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Steel Frame Construction

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 ROXUL® Building Science Notes
01. GENERAL
a. Detail is applicable to steel-framed structures with self-supporting cladding (i.e. brick) and punched aluminum windows with double
glazed insulated glazing units.

02. STRUCTURE
a. A steel framed structure with light gage metal stud with exterior gypsum sheathing is illustrated in this detail. Alternates for the infill
wall structure include concrete masonry units.

03. RAIN WATER CONTROL LAYER

a. A drained-screen approach to rain water control (as illustrated) is recommended.
b. The continuous, fully-adhered membrane applied to the exterior surface of the exterior sheathing is the primary rain water control
layer in the wall assembly. Water penetrating the exterior cladding must be directed to the exterior by this layer.
c. A sloped sub-sill flashing with end-dams is used to direct any water intrusions to the exterior
d. Material options for the continuous, fully-adhered membrane for the wall assembly include:
i. “peel and stick” self-adhered membrane
ii. liquid or fluid applied membrane
iii. building wrap membrane may be acceptable for low-rise, low-exposure buildings.

04. AIR CONTROL LAYER

a. The continuous, fully-adhered membrane applied to the exterior surface of the exterior sheathing is the primary air control layer in
the wall assembly. The membrane is fully supported by the exterior sheathing and continuous through the detail illustrated.
b. The air control membrane is kept continuous with the use of caulking for small cracks or gaps or low-expansion spray polyurethane
foam insulation across larger gaps.
c. Material options for the continuous, fully-adhered membrane include:
i. “peel and stick” self-adhered membrane
ii. liquid or fluid applied membrane
iii. building wrap membrane with taped seams and edges may be acceptable for low-rise, low-exposure buildings

05. THERMAL CONTROL LAYER

a. ROXUL® CAVITYROCK® MD or DD continuous insulation is the primary thermal control layer.
b. ROXUL ® COMFORTBATT can be used as additional insulation depending on insulation requirements, insulation ratio, and climate
region.
c. The amount of insulation recommended varies by climate region (see Table 1)

06. VAPOR CONTROL LAYER

a. The continuous, fully-adhered membrane applied to the exterior surface of the exterior sheathing is the primary vapor control layer.
b. The assembly as illustrated is a “vapor closed” assembly, meaning that there is a single line of vapor control and that drying can
occur either towards the interior or towards the exterior from this line.

07. EXTERIOR CLADDING

a.. A drained and back-ventilated clay brick veneer cladding is illustrated.
b. Material options for the exterior cladding include:
i. Stone veneer
ii. Small-format, hand set precast concrete panels
iii. Light-weight metal panel system
c. The continuous steel shelf angle is supported on “knife-edge” plates welded to steel plates cast into the concrete floor assembly.
This reduces the impact of thermal bridging through the continuous insulation. Alternatively, a free-standing lintel can be used to
bridge the window penetration.

08. QUALITY CONTROL CONSIDERATIONS

a. Inspect the lapping of membrane pieces to ensure that pieces are installed in “shingle” fashion.
b. Ensure a tight fit where the exterior insulation is cut to allow installation of the through wall flashing

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 Table 1: Effective R-value Recommendations by Climate Zone for Steel-Framed, Commercial Construction, as per
ASHRAE 90.1

Climate Zone Wall Vented Compact Foundation Exposed Slab Windows Sub-slab
Attic Roof Wall Floor Edge (U/SHGC)
1 10 30 15 5 10 none 1.2/ <0.25 none
2 10 40 20 5 20 5 1.2/ <0.25 7.5
3 15 40 20 5 20 7.5 0.6/<0..25 10
4 20 40 20 5 30 7.5 0.40/<0.4 15
5 20 40 20 5 30 10 0.35/<0.4 15
6 20 40 20 10 30 10 0.35/<.40 15
7 20 40 20 10 30 15 0.35/-- 20
8 20 50 20 10 40 20 0.35/-- 20

DISCLAIMER: Building Science Consulting Inc. and Roxul Inc. have exercised due care to insure that the data and information contained in this document is accurate. However,
this document is for general reference use only. Specific end use applications vary widely as to design, materials, and environments. Thus, what is appropriate in any specific
end use application is a determination that must be made independently by the experienced engineer in their own professional judgment. Building Science Consulting and
Roxul fully disclaim any liability for any of the content contained in here whether such liability be premised on a theory of contract, tort, or otherwise.

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