Highly Insulated Wall Systems with Exterior Insulation of Polyisocyanurate under Different Facer Materials: Material Characterization and Long-Term Hygrothermal Performance Assessment

Iffa, Emishaw; Tariku, Fitsum; Simpson, Wendy Ying

doi:10.3390/ma13153373

Highly Insulated Wall Systems with Exterior Insulation of Polyisocyanurate under Different Facer Materials: Material Characterization and Long-Term Hygrothermal Performance Assessment

Journal Article · Thu Jul 30 00:00:00 EDT 2020 · Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13153373· OSTI ID:1649167

Iffa, Emishaw ^[1]; Tariku, Fitsum ^[2]; Simpson, Wendy Ying ^[2]

Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
British Columbia Inst. of Technology, Burnaby, BC (Canada)

The application of exterior insulation in both new construction and retrofits is a common practice to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. In addition to increased thermal performance, the rigid insulation can serve to keep the sheathing board warm and serve as a water-resistive barrier to keep moisture-related problems due to condensation and wind-driven rain. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid boards have a higher thermal resistance in comparison to other commonly used exterior insulation boards. However, because of its perceived lower permeance, its use as exterior insulation is not very common. In this study, the hygrothermal property of PIR boards with different facer types and thicknesses is characterized. The material data obtained through experimental test and extrapolation is used in a long term hygrothermal performance assessment of a wood frame wall with PIR boards as exterior insulation. Results show that PIR with no facer has the smallest accumulated moisture on the sheathing board in comparison to other insulation boards. Walls with a bigger thickness of exterior insulation perform better when no vapor barrier is used. The PIR exterior insulation supports the moisture control strategy well in colder climates in perfect wall scenarios, where there is no air leakage and moisture intrusion. In cases where there is trapped moisture, the sheathing board has a higher moisture content with PIR boards with both aluminum or fiberglass type facers. An innovative facer material development for PIR boards can help efforts targeting improved energy-efficient and durable wall systems.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 1649167

Journal Information:: Materials, Journal Name: Materials Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 13; ISSN 1996-1944

Publisher:: MDPICopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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