Whole building testing requires ASTM E 779. Assembly consists of a combination of envelope materials built and tested under ASTM E 2157, 1677 or 283. Materials are just that: Any material tested under ASTM E 2178. The designer decides to follow one of three paths: (1) Materials, (2) Assembly, or (3) Whole building. Under IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 2013, it’s still the same choice. The next big change for the metal building envelope is the air barrier requirement. An Important Update: Air Barrier Requirements In order to obtain these U-values, a metal building would require either a Liner System or a Filled Cavity/Long Tab System for the roof and a Liner System or Filled Cavity/Long Tab System for the walls. For example, using ASHRAE 90.1 2013, climate zone 5a requires a roof U-value of.
ASHRAE 90.1 2016 WINDOW U VALUE CODE
This is based on the ASHRAE 90.1 2013 Standard the IECC 2015 code has, for the most part, the same values. If Semi-Heated is not allowed based on the heating system output, then each climate zone has major insulation requirement increases under the non-residential space. Table 3.2, which is used to determine semi-heated space, has not changed with the latest code updates. Semi-Heated Space: Space heated above 3.4btu’s/hr/ft2 and below 5 in climate zones (CL) 1 and 2, below 10 in CL 3, below 15 in CL 4 and 5, below 20 in CL 6 and 7 and below 25 in CL 8 (per ASHARE 90.1 2013) Non-Residential Space: Spaces heated or cooled above semi-heated requirement (per ASHRAE 90.1 2013). Remember that:Ĭonditioned Space: Space that will be heated above 3.4btu’s/hr/ft2 and/or cooled (per IECC 2015). The only option that allows minimal insulation is Semi-Heated Space within ASHRAE 90.1 2013. The IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 2013 have the most stringent envelope requirements based on “Conditioned Space” and “ Non-Residential Space”. In previous versions of the IECC code and ASHRAE Standards, it was easier to obtain lower insulation values in the roof and walls of metal buildings. There are some major changes to the envelope performance. Once that decision is made, the entire building envelope, including mechanicals and lighting, must follow the same path. The building designer will have to make the decision to pursue either IECC 2015 or ASHRAE 90.1 2013. The choices are the same for the rest of the envelope. My next post will be all about the key differences between the two systems, so be sure to subscribe to my email list (below) to get that update. Both options fulfill the metal building insulation requirements it’s just a matter of preference.
If you haven’t used Liner Systems (Ls) or Filled Cavity/Long Tab Systems in the past, you will need to start using them. This is a huge jump, and many metal building contractors will feel the pressure.
Many states currently at the IECC 2009 code are bypassing IECC 2012 altogether and adopting IECC 2015. If your state’s current code is based on the older IECC 2009 and ASHRAE 90.1 2007 Standard, you’ll see more significant envelope changes. Note that I’m basing the upcoming changes on comparisons of the current IECC 2012 code and the ASHRAE 90.1 2010 Standard. Check the status of your state energy code here.Īn Overview: IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 2013 So, theoretically, your state could switch in the next few months or in a few years. Remember that each state is in a code cycle, which lasts two to three years. The exact timing of implementation depends on each state. Will be the IECC 2015 code and ASHRAE 90.1 2013 alternative path.
The next commercial energy code cycle for most states If you’re not familiar with the new IECC code or the latest ASHRAE update, keep reading to find out how these commercial energy code changes may affect you this year. Let’s kick off 2016 with a clear code direction.