WarmWallCM
The Superior Sheathing System

In a perfect world, a building system would:

•
be more energy efficient;
•
protect homes from moisture and condensation in the wall cavity;
•
save labor and materials costs;
•
provide a better and more comfortable environment for occupants;
•
and help you sell more homes!

Welcome to a perfect world.

WarmWallCM: Part of the Perfect Home

WarmWallCM is an innovative building system that features polyiso insulation as the sheathing product for wood or steel framed housing. When a potential buyer looks at a new house, the most noticeable features are the fixtures, faucets and wall colors. While it is rare to find a buyer who will ask what sheathing was used in the construction of the house, today’s home shoppers are more savvy than ever. They are aware of the importance of buying a home that is manufactured with energy efficient products such as polyiso insulation. In fact, a recent study conducted by The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) revealed that many builders actively promote the energy efficiency and resulting cost benefits of their homes. Here are some of the features and benefits of the WarmWallCM system that can help you sell the houses you build.

Features and Benefits

In an ideal application, polyiso insulation is used for 100% of the sheathing application. The WarmWallCM system actually covers the studs and other framing members, increasing the insulation efficiency of the home. WarmWallCM wraps a house in a thermal security blanket, reducing heat and cooling loss in all wall locations, not just the stud cavities.

•Homes are less expensive to build, because less materials are needed to achieve the same R-value. These materials are easier to install, reducing labor costs.

• Houses are more energy efficient because polyiso’s thermal performance exceeds that of other common sheathing materials. The WarmWallCM system insulates the entire wall, including framing, thereby significantly reducing heat loss.

• Builders receive fewer callbacks, because properly insulating a structure with the WarmWallCM system can decrease condensation in the walls and reduce moisture and mildew problems.

The WarmWallCM Application

• Exterior stud walls (2x4" or 2x6") are erected with code accepted shear bracing such as 1x4" let-in or steel strapping.
• Polyiso insulation is applied over all framing to reduce energy loss.
• Conventional fiber glass insulation is installed between the studs.
• In heating climates a continuous vapor barrier, such as 6 mil polyethylene, is applied on the interior of the studs to keep moisture out of the wall cavities, and the exterior joints of the polyiso sheathing are taped to minimize air infiltration.
• A half-inch gypsum wall board is applied to the interior, and conventional siding materials are applied over the polyiso sheathing on the exterior.
• Wood strapping may be used over the polyiso prior to the application of some wood siding materials.*

* For more detailed information on energy efficient construction techniques, consult the Energy Efficient Building Association series of Builder’s Guides.

An Independent Study Confirms It:
WarmWallCM Is The Superior Sheathing System

An independent energy analysis firm performed a case study comparing the WarmWallCM system with exterior wall systems using non-insulating wood composite sheathing. The study showed that the WarmWallCM system, when used with proper shear bracing, out-performs wood composite sheathing products such as OSB. WarmWallCM offers lower construction costs while delivering higher effective R-values.

Energy Efficiency

Polyiso insulation is a perfect product to use in sheathing applications because of its unique energy conserving qualities. It has the highest R-value per inch of any sheathing material, which helps reduce the energy bill for the homeowner. Note, the chart compares 1 inch of polyiso, a Thermo-ply® system and 7/16 inch of OSB. R-Value means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating power.

A new study, conducted on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Homes Program, reveals that home buyers are willing to pay more for energy-efficient homes. Not only are these homes less expensive to heat and cool, but the cost of these energy efficient upgrades is returned 2 to 4 times when the house is sold.

Moisture Resistance

Controlling moisture in the wall cavity is an essential component of good construction practices. Some problems that can arise with improperly constructed walls include mold, mildew, condensation, structural degradation and energy loss. With the WarmWallCM system, the risk of condensation in the wall cavity is greatly reduced. Additionally, the system joints are taped, reducing air infiltration. These WarmWallCM features and installation techniques can help prevent the walls, sheathing and studs from rotting.

What Is Polyiso Insulation?

Polyiso insulation, also known as polyisocyanurate, is a thermoset closed cell rigid foam plastic insulation. Liquid raw materials, which expand and become light yet strong, are applied between engineered facing materials as polyiso is manufactured in a continuous process. Facings provide strength, improve rigidity and enhance thermal performance. Polyiso is most commonly supplied as 4x8' or 4x9' sheets in a range of thicknesses. Polyiso is tough, dimensionally stable and easy to handle on the job site.

Partner Companies

Atlas Roofing Corporation
2000 RiverEdge Parkway, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30328
770-952-1442

Firestone Building Products Co.
525 Congressional Boulevard
Carmel, IN 46032
317-575-7000

Hunter Panels
15 Franklin Street
Portland, ME 04101
207-761-5678

Johns Manville International, Inc.
P.O. Box 5108
Denver, CO 80217-5108
303-978-2000

Rmax, Inc.
13524 Welch Road
Dallas, TX 75244
972-387-4500

If you have any questions about WarmWallCM
and how it can help your business, please feel free to contact PIMA at:

7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 400E
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-0000
Fax: 301-951-8401
www.pima.org
E-mail: pima@pima.org

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association produces educational and technical materials in an effort to address frequently asked questions about polyiso insulation. PIMA’s educational and technical materials are published to help expand the knowledge of builders, architects, and specifiers, as well as to build consensus on the performance characteristics of polyiso. Individual companies should be consulted for specifics about their respective products.

WarmWallCM is a registered trademark with the United States Trademark and Patent Office.

Copyright © 2004 • All Rights Reserved.
The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association