[CCMC 12874-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

It is the opinion of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre that the evaluated products, when used as exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) (wall cladding that is designed to provide thermal insulation and a weather barrier) in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this evaluation, comply with the following code:

National Building Code of Canada 2015

The above opinion(s) is/are based on the evaluation by the CCMC of technical evidence provided by the evaluation holder, and is bound by the stated conditions and limitations. For the benefit of the user, a summary of the technical information that forms the basis of this evaluation has been included.

Product names

• Outsulation^® MD
• Outsulation^® MD^NC
• Outsulation^® PD
• Outsulation^® PD^NC
• Outsulation^® Plus
• Outsulation^® Plus^NC

Product description

The products are non-loadbearing exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) that can be assembled in panels under factory-controlled conditions or field-applied. The systems are composed of the following key components:

• a water-resistive barrier (WRB);
• an adhesive;
• an insulation board; and
• a coating system (lamina).

Note: The lamina refers to all coats (base and finish) that are applied to the outer face of the insulation board together with the glass-fibre mesh reinforcement.

See below descriptions of the different components of the systems.

Substrate

For applications falling under the scope of this Report, the substrate can be brick, masonry, monolithic concrete walls, and/or cementitious panels, glass-mat-surfaced gypsum boards, plywood or oriented strandboard (OSB) over wood or steel framing. Gaps between the sheathing boards of framed walls must not exceed 3.2 mm.

Water-resistive barrier (WRB)

The water-resistive barrier (WRB) is a coating (application thicknesses are mentioned in the section below) that is installed to provide a continuous membrane over the substrate and around penetrations and openings to provide, along with other built-in features, the second line of defense against water infiltration into the structure. In order to provide the intended level of protection against water infiltration, the water penetration barrier shall be installed in a two-coat application in which the first coat shall have sufficient time to cure before the second coat is applied. The water-resistive barrier shall be applied in accordance with the relevant Dryvit Systems Canada’s system specification:

• Outsulation Plus DSC137 (2018-08-03)
• Outsulation MD DSC168 (2018-08-03)
• Outsulation PD DSC601 (2018-08-03)

The continuity of the second plane of protection across joints and junctions at openings, penetrations and expansion joints shall be maintained through accessories such as self-adhering membranes, tapes, etc. as specified by the manufacturer prior to the installation of these systems.

Trowel-, roller- or spray-applied coatings

Dryflex^® is a ready-to-use, polymer-based wet mix coating supplied in 20-kg pails and mixed on site with Type GU Portland cement (1:1 by weight). Dryflex^® is trowel-applied in a continuous layer over the non-wood substrate. Apply two coats to achieve a total minimum dry thickness of 1.6 mm. Dryflex^® is applied in combination with a rubberized flashing tape that wraps around the framing and penetrations. When Dryflex^® is applied to a sheathing substrate, a 100-mm-wide self-adhering glass fibre mesh must be applied over all the joints of the sheathing.

Backstop^® NT™ is a factory-blended, ready-to-use, non-cementitious polymeric coating that is supplied in 27.2 kg pails to be applied in accordance with Dryvit Systems Canada’s DSC177 application instructions. Backstop^® NT™ is applied in a two-step process in which all sheathing joints are first reinforced with AquaFlash Mesh or Dryvit Grid Tape™ (note: when used over wood sheathing, AquaFlash Mesh must be used). Backstop^® NT™ is applied over the entirety of the opaque wall area on which the Outsulation^® system is to be applied. The rendered dry film thickness shall be no less than 0.3 mm (12 mils) when measured at any location (i.e., the application thickness is not to be averaged), regardless of substrate type. Backstop^® NT™ is used in conjunction with self-adhered rubberized flashing tape for the protection of framing edges and penetrations. Alternatively, Dryvit AquaFlash^® may be used in conjunction with the fibre mesh and closed-cell backer rod instead of the self-adhering rubberized flashing tape.

