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Building Thermal Insulation

Rev10
IssuedSep 16, 2026
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1 Scope

NOTE This standard governs the selection, physical properties, fire classification, moisture control coordination, installation, and field verification of thermal insulation in the opaque building envelope. (1.1)
NOTE The following assemblies are within scope: (1.2)
  • Above-grade wall assemblies, including cavity insulation between framing and continuous insulation outboard or inboard of the framing
  • Low-slope roof assemblies where insulation is placed above, within, or below the structural deck
  • Steep-slope roof and attic assemblies, both vented and unvented
  • Floors and ceilings separating conditioned space from unconditioned space, exterior air, or ground
  • Crawl space assemblies insulated at the floor framing or at the perimeter wall
  • Below-grade foundation walls insulated on either face
  • Under-slab and slab-edge insulation at slabs on grade
NOTE The following are boundaries of this standard rather than assemblies it governs: (1.3)
  • The insulation material remains within scope where it is installed as part of a roofing or waterproofing assembly, but the attachment pattern, wind uplift listing, and membrane interface are governed by the assembly standard
  • Acoustic performance of insulation is outside this scope even where the same product is used for both purposes
  • Fire-resistance ratings of assemblies containing insulation are established by the listed assembly, not by this standard
  • Structural design of the backup wall, deck, or slab that receives insulation is outside this scope
NOTE In-place thermal performance depends on installed condition as much as on rated thermal resistance. (1.4)
NOTE Cavities that are incompletely filled, batts that are compressed or folded around obstructions, board joints that are aligned through the thickness of a multi-layer assembly, and gaps at the perimeter of an insulated area all reduce the delivered thermal resistance below the specified value, and none of these conditions are visible once the assembly is closed. (1.5)
NOTE The envelope is also the control layer for moisture. Vapor retarder class and position, the permeance of each layer relative to the layers around it, and the continuity of the air barrier together determine whether the assembly dries as fast as it wets. (1.6)
1.7 Insulation work shall be coordinated with the vapor retarder provisions of the adopted building code and the air barrier provisions of the adopted energy code.
1.8 Insulation installed as part of a low-slope roofing assembly shall be coordinated with Membrane RoofingMembrane RoofingResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/membrane-roofing.
1.9 Insulation installed over waterproofing on the exterior face of below-grade walls shall be coordinated with Below Grade WaterproofingBelow-Grade WaterproofingResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/below-grade-waterproofing.
1.10 Insulation installed behind interior finishes shall be coordinated with Gypsum Board AssembliesGypsum Board AssembliesResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/gypsum-board-assemblies.
1.11 Insulation installed in conjunction with a separate sheet-applied or fluid-applied air barrier membrane shall be coordinated with Air BarriersAir BarriersResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/air-barriers.
1.12 Insulation installed in light-gauge steel framed exterior walls shall be coordinated with Cold Formed Metal FramingCold-Formed Metal FramingResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/cold-formed-metal-framing.
1.13 Sealants and flashings at insulation interfaces, openings, and penetrations shall be coordinated with Joint SealantsJoint SealantsResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/joint-sealants.

2 Referenced Standards

2.1 Materials, testing, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited in the Contract Documents.
2.2 Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Architect of Record or Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
Standard Title
ICC IBC International Building Code
ICC IRC International Residential Code
ICC IECC International Energy Conservation Code
ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
ASHRAE 160 Criteria for Moisture Control Design Analysis in Buildings
ICC 1100 Standard for Spray-Applied Polyurethane Foam Plastic Insulation
ASTM C165 Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
ASTM C177 Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
ASTM C203 Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
ASTM C208 Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
ASTM C272 Water Absorption of Core Materials for Sandwich Constructions
ASTM C518 Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
ASTM C552 Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation
ASTM C553 Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications
ASTM C578 Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
ASTM C612 Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation
ASTM C665 Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing
ASTM C726 Mineral Wool Roof Insulation Board
ASTM C739 Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
ASTM C764 Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
ASTM C1015 Installation of Cellulosic and Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
ASTM C1029 Spray-Applied Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Thermal Insulation
ASTM C1224 Reflective Insulation for Building Applications
ASTM C1289 Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board
ASTM C1313 Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building Construction Applications
ASTM C1320 Installation of Mineral Fiber Batt and Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction
ASTM C1338 Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
ASTM C1373 Determination of Thermal Performance of Building Materials by Means of a Thermal Box Apparatus
ASTM D1622 Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
ASTM D2126 Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging
ASTM D6226 Open Cell Content of Rigid Cellular Plastics
ASTM E84 Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ASTM E96 Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
ASTM E136 Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
ASTM E779 Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization
ASTM E1186 Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems
ASTM E3158 Measuring the Air Leakage Rate of a Large or Multizone Building
NFPA 259 Potential Heat of Building Materials
NFPA 268 Determining Ignitibility of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
NFPA 275 Fire Tests for the Evaluation of Thermal Barriers
NFPA 285 Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components
UL 723 Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
RESNET 301 Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Dwellings

3 Submittals

3.1 Action Submittals

3.1.1 The Contractor shall submit the following for review before insulation materials are procured:
  • Product data for each insulation product, stating material composition, nominal density, thermal resistance per inch at the design mean temperature, facing description, dimensional tolerances, and the ASTM or ICC product standard with which the product complies
  • Third-party thermal resistance test reports per ASTM C518 or ASTM C177 for each product, reported at the mean temperature used for compliance calculations
  • Long-Term Thermal Resistance values determined per ASTM C1289 for each polyisocyanurate product
  • Surface burning characteristics test reports per ASTM E84 or UL 723 for each product and, where facings are left exposed, for the faced product as installed
  • Evidence of compliance with the exterior wall fire propagation requirements of the adopted building code for each exterior wall assembly containing foam plastic or other combustible components
  • Thermal barrier and ignition barrier product data, including listing or test evidence per NFPA 275 where an alternative to gypsum board is proposed
  • Vapor retarder product data, including water vapor permeance determined per ASTM E96 and the test procedure used
  • Compressive resistance test reports per ASTM C165 for insulation subject to sustained load
  • Applicator certification, proposed chemical system, target core density, lift schedule, and Safety Data Sheets for spray-applied polyurethane foam
  • Shop drawings or coordination drawings showing continuous insulation attachment, cladding support through the insulation, and the detailed transition at openings, parapets, floor lines, foundation lines, and penetrations
  • Tapered insulation layout drawings for low-slope roof assemblies, showing panel type, thickness at each location, and crickets and saddles
  • Samples of each product where color, facing, or surface texture will be visible in the completed work
Action Submittals Requiredcheckbox
☑ Product data and physical properties for each insulation product
☐ Thermal resistance test reports per ASTM C518 or ASTM C177
☐ Long-Term Thermal Resistance values per ASTM C1289 for polyisocyanurate
☐ Surface burning characteristics reports per ASTM E84 or UL 723
☐ Exterior wall fire propagation compliance evidence
☐ Thermal barrier and ignition barrier product data
☐ Vapor retarder product data with permeance per ASTM E96
☐ Compressive resistance test reports per ASTM C165
☐ Spray polyurethane foam applicator certification and chemical system data
☐ Continuous insulation attachment and interface detail drawings
☐ Tapered insulation layout drawings
☐ Product samples where the insulation or its facing remains visible
3.1.2 Insulation shall not be installed in any assembly until the submittals covering the products in that assembly have been reviewed and returned without rejection.
3.1.3 The Contractor shall submit a written request for substitution before procuring any product differing from the reviewed submittal, and shall include the fire, thermal, and permeance data required to demonstrate equivalence.

3.2 Closeout Submittals

3.2.1 The Contractor shall submit the following before final acceptance:
  • Signed certificate stating that the installed insulation conforms to the reviewed submittals, the manufacturer's published instructions, and this standard
  • Inspection records for each assembly area, identifying the date of inspection, the inspecting party, and the disposition of any deficiency
  • Envelope air leakage test report where pressurization testing is required
  • Core sample records for spray-applied polyurethane foam, stating location, measured thickness, and measured core density
  • Infrared thermographic survey report where a survey is required
  • Energy code compliance certificate and supporting documentation accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction
  • Manufacturer warranty documents for each product carrying a written material warranty
Closeout Submittals Requiredcheckbox
☑ Signed certificate of conformance
☐ Inspection records for each assembly area
☐ Envelope air leakage test report
☐ Spray polyurethane foam core sample records
☐ Infrared thermographic survey report
☐ Energy code compliance certificate and supporting documentation
☐ Manufacturer warranty documents

4 Quality Assurance

4.1 Installer Qualifications

4.1.1 Insulation shall be installed by personnel experienced in the specific insulation form and assembly type being executed.
4.1.2 Spray-applied polyurethane foam shall be applied by an applicator certified by the chemical system manufacturer for the system in use, or certified under a recognized industry applicator certification program.
4.1.3 A certified applicator shall be present on site throughout spray polyurethane foam application.
4.1.4 Loose-fill and dense-packed insulation shall be installed by personnel trained in the blowing equipment and coverage verification method used on the project.

4.2 Preinstallation Conference

4.2.1 The Contractor shall convene a preinstallation conference before the first insulation is installed, attended by the insulation installer, the air barrier installer, the roofing installer where roof insulation is in the scope, the framing contractor, and the party designated to perform inspection before concealment.
4.2.2 The conference shall establish the sequence of trades at each control layer transition, the notification procedure for inspection before concealment, and the location and frequency of any core sampling.
4.2.3 The Contractor shall record the conference and distribute the record to all attendees within five business days.

