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OCTOBER 2015 | 35 Insulation the latter's liquid component has been replaced with a gas. The result is an ultra- light solid with very low density and low thermal conductivity, which was first made in the 1930s. Its Italian sports car type prices, though, have relegated what has been called the world's best insulation material to a few niche applications. Some believe that a technical breakthrough could change that. Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) are another possibility. Dow Corning, which makes VIPs and is not part of Dow Chemical, describes its thin-profile insulation panel technology as a high efficiency insulation product featuring five to 10 times better thermal resistance than conventional materials. "It's not clear whether either will ever be widely used," Baird says. Structural Panel Systems has seen the popularity of its Rockwall insulated fire-rated panel system continue to gain traction here in Canada. This insulated metal building panel consists of a unique Roxul mineral fibre core with laminated sheet steel permanently bonded to both sides. Once the Rockwall panels have been installed according to the specific Warnock Hersey certification guidelines, the assembly provides one, two and three hours of fire resistance with a four-, five- and six-inch core thickness. Once secured in place, a finished Rockwall building, ceiling or partition wall also provides a strong and reliable thermal performance system (R-4 per inch). Rockwall is a leading choice for many different commercial and industrial environ- ments, including electrical buildings, machinery and equipment rooms, chemical storage areas, mining and oilfield structures. "It's a popular choice for contractors, architects and developers because not only does it help reduce climate control costs and keep the elements out, but the Warnock Hersey certified fire proofing capabilities are a big hit with insurance companies and property owners across all industries," says Lee Rogers, business development manager at Structural Panels Inc. "It's expensive to have to replace interior and exterior wall assemblies, so natu- rally people want a long-lasting, low maintenance and practical solution when they invest in renovating or upgrading their space. Energy bills are also getting more expensive and being able to maintain a targeted indoor climate without spending a fortune becomes a higher priority to help control operation costs. Having low energy bills is also something that really appeals to people who are forecasting down the road to when they may want sell their property, since buyers are keen to know in advance what environmental costs they'll face," Rogers adds. Another insulation product, which in the past had its share of controversy, has lost its outlier status and shifted into the mainstream. Today's increasingly complex architectural shapes are perhaps one factor helping spray foam insulation increase market share, says Bruce Young, Canadian regional sales director for Icynene. "On the building exterior, Icynene ProSeal and Icynene MD-C-200 v2 closed cell spray foam insulation both provide a high performance all-in-one continuous insulation and air barrier solution for the outer surface of sheathing on a framed wall," he says. Winter install of Structural Panel Systems' Rockwall insulated panel.

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