Backstop^® NT–VB is a factory-blended, ready-to-use, non-cementitious polymeric coating that is supplied in 27.2 kg pails to be applied in accordance with Dryvit Systems Canada’s DSC831 application instructions. Backstop^® NT-VB is applied in a three-step process in which all sheathing joints are first reinforced with AquaFlash Mesh or Dryvit Grid Tape™ (note: when used over wood sheathing, AquaFlash Mesh must be used). Backstop^® NT-VB is applied over the entirety of the opaque wall area on which the Outsulation^® system is to be applied. The rendered dry film thickness shall be no less than 0.6 mm (24 mils) when measured at any location (i.e., the application thickness is not to be averaged), regardless of substrate type. Backstop^® NT-VB is used in conjunction with self-adhered rubberized flashing tapes for the protection of framing edges and wall penetrations.

Joint, rough openings and penetration treatments

For the above WRB materials, where the sheathing joints occur in locations that are designed to accommodate deflection and/or movement, a self-adhering rubberized flashing tape not less than 51 mm shall be applied to both sides of the joint. Alternatively, Dryvit AquaFlash^® may be used in conjunction with the fibre mesh and closed-cell backer rod instead of the self-adhering rubberized flashing tape.

Framing and penetrations may be treated using Dryvit AquaFlash^®, a factory-blended, polymer-based liquid-applied membrane supplied in 3.6 kg or 18.2 kg pails and used in conjunction with AquaFlash Mesh. Dryvit AquaFlash^® is applied using a brush or deep nap roller at a rate of 0.4 kg/m². AquaFlash Mesh must be embedded into wet Dryvit AquaFlash^® and a second coat applied. When dry, Dryvit AquaFlash^® and AquaFlash Mesh render a black opaque film. Whether by flashing membrane or the use of the Dryvit AquaFlash^® material, the WRB is to provide continuity of water penetration barrier and bridge transition areas between substrate and wall penetrations as well as across deflection joints or other movement joints within the substrate.

Adhesive

Adhesives are used for bonding the insulation to the substrate coated with the WRB. They are, in general, available in the following forms:

• a dry powder mix requiring the addition of water on site;
• a wet paste that requires the addition of cement on site; or
• a form that does not require any additives.

Certain adhesives are also used as base coats, as in the case with all noted adhesives. Consequently, the description of base coat products has been placed in this section.

Primus^® is a field-mixed, polymer-based adhesive and base coat supplied in 27-kg pails (18.9 L) (i.e., wet emulsion). Primus^® is mixed on site with Type GU Portland cement (1:1 by weight). Workability may be adjusted by adding a maximum of 250 ml of clean potable water.

Primus^® DM is a ready-to-use, polymer-based adhesive and base coat, supplied in 22.6-kg powder bags. The material is mixed on site with clean potable water (4:1 by weight, dry mix to water). Primus^® DM adhesive/base coat is considered a noncombustible material through compliance to CAN/ULC-S114-05, “Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials.”

Primus^® and Primus^® DM are applied over the Dryvit Insulation Board or Dryvit Geometrically Defined Insulation Board using a stainless steel, U-shaped, notched trowel and rendered in such a way so as to align the adhesive in vertical ribbons from their beginning point to their end point without crossing over one another. The spacing between the ribbons shall be 50 mm and the size of the notches shall be 12.7 mm in width and 12.7 mm in depth. The vertical orientation is meant to describe the direction of the adhesive ribbons when the insulation board is placed onto the substrate.

Insulation

Dryvit Insulation Board is a typical flat stock Type 1 expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation board.

Dryvit Geometrically Defined Insulation Board is an EPS board that has been configured with grooves and chamfers to facilitate drainage and drying. When used in conjunction with Outsulation^® MD/MD^NC, the Dryvit Geometrically Defined Insulation Board has a 13 mm chamfer that is cut around the entire perimeter of the board, along with three 25-mm-wide by 10-mm-deep grooves that are spaced equidistantly across the 1 220-mm-wide insulation board, 305 mm centre to centre.

When used in conjunction with Outsulation^® PD/PD^NC, Dryvit Geometrically Defined Insulation Board has a 15 mm chamfer cut around the entire perimeter of the board, along with three 25-mm wide by 10-mm deep grooves that are spaced equidistantly across the 1 220-mm wide insulation board, 305 mm centre to centre. Between these grooves are four inverted triangular grooves measuring 38 mm at their base and narrowing to 2 mm at the peak. The base of the triangle aligns with the perimeter chamfer at a depth of 15 mm. See Figure 1 and Figure 2 for further details.

