“SPF 100”
A Presentation to:
CHBA
Technical Research Committee (TRC)
October 22, 2010
Peter Birkbeck
Icynene Inc. – Codes and Standards
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Icynene Inc. – Our Partners
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Icynene Inc.
• a Canadian company located in
Mississauga ON
• ICYNENE LD-C-50® (formerly Gold
Seal®) invented in Canada in 1986
• distributors/installers (dealers) in over
20 countries worldwide
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Spray Foam Types
• 3 basic types of SPF used in residential
and commercial construction:
– High density 3lb. + (closed cell): roofing
– Medium density 2 lb. (closed cell)
– Low density 0.5 lb. (open cell): Icynene,
etc.
• All SPF is good…
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SPF at the Micro Level
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Open Cell ocSPF
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Spray Foam Types
• Medium density SPF (ccSPF)
– Closed cell structure: rigid, non-flexible
– Air and vapour barrier material
• At what thickness?
– High R-value but stabilizes over time: “LTTR”
– Water-resistive barrier
– Formulated with chemical blowing agents
– Must be applied in multiple passes
• (more later)
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Spray Foam Types
• Low Density SPF (ocSPF)
– Semi-flexible: more resistant to movement of
structure
– Air barrier material
• usually (check), at what thickness?
– Vapour barrier material: no (not in Canada)
– Stable R-value
– Can absorb water but allows drainage
– Water-blown (usually)
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Thermal Barrier
NBC 2005 (9.10.17.10)
- (all) “..foam plastics…shall be protected
from adjacent space…, by,”
• “..finishes described in Subsections 9.29.4 to
9.29.9.,”
• “sheet metal mechanically fastened..”
• “any thermal barrier meeting the requirements
of Clause 3.1.5.12.(2)(e).” (Class B of CAN4S124-M test)
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Product Compliance
• NBC 2005
– CAN/ULC standards S705.1 and S705.2
are for ccSPF
– do not apply to ocSPF
– similar standards for ocSPF under
development (S712.1 and S712.2)
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Sealing Problem Areas
Rim and Band
Joists
All stud spaces
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Accommodating Complex Construction
Windows
Metal Stud Channels
Wide stud spaces
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Accomodating Complex Construction
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SPF Installation
• ccSPF: per CAN/ULC S705.2
– Trained installer required
– Each pass between 15 and 50 mm
• Exotherm risk
• ocSPF
– CCMC Technical Guide: trained installer required
– No limit on pass thickness: up to 300 mm
– Installation standard (S712.2) under development
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CAN/ULC S705.2
(Comprehensive Installation Guidance)
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CAN/ULC S705.2
(Guidance on control of Exotherm)
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SOLPLAN Review – June, 2010
A Good Treatment of SPF
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Product Compliance
• CCMC Evaluations
• (-R) non-standardized materials - meet the intent
of the Codes
• (-L) listing: meets recognized standard ie. S705.1
• Current count (CCMC Registry):
• 4 ccSPF
• 6 ocSPF
• For example:
• NBC: CCMC 12070-R: ICYNENE LD-C-50®
• OBC (ON) Minister’s Ruling: if proponent elects
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CCMC Report 12070-R
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Emerging issues:
Where you could help..
• Ask for proof:
– Of trained installer
– Of product compliance
• Building Codes: resist:
– Increasing R-values that limit product
choices
– Prescriptive packages “equivalent to” EG
80 with no performance (test)
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Thanks for your attention!
Questions?
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pbirkbeck@icynene.com
T: 905.363.4040
F: 905.363.0102