[CCMC 12913-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

It is the opinion of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre that the evaluated products, when used as an exterior wall cladding that is designed to provide additional thermal insulation and a weather barrier for new and retrofit construction in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this evaluation, comply with the following codes:

National Building Code of Canada 2010

National Building Code of Canada 2015

National Building Code of Canada 2020

Ontario Building Code

Ruling No. 17-05-342 (12913-R) authorizing the use of this product in Ontario, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Ruling, was made by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on 2017-05-04 pursuant to s.29 of the Building Code Act, 1992 (see Ruling for terms and conditions). This Ruling is subject to periodic revisions and updates.

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

• Adex-MFS
• Adex-RS
• Adex-VCA

Product description

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

• substrate;
• water penetration barrier coating;
• adhesive or mechanical fastener attachment;
• insulation board; and
• coating system (lamina).

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

A detailed description of the different product components of the system are discussed in the following sections.

Substrate

For applications falling under the scope of this evaluation, 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 penetration barrier

The water penetration barrier (WPB) is a trowelled-on coating or a self-adhered modified bituminous membrane that is installed to provide a continuous membrane over water-sensitive substrates and around penetrations and openings to provide, along with other built-in features, the second line of defence against water infiltration reaching the structure.

In the case of systems with a WPB consisting of a trowelled-on coating, 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. Furthermore, in order to provide the intended level of protection against water infiltration, the trowelled-on coating (WPB) must be installed in a two-coat application in which the first coat must have sufficient time to cure before the second coat is applied.

In the case of systems with a WPB consisting of a single layer of a self-adhered modified bituminous membrane that is installed over the substrate and around penetrations and openings, the insulation boards must be attached using mechanical fasteners to the studs or to the substrate that would have been designed to support the cladding.

Trowelled-on coating (WPB)

Adex Hydroflex AD is a ready-to-use polymer-based liquid coating that is integrally reinforced with polypropylene fibres. Adex Hydroflex AD is supplied in 27.3-kg pails and is trowel-applied in a continuous layer over the substrate to a wet thickness of 2.2 mm, which results in a dry thickness of 1.4 mm.

Adex Hydroflex WO is a rubber-based liquid-applied coating, supplied in 27.3-kg pails. It is applied using a trowel to a wet thickness of 1.3 mm, which results in a dry thickness of 0.8 mm.

Adex Hydroflex VB is a rubber-based liquid coating, supplied in 18-kg pails. It is applied using a trowel to a wet thickness of 0.7 mm, which results in a dry thickness of 0.4 mm.

Adex Hydroflex STD is a polymer-based wet mix coating that is supplied in 27.2-kg pails and is mixed on site with Type GU Portland cement (1:1 by weight). Adex Hydroflex STD is applied in a continuous layer over the substrate to achieve a minimum wet thickness of 1.6 mm.

Self-adhered modified bituminous membrane

SOPRASEAL STICK 1100T or its equivalent would meet the waterproof characteristics of CGSB 37-GP-56M, Membrane, Modified, Bituminous, Prefabricated and Reinforced for Roofing. SOPRASEAL STICK 1100T is a self-adhered modified bituminous membrane consisting of a styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) rubberized asphalt compound, which is integrally laminated to a woven polyethylene film on one side, and has a silicone-treated release backing on the reverse side. The membrane has a minimum thickness of 1 mm.

Adhesives

Adhesives are used for bonding the insulation to the substrate coated with the WPB. They are generally available in the following forms: a dry powder mix requiring the addition of water on site, or a wet paste that does not require any additives.

Adex Basecoat is a polymer-based adhesive supplied in 27-kg pails. The adhesive is mixed on site with Type GU Portland cement (1:1 by weight). Workability may be adjusted by the addition of a maximum of 1 cup of clean potable water.

Adex Basecoat is applied in a continuous layer over the WPB using a stainless steel U-shaped notched trowel and rendered in such a way as to align the adhesive in vertical ribbons. The spacing between the ribbons must be 38 mm and the size of the notches must be 9 mm wide and 13 mm deep.