4.3 Installation Grading

4.3.1 Air-permeable cavity insulation subject to installation grading shall achieve the grade specified in the datasheet.
Minimum Installation Grade for Air-Permeable Cavity Insulationradio
● Grade I — full cavity fill with no gaps, voids, or compression beyond the published allowances
○ Grade II — occasional small gaps and compression within the published Grade II allowances
○ Grade III — gaps and compression within the published Grade III allowances
○ Not applicable — no air-permeable cavity insulation in the project
NOTE Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III describe how completely an air-permeable cavity insulation fills its cavity, as defined by the residential energy rating standard used for installation grading. (4.3.2)
NOTE The grades are not product quality classes and do not change the rated thermal resistance of the material. (4.3.3)
NOTE Where the project energy analysis was performed at a grade lower than Grade I, the analysis and the datasheet selection describe the same assumption and the field work is measured against that assumption. (4.3.4)
4.3.5 Where the parties disagree whether an installation meets the specified grade, the party designated to perform inspection before concealment shall make the initial determination.

4.4 Product Listing and Labeling

4.4.1 Each insulation product shall be labeled by the manufacturer with the product designation, the ASTM or ICC product standard with which it complies, the thermal resistance at the labeled thickness, and the surface burning classification where the product is required to carry one.
4.4.2 Labels shall remain intact and legible on delivered material until the material is installed.
4.4.3 Thermal resistance stated on the label or product data sheet shall be determined per ASTM C518 or ASTM C177 at the mean temperature used in the project energy analysis.
4.4.4 Polyisocyanurate board thermal resistance shall be the Long-Term Thermal Resistance determined per ASTM C1289.
NOTE The thermal resistance of polyisocyanurate declines over the first years after manufacture as the blowing agent diffuses out of the cells and is replaced by air, and Long-Term Thermal Resistance is the stabilized value that testing per ASTM C1289 reports. (4.4.5)
NOTE The thermal resistance of polyisocyanurate also varies with temperature, falling below its 75°F value at mean temperatures under roughly 40°F and rising above it at warmer mean temperatures, while polystyrene and mineral fiber change comparatively little across the same range. (4.4.6)
4.4.7 Where an assembly containing polyisocyanurate is evaluated at a cold-condition mean temperature, the thermal resistance used shall be the value published for that mean temperature rather than the 75°F value.
4.4.8 Insulation products that will be installed in contact with concrete, masonry, or ground shall be tested for fungi resistance per ASTM C1338.

5 Project Conditions and Energy Code Basis

5.1 Climate Zone

NOTE The climate zone assigned to the project location governs prescriptive thermal resistance, vapor retarder class, and attic ventilation requirements throughout this standard. (5.1.1)
5.1.2 The climate zone shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Project Climate Zoneselect
Zone 0A — extremely hot, humid
Zone 0B — extremely hot, dry
Zone 1A — very hot, humid
Zone 1B — very hot, dry
Zone 2A — hot, humid
Zone 2B — hot, dry
Zone 3A — warm, humid
Zone 3B — warm, dry
Zone 3C — warm, marine
Zone 4A — mixed, humid
Zone 4B — mixed, dry
Zone 4C — mixed, marine
Zone 5A — cool, humid
Zone 5B — cool, dry
Zone 5C — cool, marine
Zone 6A — cold, humid
Zone 6B — cold, dry
Zone 7 — very cold
Zone 8 — subarctic and arctic
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
5.1.3 Buildings with process loads, elevated interior humidity, refrigerated rooms, or unconditioned interior zones may impose moisture control requirements beyond those the climate zone alone implies, and where such conditions exist the assembly shall be evaluated per ASHRAE 160.

5.2 Energy Code Compliance Path

5.2.1 The compliance path used to establish the project's required thermal resistance shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Energy Code Compliance Pathradio
○ Prescriptive — assembly values taken from the adopted code tables
○ Component performance — assembly U-factor, C-factor, or F-factor trade-off within the envelope
○ Total building performance — whole-building energy model
○ Outcome-based or above-code program — measured or program-defined target
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
NOTE The compliance path determines whether a given assembly may fall below a tabulated value in exchange for improvement elsewhere, and substituting a lower-resistance assembly on a prescriptive project invalidates the compliance basis rather than merely reducing performance. (5.2.2)
5.2.3 The Contractor shall not substitute an insulation product or thickness that reduces the thermal resistance of any assembly below the value on which the project's compliance documentation relies.
5.2.4 Where a proposed substitution changes the thermal resistance, permeance, or fire classification of an assembly, the Contractor shall submit the revised compliance calculation prepared by the party responsible for the energy analysis.

5.3 Structural Backup and Framing Type

NOTE The structural backup of each exterior wall governs the thermal bridge correction, the attachment method available for continuous insulation, and whether cavity insulation is possible at all. (5.3.1)
5.3.2 The exterior wall structural backup shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Exterior Wall Structural Backupselect
Wood stud framing
Cold-formed steel stud framing
Structural steel frame with infill framing
Concrete masonry backup wall
Cast-in-place concrete wall
Precast concrete wall panel
Insulated concrete form wall
Structural insulated panel
Mass timber wall panel
Per drawings — wall type schedule and structural drawings (deferred by default)
5.3.3 Where the exterior wall backup is concrete, masonry, precast, or mass timber, the framing thermal bridge correction of this standard does not apply and the assembly thermal resistance is governed by the mass wall provisions of the adopted code.

6 Required Thermal Resistance

6.1 Basis of Assembly Thermal Performance

NOTE Nominal thermal resistance is the resistance of the insulation material alone at its labeled thickness. (6.1.1)
NOTE Assembly thermal resistance is the resistance of the complete section including framing members, sheathing, cladding, interior finish, air films, and any air spaces, and it is always lower than the nominal cavity value in a framed assembly because heat bypasses the insulation through the framing. (6.1.2)
6.1.3 The basis on which each opaque assembly demonstrates compliance shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Basis of Opaque Assembly Thermal Performanceradio
○ Nominal insulation thermal resistance only
○ Assembly thermal resistance calculated by the parallel path or isothermal planes method
○ Assembly thermal resistance taken from the adopted standard's tabulated assembly values
○ Assembly U-factor from the whole-building energy model
○ Assembly U-factor from two-dimensional or three-dimensional thermal modeling
○ Assembly thermal resistance measured per ASTM C1373
6.1.4 The prescriptive tables of the adopted energy standard are expressed as assembly values, so a project on the prescriptive path shall demonstrate compliance on an assembly basis rather than on a nominal cavity basis.
NOTE Two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling resolve heat flow around clips, shelf angles, slab edges, and parapets that the parallel path and isothermal planes methods approximate, and the difference between the two approaches grows as the continuous insulation gets thicker and the penetrating steel gets heavier. (6.1.5)

6.2 Assembly Thermal Resistance Values

NOTE The values recorded below are the minimum acceptable performance for the assembly, and the design documents may require higher values for owner performance goals, resilience objectives, or an above-code program. (6.2.1)
6.2.2 The required thermal resistance of each assembly shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Roof and Ceiling Assembly — Required Thermal Resistancerange
R (h·ft²·°F/Btu)
101315202530333845495560708090100
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Above-Grade Wall Assembly — Required Thermal Resistancerange
R (h·ft²·°F/Btu)
57.510131518202325283035405060
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Above-Grade Wall — Continuous Insulation Component of the Required Thermal Resistancerange
R (h·ft²·°F/Btu)
2.53.8567.51011.412.51520253040
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Below-Grade Wall Assembly — Required Thermal Resistancerange
R (h·ft²·°F/Btu)
57.51012.51519202530
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Floor Over Unconditioned Space — Required Thermal Resistancerange
R (h·ft²·°F/Btu)
101319212530384950
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Slab Insulation — Required Thermal Resistancerange
R (h·ft²·°F/Btu)
57.51012.515202530
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Slab Insulation — Vertical Depth Below Top of Slabrange
inches
1218243648607296
Per drawings — foundation and slab details (deferred by default)
NOTE A slab insulation depth of zero and a slab insulation thermal resistance of zero together record an uninsulated slab, which the adopted code permits in some climate zones and occupancies. (6.2.3)

7 Insulation Materials

7.1 Mineral Fiber Batt, Blanket, and Board

NOTE Mineral fiber covers glass fiber products made from molten glass and mineral wool products made from molten rock or iron slag. (7.1.1)
7.1.2 Mineral fiber batt and blanket insulation for light frame construction shall conform to ASTM C665.
7.1.3 Mineral fiber blanket insulation for commercial and industrial applications shall conform to ASTM C553.
7.1.4 Mineral fiber block and board insulation shall conform to ASTM C612.
7.1.5 Mineral wool roof insulation board shall conform to ASTM C726.
NOTE Mineral fiber that is unfaced and contains no binder in quantity sufficient to sustain combustion qualifies as noncombustible under ASTM E136 and needs no thermal barrier or ignition barrier on that basis. (7.1.6)
NOTE Mineral wool board holds its dimensions and its thermal resistance at temperatures where polystyrene softens, drains liquid water rather than absorbing it, and carries load in compression, and these properties are what make it usable as exterior continuous insulation left in an air cavity and as a fire-blocking layer in a rainscreen. (7.1.7)
7.1.8 The facing on mineral fiber cavity insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Mineral Fiber Cavity Insulation Facingradio
○ Unfaced
○ Kraft paper facing
○ Foil-kraft-paper laminate facing
○ Aluminum foil facing
○ Flame-resistant polypropylene or vinyl facing
○ Fully encapsulated in perforated polyethylene
○ Not applicable — no mineral fiber cavity insulation in the project
7.1.9 Where the facing on mineral fiber cavity insulation is intended to serve as the assembly's vapor retarder, the facing permeance shall satisfy the vapor retarder class recorded for that assembly.
7.1.10 Where a faced mineral fiber product is installed with the facing left exposed, the faced product as installed shall carry the surface burning classification recorded for the assembly.
7.1.11 Kraft and foil facings on batt insulation are combustible and are not permitted to remain exposed in occupied spaces unless the faced product carries a classification that allows exposure.

