Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation in Commercial Buildings
Course Number :ICY-142721-00 ICYNENE.COM
Program Registration Icynene Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Icynene, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and international copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is strictly prohibited.
Course Description Open Cell Spray Foam insulation is a logical and proven choice for commercial buildings that can reduce upfront costs by taking advantage of open cell higher yield and can reduce energy related operating costs for buildings. In addition to having the lowest impact potential on the environment being water-blown with a GWP of 1, Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation also contributes to improved indoor air quality within the building and overall building occupant comfort. Over the course of this presentation, you will learn about Open Cell Insulation’s air barrier and vapor permeability, fire ratings and code compliance, ability to enhance a building's longevity, and environmental and Green Building contributions, as well as all health and safety directions, recommendations and best practices.
Learning Objectives
Identify
•Identify the characteristics
of open cell spray foam that make it suitable for highperformance roof/attic assemblies and exterior wall assemblies
Investigate
•Investigate
the inherent energy performance and cost-saving effectiveness of open cell spray foam when insulation and air barrier are provided in one .
Recognize
•Recognize
the ability of open cell spray foam insulation to manage moisture and pollutant infiltration into construction assemblies and add to building durability
Assess
•Assess
the various ways that open cell insulation contributes to environmentally responsible and green buildings
Course Outline SECTION 1: Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Overview
SECTION 2: Cost Effectiveness of Open Cell Insulation
SECTION 3: Open cell – Air Barrier and Vapor Permeability
SECTION 4: Fire Ratings & Code Compliance
SECTION 5: Enhancing Building Longevity with Open Cell Insulation
SECTION 6: Environmental and Green Building Contributions of Open Cell Spray Foam
SECTION 7: Health & Safety: Best Practices
CONCLUSION
SECTION 1 Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Overview
Two Common Types of SPF
Low Density
Open cell composition Soft, flexible foam Sponge-like texture
Medium Density
Closed cell composition Hard, rigid foam
Low Density Open Cell Characteristics Low density open cell spray foam insulation utilizes water as the blowing agent. Blowing agents are used to expand the spray foam insulation from its liquid state. Where a 100% water blown blowing agent is used, the end result is a spray foam insulation that is both energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
What is a Blowing Agent ?
• Blowing agents are gases that provide additional insulating power • Blowing agents eventually migrate • Most closed cell spray foams use chemical blowing agents
Open Cell in Commercial Applications Open cell spray foam insulation is installed on the interior side of a commercial building.
Open Cell in Commercial Applications • Blocks heat transfer with a tested R value of R3.5-4.0 • Open Cell can seal around the edges and perimeter of stud and joist cavities in a flexible manner • Acoustic control is enhanced in wall assemblies due to its ability to limit the transfer of airborne sound
Exterior Wall Applications: Closed Cell Exclusively
Open cell SPF is used primarily used on the interior of the wall, whereas closed cell SPF is ideal for exterior applications.
Combination Wall Assembly A combination of low-density open cell spray foam insulation between steel studs and a continuous layer of medium-density closed cell spray foam insulation outside of the sheathing creates an exterior wall with superior thermal performance.
Low density
SECTION 2 Cost Effectiveness of Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open Cell: A Cost Effective Solution One Step Thermal Insulation
Saves Labor (single pass) Saves on Material Costs
Air Sealing
General Cost Comparison •
Where space for additional thickness is available, open cell spray foam insulation offers significant cost savings
•
Typically low density open cell insulation will cost less than medium density closed cell insulation for the same overall R-value since fewer drums are required
•
Medium Density closed cell can accommodate thinner wall assemblies and higher R-value
Typical usage for the same interior space:
Drums of Open Cell Insulation Required
Drums of Closed Cell Insulation Required
Reduces Ongoing Energy Operating Costs By creating an integral air barrier – maintaining long term thermal value the use of spray foam insulation can mean lower HVAC loads and associated equipment costs
SECTION 3 Open Cell – Air Barrier and Vapor Permeability
Open cell spray foam insulation is also an air barrier material WINTER COLD
WARM AIR
SUMMER HEAT
COOL AIR
kept inside during Winter
kept inside during Summer
Air barriers are now a mandatory provision in ASHRAE 90.1 Controls air leakage in and out of construction assemblies Effectively seals around gaps and penetrations Flexible enough to handle small-scale assembly movements and settling over time
Open Cell is Vapor Permeable Vapor permeability:
Does NOT seal against water vapor, rather allowing it to pass through Vapor retarder/barrier needed in wall assemblies in cold climates (e.g. vapor retarder paint) Verify vapor permeability with manufacturers Vapor permeability means any water vapor in assembly can dry out
Vapor Diffusion through materials CLIMATE ZONES 1- 4 WARM CLIMATES
An interior vapor retarder/barrier is not required by code (exception locations like swimming pools).
