What is U-value?
The U-value (overall heat transfer coefficient) is a term used to describe the thermal performance of a building envelope assembly such as a roof or sidewall system in a metal building that has a number of heat flow paths. NOTE: THE LOWER THE U-VALUE THE BETTER THE PERFORMANCE.
Who is NAIMA?
NAIMA or North American Insulation Manufacturers Association is a trade association of manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. Today NAIMA has expanded its role and concentrates its efforts on promoting energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of fiber glass and other insulation products.
Are there guidelines or instructions for installing insulation?
Yes. Click here to view the NAIMA publication “Recommendations for Installing Fiber Glass Insulation in Metal Buildings” You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document. If you do not have a copy, you can download it for free here
What are NAIMA 202-96 Certified Metal Building Insulations?
NAIMA 202-96 Certified Metal Building Insulations are fiber glass insulations intended to be laminated and manufactured for the metal building market. This standard is supported by NAIMA to assure that these insulations are distinguished from insulations produced for other uses. If non-certified insulations are used, they may not deliver the same thermal performance, tensile strength, and greater thickness recovery after compression as those insulations that are certified.
If my insulation is exposed to moisture does it affect its performance?
Moisture from rain or humidity can degrade the thermal performance of the insulation and service life of the building. It is important that a vapor barrier, such as a facing, is installed without gaps and sealed to help protect the fiber glass blankets. If moisture exists it is equally as important to provide a well ventilated environment. Wet insulation should be replaced if it is damaged.
What do you know about reflective insulations?
NAIMA has tested this type of insulation and has found them to be a concern for fire safety both in the foil/bubble pack and the foil/foam core type. The published R- Values are much higher than NAIMA’S test could achieve. Note: Test configurations performed in “lab” conditions are not typical of the real world of metal building application.
What concerns should I have about the installation process?
First and foremost is safety. Fall protection is a requirement from OSHA especially when installing roof insulation or roofing. Be sure that you read all warnings and abide by the OSHA regulations for your safety as well as others working with you.
What is ASHRAE 90.1 compliance for metal buildings?
It is a commercial code requirement and has been adopted in most areas. Check with the authority having jurisdiction in your area to verify whether this code is applicable and if consideration should be made to meet its requirements.
How should the insulation be stored once it arrives at the job site?
Insulation should be stored in a dry protected area especially if it is not to be installed immediately. All poly bags should be elevated as to not become in contact with surface water. Poly bags should have punctures in each end to help allow for circulation.
What should I check for when unloading at the time of delivery?
The insulation should be inspected upon arrival to insure that your order is exactly what was ordered. Take care as to not inadvertently puncture the poly bags while unloading. Seal any tears that may have occurred during the shipping process. If there is anything wrong with the order or insulation then it should not be installed. Contact us immediately! Your insulation comes with a limited warranty. Items not subject to claim under our warranty include reimbursements for consequential damages, labor or rental equipment costs or losses resulting out of a warranty claim.
How is my insulation packaged?
Your insulation is pre-cut for the walls and roof and placed in heavy poly bags for added protection. The bags are labeled “ROOF” or “SIDE WALL” or “END WALL”. When we say pre-cut we do not mean that there is no field work. For example there may be angles to cut for the end wall. Also, there may be several runs from the base to the eave in one roll. The length of the roll is usually a multiple of the eave height (plus one foot extra to be trimmed).
Does insulation absorb water?
Yes. Insulation actually acts like a wick when exposed to water. INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A CLOSURE UNDER PANEL ENDS. It is especially important to cut your insulation fiber glass back (you can leave the facing to fold back over the end of the insulation blanket) at the ends of panels such as the eaves and base. This is a common mistake among new installers which results in a wicking of water into the building. Be sure that you read all installation instructions.
Does your company supply NAIMA certified insulation?
NIAMA certified insulation is a common product supplied from our laminating facilities. We do however work with some of the largest fiberglass blanket suppliers that are not members of NIAMA. This means that the testing results which are available were performed by independent testing facilities other than NIAMA. If NIAMA is a required specification make sure you indicate that in the quote and order documents. |
