Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/147234
Accordingly, his company has launched Spray Foam Pro, an equivalent quality assurance program for use in Canada. Dalgleish expects that higher standards for envelope thermal efficiency will be enshrined in provincial building codes fairly soon. "Both the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings from the National Research Council and the National Building Code adopted higher insulation levels," he says. "As new codes are adopted, for instance as a standard goes from two-by-six to two-by-eight, people will start adding polystyrene or polyisocyanurate board to the outside," Dalgleish adds. Despite the challenges, the tougher standards could actually help the foam sector. "The cost spread between fibre and foam decreases as the R-values increase," Dalgleish explains. Tougher standards could also boost EIFS for both new buildings and retrofits. This should give comfort to foam's proponents as there is no sign that EIFS manufacturers are about to switch from foam to fibreglass insulation. Code changes are already boosting sales for some brands of EIFS. Durex Quantum Select is an EIFS from Durabond Products Ltd. that has a defined drainage system. "Its use has become more widespread in recent years because of code changes requiring a 10-millimetre cavity for drainage," says Anthony Rapone, marketing manager at Durabond. John Smith, a regional sales manager for Dryvit Systems Canada Ltd., is also optimistic when it comes to EIFS, especially when overcladding existing buildings. A recent retrofit project involved leaving the original split-rib masonry facade in place and installing a new substrate that included steel studs and Dens-glass Gold sheathing before installing Outsulation Plus, one of Dryvit's continuous insulation solutions. The project included consulting from BJC Architects Inc. of Guelph. Smith summarizes the end result of the project, saying, "It marked an esthetic advancement of the building." Esthetics, in part, perhaps spurred a new product from Synstone. The firm recently introduced ViviD, a glass-fibre reinforced concrete panel for cladding. "When utilized in a rainscreen application, Synstone ViviD panels will not only enhance a building's appearance but protect the structure from any moisture penetration," says Sterling Halliday, director of marketing at Synstone. Halliday adds that Synstone Thermo-shield panels are the answer to all building envelope complications. Thermo-shield panels have Building Envelope p12-21Envelope.indd 21 excellent moisture/air barrier properties and are fully bonded to rigid or Roxul drain board insulation. The combination of the lightweight concrete panel and insulation become completely non-combustible, resistant to cracking, chipping, fading and freeze thaw. While Thermo-shield panels will not transport any water, they are water-vapour permeable. These panels not only protect the building but also decorate it with a variety of surface finishes and vibrant colours. Thermo-shield can be used for new construction, retrofit construction, below and above grade, and as an equivalent to other cement-faced insulation products. The panels are intended to be installed on either single storey or multi storey as wall cladding, complete wall systems or soffit panels. These panels have been commercially available since the 1980s and are manufactured in Canada. Another exciting product also manufactured in Canada and available from Synstone is SynCor, a lightweight concrete laminate sandwich panel. It is a foam-cored panel consisting of glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) faces, acting as an exterior and interior skin of concrete. These panels can be used as window infills in place of typical metal panels, balcony panels for condos and highrises, complete wall systems and as an alternative to glass in curtain wall design. SynCor panels can be manufactured to fit into any curtain wall system and glazed into place much like glass products. The panels are available in a wide variety of surface finishes such as slate, smooth, wood grain and stucco. Not only does the SynCor panel act as the exterior finish but also the interior finish. "SynCor has a life expectancy of over 100 years, eliminating the need to replace the spandrel panels as is all too common with glass spandrel panels which typically have a life of 15 years," says Halliday. "The SynCor alternative to glass in curtain wall will increase the thermal productivity of any standard curtain wall system significantly, reducing the energy needed to heat or cool the building and its occupants." Another product, launched about five years ago, is called RubberRock and is aimed directly at the practical issue of waterproofing any type of flat roof. "It's one of our latest innovations. It was influenced by winter waterproof systems. It's gaining traction and we're seeing demand for it in retrofits in commercial and industrial applications," says Jonathan Ursini, director of business development DuRock Alfacing International. n October 2013 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Insulation Book your ad space now: Dan Chapman 604.473.0316 Alexander Sugden 604.473.0358 august 2013 /21 13-07-12 2:20 PM