Good building practices and building codes increasingly demand continuous insulation (ci) in exterior wall construction. Also, more rain screen cladding systems are being used because they are cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing and robust.
These trends present some unique challenges for designers who want to comply with fire safety standards. Due to the open joints and highly back-ventilated installation of rain screen claddings, many combustible “ci” materials do not pass the NFPA 285 fire test in these assemblies. Compliance with fire safety requirements gives designers two “ci” choices with rain screen claddings – mineral fiber or polyiso insulation. Exterior “ci” behind rain screen cladding is subjected to moisture, wind, pollutants and temperature extremes. So how do each of these insulating materials perform when subjected to these conditions?
Find out here by downloading a copy of “Polyiso versus Mineral Wool for Exterior Wall Insulation.”