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[CCMC 13356-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

In most jurisdictions this document is sufficient evidence for approval by Canadian authorities.

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Compliance opinion

It is the opinion of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre that the evaluated product, when used as an air barrier material in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this evaluation, complies with the following code:

National Building Code of Canada 2015

ID Code provision Solution type
05-04-01-02-00-0-005.4.1.2. Air Barrier System PropertiesAlternative
09-29-08-01-00-0-009.29.8.1. Material StandardAcceptable

Ontario Building Code

Ruling No. 09-31-229 (13356-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 2009-12-02 (revised 2010-06-22) 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 information

Product name

Enermax

Product description

This Report addresses the performance of “Enermax” as an air barrier material. The product is a wood-fibre thermal insulation board manufactured from non-toxic organic wood fibres and laminated on one side with an aluminum membrane using water-soluble glue. The product is 12.7 mm thick, and the panels are available in 1.232 m × 3.657 m and 1.219 m × 2.463 m sizes. The product meets CAN/ULC-S706- 09, “Wood Fibre Insulating Boards for Buildings,” and is installed on the warm side of the exterior wood-frame wall.

Manufacturing plant

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

Product nameManufacturing plant
Pont-Rouge, QC, CA
EnermaxProduct evaluated by the CCMC

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

  Conditions and limitations

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 capable of being the principal plane of airtightness in an air barrier system by demonstrating a sufficiently low air permeance, equivalent to the materials referred to in Sentence 5.4.1.2.(1) of Division B of the NBC 2015.

  • When the product is installed as part of the airtight element in the designated air barrier system, the vapour barrier must comply with Sentences 9.25.4.2.(1), (2), (5) and (6), Vapour Barrier Materials, of Division B of the NBC 2015. In cases where an alternative low water vapour permeance element has been installed in the wall assembly, Sentences 9.25.4.2.(3) and (4) apply.
  • A conforming installation must be installed:
    • with the printed side visible and protected from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun within 60 days; and
    • in accordance with Building Products of Canada Corp.'s “Enermax” Application Instructions. Examples of the installation details are presented as Additional Information in Appendix A of this Report.

  Technical information

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

Evaluation requirements
Criteria number Criteria name
CCMC-TG-072709.02-15ACCMC Technical Guide for Fibreboard Air Barrier Materials

The Report 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

Performance requirements
Results of testing the product to the CCMC Technical Guide for air barrier materials
Test Requirement Result
Five 1-m2-membrane specimens tested and measured for air permeance at a minimum of six air pressure differentials (DP) between 0 and 250 Pa unconditioned specimens ≤ 0.02 L/(s·m2) 0.0001 L/(s·m2)
Five 1-m2-membrane specimens tested and measured for air permeance at a minimum of six air pressure differentials (ΔP) between 0 and 250 Pa conditioned specimens Where less than 0.01 L/(s·m2) for unconditioned specimens, the air leakage rate for conditioned specimens must not increase by more than 0.001 L/(s·m2) at 75 Pa pressure difference. Pass
Water vapour transmission exfiltration direction Report value 2.7 ng/(Pa∙s∙m2)
infiltration direction Report value 0.7 ng/(Pa∙s∙m2)
Appendix A - additional information 

An air barrier material as part of an air barrier system

The CCMC has not evaluated the performance of the “Enermax” air barrier system for its conformance with Article 9.25.3.2., Air Barrier System Properties, of Division B of the NBC 2015. However, the CCMC’s opinion is that an air barrier system using this material and installed in conformance with the details outlined below, as well as in conformance with Building Products of Canada Corp.'s “Enermax” Application Instructions, should satisfy the requirements for continuity of the air barrier system stated in Articles 9.25.3.1., Required Barrier to Air Leakage, and 9.25.3.3., Continuity of the Air Barrier System, of Division B of the NBC 2015.

Discussion

The CCMC’s evaluation of this material does not include the evaluation of its strength or the strength of the continuity details. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) must therefore determine whether an air barrier system that uses the product as described herein meets the intent of Sentence 9.25.3.2.(1) of Division B of the NBC 2015, as being an effective barrier for the proposed construction in its geographical/climate area. For example, the AHJ may deem the proposed air barrier system adequate for buildings in urban areas, sheltered sites, or areas of low wind, but inadequate in areas of high wind and exposed sites in rural or coastal areas.