Dryvit Insulation Board and Dryvit Geometrically Defined Insulation Board are Type 1 EPS insulation boards that are made from 100% virgin materials and manufactured and packaged by a Dryvit Systems Canada-approved and -licensed manufacturer/molder. The insulation boards are aged in ambient air for a minimum of five weeks or kiln-dried.

Dryvit Insulation Board and Dryvit Geometrically Defined Insulation Board EPS insulation boards shall conform to:

• Annex A, “Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Thermal Insulation Requirements For Use In Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)” of CAN/ULC-S701-11, “Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene, Boards and Pipe Covering”;
• Minimum board thickness of 50 mm;
• Maximum board thickness:
  • as designed, when used in combustible construction,
  • 150 mm when used in conjunction with Outsulation^® systems where applications are to conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.5.(1) of Division B of the NBC 2015,
  • 150 mm when used in conjunction with Outsulation^NC systems where installation is to conform to the requirements of Clause 3.2.3.8.(1)(b) of Division B of the NBC 2015;
• Maximum board size is 610 mm × 1 220 m;
• Average density of 16 kg/m³; and
• Flame-spread rating is 25-500, per CAN/ULC-S102.2-10, “Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies.”

Synthetic coating system (lamina)

The synthetic coating system (lamina) consists of:

• the reinforcing mesh, which is embedded within the base coat;
• a primer; and
• a finish coat.

Base coat

The base coat consists of:

• Primus^® (see material description in the Adhesive section); or
• Primus^® DM (see description in the Adhesive section).

As a base coat, the Primus^® and Primus^® DM materials are applied over the prepared insulation board covering an area slightly greater than the size of mesh to be embedded. While wet, mesh is embedded into the base coat and rendered flat, without wrinkle or void. Where mesh pieces overlap within the field of the wall, the required overlap is 75 mm. The final rendered thickness of base coat and mesh is 2.0 mm when dry.

Note: The thickness of the base coat required depends on the number of layers and the type of reinforcing mesh used. The base coat is thicker when more than one layer of reinforcing mesh is incorporated into the lamina. The final thickness of the base coat must be sufficient to fully embed the reinforcing mesh in the base coat and with no mesh colour visible.

Reinforcing mesh

Dryvit Standard Mesh is an alkali-resistant, glass-fibre reinforcing fabric that has a minimum nominal weight of 145 g/m² and is manufactured by Saint-Gobain ADFORS. The mesh is blue and is available in either 965-mm or 1 219-mm wide rolls. Starter mesh for rendering surface articulations and terminations is available in rolls that are 240-mm wide. The reinforcing mesh comes in the following five grades, represented in ascending order of strength:

• Standard, minimum 145 g/m², for use at wall terminations and opening edges;
• Standard Plus, minimum 203 g/m², for use on wall surfaces subjected to normal impact;
• Intermediate, minimum 373 g/m², for use on wall surfaces subjected to medium impact;
• Panzer^® 15, minimum 508 g/m², for use on wall surfaces subject to high impact; and
• Panzer^® 20, minimum 678 g/m², for use on wall surfaces requiring ultra-high impact resistance.

AquaFlash Mesh is a thermally-bonded, non-woven 76 g/m² mesh with 100% random filament fibres that are reinforced by a 5 × 5 mm polyester scrim for use in conjunction with Backstop^® NT™ and Backstop^® NT-VB WRB at sheathing joints.

Dryvit Grid Tape™ is a self-adhering, woven, fibreglass mesh having a weight of 61 g/m² and is used to reinforce non-wood sheathing joints in conjunction with Dryflex^®, Backstop^® NT™ and Backstop^® NT-VB.

Primer (optional)

Color Prime™ is a ready-mix, polymer-based, coloured acrylic primer that provides a uniformly absorbent surface for selected Dryvit finish coats. Color Prime™ is supplied in 22.7 kg pails. It is thoroughly mixed using a paddle mixer and electric drill, and is applied using a long-bristled roller or paintbrush. The use of Color Prime™ may be required with certain colours such as deep accents; otherwise, its use is optional.

