ROCKWOOL Comfortbatt Thermal Insulation

ROCKWOOL
4
4
6
7
6
4
5
5
3
2
2
2
1
3
4
Zone 4 - Marine
Determining your climate zone and
building code requirements.
In the northern states and Canada, chances are that
building code mandates a vapor control layer be
installed on the warm side of the insulation. A vapor
control layer in northern climates helps to reduce
the moisture diffusion through the wall assembly and
through to the drywall.
Vapor control layers and barriers have different
permeance levels measured in perms and depending
on your building code you may need to install a vapor
control layer with a specic perm rating. In Canada
and some northern US states, a 6 mil polyethylene
sheet is commonly used, but always check with your
local building code for guidance.
ASHRAE – history of R-value requirements
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international
society of technical individuals who provide knowledge
to the building industry on heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R). The Society
developed ASHRAE 90.1, an energy conservation
standard that provides the minimum requirements for
energy-efcient buildings.
This standard, or an equivalent, is applied today
in many states for commercial, government and
high-rise building applications. In Canada, look to
the National Building Code and refer to section
A-5.3.1.2 for information on condensation and energy
conservation standards.
ASHRAE map of climate zones (above)
Every rating agency has its own maps that divide
regions into thermal or climate zones to tailor codes
and standards to what is appropriate for that particular
region.
In Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4 (except Zone 4
Marine), no vapor retarder is required on the interior
surface of insulated wall and oor assemblies while
in the northern states, some form of vapor retarder is
likely code mandatory.