Mechanical fasteners

Mechanical fasteners are used for attaching the insulation to the substrate in systems having a self-adhered modified bituminous membrane as the WPB.

Adex mechanical fasteners consist of a corrosion-resistant anchoring screw, incorporating a low-profile, high-density polypropylene washer that is used to secure the insulation. The spacing and frequency of fasteners will vary depending on the type of substrate. The outside face of the low-profile plastic washer must be always flush with the outside face of the EPS insulation board.

Insulation

Adex Flat Board and Adex EPS-GD Board are Type 1 or Type 2 polystyrene foam insulation boards that are made from 100% virgin materials and manufactured and packaged by an Adex Systems Inc.–approved and licensed manufacturer/moulder. The insulation boards are aged in ambient air for a minimum of five weeks or kiln-dried.

Adex Flat Board is a typical flat EPS board.

Adex EPS-GD Board is an EPS board that features a proprietary drainage design consisting of diamond-shaped EPS protrusions. See Figure 1.

Adex Flat Board and Adex EPS-GD Board insulation boards must conform to the following:

• CAN/ULC-S701-01 and CAN/ULC-S701-05, "Thermal Insulation, Polystyrene, Boards and Pipe Covering";
• Minimum board thickness of 25 mm when using Adex Flat Board;
• Minimum board thickness of 38 mm, when using Adex EPS-GD Board;
• Maximum board thickness:
  • as designed, when used in combustible construction, and
  • 127 mm, when used in non-combustible construction.
• Maximum board size is 600 mm × 1 219 mm;
• Average density of 16 kg/m³ for Type 1 and 24 kg/m³ for Type 2 EPS; and
• Flame-spread rating: 25–500, per CAN/ULC-S102.2-03, "Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies."

Synthetic coating system (lamina)

The synthetic coating system (lamina) consists of the reinforcing mesh, which is embedded with the base coat, a primer and a finish coat.

Base coat

Adex Basecoat is a polymer-based adhesive supplied in 27-kg pails. Adex Basecoat is mixed on site with Type GU Portland cement (1:1 by weight). Workability may be adjusted by the addition of a maximum of 1 cup of clean potable water.

Adex Basecoat is applied in a continuous layer over the entire surface of the EPS insulation boards to a uniform dry thickness not less than 1.6 mm, using a stainless steel trowel. The final thickness of Adex Basecoat must be sufficient enough so that the Adex reinforcing mesh is fully embedded in the base coat and not visible.

Reinforcing mesh

Adex Standard Mesh is an alkali-resistant, glass-fibre reinforcing fabric that has a minimum nominal weight of 142 g/m² when using reinforcing mesh manufactured by both Gavazzi S.A. and Saint Gobain Adfor Canada Ltd. The mesh has trimmed edges to minimize the build-up on overlapping seams. Gavazzi S.A. manufactures mesh rolls that are red in colour and are 1 m wide and 44 m long. The mesh rolls made by Saint Gobain Adfor Canada Ltd. are 965 mm, 318 mm or 241 mm wide and 45.7 m long. Starter mesh for rendering surface articulations and terminations is available in rolls that are 240 mm wide.

The reinforcing mesh comes in the following six grades, represented in ascending order of strength:

• Adex Standard Mesh and Adex Starter Mesh, minimum 142 g/m²;
• Adex Standard Mesh SG, minimum 201 g/m²;
• Adex Standard Mesh Plus, minimum 190 g/m²;
• Adex Intermediate Mesh, minimum 375 g/m²; and
• Adex Armour Mesh, minimum 500 g/m².

Primer

Primex is a ready-mix, polymer-based, slightly textured and coloured acrylic primer that provides a uniformly absorbent surface for selected Adex Finish coats. Primex is supplied in 24-kg pails. It is thoroughly mixed using a paddle mixer with an electric drill, and is applied using a long-bristled roller or a paintbrush.