Finish coat

DPR is a ready-mix, polymer-based finish coat that is supplied in 32 kg pails. It is factory-tinted to the desired colour.

The finish coats provide a texture that is governed by the aggregate size and trowel motion used to render the wall surface. The different textures offered and their respective coating thickness are:

• Custom Brick™ (≤ 2.0 mm);
• Freestyle^® (≤ 1.0 mm);
• Lymestone™ (≤ 1.0 mm);
• Quarzputz^® (1.8 mm);
• Sandblast^® (1.0 mm);
• Sandpebble^® Fine (1.2 mm);
• Sandpebble^® (1.5 mm); and
• Stucco Finish (1.5 mm).

All finish coats are colour-tinted to the desired colour.

Dryvit system elements

Manufacturing plant

This evaluation is valid only for products produced at the following plant:

Product evaluated by the CCMC Indicates that the product from this manufacturing facility has been evaluated by the CCMC

The CCMC’s compliance opinion is bound by this product being used in accordance with the conditions and limitations set out below.

General

• The product is intended for use as an exterior wall cladding on buildings falling under the scope of Parts 5 and 9 of the NBC 2015.
• When used in existing buildings, the applicable or the relevant elements of the existing buildings must comply with the requirements of the NBC 2015.
• The products are intended to be used as an exterior insulation and finish wall system applied directly to vertical walls of brick, masonry, monolithic concrete walls, and/or cementitious, glass-mat surfaced gypsum, plywood or OSB sheathing boards installed over wood or steel framing.
• Gaps between the sheathing boards of framed walls shall not exceed 3.2 mm.
• The products are acceptable for use on vertical walls. The systems are not acceptable for use on horizontal surfaces. (Note: the present limitation doesn’t include protected soffit applications.)
• When the products are part of a prefabricated panel system that incorporates structural components, the prefabricated panel system shall be designed by a professional engineer or architect in accordance with the manufacturer’s criteria and the requirements of the NBC 2010 or 2015 based on the edition in effect for the given region.
• The products are not intended for use as a below-grade insulation and should terminate at least 200 mm above grade level.
• For buildings within the scope of Part 5 of Division B of the NBC 2015, the system shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Article 5.9.4.1., Structural Loads, Heat Transfer, Air Leakage, Vapour Diffusion and Water Penetration, of the NBC 2015.
• The product must be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation manual (Outsulation Plus DSC218 (2018-07-27), Outsulation MD DSC169 (2018-07-27), Outsulation PD DSC602 (2018-03-12)) by a listed applicator who possesses a valid manufacturer certificate for the system being installed.
• Wet materials must be applied at temperatures above 4°C and maintained above 4°C for a period not less than 24 hours. The substrate must be maintained above 4°C for a period not less than 24 hours. Cool and humid climatic conditions may extend drying time beyond 24 hours. Temporary protection and heat must be provided during colder conditions. Materials must be stored at temperatures between 4°C and 38°C. Previously frozen materials must not be used.
• Wet, finished surfaces must be protected from rain and other moisture sources until sufficiently dry (set and hardened) to prevent wash-off or other moisture-related damage.

Water penetration control

• Polymeric WRB coating materials must be installed in a two-coat application, regardless of substrate type and application method.
• The continuity of the second plane of protection across joints and junctions at openings, penetrations and expansion joints must be maintained through accessories such as self-adhering membranes, tapes, etc., as specified by the manufacturer, prior to the installation of these systems.
• The product shall be installed with suitable flashing to drain any incidental water from the drainage cavity to the exterior and to protect the exposed top edge of the cladding. Cap flashing must be installed immediately after completion of the finish coat or temporary protection must be provided.
• When using notched trowel adhesive ribbons as the drainage mechanism, the application of the ribbons must be conducted in a way as to form clear and parallel drainage paths behind the insulation boards and to avoid the creation of any V-grooves (V-grooves refer to ribbons touching and closing the drainage path). The wet ribbons must be a minimum of 9.0 mm deep, 9.0 mm wide and 50 mm apart.
• The drained airspace behind the insulation boards shall remain unobstructed so as to form a clear drainage cavity behind the insulation board and it shall terminate in such a way as not to obstruct the dissipation of incidental rainwater.
• When used in coastal areas for residential occupancies for buildings falling under the scope of Part 9 of Division B of the NBC 2015, the products must be installed in conjunction with a capillary break conforming with Sentence 9.27.2.2.(1)(e), Minimum Protection from Precipitation Ingress, of Division B of the NBC 2015. Coastal areas are defined in Sentence 9.27.2.2.(5) of Division B of the NBC 2015.