7.2 Loose-Fill and Dense-Packed Insulation

7.2.1 Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation shall conform to ASTM C739.
7.2.2 Mineral fiber loose-fill insulation shall conform to ASTM C764.
7.2.3 Loose-fill insulation shall be installed per ASTM C1015.
NOTE Loose-fill insulation is blown to a target depth in open horizontal applications and to a target density in closed cavities, and the two applications fail differently: an open application under-delivers when the material settles below the marked depth, while a closed cavity under-delivers when it is blown below the density that resists settling. (7.2.4)
7.2.5 Loose-fill insulation blown into a closed cavity shall be installed at or above the manufacturer's published minimum density for that cavity depth and orientation.
7.2.6 The method used to verify loose-fill coverage shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Loose-Fill Coverage Verification Methodradio
○ Installed depth markers plus reconciliation of bag count against the published coverage chart
○ Installed depth markers only
○ Bag count reconciliation against the published coverage chart only
○ Measured density of extracted samples from closed cavities
○ Third-party measured depth survey on a sampling grid
○ Not applicable — no loose-fill insulation in the project
7.2.7 Depth markers shall be installed at a rate of at least one per 300 square feet of attic area, attached so they remain vertical and legible from the attic access.

7.3 Extruded, Expanded, and Graphite-Enhanced Polystyrene Board

7.3.1 Rigid cellular polystyrene board insulation shall conform to ASTM C578.
NOTE Extruded polystyrene is formed by extruding molten polystyrene through a die into a closed-cell board with a continuous skin, giving it low water absorption, moderate water vapor permeance, and compressive resistance available across a wide range. (7.3.2)
NOTE Expanded polystyrene is formed by steam-expanding polystyrene beads in a mold, giving it an interconnected structure between the fused beads that admits more water vapor and, at equal density, less compressive resistance than extruded polystyrene. (7.3.3)
NOTE Graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene incorporates graphite particles that reflect and absorb infrared radiation within the foam, raising thermal resistance per inch above that of unmodified expanded polystyrene at the same density. (7.3.4)
7.3.5 Where polystyrene board is installed in contact with soil, under slabs, or in any location subject to prolonged wetting, the water absorption of the product shall be determined per ASTM C272 and reported in the submittal.
7.3.6 Polystyrene softens and loses dimensional stability well below the temperature at which hot bituminous materials are applied, so polystyrene shall not be placed in direct contact with hot-applied bitumen or with any surface at a temperature above the manufacturer's published service limit.

7.4 Polyisocyanurate Board

7.4.1 Faced rigid cellular polyisocyanurate board insulation shall conform to ASTM C1289.
NOTE Polyisocyanurate delivers the highest thermal resistance per inch of the rigid boards sold in the North American market at a 75°F mean temperature, which is why a given roof thermal resistance is reached in fewer inches with polyisocyanurate than with polystyrene or mineral wool. (7.4.2)
7.4.3 The facer construction of polyisocyanurate board shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Polyisocyanurate Board Facer Constructionselect
Aluminum foil facers both sides — ASTM C1289 Type I
Reinforced cellulosic mat facers both sides — ASTM C1289 Type II Class 1
Coated glass fiber facers both sides — ASTM C1289 Type II Class 2
Uncoated glass fiber facers both sides — ASTM C1289 Type II Class 3
High-density foam core with glass fiber facers — ASTM C1289 Type II Class 4
Perlite board composite — ASTM C1289 Type III
Wood fiberboard composite — ASTM C1289 Type IV
Oriented strand board or plywood nailbase composite — ASTM C1289 Type V
Glass mat gypsum board composite — ASTM C1289 Type VII
Not applicable — no polyisocyanurate in the project
NOTE The facer governs the board's water vapor permeance, its bond to adhesives and hot bitumen, its handling of field cuts, and whether the board can be left facing an air space, so the facer is selected against the assembly rather than against the foam core. (7.4.4)
NOTE An aluminum foil facer functions as a Class I vapor retarder and, where it faces an enclosed air space of at least three-quarters of an inch, adds the thermal resistance of a low-emissivity air space to the assembly. (7.4.5)
7.4.6 Polyisocyanurate board shall not be installed where its facers will remain in contact with standing water or continuously damp substrates.

7.5 Mineral Wool Board and Cellular Glass

7.5.1 Cellular glass insulation shall conform to ASTM C552.
NOTE Cellular glass is a closed-cell foamed glass with zero water absorption and zero water vapor permeance, it is noncombustible, and it carries compressive load without measurable creep, which is what qualifies it for permanently wet below-grade positions and for plaza and terrace assemblies under sustained load. (7.5.2)
7.5.3 Cellular glass is brittle in flexure, so it shall be installed over a full-contact substrate and shall not span voids, gaps, or flute openings.
7.5.4 Where cellular glass is installed under sustained load, the flexural strength shall be determined per ASTM C203 and reported in the submittal.

7.6 Wood Fiber and Cellulosic Board

7.6.1 Cellulosic fiber insulating board shall conform to ASTM C208.
NOTE Wood fiber board is vapor-open and hygroscopic, taking on and releasing moisture with the surrounding air, and in an exterior continuous insulation position that behavior gives the sheathing behind it a drying path that a low-permeance foam does not provide. (7.6.2)
7.6.3 Wood fiber board is combustible and shall satisfy the same surface burning and exterior wall fire propagation requirements that apply to any combustible component of the assembly in which it is installed.

7.7 Spray-Applied Polyurethane Foam

7.7.1 Spray-applied rigid cellular polyurethane insulation shall conform to ASTM C1029.
7.7.2 Spray polyurethane foam installed as building insulation shall conform to ICC 1100.
NOTE Spray polyurethane foam is applied as two liquid components that react, expand, and cure in place, so it fills irregular cavities, seals around penetrations, and adheres to the substrate without separate fasteners or tapes. (7.7.3)
NOTE Closed-cell foam is applied at a core density in the medium-density range and yields a rigid, low-permeance material that adds racking strength to the assembly and resists liquid water intrusion. Open-cell foam is applied at a core density in the low-density range and yields a soft, vapor-open material that lets an assembly dry inward. (7.7.4)
7.7.5 The cell type of spray polyurethane foam shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Cell Typeradio
○ Closed-cell, medium density
○ Open-cell, low density
○ Closed-cell at the substrate with open-cell or air-permeable insulation completing the cavity
○ Not applicable — no spray polyurethane foam in the project
7.7.6 The minimum core density of spray polyurethane foam shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Minimum Core Densityrange
pcf
0.40.50.711.41.722.533.5
7.7.7 Core density shall be determined per ASTM D1622 on samples taken from the installed work.
7.7.8 Open cell content shall be determined per ASTM D6226 and shall correspond to the cell type recorded in the datasheet.
7.7.9 Dimensional stability shall be determined per ASTM D2126 under the temperature and humidity conditions the foam will experience in service.
7.7.10 Core density and cell type are coupled: the density range recorded in the datasheet shall lie within the range the adopted product standard assigns to the cell type recorded for the same assembly.
7.7.11 The minimum applied thickness of spray polyurethane foam shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Minimum Applied Thicknessrange
inches
0.511.522.533.5455.56781012
Per drawings — wall and roof assembly details (deferred by default)
NOTE Uncoated spray polyurethane foam degrades under ultraviolet exposure within months, losing surface integrity and, in closed-cell foam, its water resistance. (7.7.12)
7.7.13 Spray polyurethane foam that will remain exposed to sunlight shall receive the protective coating specified for the assembly within the exposure period the foam manufacturer publishes.

7.8 Reflective Insulation and Radiant Barriers

7.8.1 Sheet radiant barriers shall conform to ASTM C1313.
7.8.2 Reflective insulation assemblies shall conform to ASTM C1224.
NOTE A low-emissivity surface reduces radiant heat transfer only where it faces an air space, so a foil surface in contact with an adjacent material contributes nothing and the rated performance of a reflective assembly is a property of the assembled air space rather than of the sheet alone. (7.8.3)
7.8.4 The use of reflective insulation or a radiant barrier shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Reflective Insulation and Radiant Barrier Useradio
○ Sheet radiant barrier applied at the underside of the roof deck or to the rafters
○ Sheet radiant barrier laid over horizontal attic insulation
○ Reflective insulation assembly with a bounded air space within the wall or roof assembly
○ Low-emissivity facer on board insulation facing an enclosed air space
○ Not used
7.8.5 Where a radiant barrier is laid over horizontal attic insulation, the installation shall maintain the ventilation path and shall not obstruct soffit or ridge ventilation openings.
7.8.6 Reflective surfaces accumulate dust in upward-facing positions, and dust raises surface emissivity, so the thermal resistance credited to an upward-facing reflective air space shall be the value the adopted standard permits for that orientation.

