Full Product Manual

ROCKWOOL
8
Thermal insulation systems for residential
exterior wall applications
If the home is older and built with 2 x 4
studs for the exterior walls, never
attempt to squeeze Comfortbatt R-24
into the wall cavity. Compressing the
insulation will cause it to lose its
effective R-Value – instead install
ROCKWOOL Comfortbatt R-15.
Another option to improve the wall’s
thermal performance is to build out the
studs by adding 2 x 2 strapping/furring
to the existing edges of the 2 x 4 studs,
which will create a 2 x 6 stud wall.
Comfortbatt R-24 can then be added to
the expanded deeper cavity and end up
with increased insulation R-Value.
As energy efciency and thermal performance demands
continue to increase, building codes, builders and
homeowners are responding by increasing the R-Value
of the building enclosure, in particular, the above grade
exterior wall. Given that the cavity of the standard wood
frame wall used in residential housing is already lled with
insulation, the clear path forward to higher R-Values is to
add additional continuous insulation on the exterior side
of the wall.
ROCKWOOL Comfortboard 80 is a rigid stone wool
insulation board fastened to the outside face of the
exterior studs and on the outer face of the exterior
sheathing, designed to provide increased thermal
performance to the building envelope.
What makes ROCKWOOL Comfortboard 80 a superior
exterior insulation sheathing?
High Drying Potential
Comfortboard 80 is a moisture-resistant, yet
vaporpermeable insulation and will allow transient vapors
to pass through without restriction. This unique vapor-
permeable quality of ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation
allows for an increased potential for drying without
trapping moisture in the wall assembly.
Fire Resistance
ROCKWOOL Comfortboard 80 and ROCKWOOL
Comfortbatt are noncombustible and re resistant, able
to withstand temperatures of 2150 F (1177 C), will not
fuel the spread of a re, or contribute any signicant toxic
smoke. Adding Comfortboard 80 on in your walls can
increase the re resilience of your home.
Vapor retarders in cold climates
Typically, a vapor retarder is installed on the warm side
of the wall, over the insulation and studs. Use the least
amount of staples that will hold the vapor retarder
up, seal all vapor retarder seams with suitable tape to
completely seal the wall. This reduces the chance of warm
air getting into the wall cavity, where it can contribute to
condensation and cause mold problems.