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Latest Post & Article

Latest Post & Article

Page: Blog

Residential

26 Jun 2025

Control Joint Spacing Guidelines in Exterior Cladding Systems

Control joints prevent cracking and buckling due to thermal movement, substrate shrinkage, and structural shifts. Learn spacing guidelines by cladding type and detail options.

Overview

Exterior cladding expands and contracts under solar and seasonal loading. Control joints help relieve stress and guide crack locations. Joint spacing varies by material and substrate behavior.

Spacing by System

  • Stucco/EIFS: Every 144 sf or at 18′ max in any direction
  • CMU walls: 20–25′ o.c. vertically or at wall height
  • Metal panels: Based on module spacing and substrate framing
  • Precast: At all panel joints, edges, corners, and interface with dissimilar materials

🔍 Quick Picks

Detailing and Waterproofing

Include sealant joints with backer rod for waterproof joints. Consider firestopping requirements and support bracket integration at these lines. Mockup and test joint details in critical areas.

Conclusion

Control joints are essential to system longevity. Know your material limitations and integrate movement joints with thermal and water control systems for high-performance results.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases.

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Residential

26 Jun 2025

Designing Tapered Roof Insulation Systems for Drainage

Tapered insulation solves the dual challenge of flat roof drainage and thermal performance. Learn how to design and lay out tapered systems using industry best practices.

Overview

Low-slope roofs rarely have structural slope. Tapered insulation provides positive slope to drains while achieving thermal resistance. Typical slope values are 1/8″ or 1/4″ per foot using polyiso crickets and saddles.

Layout Strategy

  • Start from primary drains and work outward with positive slope
  • Use crickets behind curbs and large equipment
  • Combine tapered and flat layers to hit R-value targets
  • Minimize material waste with efficient panel sizing

🔍 Quick Picks

Best Practices

Coordinate tapered layout with structural layout and drain locations. Use CAD or BIM tools for layout planning and clash detection. Label and stage tapered bundles for accurate field install sequencing.

Conclusion

Tapered insulation solves multiple roof challenges—drainage and R-value—in a single product. Design early to avoid material waste and performance issues during construction.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases.

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Residential

26 Jun 2025

Sealant and Gasket Strategies for Insulated Metal Panel Joints

Insulated metal panels (IMPs) rely on panel-to-panel joints to prevent leaks and air loss. This article reviews sealant, gasket, and mechanical strategies for performance and longevity.

Overview

IMPs feature interlocking joints that often include factory-applied gaskets and require jobsite sealant to complete the barrier. These joints must account for thermal movement, air pressure, and moisture control—especially in horizontal installations.

Joint Types and Protection

  • Double tongue-and-groove joints: Allow offset gasketing and sealant application
  • Factory-applied gaskets: EPDM or silicone options pre-bonded to panel edges
  • Jobsite sealants: Non-skinning butyl or polyurethane for longevity

🔍 Quick Picks

Field Quality Considerations

Store panels in dry conditions and inspect gaskets prior to installation. Remove protective films just before setting panels. Always pressurize test assemblies if used in critical enclosures like clean rooms or cold storage.

Conclusion

Joints are the lifeblood of IMP performance. Select compatible sealants, inspect factory gasketing, and follow tested installation details to avoid failures in critical environments.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases.

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Residential

26 Jun 2025

Roof Drainage Design and Overflow Protection Strategies

Flat roof systems require more than membrane waterproofing—they need engineered drainage to prevent ponding and overflow. This article outlines roof drain layout, slope, and overflow considerations.

Overview

Roof drainage design starts with minimum slopes of 1/4″ per foot, per code. Strategically placed primary drains and overflow relief measures prevent ponding and roof collapse. Drainage must be integrated with structural layout and membrane detailing.

Drain Types and Layout

  • Primary drains: Located at low points, connected to internal piping
  • Overflow drains: Positioned above primary to serve as backup
  • Scuppers: Wall exits sized per code for emergency flow

🔍 Quick Picks

Code and Installation Notes

Follow IPC and local plumbing codes for pipe sizing and overflow elevation. Test roof slopes with laser levels before membrane installation. Avoid clogs by including dome strainers and access covers.

Conclusion

Roof drainage is essential to envelope integrity. Plan drain and overflow locations early in design to avoid expensive retrofits or damage caused by ponding and ice dams.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases.

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Residential

26 Jun 2025

Vapor Retarder Placement Based on Climate and Wall Type

Vapor retarders can trap moisture if placed incorrectly. This article explains where and when to use them in different climates and wall assemblies to prevent interior condensation and structural damage.

Overview

Unlike air barriers, vapor retarders control water vapor diffusion—not air movement. Their placement depends on temperature and humidity differentials across the wall and must follow the warm-in-winter side rule in heating climates.

Where to Place Vapor Retarders

  • Cold climates (Zones 5–8): Interior side behind drywall, Class I or II vapor retarder
  • Mixed climates: May require Class III or vapor-permeable layers
  • Hot-humid (Zone 1–2): Vapor control placed on the exterior or not used at all

🔍 Quick Picks

Additional Guidance

Always verify the wall’s dew point location using a hygrothermal model like WUFI. Improper vapor control can lead to hidden condensation, especially behind continuous insulation or impermeable finishes like vinyl wallpaper.

Conclusion

Vapor retarders are not one-size-fits-all. Their use and placement must consider climate, materials, and intended drying potential of the wall. Follow building science best practices to avoid costly failures.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases

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Residential

26 Jun 2025

Thermal Breaks at Balcony Slabs and Cantilevered Projections

Balconies and cantilevers act like radiator fins if not thermally broken. Learn how to incorporate structural thermal breaks into your envelope design.

Overview

Concrete balcony slabs extend through the thermal control plane, causing massive heat loss and condensation risk. Structural thermal breaks isolate the slab thermally while still transferring load. This article explores common systems and connection details.

Solutions and Design Tips

  • Use modular thermal break modules like Schöck Isokorb or Halfen HIT
  • Coordinate layout with rebar detailing and fire ratings
  • Extend air and water barriers to the face of the slab edge
  • Use slab edge insulation where full thermal break is not feasible

🔍 Quick Picks

Energy and Code Impact

Thermal breaks at balconies can reduce edge heat loss by over 80%. Many energy codes and green rating systems now award credit for their use. Infrared thermography shows dramatic improvement when used properly.

Conclusion

Use structural thermal breaks to maintain envelope integrity at cantilevers and slab projections. This improves comfort, energy efficiency, and durability of the entire wall system.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EnvelopeIQ earns from qualifying purchases.

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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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