Often we think that saving money is the primary benefit of installing energy-saving components in the construction of a house or commercial building. But today, people tend to have a big picture view on how we directly affect our world. We take re-usable bags when we go grocery shopping and put jars and plastic bottles in recycling bins on trash day. That concern for doing what is right is most apparent in how we want our houses to be built.

National, state and local energy codes are being revised at a rapid pace, placing a strong emphasis on energy conservation. Many code development boards are including the use of continuous insulation (CI) in the new ordinances they write. CI is recognized for being able to increase energy efficiency by reducing thermal bridging. Furthermore, it can do this at a moderate initial cost and provide cost paybacks over time with lower energy bills.

CI is continuous across all structural members with no thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is a responsible building method that doesn’t take extra resources from the environment or strain a homeowner’s or building owner’s finances.

Wall CI Board

A high-performing wall system should provide continuous thermal insulation, an air barrier, moisture vapor control, and a water resistive barrier. When properly installed and taped, Atlas Roofing Corporation Wall CI products can seal and insulate a wall in one step. This not only saves time and money, but also improves the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) of the house. In order to accommodate the growing demand for CI products, Atlas produces polyiso CI boards in six U.S. and two Canadian cities.

Atlas Wall CI boards stop thermal bridging and surround an entire house or building in a blanket of insulation. This CI system increases the overall thermal performance of a wall assembly and keeps heat loss to a minimum. Yes, that will lower a homeowner’s monthly operating costs, but increasing a home’s energy efficiency also contributes to that “big picture” goal of reducing negative impacts on our world. That’s how Atlas Wall CI is environmentally responsible. But that’s not all.

More Than Just Thermal Efficiency

Reducing home heating and cooling costs is the main topic of most discussions on environmental responsibility. But there are other ways in which Atlas Wall CI can help a home’s environment. It creates an effective air sealing system that, in addition to reducing energy loss, also increases interior air quality through air infiltration. Blower door testing is now required in many zones. All Atlas Wall CI boards pass the ASTM 2178 requirement for an air barrier material and can be part of a properly detailed and sealed air barrier assembly. This is achieved when joints are taped or sealed with proper flashing and sealants at rough openings, roof-wall intersections, and below grade connections, to provide more protection from air infiltration.

If Atlas CI boards are used as a Water Resistant Barrier (WRB) and drainage plane, as well as thermal insulation, the costs and efforts of adding a house wrap product are eliminated. The sealed or taped foam boards act as the WRB.

The Way To Go

When used as a multi-function sheathing, CI can simplify the steps to construct a code-compliant wall assembly. Atlas Wall CI Board, made with polyiso, has a greater R-value per inch than other common types of continuous insulation.

Energy codes are changing the way exterior wall assemblies are designed by emphasizing the use of continuous insulation systems. It is well documented that a wall built with a continuous insulation layer is an environmentally responsible way to build a house or commercial building.