Condensation control

• For buildings within the scope of Part 9, Housing and Small Buildings, of the NBC 2015, the design of the inboard/outboard insulation of the systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.25., Heat Transfer, Air Leakage and Condensation Control, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• When used on existing walls of sprinklered buildings or existing walls of the buildings with not more than 3 storeys, the possibility of moisture accumulation within the wall construction is mainly a function of 1) the ability of the wall assembly to deflect bulk water entry, and 2) the physical properties of the cladding being installed and its impact on the thermal, air leakage and vapour diffusion characteristics of the existing wall. The potential for moisture accumulation as a result of the addition of materials is very specific to the existing wall construction. Therefore, the installation must be in accordance with Appendix Note A-5.1.2.1(1), Application (Environmental Separation), of Division B of the NBC 2015.

Cladding attachment and structural considerations

• The products are not suitable for use as structural sheathing for bracing purposes.
• Systems as described in Dryvit Outsulation® Systems table are limited to geographical areas where the Q₅₀ wind reference value is < 1.0 kPa and/or where the design limit requirements are within wind-load values expressed within the Wind Load Resistance table.
• Movement joints are required to accommodate expansion and contraction of building materials due to thermal changes, moisture, wind, gravity, vibration and seismic activity. Expansion joints in the cladding must be used in the following situations:
  • at joints that occur in the substrate;
  • at any abutment of the system with other materials;
  • where changes in substrate might create deflection or movement;
  • where significant structural movement occurs;
  • where deflections in excess of L/240 are expected; and
  • at the floor line in wood-frame construction (may not be required where fully engineered framing and floor systems are used).
• Closed-cell backer rods should be used at expansion joints so that the low-modulus sealant may be installed as per the sealant manufacturer’s instructions.
• Glass-mat gypsum sheathing must be in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C 1177/C 1177M-13, “Standard Specification for Glass Mat Gypsum Substrate for Use as Sheathing,” or have been evaluated by the CCMC.
• OSB and/or plywood sheathing boards used in conjunction with the systems must comply with the requirements of CSA O86-14, “Engineering Design in Wood” and CSA 0437 SERIES-93 (R2011), “OSB and Waferboard.” For plywood sheathing boards: CSA O121-08, “Douglas Fir Plywood,” CSA O151-09, “Canadian Softwood Plywood,” CSA O153-13, “Poplar Plywood,” or CSA O325.0-07, “Construction Sheathing.”
• The OSB and/or plywood sheathing boards must have a minimum thickness of 11.1 mm and 12.7 mm respectively. The boards must have their principal strength-direction across the studs, must be continuously supported by framing, and must be gapped at least 2.0 mm, but not more than 3.2 mm.
• OSB and/or plywood sheathing boards used in conjunction with Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) Class PB must be fastened to the framing in conformance with Article 9.23.3.5., Fasteners for Sheathing or Subflooring, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• The products intended for use over wood shall have a moisture content of lumber and/or wood sheathing not greater than 19% at the time of the application of the WRB.