Finish coat

Adex Finish is a ready-mix, polymer-based finish coat supplied in 30-kg pails. It is factory-tinted to a desired colour. The finish coats provide a texture that is determined by the aggregate size as well as the trowel motion used to render the wall surface. The following represents the different textures offered and their respective coating thickness: Siena (2 coats), Elasticoat Fine, Sands and Classix (0.85 mm); Medium, Elasticoat Medium, Mistral, Quartex and Monaco (1.14 mm); Platene, Micatex and Coarse (1.20 mm).

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.

• 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 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• When used in existing buildings, the applicable or the relevant elements of the existing buildings must comply with the requirements of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• The products are intended for use 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 must not exceed 3.2 mm.
• The products are acceptable for use on vertical walls. The system is not acceptable for use on horizontal surfaces.
• When the products are part of a prefabricated panel system that incorporates structural components, the prefabricated panel system must be designed by a professional engineer or architect in accordance with the manufacturer’s criteria and the requirements of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• The products are not suitable for use as a structural sheathing for bracing purposes.
• The products are not intended for use as below-grade insulation and should terminate at least 200 mm above grade level.
• The WPB is a self-adhered modified bituminous membrane that must meet the waterproofing characteristics of CGSB 37-GP-56M, "Membrane, Modified, Bituminous, Prefabricated, and Reinforced for Roofing."
• Use of the products with the mechanical fasteners indicated in Table 1 is limited to geographical areas where the wind design value is Q₅₀ < 1.00 kPa.
• When used on existing walls of sprinklered buildings or existing walls of 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 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• The design of the inboard/outboard insulation of Adex-RS / Adex-VCA / Adex-MFS must be in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.25., Heat Transfer, Air Leakage and Condensation Control, of Division B of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• When the systems are used on existing walls, the addition of thermal insulation onto 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 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020. As a result, once the EIFS (the product evaluated in this evaluation) is installed, the existing exterior walls must meet the requirements of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020 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 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 must 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 2011.
• Where allowed by the Code through conformance to Article 3.1.5.5., Combustible Components on Exterior Walls, of Division B of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020, the systems having Adex Hydroflex VB / Adex Hydroflex WO / Adex Hydroflex STD / Adex Hydroflex AD as a water penetration barrier; Adex Basecoat as an adhesive and base coat; Adex EPS-GD Board as a Type 1 EPS insulation, 101 mm thick; Adex Standard Mesh with a minimum 150g/m² and minimum of 64-mm mesh overlap; and Adex Finish as a finish coat is acceptable for use in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction that are not more than three storeys in height if not sprinklered, and to greater than three storeys in height if sprinklered throughout, provided the interior surfaces of the wall assembly are protected by a thermal barrier conforming to Sentence 3.1.5.12.(3), Combustible Insulation and its Protection of Division B of the NBC 2010, and Sentence 3.1.5.14.(5), Combustible Insulation, of Division B of the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020. For a detailed description of the compliance of the related system to the requirements of Article 3.1.5.5. of Division B of the NBC 2010, please refer to Intertek Listing RS-ASI-DAFS 15-01, Project No. 100958464TOR-001B.
• Where allowed by the Code through conformance to Clause 3.2.3.8.(1)(b), Protection of Exterior Building Face, of Division B of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020, Adex-RS having Adex Hydroflex VB / Adex Hydroflex WO / Adex Hydroflex STD / Adex Hydroflex AD as a water penetration barrier; Adex Basecoat as an adhesive and base coat; Adex EPS-GD Board as a Type 1 EPS insulation, 127 mm thick; Adex Standard Mesh with a minimum 150g/m² and minimum of 64-mm mesh overlap; and Adex Finish as a finish coat is acceptable for use in the exposed face of buildings that are required to be of noncombustible construction, provided the interior surfaces of the wall assembly are protected by a thermal barrier conforming to Sentence 3.1.5.12.(3) of Division B of the NBC 2010, and Sentence 3.1.5.14.(5) of Division B of the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020. For a detailed description of the compliance of the related system to the requirements of Clause 3.2.3.8.(1)(b) of the NBC 2010, please refer to Intertek Listing RS-ASI-DAFS 15-01, Project No. 100958464TOR-001A.
