Instructions / Assembly

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Miscellaneous
Blind Fastening
Blind fastening conditions are common in applications where the cladding and cladding attachment are fastened outboard of the
mineral wool insulation. In these instances, the backup wall stud or other structure intended to receive the cladding attachment are not
directly visible. While there are many instances of blind fastening, Owens Corning recommends some best practices to ensure plumb
attachment penetration and to minimize accidental penetration of other building components. A common method is to identify the stud
line using a laser line or mark the stud line to facilitate through fastener applications. If available, utilize a drill guide for long fasteners to
help ensure accurate fastener penetration.
If the receiving stud is missed and there is concern about penetrating the continuity of the air barrier system, we recommend contacting
the air barrier system manufacturer as repair methods vary.
Termite Resistance
Owens Corning conducted extensive testing to assess the performance of mineral wool to termite infestation. The tests were performed
by an accredit laboratory in accordance with American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) E1-17 Standard Method for Laboratory
Evaluation to Determine Resistance to Subterranean Termites (AWPA 2019). Testing utilized both the choice method (the test specimens
- mineral wool insulation - were compared with the performance of untreated southern pine control lumber) and the no-choice method
(only test specimens - mineral wool insulation - was placed in the test chamber). The tests were performed with both native subterranean
termites (Reticulitermes) and Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus).
All mineral wool test scores were 9.5 – 10, indicating excellent resistance to termite attack.
AWPA E1-17 Rating Scale:
10 Sound
9.5 Trace, surface nibbles permitted
9 Slight attack, up to 3% of cross-sectional area affected
8 Moderate attack, 3-10% of cross-sectional area affected
7 Moderate/severe attack, penetration, 10-30% of cross-sectional area affected
6 Severe attack, 30-50% of cross-sectional area affected
4 Very severe attack, 50-75% of cross-sectional area affected
0 Failure
The Owens Corning mineral wool, tests showed excellent resistance to the termite attack. When given the choice the termites chose to
feed heavily on the untreated control specimen rather than the Owens Corning mineral wool insulation.