Fire protection

• When used in combustible construction, the polystyrene insulation must be protected from the inside of the building in accordance with Clauses 3.1.4.2.(1)(c), Protection of Foamed Plastics, and 9.10.17.10.(1)(c), Protection of Foamed Plastics, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• When used in noncombustible construction, the polystyrene insulation must be protected from the inside of the building in accordance with Article 3.1.5.15., Foamed Plastic Insulation, as applicable, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• Where allowed by the Code through conformance to Sentence 3.1.5.5.(1), Combustible Cladding on Exterior Walls, of Division B of the NBC 2015, Outsulation^® Plus, Outsulation^® MD and Outsulation^® PD are acceptable for use on buildings required to be of noncombustible construction, where not more than three storeys in height if unsprinklered, and to an unlimited number of storeys if sprinklered, provided the interior surfaces of the wall assembly are protected by a thermal barrier conforming to Article 3.1.5.15. of Division B of the NBC 2015. For a detailed description of the compliance of Outsulation^® Plus, Outsulation^® MD and Outsulation^® PD to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.5.(1) of Division B of the NBC 2015, please refer to Intertek SPEC ID: 29311 Dryvit Category 1 Design Listing (please note that back-up wall assemblies covered by the design listing do not include wood framing and wood sheathings and extend to non-combustible substrates only [steel stud over sheathings such as gypsum board, concrete and masonry]).
• Where allowed by the Code through conformance to Clause 3.2.3.8.(1)(b) of Division B of the NBC 2015, Outsulation^® Plus^NC, Outsulation^® MD^NC and Outsulation^® PD^NC are acceptable for use in the exposed face of buildings required to be of combustible or noncombustible construction, provided the interior surfaces of the wall assembly are protected by a thermal barrier conforming to Article 3.1.5.15. of Division B of the NBC 2015. For a detailed description of the compliance of Outsulation^® Plus^NC, Outsulation^® MD^NC, and Outsulation^® PD^NC to the requirements of Clause 3.2.3.8.(1)(b) of Division B of the NBC 2015, please refer to Intertek SPEC ID: 29344 Dryvit Category 2 Design Listing (please note that back-up wall assemblies covered by the design listing do not include wood framing and wood sheathings and extend to non-combustible substrates only [steel stud over sheathings such as gypsum board, concrete, masonry and ICF]).
• The systems should be kept at least 50 mm, or as required in building regulations and safety codes, from heat-emitting devices, such as recessed light fixtures and chimneys.
• The requirements of the NBC 2015 regarding fire blocks must be implemented.

Thermal properties

• When the systems are used on existing walls, the addition of thermal insulation to existing exterior walls will increase the thermal efficiency and airtightness of the wall. Deficiencies in flashing and other elements in the building assembly, including mechanical systems, may result in detrimental effects of moisture accumulation as highlighted in Appendix Note A 9.25.2.4.(3), Loose-Fill Insulation in Existing Wood-Frame Walls, of Division B of the NBC 2015. As a result, once the EIFS (the product evaluated in this report) is installed, the existing exterior walls must meet the requirements of the NBC 2015 for heat transfer, air leakage and condensation control.
• The products can provide additional thermal insulation to the wall assembly with no detrimental effects if properly designed and installed with knowledge of the existing wall configuration and performance.
• The products alone may not provide the full amount of the required wall insulation. The thermal resistance of the wall system shall conform to the energy requirements of the applicable building code. The wall system may have to conform to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 at minimum to meet Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation technical requirements.
• The polystyrene thermal insulation blocks shall be aged for a minimum of five weeks or kiln-dried before installation in accordance with Annex A “Aging” requirements of CAN/ULC-S701 before cutting into insulation boards.
• The polystyrene thermal insulation must be in conformance with the requirements of CAN/ULC-S701.
• The polystyrene thermal insulation boards must be cut from moulded blocks manufactured using 100% virgin raw materials
• When used in combustible construction, the polystyrene insulation must be protected from the inside of the building in accordance with Clauses 3.1.4.2.(1)(c), Protection of Foamed Plastics, and 9.10.17.10.(1)(c), Protection of Foamed Plastics, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
• The expanded polystyrene thermal insulation must have a flame-spread rating of not more than 500 when tested in accordance with the requirements of CAN/ULC-S102.2-10, “Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies.”

This evaluation is based on demonstrated conformance with the following criteria:

The evaluation holder has submitted technical documentation for the CCMC’s evaluation. Testing was conducted at laboratories recognized by the CCMC. The corresponding technical evidence for this product is summarized below