Description

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Design practices increasingly rely on exterior insulation to meet energy codes and continuous insulation requirements. This shift brings new challenges, especially for NFPA 285-compliant wall assemblies, moisture management, thermal continuity, and long-term durability. This presentation explores the performance of exterior insulation under the demanding conditions of modern rainscreens and masonry veneers, with a focus on NFPA 285 compliance, thermal bridging, moisture transport, and wind-washing effects. Attendees will gain insights to help design, specify, and install exterior insulation effectively while avoiding potential issues. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Review building code requirements and testing methods for fire propagation and smoke development, with a focus on understanding the NFPA 285 fire propagation test in relation to material properties. 
2. Examine insulation properties related to moisture and air performance for rainscreens and masonry veneers to optimize insulation choices. 
3. Identify challenges such as multiple drain planes, drainage efficiency, water absorption, and vapor transmission, and understand risks when exterior insulation is combined with cavity insulation, vapor retarders, and low-perm barriers. 
4. Understand wind-washing effects and convective heat loss in rainscreens and learn to protect the thermal insulation layer to maintain wall performance. 

Presenter: Lance Williams Architectural Manager Atlas Roofing Corporation