Design practices increasingly rely on exterior insulation to meet energy codes and continuous insulation requirements. This shift brings new challenges, especially for NFPA 285-compliant wall assemblies, moisture management, thermal continuity, and long-term durability. This presentation explores the performance of exterior insulation under the demanding conditions of modern rainscreens and masonry veneers, with a focus on NFPA 285 compliance, thermal bridging, moisture transport, durability and sustainability. Attendees will gain insights to help design, specify, and install exterior insulation to optimize its benefits while avoiding potential issues. 

Learning objectives:  

• Review building code requirements and testing methods for fire propagation and smoke development, with a focus on understanding the NFPA 285 assembly test in relation to modern wall assemblies.
• Examine insulation properties related to water, air, thermal, & overall durability for rainscreens and masonry veneers so as to optimize insulation choices and defend against increasing environmental pressures.
• Identify challenges such as thermal bridging, multiple drain planes, drainage efficiency, water absorption, and vapor transmission to better understand the building science acumen necessary for successful wall designs.
• Explore the varying manufacturing and sustainability profiles of the core options for continuous insulation in order to better assess how best to specify & utilize continuous insulation to offset project embodied and operational carbon footprints.

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