Image: Long Tab with Banding System.

Commercial Energy Codes and Changes You Need to Know

Let’s kick off our Therm-All series with a clear code direction. If you’re not familiar with the new IECC code or the latest ASHRAE update, keep reading to find out how the changes to these commercial energy codes may affect you this year.

First Thing’s First: The Next Code Cycle

The next commercial energy code cycle for most states will be the IECC 2015 code and ASHRAE 90.1 2013 alternative path. The exact timing of implementation depends on each state. Remember that each state is in a code cycle, which lasts two to three years.  So, theoretically, your state could switch in the next few months or in a few years. Check the status of your state energy code.

An Overview: IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 2013

Note that I’m basing the upcoming changes on comparisons of the current IECC 2012 code and the ASHRAE 90.1 2010 Standard. 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. Many states currently at the IECC 2009 code are bypassing IECC 2012 altogether and adopting IECC 2015. This is a huge jump, and many metal building contractors will feel the pressure. If you haven’t used Liner Systems (Ls) or Filled Cavity/Long Tab Systems in the past, you will need to start using them. Both options fulfill the metal building insulation requirements; it’s just a matter of preference.

The choices are the same for the rest of the envelope. The building designer will have to make the decision to pursue either IECC 2015 or ASHRAE 90.1 2013. Once that decision is made, the entire building envelope, including mechanicals and lighting, must follow the same path.

Changes in Envelope Performance

There are some major changes to the envelope performance in the latest code updates. 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. The IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 2013 have the most stringent envelope requirements based on “Conditioned Space” and “ Non-Residential Space.” The only option that allows minimal insulation is Semi-Heated Space within ASHRAE 90.1 2013.

Remember that:

Conditioned Space: Space that will be heated above 3.4 btu’s/hr/ft² and/or cooled (per IECC 2015).

Non-Residential Space: Space heated or cooled above semi-heated requirement (per ASHRAE 90.1 2013).

Semi-Heated Space: Space heated above 3.4 btu’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 ASHRAE 90.1 2013).

Table 3.2, which is used to determine semi-heated space, has not changed with the latest code updates.

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. This is based on the ASHRAE 90.1 2013 Standard; the IECC 2015 code has, for the most part, the same values. For example, using ASHRAE 90.1 2013, climate zone 5a requires a roof U-value of .037 and a wall U-value of .050. 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.

An Important Update: Air Barrier Requirements

The next big change for the metal building envelope is the air barrier requirement. Under IECC 2015 and ASHRAE 90.1 2013, it’s still the same choice. The designer decides to follow one of three paths: (1) Materials, (2) Assembly, or (3) Whole building. Materials are just that: Any material tested under ASTM E 2178. Assembly consists of a combination of envelope materials built and tested under ASTM E 2157, 1677 or 283. Whole building testing requires ASTM E 779. If this option is used, and the building fails, it must be brought in compliance with the leakage rate allowed, which means you can’t opt out of this option once it’s chosen by the designer. ASHRAE 90.1 2013 does allow a lesser leakage rate if repairs are made.

Although all of the above is required, there are some mandatory requirements related to the air barrier beyond just the path a designer opts to take. Buildings are now required to have an air barrier, and it must be located within the building’s thermal envelope. It can be placed on the interior side, exterior side, somewhere within assemblies composing the envelope, or any combination thereof. In IECC 2015 this can be found in section C 402.5.1 and C 402.5.1.1. Exceptions include unheated buildings. In ASHRAE 90.1 2013 this can be found in sections 5.4.3, 5.4.3.1.1 and 5.4.3.1.2. Exceptions include semi-heated buildings in climate zones 1-6.

It is also mandatory to identify the air barrier and for it to be continuous across joints and assemblies. Joints and seams must be sealed and securely installed. Penetrations and joints and seals associated with penetrations must be sealed in a manner compatible with construction material and location.

In closing, the code cycle changes that are either here or coming soon to your state are, without a doubt, challenging to say the least. If you have questions about these code updates, fill out the form on this page or call 888-2-INSUL-8. Our Therm-All reps are trained in energy code compliance and are ready for your questions.