7.9 Foam Blowing Agents

7.9.1 Blowing agent restrictions applicable to foam plastic insulation on the project shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Foam Plastic Blowing Agent Restrictionradio
○ No blowing agent restriction beyond the applicable federal, state, and local regulations
○ Global warming potential of 150 or less
○ Global warming potential of 25 or less
○ Hydrocarbon, water, or carbon dioxide blown products only
○ As required by the owner's sustainability program
○ Not applicable — no foam plastic insulation in the project
7.9.2 The Contractor shall submit the blowing agent identification and global warming potential for each foam plastic product where a restriction is recorded.

7.10 Compressive Resistance of Load-Bearing Insulation

NOTE Compressive resistance is specified as a required minimum rather than as a product type designation, because the type designations of the polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, mineral wool, and cellular glass product standards are not interchangeable and each standard reaches a given strength through a different type number. (7.10.1)
7.10.2 Insulation that carries sustained load shall have a compressive resistance at 10 percent deformation, determined per ASTM C165, not less than the value recorded in the datasheet for its position.
Roof Insulation — Minimum Compressive Resistancerange
psi
10162025406080110140
Per drawings — roof assembly details (deferred by default)
Under-Slab Insulation — Minimum Compressive Resistancerange
psi
101315254060100
Per drawings — structural drawings and slab details (deferred by default)
Below-Grade Wall Insulation — Minimum Compressive Resistancerange
psi
5101315254060
Per drawings — foundation details (deferred by default)
7.10.3 Insulation beneath a plaza deck, a vehicular slab, a refrigerated floor, or a heavily loaded warehouse slab shall be selected for the sustained load rather than the momentary load, and the submittal shall report creep or long-term deformation data where the product standard publishes it.

8 Insulation Selection by Assembly

8.1 Above-Grade Wall Insulation

8.1.1 The insulation used in the cavity of above-grade walls shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Above-Grade Wall Cavity Insulationcheckbox
☐ Mineral fiber batt or blanket
☐ Mineral wool batt
☐ Blown-in glass fiber behind a netting or membrane
☐ Dense-packed cellulose
☐ Dense-packed mineral fiber
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam
☐ Open-cell spray polyurethane foam
☐ Rigid board cut and fitted between framing
☐ None — the wall is insulated entirely outboard of the framing
8.1.2 The insulation used as continuous insulation on above-grade walls shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Above-Grade Wall Continuous Insulationcheckbox
☐ Extruded polystyrene board
☐ Expanded polystyrene board
☐ Graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene board
☐ Polyisocyanurate board
☐ Mineral wool board
☐ Cellular glass board
☐ Wood fiber board
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam applied to the exterior sheathing
☐ Insulated sheathing with an integral water-resistive barrier
☐ None — the wall has no continuous insulation layer
8.1.3 Where the wall assembly includes both cavity insulation and continuous insulation, the sum of their contributions shall meet the assembly thermal resistance recorded for the wall.

8.2 Roof and Attic Insulation

8.2.1 The insulation used in low-slope roof assemblies shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Low-Slope Roof Insulationcheckbox
☐ Polyisocyanurate board
☐ Expanded polystyrene board
☐ Extruded polystyrene board
☐ Mineral wool roof board
☐ Cellular glass board
☐ Wood fiber board
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam applied to the deck
☐ Insulation below the deck between structural framing
☐ None — the roof is insulated at a separate ceiling plane
8.2.2 The cover board over roof insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Roof Insulation Cover Boardradio
○ Glass mat faced gypsum board
○ High-density polyisocyanurate board
○ Perlite board
○ Wood fiber board
○ Cementitious board
○ Mineral wool board
○ None — the membrane is applied directly to the insulation
NOTE A cover board separates the membrane from the insulation, distributing point loads from foot traffic and hail, isolating the insulation from the heat of hot-applied or torch-applied membranes, and providing a consistent bonding surface. (8.2.3)
8.2.4 The insulation used in steep-slope roof and attic assemblies shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Steep-Slope Roof and Attic Insulationcheckbox
☐ Loose-fill cellulose
☐ Loose-fill glass fiber
☐ Loose-fill mineral wool
☐ Mineral fiber batt or blanket at the ceiling plane
☐ Mineral fiber batt or blanket between rafters
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam at the roof deck
☐ Open-cell spray polyurethane foam at the roof deck
☐ Rigid board above the roof deck
☐ None — no steep-slope or attic assembly in the project

8.3 Floor and Crawl Space Insulation

8.3.1 The insulation used in floors over unconditioned space shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Floor Over Unconditioned Space Insulationcheckbox
☐ Mineral fiber batt between joists
☐ Rigid board adhered or fastened to the underside of the deck
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam applied to the underside of the deck
☐ Open-cell spray polyurethane foam applied to the underside of the deck
☐ Blown-in insulation retained by netting
☐ Rigid board above the structural deck under the finish floor
☐ None — no floor over unconditioned space in the project
8.3.2 The insulation used in crawl space enclosures shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Crawl Space Insulationcheckbox
☐ Mineral fiber batt in the floor framing above the crawl space
☐ Rigid board on the interior face of the crawl space wall
☐ Rigid board on the exterior face of the crawl space wall
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam on the interior face of the crawl space wall
☐ Rigid board under the crawl space slab or ground cover
☐ None — no crawl space in the project

8.4 Below-Grade Wall and Slab Insulation

8.4.1 The insulation used on below-grade walls shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Below-Grade Wall Insulationcheckbox
☐ Extruded polystyrene board
☐ Expanded polystyrene board
☐ Graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene board
☐ Mineral wool drainage board
☐ Cellular glass board
☐ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam on the interior face
☐ Mineral fiber batt in a furred interior wall
☐ Integral to an insulated concrete form wall
☐ None — the below-grade wall is uninsulated
8.4.2 The insulation used at slabs on grade shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Slab Insulationcheckbox
☐ Extruded polystyrene board
☐ Expanded polystyrene board
☐ Graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene board
☐ Cellular glass board
☐ None — the slab is uninsulated

9 Fire and Smoke Requirements

9.1 Surface Burning Characteristics

9.1.1 Surface burning characteristics shall be determined per ASTM E84 or UL 723 on the product in the thickness intended for use.
9.1.2 Both the flame spread index and the smoke-developed index shall be reported for each product required to carry a surface burning classification.
NOTE The flame spread index describes how quickly flame travels across the material surface and the smoke-developed index describes how much smoke that combustion produces, and a material can pass one and fail the other. (9.1.3)
9.1.4 The flame spread classification required for insulation in each assembly shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Required Flame Spread Classificationradio
○ Class A — flame spread index of 25 or less
○ Class B — flame spread index of 26 through 75
○ Class C — flame spread index of 76 through 200
○ Not required — the insulation is noncombustible under ASTM E136
9.1.5 The maximum smoke-developed index for insulation in each assembly shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Maximum Smoke-Developed Indexrange
2550100200450
9.1.6 Foam plastic insulation shall have a flame spread index of 75 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less as determined per ASTM E84 or UL 723 in the thickness intended for use, except where the foam plastic is used in a specific assembly that has been tested and listed as a whole.
9.1.7 Test specimens for foam plastic shall not exceed four inches in thickness unless the adopted code permits a greater thickness for the specific product.
9.1.8 The Contractor shall not substitute an insulation product that changes the fire classification of a listed assembly.
NOTE Mineral fiber insulation that qualifies as noncombustible carries no flame spread requirement on its own, but a facing applied to it is a separate combustible surface, and where that facing is left exposed the faced product as installed is what must be classified. (9.1.9)

9.2 Thermal Barrier Separation from Interior Spaces

9.2.1 Foam plastic insulation shall be separated from the interior of the building by a thermal barrier that limits the temperature rise of the unexposed surface for at least 15 minutes, unless the adopted code provides an exception for the specific application.
9.2.2 The thermal barrier provided over foam plastic shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Thermal Barrier Over Foam Plasticradio
○ Gypsum board, one-half inch minimum thickness
○ Gypsum board, five-eighths inch Type X
○ Alternative material evaluated per NFPA 275
○ Cementitious or gypsum spray-applied thermal barrier
○ Masonry or concrete covering
○ Not required — the assembly qualifies for a code exception
○ Not applicable — no foam plastic insulation in the project
9.2.3 Where a coating or spray-applied material is proposed as the thermal barrier, the submittal shall include the NFPA 275 evaluation for the specific foam and coating combination at the applied thickness and coverage rate.
NOTE A thermal barrier evaluation is a property of the foam and barrier together, so evidence for one foam product does not carry over to a different foam behind the same barrier. (9.2.4)

9.3 Ignition Barriers in Attics and Crawl Spaces

9.3.1 Foam plastic insulation in an attic or crawl space that is entered only for the service of utilities shall be separated from the space by an ignition barrier, unless the foam product is listed for exposed application in that space.
9.3.2 The ignition barrier provided shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Ignition Barrier in Attics and Crawl Spacesradio
○ Mineral fiber insulation, one and one-half inch minimum thickness
○ Wood structural panel, one-quarter inch minimum thickness
○ Gypsum wallboard, three-eighths inch minimum thickness
○ Particleboard, three-eighths inch minimum thickness
○ Corrosion-resistant steel, 0.016 inch minimum thickness
○ Cement-based coating applied at the listed coverage rate
○ Intumescent coating listed for exposed foam plastic
○ Not required — the foam product is listed for exposed application
○ Not applicable — no foam plastic in an attic or crawl space
9.3.3 Where a coating is used as the ignition barrier, the coverage rate, wet film thickness, and cure conditions shall be as stated in the product listing, and the applicator shall record the quantity applied per unit area.