Vapor Diffusion through materials CLIMATE ZONES 5+ COLD CLIMATES
Simply use a vapor retarder/barrier paint or coating. Some can be painted directly on the spray foam insulation.
SECTION 4 Fire Rating & Code Compliance
Open Cell in Commercial Applications: Code Compliance Approved for use in construction types I-V. -
-
-
-
While most manufacturers have approval for Type V building types, only some manufacturers have approvals for Types I – IV. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for specific compliance details. Wood Frame Type V construction
All spray foam insulation must be covered by an approved thermal barrier PRESCRIPTIVE
Gypsum Wallboard
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCT SPECIFIC
Spray On Coating
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCT SPECIFIC
Thermal Barrier Blanket (provides aesthetics and acoustics)
Drywall commercial installation
Thermal Barrier installation intumescent spray on coating
Thermal Barrier Blanket
NFPA 285 and ASTM E-119
SECTION 5 Enhancing Building Longevity with Open Cell spray foam insulation
Moisture is the biggest threat to building longevity
ASHRAE says moisture damage contributes to 90% of all building or building material failures
Major source of moisture infiltration: Air Leakage Bulk water entry Air leakage which carries moisture Vapor diffusion through other materials Wicking/capillary action
Risks of Moisture Greater potential of mold growth and contributes to poor indoor air quality Corrosion of metal
General degradation of gypsum sheathing, ceiling tiles & wood products etc.
Combat Moisture Damage with Open Cell Spray Foam Open cell creates an effective air barrier prevents moisture laden air from penetrating into a building assembly. Open cell is vapor permeable thereby enhancing the ability of the assembly to dry out. In roof assemblies open cell spray foam may assist in identifying the source of the leak. Some products absorb very little water and permit water to drain through – check with manufacturer.
SECTION 6 Environmental and Green Building Contributions of Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open Cell & LEED v4 Stable R values Higher yield (more board feet per drum set) of low density foam makes it more resource efficient Product is shipped in an unreacted state so it minimizes transport cost
Environmental Product Declaration • Request an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from your spray foam manufacturer early in the design phase. • EPDs provide: – Life Cycle Analysis based information – Details regarding spray foam product’s environmental impacts • Make an informed choice when specifying materials
Additional Benefits Improved Indoor Air Quality: Keeping moisture out Keeping pollutant laden air out
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global Warming Potential is a measure of how much a given mass of a gas contributes to global warming over a given period of time compared to the same mass of Carbon Dioxide. By definition, Carbon Dioxide has a GWP of 1.
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Global Warming Potential (GWP) • Open Cell GWP is 1 (the lowest possible impact) • Typical Closed Cell GWP on average is over 1000 due to
Open Cell
chemical blowing agent
Closed Cell
Global Warming in the Press
SECTION 7 Health & Safety: Best Practices
Ventilation and VOCs
With regard to occupational exposures, studies have shown that in less than 24 hours, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other trace contaminants in the work area are well within standards established by OSHA, NIOSH and other authorities.
Health & Safety Recommendation Appropriately supervised on-site contractors and workers informed about the SPF application may re-enter the work area provided increased ventilation is supplied during spray and maintained immediately thereafter as recommended below. Adjacent spaces need not be vacated provided adequate exhaust ventilation is provided in the work area and exhaust air does not recirculate to the adjacent space.
Times based upon ventilating during and after spraying at minimum 1 ACH. Times based upon ventilation during spraying at minimum 10 ACH for first 4 hours followed by minimum 1 ACH thereafter.
Re-entry period for Informed Non-SPF Trade Workers/Contractors
Re-occupancy for All Others
12 Hours
24 Hours
4 hours
24 hours
CONCLUSION
Key Advantages of Open Cell • Soft, flexible and highly adhesive texture allows the product to retain a tight air seal during the normal structural movement/shifting over the life time of the building • Vapor permeable permits bi-directional drying of assemblies • When applied to the underside of a roof deck, will allow for bulk water to pass through and visibly expose the location of an exterior roof leak • Soft open cell structure allows for greater sound absorption versus closed cell structure • Using a water based blowing agent instead of a synthetic blowing agent reduces the environmental impact
Conclusion 1. 2.
Open cell is a logical and proven choice for commercial buildings Can reduce upfront costs by: Taking advantage of open cell higher yield Air barrier and insulation in one Ease of insulating hard to insulate areas such as complex angles and domes Can reduce energy related operating costs for buildings 3. Combats moisture damage by creating an effective air barrier 4. Has the lowest impact potential on the environment being waterblown with a GWP of 1 5. Also contributes to improved indoor air quality within the building and overall building occupant comfort
Benefits for the building occupants, building designers/ architects & building owners
Questions?