The following air barrier system checklist is to be considered by the AHJ. An air barrier system must:

  1. have an acceptable low air leakage rate;
  2. be continuous;
  3. be durable;
  4. have sufficient strength to resist the anticipated air pressure load; and
  5. be buildable in the field

Installation details

The product is attached to the inside face of the wood-frame wall. However, it does not contribute to an air barrier system until it is joined to the other components that make up the air barrier system of the building. Building Products of Canada Corp.'s “Enermax” Application Instructions outline how the product’s material must be joined to the foundation wall, the windows and doors, the penetrations in the wall, and the ceiling air barrier to form the system.

A successful air barrier system installation depends on coordination during construction. Coordination is required during erection of the framing and after completion of the air barrier system to ensure that no other trade breaches the integrity of the installed air barrier system.

The “Enermax” air barrier system is defined as possessing the following features:

  1. it has “Enermax” material as the principal plane of airtightness;
  2. its accessories include sealants, tape, foam and gaskets to maintain continuity at junctions with penetrations in the wall assembly (i.e., windows, doors, pipes, ducts, electrical outlets, etc.);
  3. it is durable, meeting CAN/ULC-S706;
  4. it has an interior board with specified fasteners and a fastening schedule as per Building Products of Canada Corp.'s “Enermax” Application Instructions; and
  5. it is buildable in the field by knowledgeable builders following Building Products of Canada Corp.'s “Enermax” Application Instructions, and is reviewed by building officials.

The figures below outline typical construction details for the installation of the proposed air barrier system in the field. See Building Products of Canada Corp.'s “Enermax” Application Instructions for additional details.

Enermax foundation/woodframe wall transition detail.
Figure 1. “Enermax” foundation/woodframe wall transition detail:
  1. Excel sheathing
  2. insulation
  3. "Enermax"
  4. sill
  5. sealant or gasket
  6. insulation
  7. end joist
  8. sill plate
  9. foundation
  10. moisture barrier
  11. wall stud
  12. 1-in. × 3-in. furring
  13. gypsum board
  14. floor
  15. vapour barrier
  16. "Enermax"
  17. gypsum board
  18. wall transition detail
    1. Excel sheathing
    2. insulation
    3. "Enermax"
    4. floor
    5. vapour barrier
    6. mastic sealant
    7. "Enermax"
    8. insulation
    9. moisture barrier
    10. foundation
    11. flashing
Illustration of Enermax window detail.
Figure 2. “Enermax” window detail:
  1. Excel sheathing
  2. insulation
  3. flashing
  4. foam or gasket
  5. silicone sealant
  6. "Enermax"
  7. 1-in. × 3-in. furring
  8. interior finish
  9. window
  10. interior finish
Enermax rim joist detail.
Figure 3. “Enermax” rim joist detail:
  1. tape or sealant between two “Enermax” panels
  2. 1-in. × 3-in. furring
  3. “Enermax”
  4. insulation
  5. gypsum board
  6. floor
  7. Excel sheathing
  8. sealant
  9. rim joist detail
    1. Excel sheathing
    2. “Enermax”
    3. floor
    4. gasket/sealant
    5. vapour barrier
    6. "Enermax"
Enermax penetration detail.
Figure 4. “Enermax” penetration detail
  1. sealant
  2. foundation
  3. moisture barrier
  4. insulation
  5. 1-in. × 3-in. furring
  6. “Enermax”
  7. gypsum board
  8. sealant at “Enermax” penetrations
  9. conduit sealed inside
  10. electrical panel box mounted on wood panel sheathing
Enermax ceiling/attic transition detail.
Figure 5. “Enermax” ceiling/attic transition detail:
  1. tape or sealant between two “Enermax” panels
  2. 1-in. × 3-in. furring
  3. “Enermax”
  4. gypsum board
  5. shim used to fix wall at the top or bottom
  6. interior partition wall undercut to accommodate drywall

Administrative information

Use of Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) assessments

This assessment must be read in the context of the entire CCMC Registry of Product Assessments, any applicable building code or by-law requirements, and/or any other regulatory requirements (for example, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, etc.).

It is the responsibility of the user to confirm that the assessment they are using is current and has not been withdrawn or superseded by a later version on the CCMC Registry of Product Assessments.