9.4 Exterior Wall Fire Propagation

9.4.1 Exterior wall assemblies containing foam plastic insulation shall demonstrate compliance with NFPA 285 where the adopted code requires it for the building's type of construction.
NOTE NFPA 285 evaluates the assembly as a whole, including the insulation, the water-resistive barrier, the air barrier, the sheathing, the cladding, the cavity, and the perimeter fire containment, so a favorable ASTM E84 result on the insulation alone does not satisfy it. (9.4.2)
9.4.3 The basis on which each exterior wall assembly demonstrates fire propagation compliance shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Exterior Wall Fire Propagation Compliance Basisradio
○ Successful NFPA 285 test of the assembly as designed
○ Engineering evaluation extending an NFPA 285 tested assembly to the assembly as designed
○ Exception — the foam plastic is covered on each face by masonry, concrete, or Type X gypsum board at the code-prescribed thickness
○ Exception — the building is one story and complies with the applicable code provision
○ Exception — the exterior wall is a fire-resistance-rated assembly meeting the applicable code provision
○ Not required — the building's type of construction does not invoke the requirement
○ Not applicable — the exterior wall contains no foam plastic or other combustible components
9.4.4 Where compliance rests on an engineering evaluation, the evaluation shall be prepared by a fire protection engineer, shall identify the tested assembly on which it relies, and shall state each variation from that assembly and the basis for accepting it.
9.4.5 The Contractor shall confirm that each exterior wall assembly containing foam plastic has documented compliance before procuring the insulation, the water-resistive barrier, or the cladding.
9.4.6 Substituting any combustible component of an exterior wall assembly voids the assembly's fire propagation compliance, including a change of water-resistive barrier, air barrier, insulation facer, or cladding that was not part of the tested or evaluated assembly.

10 Vapor Control

10.1 Vapor Retarder Classification

10.1.1 Vapor retarders shall be classified by water vapor permeance determined per ASTM E96.
10.1.2 The submittal shall state which ASTM E96 test procedure produced each reported permeance value.
NOTE A material's measured permeance depends on the procedure used, and the desiccant and water procedures of ASTM E96 give different results for the same material because they hold it at different mean relative humidities. (10.1.3)
10.1.4 The vapor retarder class required for above-grade walls shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Vapor Retarder Class for Above-Grade Wallsradio
○ Class I — 0.1 perm or less
○ Class II — greater than 0.1 perm through 1.0 perm
○ Class III — greater than 1.0 perm through 10 perm
○ Variable-permeance membrane meeting the code allowance for a responsive vapor retarder
○ None required
NOTE Materials at or below 0.1 perm include polyethylene sheet, aluminum foil, and foil facers. Materials between 0.1 and 1.0 perm include kraft facers, coated kraft, low-permeance coatings, and closed-cell spray polyurethane foam at typical applied thickness. Materials between 1.0 and 10 perm include latex paint on gypsum board and many mechanically fastened housewraps. (10.1.5)
NOTE A vapor retarder slows drying in the direction it faces as effectively as it slows wetting, so a low-permeance layer placed where the assembly needs to dry converts a seasonal wetting event into accumulated moisture. (10.1.6)
10.1.7 Where a variable-permeance membrane is used, the submittal shall report the permeance across the full relative humidity range and shall confirm that the material satisfies the adopted code's allowance for a responsive vapor retarder.

10.2 Vapor Retarder Placement in Wall Assemblies

10.2.1 The position of the vapor retarder within above-grade wall assemblies shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Vapor Retarder Position in Above-Grade Wallsradio
○ Interior side of the cavity insulation
○ Integral facer on the cavity insulation
○ Exterior side of the cavity insulation, inboard of the continuous insulation
○ Provided by closed-cell spray polyurethane foam within the cavity
○ Provided by a low-permeance continuous insulation board outboard of the sheathing
○ No dedicated vapor retarder in the assembly
10.2.2 Where the adopted code requires a Class I or Class II vapor retarder on the interior side of a frame wall for the project climate zone, that requirement shall be satisfied unless the assembly includes continuous insulation at or above the ratio the code tabulates for a Class III vapor retarder.
NOTE Continuous insulation outboard of the sheathing raises the sheathing temperature in winter, and once the sheathing stays above the interior air's dew point it no longer condenses, which is the mechanism behind the code's continuous insulation ratio tables. (10.2.3)
10.2.4 Where the project relies on the continuous insulation ratio to permit a Class III vapor retarder, the ratio shall be calculated using the assembly values recorded in this standard and shall be included in the submittal.
10.2.5 The Contractor shall not substitute a vapor retarder of a different class without a revised assembly evaluation.
10.2.6 Penetrations of the vapor retarder for outlet boxes, piping, ducts, and anchors shall be sealed with materials compatible with the vapor retarder.
10.2.7 Vapor retarder material that is cut, torn, or punctured shall be repaired before the assembly is concealed.
10.2.8 Repairs to sheet vapor retarders shall lap the sound material at least 6 inches on all sides and shall be sealed with a tape or sealant the vapor retarder manufacturer identifies as compatible.
10.2.9 Where the parties disagree whether a repair is adequate, the party designated to perform inspection before concealment shall make the initial determination.

10.3 Vapor Control in Roof Assemblies

NOTE A vapor retarder placed below roof insulation keeps interior air and its moisture out of the cold upper portion of the insulation, where it would otherwise condense against the underside of the membrane. (10.3.1)
NOTE Buildings with sustained elevated interior humidity, such as natatoriums, food processing plants, commercial laundries, and indoor agriculture, drive far more moisture into a roof assembly than the climate zone alone predicts. (10.3.2)
10.3.3 The vapor retarder provision for roof assemblies shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Roof Assembly Vapor Retarderradio
○ Required below the roof insulation, Class I
○ Required below the roof insulation, Class II
○ Required below the roof insulation, class established by hygrothermal analysis per ASHRAE 160
○ Not required
10.3.4 Where a roof vapor retarder is required, the material, its attachment, and its continuity at the deck, penetrations, and perimeter shall be coordinated with Membrane RoofingMembrane RoofingResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/membrane-roofing.
10.3.5 A vapor retarder below roof insulation is also an air barrier in that plane, so its continuity at deck joints, at penetrations, and at the roof-to-wall transition determines whether it performs at all.

11 Air Barrier Coordination

11.1 Role of Insulation in the Air Barrier

NOTE An air barrier resists bulk air flow through the assembly. A vapor retarder resists diffusion of water vapor through a material. The two functions are independent, one material may perform both, and a material that performs one does not thereby perform the other. (11.1.1)
NOTE Air leakage carries far more moisture into an assembly than diffusion does at the same driving conditions, which is why a discontinuous air barrier defeats a correctly classified and correctly positioned vapor retarder. (11.1.2)
11.1.3 The role the insulation plays in the air barrier shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Air Barrier Function of the Insulation Layerradio
○ The insulation performs no air barrier function — a separate air barrier is provided
○ Taped and sealed rigid board insulation joints form the air barrier
○ Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam forms the air barrier
○ Open-cell spray polyurethane foam forms the air barrier at the thickness listed for that use
○ A sealed interior sheet membrane forms both the air barrier and the vapor retarder
11.1.4 Where the insulation layer forms the air barrier, every joint, field cut, edge, perimeter, and penetration in that layer shall be sealed, and the layer shall be made continuous with the air barrier of every adjoining assembly.
11.1.5 Where a separate air barrier is provided, the requirements of Air BarriersAir BarriersResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/air-barriers govern that material and this standard governs only the insulation's interface with it.
11.1.6 Air-permeable insulation shall not be used as an air barrier.

11.2 Continuity at Interfaces and Penetrations

11.2.1 The air barrier and the insulation layer shall be continuous across the transitions at foundation to wall, floor line, wall to roof, wall to parapet, and at every opening and penetration.
NOTE The transitions listed above are where the air barrier changes material, changes plane, or changes installing trade, and they are where continuity is lost. (11.2.2)
11.2.3 Rough opening perimeters shall receive flexible flashing or sealant that bridges the insulation layer to the window or door frame.
11.2.4 Penetrations through the insulation for piping, conduit, ducts, structural attachments, and equipment supports shall be sealed to the insulation layer with a material compatible with both surfaces.
11.2.5 Where the drawings do not detail a transition or penetration through the insulation and air barrier layers, the Contractor shall submit a request for information and shall not conceal the layer until a detail is issued.

