CEU Credit:​

1 AIA LU/HSW

 

Program Description:

Design practices increasingly rely on exterior insulation to meet energy codes and continuous insulation requirements. This shift brings new challenges, especially for NFPA 285-compliant wall assemblies, moisture management, thermal continuity, and long-term durability. This presentation explores the performance of exterior insulation under the demanding conditions of modern rainscreens and masonry veneers, with a focus on NFPA 285 compliance, thermal bridging, moisture transport, and wind-washing effects. Attendees will gain insights to help design, specify, and install exterior insulation effectively while avoiding potential issues.

 

Learning Objectives:

Review building code requirements and testing methods for fire propagation and smoke development,

with a focus on understanding the NFPA 285 fire propagation test in relation to material properties.​​

​

​Examine insulation properties related to moisture and air performance for rainscreens and

masonry veneers to optimize insulation choices.

​

​Identify challenges such as multiple drain planes, drainage efficiency, water absorption,

and vapor transmission, and understand risks when exterior insulation is combined with

cavity insulation, vapor retarders, and low-perm barriers.

​

Understand wind-washing effects and convective heat loss in rainscreens and learn

to protect the thermal insulation layer to maintain wall performance.