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[CCMC 13490-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

From: National Research Council Canada

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 PropertiesAcceptable
09-25-03-02-00-0-009.25.3.2. Air Barrier System PropertiesAlternative
09-36-02-10-00-0-009.36.2.10. Construction of Air Barrier DetailsAcceptable

Ontario Building Code

Ruling No. 15-01-322 (13490-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 2015-01-05 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

AiRclad (Air Barrier Material)

Product description

This Report addresses the performance of the product as an air barrier material within the Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform-specified “AiRclad” air barrier system. This air barrier system has not been evaluated but is presented in Appendix A as additional information for the convenience of building officials and designers.

The product’s material, if installed as part of the designated air barrier system, will serve a dual function in the wall assembly. Use of the product as a sheathing membrane to control incidental water infiltration behind cladding is covered under a separate CCMC Evaluation Report (see CCMC 13488-R).

The product is a Type 2, preformed, moulded, expanded polystyrene rigid insulation panel. The panels are plant-laminated to a spun- bonded olefin sheathing membrane (“Tyvek® Homewrap™,” CCMC 12808-R, made by EIDCA Specialty Products Company (company of DuPont)) with a hot melt adhesive that is applied every 20 mm in three 2-mm strips and spaced 5 mm on centre. The panels are commonly 2 438 mm × 1 219 mm or 2 743 mm × 1 219 mm in size and are available in 12.7-mm- to 76.2-mm-thicknesses.

Manufacturing plant

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

Product nameManufacturing plant
Granby, QC, CA
AiRclad (Air Barrier Material)Product 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’s material has demonstrated a sufficiently low air permeance equivalent to the materials outlined in Appendix Note A-9.25.5.1.(1), Air Vapour Permeance Values, and Sentence 5.4.1.2.(1), Air Barrier System Properties, of Division B of the NBC 2015, to be the principal plane of airtightness in an air barrier system.
  • When the material is installed as part of the airtight element of the designated air barrier system, the vapour barrier must generally 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 another 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 facing outward and protected from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun within 60 days;
    • installed with a minimum 10-mm air space between the sheathing membrane and the cladding, unless the cladding has been deemed not to require an air space (e.g., deemed by the CCMC or deemed by building officials based on past cladding performance); and
    • installed according to the most recent version of Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform’s “AiRclad” Installation Manual (examples of the installation details are presented as additional information in Appendix A).
  • It should be noted that a concealed air space exceeding 25 mm in width must contain proper fire stopping, in accordance with Subsection 9.10.16., Fire Blocks, of Division B of the NBC 2015.
  • CCMC-evaluated sheathing tape must be used to seal all joints.

  Technical information

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

Evaluation requirements
Criteria number Criteria name
CCMC-TG-072709.02-15CCMC Technical Guide for 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. The durability assessment of the product is covered under CCMC 13488-R.

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 Air leakage rate at 75 Pa ΔP (based on linear regression of 30 data points) ≤ 0.02 L/(s·m2 ) 0.0174 L/(s·m2 )

 

Table 1. Results of Testing the Product to the CCMC Technical Guide for Air Barrier Materials
Property Unit Requirement Result
Water vapour permeance with NBC-required directionality (57-mm-thick specimen)Table footnote (1) ng/(Pa·s·m2 ) ≥ 60 71

Appendix A: An air barrier material as part of an air barrier system

  

An air barrier material as part of an air barrier system

The CCMC has not evaluated the performance of the “AiRclad” air barrier system in 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 and in Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform’s Installation Manual should satisfy the requirements for continuity of the air barrier system 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

Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) should be aware that this system differs from the typical air barrier approach, which uses a flexible membrane as the principal plane of airtightness. In the typical approach, the membrane (i.e., polyethylene sheet) is normally sandwiched between two other materials so that it is not required to resist, on its own, the full force of indoor/outdoor pressure differences induced by stack effect, mechanical systems and, most importantly, wind.

In a system in which a composite of insulation board and membrane is applied to the outer surface of the wall, such as the proposed air barrier system, that composite board must have adequate strength and attachment to resist the anticipated wind pressures. The CCMC’s evaluation of the proposed material does not include the evaluation of this strength nor the strength of the continuity details. The AHJ must therefore determine whether the proposed air barrier system, 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 the proposed geographical/climate area. For example, based on their experience, 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.