12 Continuous Insulation and Thermal Bridging

12.1 Definition and Effect of Continuous Insulation

NOTE Continuous insulation is insulation that is uninterrupted across all structural members of the assembly, except for fasteners and service openings. (12.1.1)
NOTE Cavity insulation and continuous insulation are not interchangeable at equal rated resistance, because cavity insulation leaves the framing as an uninsulated parallel path while continuous insulation covers it. (12.1.2)
NOTE The benefit of moving resistance from the cavity to the continuous layer grows with the conductivity and area of the framing it covers. (12.1.3)

12.2 Framing Thermal Bridges

NOTE Wood framing occupies roughly a fifth to a quarter of the opaque area of a typical stud wall at 16 inches on center once plates, headers, corners, and partition intersections are counted, and wood conducts several times better than the insulation it displaces. (12.2.1)
NOTE Steel conducts several hundred times better than wood, so a steel-framed cavity loses a much larger share of its rated resistance than a wood-framed cavity with the same insulation, and the loss cannot be recovered by adding cavity insulation. (12.2.2)
12.2.3 Where the wall backup is cold-formed steel or structural steel, the assembly thermal resistance shall be established by the parallel path correction the adopted standard prescribes for steel framing, by tabulated assembly values for steel framing, or by thermal modeling.
12.2.4 The framing thermal bridge correction shall not be omitted on the grounds that the cavity insulation meets the tabulated cavity value.
NOTE Structural elements that pass through the insulation layer — shelf angles, balcony slabs, canopy supports, parapet framing, and column bases — conduct heat around the entire envelope in proportion to their cross-section and conductivity, and their effect is not captured by any framing fraction correction. (12.2.5)
12.2.6 Where structural elements penetrate the continuous insulation, the assembly evaluation shall account for them by thermal modeling or by the tabulated linear transmittance values the adopted standard provides.

12.3 Cladding Attachment Through Continuous Insulation

NOTE Every fastener, clip, and girt that crosses the continuous insulation to support cladding is a thermal bridge whose magnitude depends on its material, cross-section, and spacing. (12.3.1)
12.3.2 The method used to attach continuous insulation and its cladding shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Continuous Insulation and Cladding Attachment Methodselect
Long fasteners through the insulation into the framing or backup
Continuous metal z-girts over the insulation
Thermally broken clip and rail system
Fiberglass or composite low-conductivity clips
Furring strips fastened through the insulation
Masonry veneer ties through the insulation
Adhesive attachment of the insulation with separately supported cladding
Insulation held by the cladding system with no separate attachment
Per drawings — wall sections and cladding attachment details (deferred by default)
12.3.3 The treatment of the cladding attachment thermal bridge in the assembly evaluation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Cladding Attachment Thermal Bridge Treatmentradio
○ Included in the calculated assembly U-factor by point transmittance
○ Included in the calculated assembly U-factor by the tabulated clip correction factors
○ Included by two-dimensional or three-dimensional thermal modeling
○ Addressed by specifying a thermally broken or low-conductivity attachment system
○ Not accounted for — the assembly complies on the tabulated prescriptive values
NOTE Continuous metal z-girts placed directly against the sheathing and running through the full thickness of the insulation can remove a large fraction of the insulation's effect, and the loss depends on girt spacing and orientation as much as on insulation thickness. (12.3.4)
12.3.5 Where a thermally broken or low-conductivity attachment system is specified, the system shall be installed with the thermal break intact, and fasteners shall not be substituted with longer or larger fasteners that short-circuit it.

13 Installation of Wall Insulation

13.1 Cavity Fill and Installation Grading

13.1.1 Cavity insulation shall fill the cavity from face to face of the framing and from the bottom plate or track to the top plate or track, without voids, gaps, or compression beyond the allowances of the specified installation grade.
13.1.2 Mineral fiber batt and blanket insulation shall be installed per ASTM C1320.
13.1.3 Batt width shall match the clear framing spacing so the batt is retained by friction without compression at the edges.
13.1.4 Batts shall be cut to length rather than folded over at the top or bottom of the cavity.
13.1.5 Insulation shall be split around wiring, piping, blocking, bracing, and firestopping so that material fills the cavity both in front of and behind the obstruction.
NOTE A batt folded behind a wire rather than split leaves a void at the face of the cavity, and the resulting local loss of thermal resistance is a large fraction of the cavity's rated value over the affected area. (13.1.6)
13.1.7 Batts shall be butted tightly to one another at end joints and at the framing on both sides.
13.1.8 Insulation shall be fitted into narrow cavities at corners, at partition intersections, and behind blocking before those cavities are closed by framing or sheathing.
13.1.9 Cavities that will be inaccessible after framing is complete shall be insulated as the framing is erected, and the Contractor shall identify these locations at the preinstallation conference.
13.1.10 Where cavity insulation is installed behind an interior finish that will not be applied by the insulation installer, the installer shall retain the insulation in place until the finish is installed.

13.2 Masonry Cavity Wall Insulation Retention

13.2.1 Insulation installed in the cavity of a masonry cavity wall shall be secured against downward movement over the full height of the cavity by adhered attachment, mechanical clips engaged with the veneer ties, or continuous support at each floor line.
NOTE Insulation in a masonry cavity that is not positively retained settles over time, opening an uninsulated band at the top of each supported height that is invisible from either face. (13.2.2)
13.2.3 Insulation in a masonry cavity shall be installed so it does not obstruct the drainage cavity, the weeps, or the flashing at the base of the cavity.
13.2.4 Mortar droppings shall be kept off the face of cavity insulation and out of the drainage cavity during masonry work.

13.3 Exterior Board Insulation Coursing and Joints

13.3.1 Rigid board continuous insulation shall be installed in full-width courses with joints tight and boards in full contact with the substrate.
13.3.2 Where the continuous insulation is installed in more than one layer, joints in successive layers shall be offset at least 12 inches in both directions.
NOTE Aligned joints through the full thickness of a multi-layer board insulation assembly form a continuous path for air and heat at every joint line, and the resulting linear loss is visible in a thermographic survey as a grid over the entire wall. (13.3.3)
13.3.4 Board insulation shall be installed in more than one layer where the total thickness exceeds the maximum single-board thickness the attachment method supports.
13.3.5 Boards shall be cut to fit tightly at penetrations, at openings, and at the perimeter of the insulated area, and gaps that cannot be closed by fitting shall be filled with insulation of the same or greater thermal resistance.
13.3.6 Gaps in board insulation shall not be filled with sealant, adhesive, or mortar in place of insulation.
13.3.7 Where the board insulation joints form the air barrier, every joint, field cut, board edge, perimeter, and penetration shall be taped or sealed with a material the insulation manufacturer identifies as compatible with the facer.
13.3.8 Where a separate air barrier membrane is provided outboard or inboard of the board insulation, taping of the board joints shall be as required by the Contract Documents rather than as an air barrier function.
13.3.9 Board insulation shall be protected from ultraviolet exposure beyond the exposure period the manufacturer publishes, and boards exposed beyond that period shall be covered or replaced.

14 Installation of Roof and Attic Insulation

14.1 Low-Slope Roof Insulation Layers and Attachment

14.1.1 Roof insulation shall be installed in more than one layer where the total thickness exceeds 2.5 inches, with joints in successive layers offset at least 12 inches in both directions.
14.1.2 Roof insulation boards shall be installed with joints tight and shall be cut to fit at penetrations, curbs, drains, and the perimeter.
14.1.3 Insulation shall be installed only over a dry deck and only in the area that will be made watertight the same working day.
14.1.4 Insulation that has been wetted shall be removed and replaced rather than allowed to dry in place.
14.1.5 The attachment of the base layer of roof insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Roof Insulation Attachment — Base Layerradio
○ Mechanically fastened to the deck
○ Adhered with low-rise polyurethane foam adhesive
○ Adhered in hot bitumen
○ Adhered with solvent-based or asphalt-based cold adhesive
○ Loose laid and held by a ballasted assembly
○ Set in a self-adhered base layer
14.1.6 The attachment of layers above the base layer of roof insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Roof Insulation Attachment — Upper Layersradio
○ Mechanically fastened through all layers to the deck
○ Adhered with low-rise polyurethane foam adhesive
○ Adhered in hot bitumen
○ Adhered with solvent-based or asphalt-based cold adhesive
○ Not applicable — single-layer insulation
14.1.7 Fastener type, length, spacing, and pattern, and adhesive type and application rate, shall be as required by the roofing system manufacturer's wind uplift listing for the project's design wind pressures and roof zones, and shall be coordinated with Membrane RoofingMembrane RoofingResolves to the current adopted revision.sync/membrane-roofing.
14.1.8 Mechanical fasteners shall penetrate the deck by the embedment the roofing system listing requires and shall be driven so the plate is seated flush without crushing the insulation.
14.1.9 Polystyrene insulation shall not be set in hot bitumen and shall not be placed where hot-applied materials will contact it.

14.2 Tapered Insulation for Drainage

14.2.1 The provision of tapered insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Tapered Insulation for Roof Drainageradio
○ Tapered insulation over the full roof area
○ Tapered crickets and saddles only, with structural slope over the field
○ Tapered sumps at drains only, with structural slope over the field
○ Not required — structural slope provides the required drainage
14.2.2 Tapered insulation shall be installed per the reviewed tapered layout drawing, in the sequence and orientation the layout indicates.
NOTE Tapered panels installed out of the layout sequence break the slope gradient and create localized ponding that no amount of field adjustment recovers. (14.2.3)
14.2.4 Crickets and saddles shall be provided on the upslope side of curbs, equipment, and penetrations wider than the dimension at which the roofing assembly requires diversion.
14.2.5 The extent of tapered insulation, the high points, and the drain locations shall be as indicated on the roof plan.