Disclaimer

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has evaluated only the characteristics of the specific product described herein. The information and opinions in this evaluation are directed to those who have the appropriate degree of experience to use and apply its contents (such as authorities having jurisdiction, design professionals and specifiers). This evaluation is valid when the product is used as part of permitted construction, respecting all conditions and limitations stated in the evaluation, and in accordance with applicable building codes and by-laws.

This evaluation is provided without representation, warranty or guarantee of any kind, expressed or implied, and the NRC provides no endorsement for any evaluated product. The NRC accepts no responsibility whatsoever arising in any way from any and all use of or reliance on the information contained herein or the use of any evaluated product. The NRC is not undertaking to render professional or other services on behalf of any person or entity nor to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to another person or entity.

Language

Une version française de ce document est disponible.
In the case of any discrepancy between the English and French version of this document, the English version shall prevail.

Copyright

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the National Research Council of Canada, 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the CCMC.

CCMC recognition

The Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) assesses compliance with Canadian building, energy and safety codes. We are the only construction code compliance service supported and operated by the Government of Canada. Trusted by over 6,000 regulators across Canada.

Most Canadian authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) consider CCMC product assessments acceptable as evidence for product approval.

CCMC assessments are recognized by construction authorities across Canada:

The CCMC provides code compliance assessments to Canadian code requirements, consulting nationwide with construction regulators to elicit regional variations in code requirements as well as provincial and local interpretations. Users are advised to review the technical information presented in CCMC assessments when making approval decisions. Learn more about how the CCMC provides a unique service for Canada.

For more information, contact the CCMC by phone at (613) 993-6189 or by email at ccmc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

NOTICE

The information presented on this webpage (in HTML format) is the most up-to-date information available from the CCMC about this assessment.

By downloading this PDF you acknowledge that:

  • this PDF is intended for record-keeping purposes only,
  • it represents the information as it was available at the time of downloading, and
  • it may not reflect the latest available information at some future date.
References to this CCMC assessment (in product literature, on websites, etc.) must be made by linking to the evaluation webpage. This PDF must not be used as a means of distributing this assessment to an audience.

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Code compliance as an acceptable solution

Code Compliance via Acceptable Solutions

If a building design (e.g. material, component, assembly or system) can be shown to meet all provisions of the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (e.g. it complies with the applicable provisions of a referenced standard), it is deemed to have satisfied the objectives and functional statements linked to those provisions and thus to have complied with that part of the Code.

National Building Code of Canada, Sentence A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a)

The CCMC has determined that compliance with this provision of the Code has been demonstrated as an Acceptable Solution. The evaluation report provides a summary of the basis of CCMC's compliance opinion.

CCMC's code compliance opinions

All CCMC evaluation reports are opinions of code compliance established in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada, Subsection 1.2.1. "Compliance with this Code," which requires compliance to be achieved by:

  • complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, or
  • using an alternative solution that will achieve at least the minimum level of performance required by Division B in the areas defined by the objective and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions.

The CCMC assesses compliance with Canadian building, energy and safety codes, and is trusted by over 6,000 regulators across Canada.

Code compliance as an alternative solution

Code Compliance via Alternative Solutions

Where a design differs from the acceptable solutions in Division B, then it should be treated as an "alternative solution." A proponent of an alternative solution must demonstrate that the alternative solution addresses the same issues as the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B and their attributed objectives and functional statements. However, because the objectives and functional statements are entirely qualitative, demonstrating compliance with them in isolation is not possible. Therefore, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) identifies the principle that Division B establishes the quantitative performance targets that alternative solutions must meet. In many cases, these targets are not defined very precisely by the acceptable solutions [...] Nevertheless, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) makes it clear that an effort must be made to demonstrate that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B—not “well enough” but “as well as.”

National Building Code of Canada, Sentence A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b)

The CCMC has determined that compliance with this provision of the Code has been demonstrated as an Alternative Solution. The evaluation report provides a summary of the basis of CCMC's compliance opinion.

CCMC's code compliance opinions

All CCMC evaluation reports are opinions of code compliance established in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada, Subsection 1.2.1. "Compliance with this Code," which requires compliance to be achieved by:

  • complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, or
  • using an alternative solution that will achieve at least the minimum level of performance required by Division B in the areas defined by the objective and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions.

The CCMC assesses compliance with Canadian building, energy and safety codes, and is trusted by over 6,000 regulators across Canada.

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From: National Research Council Canada

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