Thank You for Attending! This concludes the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System Program.
Program Registration Icynene Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Icynene, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and international copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is strictly prohibited.
Course Description Open Cell Spray Foam insulation is a logical and proven choice for commercial buildings that can reduce upfront costs by taking advantage of open cell higher yield and can reduce energy related operating costs for buildings. In addition to having the lowest impact potential on the environment being water-blown with a GWP of 1, Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation also contributes to improved indoor air quality within the building and overall building occupant comfort. Over the course of this presentation, you will learn about Open Cell Insulation’s air barrier and vapor permeability, fire ratings and code compliance, ability to enhance a building's longevity, and environmental and Green Building contributions, as well as all health and safety directions, recommendations and best practices.
Learning Objectives
Identify
•Identify the characteristics
of open cell spray foam that make it suitable for highperformance roof/attic assemblies and exterior wall assemblies
Investigate
•Investigate
the inherent energy performance and cost-saving effectiveness of open cell spray foam when insulation and air barrier are provided in one .
Recognize
•Recognize
the ability of open cell spray foam insulation to manage moisture and pollutant infiltration into construction assemblies and add to building durability
Assess
•Assess
the various ways that open cell insulation contributes to environmentally responsible and green buildings
Course Outline SECTION 1: Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Overview
SECTION 2: Cost Effectiveness of Open Cell Insulation
SECTION 3: Open cell – Air Barrier and Vapor Permeability
SECTION 4: Fire Ratings & Code Compliance
SECTION 5: Enhancing Building Longevity with Open Cell Insulation
SECTION 6: Environmental and Green Building Contributions of Open Cell Spray Foam
SECTION 7: Health & Safety: Best Practices
CONCLUSION
SECTION 1 Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Overview
Two Common Types of SPF
Low Density
Open cell composition Soft, flexible foam Sponge-like texture
Medium Density
Closed cell composition Hard, rigid foam
Low Density Open Cell Characteristics Low density open cell spray foam insulation utilizes water as the blowing agent. Blowing agents are used to expand the spray foam insulation from its liquid state. Where a 100% water blown blowing agent is used, the end result is a spray foam insulation that is both energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
What is a Blowing Agent ?
• Blowing agents are gases that provide additional insulating power • Blowing agents eventually migrate • Most closed cell spray foams use chemical blowing agents
Open Cell in Commercial Applications Open cell spray foam insulation is installed on the interior side of a commercial building.
Open Cell in Commercial Applications • Blocks heat transfer with a tested R value of R3.5-4.0 • Open Cell can seal around the edges and perimeter of stud and joist cavities in a flexible manner • Acoustic control is enhanced in wall assemblies due to its ability to limit the transfer of airborne sound
Exterior Wall Applications: Closed Cell Exclusively
Open cell SPF is used primarily used on the interior of the wall, whereas closed cell SPF is ideal for exterior applications.
Combination Wall Assembly A combination of low-density open cell spray foam insulation between steel studs and a continuous layer of medium-density closed cell spray foam insulation outside of the sheathing creates an exterior wall with superior thermal performance.
Low density
SECTION 2 Cost Effectiveness of Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open Cell: A Cost Effective Solution One Step Thermal Insulation
Saves Labor (single pass) Saves on Material Costs
Air Sealing
General Cost Comparison •
Where space for additional thickness is available, open cell spray foam insulation offers significant cost savings
•
Typically low density open cell insulation will cost less than medium density closed cell insulation for the same overall R-value since fewer drums are required
•
Medium Density closed cell can accommodate thinner wall assemblies and higher R-value
Typical usage for the same interior space:
Drums of Open Cell Insulation Required
Drums of Closed Cell Insulation Required
Reduces Ongoing Energy Operating Costs By creating an integral air barrier – maintaining long term thermal value the use of spray foam insulation can mean lower HVAC loads and associated equipment costs
SECTION 3 Open Cell – Air Barrier and Vapor Permeability
Open cell spray foam insulation is also an air barrier material WINTER COLD
WARM AIR
SUMMER HEAT
COOL AIR
kept inside during Winter
kept inside during Summer
Air barriers are now a mandatory provision in ASHRAE 90.1 Controls air leakage in and out of construction assemblies Effectively seals around gaps and penetrations Flexible enough to handle small-scale assembly movements and settling over time
Open Cell is Vapor Permeable Vapor permeability:
Does NOT seal against water vapor, rather allowing it to pass through Vapor retarder/barrier needed in wall assemblies in cold climates (e.g. vapor retarder paint) Verify vapor permeability with manufacturers Vapor permeability means any water vapor in assembly can dry out
Vapor Diffusion through materials CLIMATE ZONES 1- 4 WARM CLIMATES
An interior vapor retarder/barrier is not required by code (exception locations like swimming pools).