14.3 Vented and Unvented Attic Assemblies

14.3.1 The attic strategy shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Attic Assembly Strategyradio
○ Vented attic with insulation at the ceiling plane
○ Unvented attic with air-impermeable insulation applied to the underside of the roof deck
○ Unvented attic with rigid board insulation above the roof deck
○ Unvented attic with insulation both above the deck and at the underside of the deck
○ Conditioned attic served by the building's mechanical system
○ Not applicable — no attic in the project
14.3.2 Where the attic is vented, insulation at the ceiling plane shall not obstruct the soffit, eave, or ridge ventilation openings.
14.3.3 Baffles shall be installed in each ventilated rafter or truss bay, extending from the exterior wall top plate to at least 12 inches above the top of the installed insulation, and shall maintain a clear ventilation channel of at least 1 inch depth.
14.3.4 Insulation at the ceiling plane shall be installed to full depth over the exterior wall top plates, over blocking and bridging, and at the perimeter of the attic area.
NOTE The point where the ceiling insulation crosses the exterior wall top plate is the shallowest part of the assembly, and the thermal resistance available there is limited by the roof geometry rather than by the specified ceiling value. (14.3.5)
14.3.6 Attic access hatches, scuttles, and pull-down stairs within the insulated envelope shall be insulated to the thermal resistance recorded for the ceiling assembly and shall be weatherstripped.
14.3.7 Recessed lighting, exhaust fans, and ducts within an insulated ceiling plane shall be air sealed to the ceiling before insulation is installed.
14.3.8 Insulation shall not be installed in contact with recessed luminaires, chimneys, flues, or other heat-producing devices except where the device is listed for insulation contact, and required clearances shall be maintained by permanent dams rather than by simply omitting insulation.
14.3.9 Where the attic is unvented, the insulation applied to the underside of the roof deck shall be air impermeable, or an air-impermeable layer shall be provided in direct contact with the underside of the deck, as the adopted code requires for the climate zone.
14.3.10 Where air-permeable insulation is installed below air-impermeable insulation in an unvented attic, the air-impermeable layer shall provide at least the thermal resistance the adopted code requires for the climate zone in order to keep the condensing surface above the dew point.

15 Installation of Floor, Crawl Space, and Below-Grade Insulation

15.1 Floors Over Unconditioned Space

15.1.1 Insulation between floor framing shall be installed in continuous contact with the underside of the subfloor across the full width and length of each bay.
15.1.2 Insulation shall be retained so it cannot sag away from the subfloor over the service life of the building.
15.1.3 The method of retaining floor insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Floor Insulation Retention Methodradio
○ Wire support rods at 18 inches on center maximum
○ Plastic mesh or netting fastened to the joists
○ Furring or lath fastened across the joists
○ Adhered rigid board in contact with the subfloor
○ Adhesion of spray polyurethane foam to the subfloor and joists
○ Not applicable — no insulation between floor framing
NOTE Insulation that sags away from the subfloor opens a ventilated air space between the insulation and the floor it is meant to insulate, and heat then bypasses the insulation through that space. (15.1.4)
15.1.5 Insulation shall be fitted around and between joists, blocking, bridging, ducts, and piping so that no bay is left partially filled.
15.1.6 Where piping subject to freezing runs in a floor cavity over unconditioned space, insulation shall be placed below the piping so the piping remains on the warm side.
15.1.7 Where a facing on floor insulation serves as a vapor retarder, the facing shall be installed toward the conditioned space.
15.1.8 The insulated boundary shall be continuous at the transition between a floor over unconditioned space and the adjacent exterior wall, and rim joist and band joist cavities at that transition shall be insulated and air sealed.

15.2 Crawl Space Perimeter Insulation

15.2.1 Where a crawl space is enclosed and unvented, insulation shall be installed on the perimeter walls rather than in the floor framing above.
15.2.2 Perimeter insulation in a crawl space shall extend from the underside of the sill or the top of the wall down to the finished ground surface, and shall then continue horizontally or turn down as the Contract Documents detail.
15.2.3 Perimeter insulation in an accessible crawl space shall be protected from mechanical damage.
15.2.4 Foam plastic insulation in a crawl space shall carry the ignition barrier recorded for the project unless it is listed for exposed application.
15.2.5 A ground cover vapor retarder shall be installed over the crawl space floor, lapped at least 6 inches at seams, and turned up and sealed to the perimeter wall.
15.2.6 Insulation in a crawl space shall be detailed so that liquid water reaching the wall drains rather than being trapped between the insulation and the wall.

15.3 Below-Grade Wall Insulation and Protection

15.3.1 The position of insulation on below-grade walls shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Below-Grade Wall Insulation Positionradio
○ Exterior face of the foundation wall
○ Interior face of the foundation wall
○ Both faces of the foundation wall
○ Integral to the wall construction
○ Not applicable — the below-grade wall is uninsulated
NOTE Insulation on the exterior face of a below-grade wall keeps the wall itself warm and inside the thermal envelope, and keeps the insulation out of the interior fire and finish requirements. Insulation on the interior face leaves the wall cold and places the insulation within the interior, where the thermal barrier requirement for foam plastic applies. (15.3.2)
15.3.3 Insulation on the exterior face of below-grade walls shall be installed over the completed and inspected waterproofing or dampproofing, and shall not be fastened in a manner that punctures it.
15.3.4 Insulation on the exterior face of below-grade walls shall be installed in continuous contact with the wall, with boards butted tightly and joints in successive layers offset.
15.3.5 Insulation on the exterior face of below-grade walls shall be protected above grade from mechanical damage and ultraviolet exposure.
15.3.6 The protection provided over below-grade insulation at and above grade shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Below-Grade Insulation Protection at and Above Graderadio
○ Cement parging on metal lath, three-quarter inch minimum thickness
○ Rigid protection board
○ Dimple drainage mat with a protection board at grade
○ Prefinished protection panel
○ Fiber-cement or mineral-based board
○ Cladding carried down over the insulation
○ Not applicable — the insulation does not extend above grade
15.3.7 Protection at grade shall extend from the top of the exposed insulation to at least 6 inches below the finished ground surface.
15.3.8 Insulation left exposed above grade shall be a product listed for exposed exterior use, and foam plastic shall not be left exposed above grade.
15.3.9 Backfill against below-grade insulation shall be placed in a manner that does not displace, tear, or compress the insulation, and shall not include material that would puncture it.

15.4 Under-Slab and Slab-Edge Insulation

15.4.1 The configuration of slab insulation shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Slab Insulation Configurationradio
○ Vertical at the slab perimeter only
○ Horizontal beneath the full slab area only
○ Vertical at the perimeter and horizontal beneath the full slab area
○ Horizontal wing extending inward beneath the slab from the perimeter
○ Horizontal wing extending outward from the foundation below grade
○ Not applicable — the slab is uninsulated
15.4.2 Under-slab insulation shall be installed in continuous contact with a prepared, level base, with boards butted tightly and no board bridging a void.
15.4.3 Under-slab insulation shall be continuous through thickened slab sections, at grade beams, at interior column footings, and at pipe and conduit penetrations, and any interruption shall be closed with insulation of the recorded compressive resistance rather than left open.
NOTE Gaps at thickened edges, footings, and penetrations concentrate heat flow in the same way a missing batt does, and under a slab they are permanently inaccessible once concrete is placed. (15.4.4)
15.4.5 Slab-edge insulation shall be installed so it is not displaced by concrete placement, and shall be held in position until the concrete has set.
15.4.6 Where slab-edge insulation is exposed at the finished floor or at grade, it shall be protected by a durable covering.
15.4.7 Where the slab contains embedded heating elements, insulation shall be installed beneath the full slab area regardless of the perimeter configuration recorded above.
15.4.8 Under-slab insulation shall be installed above or below the ground vapor retarder as the Contract Documents detail, and the two layers shall not be interleaved in a way that traps water above the vapor retarder.

16 Installation of Spray Polyurethane Foam

16.1 Substrate and Ambient Conditions

16.1.1 Substrates receiving spray polyurethane foam shall be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of frost, ice, standing water, dust, oil, and release agents.
16.1.2 Substrate temperature, ambient temperature, and relative humidity at the time of application shall be within the ranges the chemical system manufacturer publishes for the system in use.
16.1.3 The applicator shall measure and record substrate temperature, ambient temperature, and relative humidity at the start of each application period and whenever conditions change materially.
16.1.4 Application outside the published environmental range shall not proceed without written authorization from the chemical system manufacturer.
NOTE Spray polyurethane foam applied to a cold or damp substrate can appear sound and still have poor adhesion, off-ratio cure, or entrapped moisture at the bond line, none of which are detectable from the finished surface. (16.1.5)
16.1.6 Adjacent surfaces, equipment, and finishes shall be masked and protected from overspray before application begins.
16.1.7 The area of application shall be ventilated and access shall be restricted during application and for the re-occupancy period the chemical system manufacturer publishes.

16.2 Lift Thickness and Application

16.2.1 Spray polyurethane foam shall be applied in lifts not exceeding the maximum lift thickness the chemical system manufacturer publishes.
16.2.2 Each lift shall be allowed to cool to the temperature the manufacturer publishes before the next lift is applied.
NOTE Exceeding the published lift thickness traps the heat of reaction inside the foam, which scorches the core, degrades its thermal and structural properties, and in extreme cases ignites it. (16.2.3)
16.2.4 The applicator shall verify thickness during application at a frequency sufficient to confirm that the specified minimum is achieved throughout, and shall record the locations verified.
16.2.5 Foam that overfills a cavity beyond the framing face shall be trimmed flush so interior finishes bear on the framing.
16.2.6 Trimmings and overspray shall be removed from the work area and shall not be left within concealed cavities.
16.2.7 Spray polyurethane foam shall be kept clear of the required clearances around chimneys, flues, recessed luminaires, and other heat-producing devices.

