When Arco Steel Buildings sells a pre-engineered metal building, we strive to guide our customers to consider all of the components that can affect their project's code compliance and permitting process. It is important that buyers are aware that local codes change from year to year, and that they need to verify not only their building code requirements, but their current energy code requirements as well. Energy codes affect what insulation system and insulation R-values they must utilize to obtain a permit.
In the past two years, several states (e.g., Kentucky, Indiana and North Carolina) have adopted the 2009 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). This code is much more stringent than past energy codes, and serves to change the face of building envelope design thereby keeping energy conservation at the forefront. States that have adopted 2009 IECC are comprised of "zones", and code requirements for insulation systems and R-values vary from zone to zone.
We at Arco believe that it is essential that you align yourself with your local permit officer so that you know what will be required for your project regarding your insulation system and R-values. While there are charts available for your interpretation, it is safest to look to your local permit officer and/or architect for what will be required for your commercial metal building project.
The pre-engineered metal building industry has several different insulation systems at its disposal that may be utilized to attain the high R-values required by these newer energy codes. One such system, and the system that is able to achieve the highest in place R-values is the liner system (i.e., Simple Saver, MBI Safety LinerTM, and Energycraft® by Thermal Design).
The illustration below is an example of how the liner system works. This one happens to be Simple Saver. Two layers of insulation are installed between and over the purlins of a steel building's roofing system to attain high R-values.
Underneath the insulation, metal-building erectors install a liner, which is the visible part of the Simple Saver system and critical to the building's durability and aesthetics. The liners are white to provide better lighting efficiency where the roof system is visible, eliminating about 30% of the number of light fixtures necessary and leading to corresponding savings in wiring and power costs.
If you, along with your inspector and/or architect determine that your project requires a high R-value insulation system to meet the energy code, talk to your Arco sales representative about which insulation system will work best for your budget and your project.