• When used in noncombustible construction, the polystyrene insulation must be protected from the inside of the building in accordance with Sentence 3.1.5.12.(2) of Division B of the NBC 2010 and 3.1.5.15.(3), Foamed Plastic Insulation, of Division B of the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• When used in combustible construction, the polystyrene insulation must be protected from the inside of the building in accordance with Clause 3.1.4.2.(1)(c), Protection of Foamed Plastics of Division B of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• The system 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 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020 regarding fire blocks must be implemented.
• The polystyrene thermal insulation must have a flame-spread rating of not more than 500 when tested in accordance with the requirements of CAN/ULC-S102.2-07, "Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies." 
• Expansion joints must be carried through the cladding. 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 must be used in the following situations:
  • at joints that occur in the substrate,
  • at any abutment of the system with other materials,
  • where the substrate changes,
  • 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 when using engineered wood beams).
• Closed cell backer rods should be used at expansion joints so that the low modulus sealant may be installed in accordance with the sealant manufacturer’s instructions.
• 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 5°C and 32°C. Previously frozen materials must not be used.
• Wet finished surfaces must be protected from rain and wind-driven moisture until the materials have set and hardened.
• The products must 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.
• Glass-mat gypsum sheathing must be in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C1177/C 1177M-04e1, "Glass Mat Gypsum Substrate for Use as Sheathing," or have been evaluated by the CCMC.
• Specifications and a description of surface sealers must be provided by the manufacturer.
• OSB and/or plywood sheathing boards used in conjunction with the products must comply with the requirements of CSA O437 SERIES-93 (R2011), "OSB and Waferboard" (in the case of OSB) and CSA O121-08, "Douglas Fir Plywood," CSA O151-M1978, "Canadian Softwood Plywood," CSA O153-M1980 (R2008), "Poplar Plywood" or CSA O325.0-07, "Construction Sheathing" (in the case of plywood). 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 mm and not more than 3 mm.
• OSB and/or plywood sheathing boards used in conjunction with the products 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 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020.
• When used in coastal areas for residential occupancies for buildings falling under the scope of Part 9 of Division B of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020, the products must be installed in conjunction with a capillary break conforming to Sentence 9.27.2.2.(1), Minimum Protection from Precipitation Ingress, of Division B of the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020. Coastal areas are defined by the NBC 2010, the NBC 2015 and the NBC 2020 as areas where:
  • the number of degree-days is less than 3 400 and the moisture index is greater than 0.90, or
  • the number of degree-days is 3 400 or more, and the moisture index is greater than 1.0.
• When used in non-coastal areas or non-residential occupancies, the WPB coating must be installed in a two-coat application.
• Using the products with the adhesives indicated in Table 1 is limited to geographical areas where the wind design value is Q₅₀ < 0.75 kPa.
• When the products have a self-adhered modified bituminous membrane as a water penetration barrier, their use is limited to geographical locations where the wind design value is Q₅₀ < 1.00 kPa.
• The moisture content of lumber and/or wood sheathing must not be more than 19% at the time of the application of the WPB.
• The drainage cavity created by the use of the notched trowel adhesive ribbons and/or the protrusions in the EPS (in the case of Adex EPS-GD Board) must remain unobstructed by any other obstructions so as to form a clear drainage cavity behind the insulation boards. 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 (ribbons touching and closing the drainage path).
• When using flat EPS insulation over plywood/OSB sheathing boards, the notched trowel adhesive ribbons must be 9 mm wide, 9 mm deep and 38 mm apart. The first 50 mm from the vertical edges of the EPS boards must remain free from any adhesive ribbons to avoid the creation of V grooves.
• The products must be installed according to Adex Systems Inc. specifications, as referenced on www.adex.ca, by applicators authorized by the manufacturer.

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