Vapor Diffusion through materials CLIMATE ZONES 5+ COLD CLIMATES
Simply use a vapor retarder/barrier paint or coating. Some can be painted directly on the spray foam insulation.
SECTION 4 Fire Rating & Code Compliance
Open Cell in Commercial Applications: Code Compliance Approved for use in construction types I-V. -
-
-
-
While most manufacturers have approval for Type V building types, only some manufacturers have approvals for Types I – IV. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for specific compliance details. Wood Frame Type V construction
All spray foam insulation must be covered by an approved thermal barrier PRESCRIPTIVE
Gypsum Wallboard
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCT SPECIFIC
Spray On Coating
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCT SPECIFIC
Thermal Barrier Blanket (provides aesthetics and acoustics)
Drywall commercial installation
Thermal Barrier installation intumescent spray on coating
Thermal Barrier Blanket
NFPA 285 and ASTM E-119
SECTION 5 Enhancing Building Longevity with Open Cell spray foam insulation
Moisture is the biggest threat to building longevity
ASHRAE says moisture damage contributes to 90% of all building or building material failures
Major source of moisture infiltration: Air Leakage Bulk water entry Air leakage which carries moisture Vapor diffusion through other materials Wicking/capillary action
Risks of Moisture Greater potential of mold growth and contributes to poor indoor air quality Corrosion of metal
General degradation of gypsum sheathing, ceiling tiles & wood products etc.
Combat Moisture Damage with Open Cell Spray Foam Open cell creates an effective air barrier prevents moisture laden air from penetrating into a building assembly. Open cell is vapor permeable thereby enhancing the ability of the assembly to dry out. In roof assemblies open cell spray foam may assist in identifying the source of the leak. Some products absorb very little water and permit water to drain through – check with manufacturer.
SECTION 6 Environmental and Green Building Contributions of Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open Cell & LEED v4 Stable R values Higher yield (more board feet per drum set) of low density foam makes it more resource efficient Product is shipped in an unreacted state so it minimizes transport cost
Environmental Product Declaration • Request an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from your spray foam manufacturer early in the design phase. • EPDs provide: – Life Cycle Analysis based information – Details regarding spray foam product’s environmental impacts • Make an informed choice when specifying materials
Additional Benefits Improved Indoor Air Quality: Keeping moisture out Keeping pollutant laden air out
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global Warming Potential is a measure of how much a given mass of a gas contributes to global warming over a given period of time compared to the same mass of Carbon Dioxide. By definition, Carbon Dioxide has a GWP of 1.
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Global Warming Potential (GWP) • Open Cell GWP is 1 (the lowest possible impact) • Typical Closed Cell GWP on average is over 1000 due to
Open Cell
chemical blowing agent
Closed Cell
Global Warming in the Press
SECTION 7 Health & Safety: Best Practices
Ventilation and VOCs
With regard to occupational exposures, studies have shown that in less than 24 hours, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other trace contaminants in the work area are well within standards established by OSHA, NIOSH and other authorities.
Health & Safety Recommendation Appropriately supervised on-site contractors and workers informed about the SPF application may re-enter the work area provided increased ventilation is supplied during spray and maintained immediately thereafter as recommended below. Adjacent spaces need not be vacated provided adequate exhaust ventilation is provided in the work area and exhaust air does not recirculate to the adjacent space.
Times based upon ventilating during and after spraying at minimum 1 ACH. Times based upon ventilation during spraying at minimum 10 ACH for first 4 hours followed by minimum 1 ACH thereafter.
Re-entry period for Informed Non-SPF Trade Workers/Contractors
Re-occupancy for All Others
12 Hours
24 Hours
4 hours
24 hours
CONCLUSION
Key Advantages of Open Cell • Soft, flexible and highly adhesive texture allows the product to retain a tight air seal during the normal structural movement/shifting over the life time of the building • Vapor permeable permits bi-directional drying of assemblies • When applied to the underside of a roof deck, will allow for bulk water to pass through and visibly expose the location of an exterior roof leak • Soft open cell structure allows for greater sound absorption versus closed cell structure • Using a water based blowing agent instead of a synthetic blowing agent reduces the environmental impact
Conclusion 1. 2.
Open cell is a logical and proven choice for commercial buildings Can reduce upfront costs by: Taking advantage of open cell higher yield Air barrier and insulation in one Ease of insulating hard to insulate areas such as complex angles and domes Can reduce energy related operating costs for buildings 3. Combats moisture damage by creating an effective air barrier 4. Has the lowest impact potential on the environment being waterblown with a GWP of 1 5. Also contributes to improved indoor air quality within the building and overall building occupant comfort
Benefits for the building occupants, building designers/ architects & building owners
Questions?
Thank You for Attending! This concludes the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System Program.
