Continuous Insulation

Building codes are continually evolving to reflect the latest in insulation technology. Today’s building codes often call for installation of continuous insulation for energy efficient, code compliant construction. This means insulation is installed over an entire interior or exterior wall, not just inside the empty spaces in the wall.

Service Partners has all the high quality insulation materials you need to complete your continuous insulation projects. Contact your local branch for more information today!

What is Continuous Insulation?

This is the definition of continuous insulation, put forth by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings:

“Insulating material that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior or exterior or is integral to any opaque surface of the building envelope.”

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) & Continuous Insulation

Since 2012, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has provided requirements for insulation based on building assembly type (foundations, slabs, framed walls, mass walls, floors, roofs) and climate zone. The IECC no longer only requires insulation in wall cavities; insulation should be placed across all surfaces. Continuous insulation is now used in residential and commercial construction for increased energy efficiency.

Continuous Insulation & R-Values

R-value is a measure of thermal resistance of various insulation materials. Higher r-values indicate greater insulating effectiveness.

Continuous insulation – as opposed to only filling wall cavities with insulation – is an efficient way to improve R-values. An external wall without continuous insulation does not perform as well as an external wall with continuous insulation. Furthermore, ensuring proper installation of continuous insulation maximizes the full R-value of the insulation.

Continuous Insulation Benefits

Walls and framing materials allow heat transfer in and out of buildings. This heat transfer, called thermal bridging, makes buildings less energy efficient. Adding a continuous layer of insulation over framing (both the studs and the wall cavities), increases the thermal performance of the building envelope. Continuous insulation provides a thermal break in a building assembly.

With properly installed continuous insulation, energy efficiency is improved and costs for heating and air conditioning are reduced. Improved energy efficiency is good for the environment. Continuous insulation also acts as a vapor barrier – keeping moisture out and reducing the risk of long-term damage from condensation.

Many building codes require continuous insulation to meet minimum standards. Continuous insulation is often a cost effective manner of creating code-compliant walls. Installing continuous insulation also helps create safe, comfortable buildings.

Common Continuous Insulation Materials

A variety of insulation materials can be used for continuous insulation.

Rigid foam board is frequently a top choice for continuous insulation. Rigid board insulation provides a relatively high R-value per inch combined with low costs. It has the ability to meet or exceed energy code requirements. Rigid board insulation is available in three types: extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polyisocyanurate (polyiso). EPS is the most versatile and can be used anywhere in the building envelope. XPS is mostly used in walls or below grade applications. Polyiso is typically used in roof assemblies but it can also be used in walls.

Other effective options for continuous insulation include:

• Spray foam – a spray-applied polyurethane foam available in both closed cell and open cell options
• Fiberglass board – a dense product that can resist water exposure for a limited time
• Mineral wool board – an effective thermal barrier made from raw materials including rock and furnace slag

Continuous Insulation & Related Accessories

When you’re installing continuous insulation in a home or business, you want to use high quality insulation materials as well as related accessories. Service Partners has all the products you need to ensure proper and effective insulation installation.

Insulation adhesives and tapes effectively seal a building envelope. Taping seams between pieces of insulation creates an air and moisture barrier. Caulk and sealants are used to seal penetrations. All of these accessories help create the most effective continuous insulation installation for your building.

Residential & Commercial Continuous Insulation Near Me

If you are looking to purchase continuous insulation materials and accessories for your residential or commercial building project, turn to the insulation experts at Service Partners. We carry the highest quality brands of building supplies, and we are the leading distributor of insulation products in the nation. With 75+ branches, we can quickly and easily provide continuous insulation products with next day delivery and service available.

Contact Service Partners for more information on continuous insulation.