17 Field Quality Control

17.1 Inspection Before Concealment

17.1.1 No assembly shall be concealed by finishes, cladding, membrane, or backfill until the insulation in that assembly has been inspected.
17.1.2 The Contractor shall notify the designated inspecting parties at least 48 hours before insulation in any assembly area is scheduled to be concealed.
17.1.3 The parties who shall inspect insulation before concealment shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Inspection Before Concealmentcheckbox
☑ Authority Having Jurisdiction
☐ Energy rater performing the project's compliance inspection
☐ Owner's independent inspector
☐ Architect of Record or Engineer of Record
☐ Commissioning provider
☐ Insulation manufacturer's field representative
☐ Contractor's own quality control, documented
17.1.4 Inspection before concealment shall confirm that cavities are filled to the specified installation grade, that insulation is split and fitted around obstructions, that board insulation is in full contact with its substrate with offset joints, that vapor retarder class and position match the datasheet, that facings are oriented as specified, and that the air barrier is continuous at every transition in the inspected area.
17.1.5 Deficiencies identified during inspection shall be corrected and re-inspected before the assembly is concealed, at no additional cost to the Owner.
Pre-Installation Verificationcheckbox
☑ Framing complete, plumb, and at the spacing shown
☐ Rough mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection work complete and inspected
☐ Sheathing fastened and the water-resistive barrier applied
☐ Substrate dry and within the product temperature range
☐ Delivered products match the reviewed submittals
☐ Blocking and backing for cladding attachment in place
☐ Openings framed, flashed, and ready to receive the insulation transition
17.1.6 Before insulation begins in any assembly area, the Contractor shall verify the conditions recorded in the datasheet and shall not proceed until each is satisfied.

17.2 Envelope Air Leakage Testing

17.2.1 The envelope air leakage testing required for the project shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Envelope Air Leakage Testingradio
○ Whole-building pressurization test per ASTM E779
○ Whole-building pressurization test of a large or multizone building per ASTM E3158
○ Compartmentalized testing of individual dwelling or tenant units
○ Sampled testing of a representative fraction of units
○ Air leakage site detection survey per ASTM E1186 without a rate measurement
○ Material and assembly compliance documentation only, with no whole-building test
○ Not required by the adopted code and not required by the Contract Documents
17.2.2 Where a whole-building or unit air leakage rate limit applies, the limit shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Maximum Air Leakage Rate — Air Changes Basisrange
ACH50
0.40.611.522.5345710
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
Maximum Air Leakage Rate — Envelope Area Basisrange
cfm/ft² at 75 Pa
0.040.080.10.150.20.250.30.40.6
Per drawings — energy code compliance documentation (deferred by default)
NOTE The two limits above express the same requirement on different bases, and the project's compliance documentation determines which one applies. (17.2.3)
17.2.4 Air leakage testing shall be performed after the air barrier is complete and continuous and before it is concealed where the schedule permits, so that identified leakage can be corrected at its source.
17.2.5 Where a test result exceeds the recorded limit, the Contractor shall locate the leakage, correct it, and re-test at no additional cost to the Owner.
17.2.6 Where correcting leakage requires opening completed work, the cost of opening, correcting, and restoring that work shall be borne by the Contractor unless the leakage is shown to originate in work outside the Contractor's scope.

17.3 Spray Foam Thickness and Density Verification

17.3.1 Spray polyurethane foam shall be verified for applied thickness and core density by samples taken from the installed work before the foam is concealed.
17.3.2 The maximum area represented by each core sample shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Maximum Area Represented by Each Spray Foam Core Samplerange
ft²
100250500100020005000
17.3.3 Sample locations shall be distributed across the applied area and shall include locations the parties agree at the preinstallation conference are most at risk of thin application.
17.3.4 Applied thickness at any sample location shall be not less than the minimum applied thickness recorded in the datasheet for that assembly.
17.3.5 Core density at any sample location shall be not less than the minimum core density recorded in the datasheet for that assembly.
17.3.6 A sample that fails to meet thickness or density shall trigger additional samples on a tightened grid around the failing location until the extent of the deficient area is bounded.
17.3.7 Deficient foam shall be corrected by application of additional foam over a prepared surface, or by removal and reapplication where the deficiency is in density rather than thickness.
17.3.8 Sample locations shall be repaired by the applicator with the same chemical system immediately after sampling.
17.3.9 The cost of additional sampling, correction, and re-verification following a failing sample shall be borne by the Contractor.

17.4 Infrared Thermographic Survey

NOTE An infrared thermographic survey reveals insulation voids, thermal bridges, and air leakage paths as surface temperature anomalies, and it detects them through finished surfaces without opening the assembly. (17.4.1)
17.4.2 The infrared thermographic survey required for the project shall be as recorded in the datasheet.
Infrared Thermographic Surveyradio
○ Required over the full envelope before substantial completion
○ Required over a representative sample of the envelope before substantial completion
○ Required only where an air leakage test result exceeds the recorded limit
○ Contractor option as a quality control measure, with no reporting obligation
● Not required
17.4.3 A thermographic survey shall be conducted with a temperature difference across the envelope of at least 10°F sustained for the period the survey procedure requires.
17.4.4 The survey report shall identify each anomaly by location, shall include the thermal image and a corresponding visible-light image, and shall state the surface temperature difference measured at the anomaly.
17.4.5 Where a survey identifies an anomaly attributable to insulation work, the Contractor shall investigate, correct the cause, and re-survey the corrected area at no additional cost to the Owner.
17.4.6 The Contractor shall provide access to the interior and exterior of the surveyed areas and shall coordinate building conditioning with the party performing the survey.

18 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

18.1 Insulation shall be delivered in the manufacturer's original packaging with labels intact.
18.2 Insulation shall be stored off the ground, under cover, and protected from precipitation, ground moisture, ultraviolet exposure, and mechanical damage until it is installed.
18.3 Insulation stored outdoors under a tarpaulin without ventilation collects condensation beneath the cover, so stored material shall be covered in a manner that sheds water while allowing the stack to breathe.
18.4 Spray polyurethane foam chemical components shall be stored within the temperature range the chemical system manufacturer publishes, and containers that have been stored outside that range shall not be used without written authorization from the manufacturer.
18.5 Insulation that has been wetted, compressed, torn, delaminated, or contaminated shall be removed from the site and replaced.
NOTE Wet fibrous insulation does not recover its rated thermal resistance on drying if it has been compressed while wet, and wet facings delaminate and support mold growth. (18.6)
18.7 Insulation shall be delivered in quantities matched to the installation schedule so that stored material is not exposed longer than necessary.
18.8 Packaging, offcuts, and waste shall be removed from the work area daily and shall not be left within cavities, plenums, or attics.

19 Warranty

19.1 Manufacturer's Material Warranty

19.1.1 Insulation products carrying a written manufacturer material warranty shall be warranted to the Owner against defects in materials for the period recorded in the datasheet.
Manufacturer's Material Warranty Periodrange
years
151015202530
19.1.2 Where no period is recorded in the datasheet, the manufacturer's standard published material warranty for the product shall apply, and the Contractor shall submit its terms at closeout.
19.1.3 The Contractor shall review each product's warranty terms before procurement and shall report any condition that the project's design or installation method would void.
NOTE Spray polyurethane foam warranties are commonly conditioned on application by a certified applicator, on the foam being covered within a stated exposure period, and on the applicator's records of substrate and ambient conditions. (19.1.4)

19.2 Installation Warranty

19.2.1 The Contractor shall warrant the insulation installation against defects in workmanship, including voids, compression, displacement, unsealed joints, incorrect facing orientation, and failure to achieve the recorded installation grade, for the period recorded in the datasheet from the date of substantial completion.
Installation Warranty Periodrange
years
123510
19.2.2 Work repaired or replaced under the installation warranty shall be warranted for a fresh full warranty period from the date of the repair, or for the remainder of the original period, whichever is longer.
19.2.3 Where a warranty repair requires opening completed work, the Contractor shall bear the cost of opening the assembly, correcting the deficiency, and restoring the assembly and its finishes to the condition documented before the work was opened.
19.2.4 The Contractor shall document the pre-existing condition of any finish that will be opened for a warranty repair before opening it, and that record shall establish the condition to which the finish is restored.
19.2.5 The installation warranty does not extend to deficiencies caused by modifications made after substantial completion by parties other than the Contractor, and the Contractor shall bear the burden of demonstrating that a deficiency arose from such a modification.

19.3 Energy Code Compliance Documentation

19.3.1 The Contractor shall assemble and deliver to the Owner at closeout the energy code compliance documentation recorded in the datasheet.
Energy Code Compliance Documentation at Closeoutcheckbox
☐ Signed certificate of conformance
☑ Energy code compliance certificate accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction
☐ Envelope air leakage test report
☐ Energy rater inspection report
☐ Inspection approvals for insulation before concealment
☐ Infrared thermographic survey report
☐ Spray polyurethane foam core sample records
☐ As-built assembly thermal resistance summary for each envelope assembly
19.3.2 The energy code compliance documentation is a condition of the certificate of occupancy in many jurisdictions and shall be treated as a contract deliverable rather than as an informational record.
19.3.3 Where the as-built assemblies differ from those on which the compliance documentation was based, the Contractor shall report the difference and shall obtain a revised compliance evaluation from the party responsible for the energy analysis before requesting final acceptance.

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