A checklist for the AHJ to consider will consider that 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 “AiRclad” material is applied over the structural framing complying with the NBC 2015. 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. Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform’s Installation Manual outlines how the proposed material must be joined to the foundation wall, windows and doors, penetrations in the wall and the ceiling air barrier, thus forming the system.

A successful air barrier system installation is predicated on sequencing during construction. Coordination is required during erection of 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 proposed air barrier system is defined as possessing the following features:

  1. “AiRclad” material as the principal plane of airtightness;
  2. accessories, including sealants and CCMC-evaluated sheathing tape to maintain continuity at junctions with penetrations in the wall assembly (i.e., windows, doors, pipes, ducts, electrical outlets, etc.) and in accordance with continuity details in the Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform’s Installation Manual;
  3. durability, meeting UV- and heat-aging requirements;
  4. exterior sheathing with specified fasteners and fastening schedule of the product for structural support against anticipated pressure loads; and
  5. buildability in the field by builders following the Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform’s Installation Manual and reviewed by building officials.

The figures below outline typical construction details of an air barrier system. For specific information on the product’s construction and installation details, refer to the “AiRclad” Installation Manual published by the Plastiques Cellulaires Polyform.

Illustration of exterior wall.
Figure 1. Exterior wall
  1. sheathing tape
Illustration of exterior wall.
Figure 2. Exterior wall
  1. ceiling air/vapour barrier
  2. air barrier strip
  3. CCMC-evaluated sheathing tape
  4. proprietary composite air barrier material
  5. CCMC-evaluated sheathing tape

All joints between the panels must be sealed with CCMC-evaluated sheathing tape. To maintain continuity, the wall membrane must be extended over the top plates and taped to the ceiling membrane.

Foundation/exterior wall detail.
Figure 3. Foundation/exterior wall detail
  1. sill plate gasket
  2. sheathing tape
  3. flashing
  4. seal the joint between the proprietary composite air barrier material and the flashing
  5. the flashing must be sealed to the foundation wall
Foundation/exterior wall detail.
Figure 4. Foundation/exterior wall detail
  1. sill plate gasket
  2. flashing
  3. seal the joint between the proprietary composite
  4. the flashing must be sealed on the foundation wall

The foundation wall forms part of the air barrier system; the proposed membrane must therefore be sealed to the foundation wall to maintain continuity. The sealants used must be compatible with “Tyvek® Homewrap™.” Silicone-based sealants must not be used. To maintain continuity to prevent water infiltration, a seal at the sill must be provided to direct water towards the exterior.

Continuity at window penetrations.
Figure 5. Continuity at window penetrations
  1. window flashing tape
  2. sheathing tape
Continuity at window penetrations.
Figure 6. Continuity at window penetrations
  1. sealing material
  2. vapour barrier
  3. proprietary composite air barrier material
  4. sheathing tape
  5. air barrier material – strip
Continuity at window penetrations.
Figure 7. Continuity at window penetrations
  1. air barrier material – strip
  2. sealant
  3. sealing material
  4. proprietary composite air barrier material
  5. sheathing tape

The continuity of the proposed membrane must be maintained by sealing the membrane to windows and doors. This may be accomplished by adding a membrane to the frame around the window openings and then sealing it to the windows with either a foam sealant or elastomeric sealant/backer rod. These sealants must be compatible with the surfaces being joined.

Exterior electrical junction boxes and receptacles.
Figure 8. Exterior electrical junction boxes and receptacles
  1. snap-on retainer
  2. proprietary composite
  3. airtight plastic electrical box
  4. tape seal
  5. seal exterior electrical outlet box or use airtight plastic box

All exterior electrical boxes and receptacles that penetrate the proposed air barrier material must be airtight boxes. Otherwise, electrical boxes must be wrapped and sealed to the proposed air barrier material to maintain continuity at these locations.

Sealing at penetrations through exterior wall.
Figure 9. Sealing at penetrations through exterior wall
  1. seal the gap around penetrations
  2. cut the proprietary composite air barrier material to fit around penetrations

When a pipe, duct or other element penetrates the exterior wall and the proposed air barrier material, it must be sealed to the membrane. Use sealant or CCMC-evaluated sheathing tape, whichever is more appropriate for the element to which it is being sealed.

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, 2023

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

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

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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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