation also improves overall occupant comfort by maintaining more consistent indoor temperatures. This is important in both summer and winter seasons and in any region or climate.

In the summer, continuous insulation is designed to keep that prized conditioned air inside of the building. In the winter, the material can ease the workload of furnaces or other heating appliances in the home by maintaining warmer indoor temperatures for longer periods of time.

Code Compliance for Today’s Builder

Continuous insulation meets the needs of modern builders in several ways when it comes to sustainability and code compliance.

One of the most considerable changes to the International Code Council’s 2021 guidelines are updates to insulation minimum R-values. For instance, in climate zone three (the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and many more), builders of wood frame structures must meet R-values of 19 or 13+3ci or 0+15ci. And in many other regions of the United States, these values jump to R-20.

For builders across the country who are accustomed to using cavity insulation only, supplementing with more efficient continuous insulation solutions can help to maintain compliance with these codes. It also helps eliminate the thermal breaks that are commonplace with cavity-only installations to help homes perform at a higher level.

Continuous Insulation vs. Traditional Insulation

Continuous insulation outperforms traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, and others. It provides a more effective thermal barrier and is much less prone to issues such as settling and moisture retention.

Continuous insulation is often more durable than traditional insulation, and because it is less prone to moisture intrusion and mold growth, it can help extend the lifespan of the building envelope. This is crucial in minimizing the risk of sick building syndrome, which can have adverse effects on the occupants inside.

Finally, one common misconception is that continuous insulation is only suitable for new construction. In reality, continuous insulation can be used in retrofit applications for existing structures that need a boost in thermal performance.

21^st-Century Insulation Options

Innovations in insulation have led manufacturers to create integrated structural continuous insulation materials, also called structural insulated panels, or SIPs. These solutions truly cover the gamut when it comes to protection from the elements: air, moisture, thermal, and vapor intrusion.

Not only does insulated sheathing provide a layer of insulation, but it adds in structural support, eliminating the need for builders to buy sheathing separately. For large-scale structures or production builders with a mass quantity of builds, these products help generate significant cost and labor savings. In all, the goal is to enhance the energy efficiency and durability of the building while removing the need for builders to have to shop from multiple suppliers. Products that include air and water barriers too, such as OX-IS, streamline vendor coordination even further.

The Bottom Line

Continuous insulation is a game changer in modern construction. Its ability to improve energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and enhance overall comfort makes it a top choice for builders looking to meet the demands of today’s construction industry. Incorporating structural continuous insulation into a building project can lead to significant benefits in both the short and long term.

For today’s builder seeking a reduction in costs, time, and manpower needs, particularly in an industry with a labor crunch and material price fluctuations, integrated structural continuous insulation serves as a viable solution.