Energy-Efficient Cladding Can Reduce Heating, Cooling

Loads
In general, there are two ways to reduce the heating and cooling loads in a
building: replace the HVAC systems with more energy efficient systems or
reduce the loads on the system. One way to reduce the loads is to install
energy-efficient cladding. Energy efficient cladding systems have a higher
thermal resistance and fewer thermal breaks than typical cladding
systems, so less energy is required to heat and cool the building.
Two of the most common energy efficient cladding systems in the market
today are exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) and insulated metal
wall panels. EIFS is a lightweight cladding that can imitate the appearance
of numerous building materials, including brick, stone, metal panels, siding
and stucco. It can also be used as a retrofit over existing claddings.
Compared to many of the systems that EIFS can imitate, it is a costeffective system in terms of both materials and installation costs.
Mechanical fasteners or adhesives to the substrate, a water-resistant base
coat applied to the top of the insulation, glass fibre or expanded metal
reinforcing mesh, and a finish coat. In the past, moisture problems have
occurred with EIFS throughout the United States. As a result, most EIFS
today include a water-resistant barrier installed behind the EIFS to provide
a drainage path for any incidental water that may enter the system.
Insulated metal wall panels consist of two prefabricated metal panels,
typically steel or aluminium, with a polyurethane and polyisocyanurate
foam core. The foam is applied in the form of liquid chemicals and expands
to fill the cavity and fuse with the metal skins. The insulated metal wall
panels attach directly to the supporting structure of the building. The
system relies on the permeability of the metal to prevent water from
entering the system.
Wide ranges of sizes, colours, textures and finishes are available for
insulated metal panels. The panels can also be oriented both vertically and
horizontally to create visually interesting structures. During a renovation,
the insulated metal panels can be easily removed and reinstalled or
installed on a different building. The metal content of the panels can be
recycled when the panels are no longer needed. The cost of materials is
generally higher for this system than standard wall systems; however, the
panels are lightweight and easy to install, which helps save on cost.
On the other hand, EIFS and insulated metal wall panels have the
insulation within the cladding system, which provides a continuous
insulated barrier around the exterior of the building. This barrier increases
the ability of the wall system to prevent heat transfer and reduces the

thermal energy load on the building. Typically, an EIFS system has a

thermal resistance of R-4 to R-24, depending on the thickness of the
insulation. This exterior layer is often used in conjunction with standard
cavity insulation. Insulated metal panel systems have a thermal resistance
of R-14 to R-30, depending on the insulating core used and its thickness.
Insulated metal panels are a preferred construction method for building
with refrigerated environments because they have up to 95 percent
thermal efficiency.
In a two-phase study, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy
through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys Building
Technologies Program and the EIFS Industry Members Association
(EIMA), different assemblies of EIFS were compared over a two-year period
with brick, stucco and cementations fibreboard siding. Testing included
energy efficiency, moisture intrusion, and temperature control. The results
showed that EIFS outperformed other systems, though the results were
dependent on the specific EIFS assembly, accuracy of installation and type
of water-resistive barrier used.
Considerations:
When planning to use energy-efficient cladding either in new construction
or during a retrofit, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The
most important item is to choose a qualified installer. Many of the water
infiltration problems associated with EIFS can be traced back to improper
installation of details at penetrations. Improper installation of the system
can also lead to thermal breaks and excess ventilation, which can reduce
system efficiency.
In new construction, look at the building as a whole. Proper details are
needed between the cladding system and the structural and glazing
systems to prevent failures. The mechanical equipment must take into
account the overall efficiency of the building, including contributions from
the cladding system, to be sized correctly. Oversized equipment is
expensive to install and operate.
Before completing a retrofit, perform an assessment of the building. Look
for deficiencies in the structural system and signs of water infiltration. Any
issues should be addressed properly before the new cladding system is
attached. Otherwise, the problem will continue to worsen beneath the new
cladding, which can lead to failures and loss of efficiency. Check for other
improvements that can be completed at the same time as the cladding
retrofit to improve the quality of the building and save on overall
construction costs.

Energy-efficient cladding systems still have standard maintenance that will

occur over the lifetime of the cladding. All joints and penetrations should
be inspected on a regular basis. Sealant joints and flashing should be
replaced as necessary. The systems should be cleaned on a regular basis
to prevent build-up of pollutants.
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