Click a question below to display the answer. For any other questions please e-mail us at info@buildbetterwalls.com
1. Is there thermal loss at the vertical joints?
The vertical joint created at panel ends is merely 1/8” and is back sealed with non-curing butyl sealant. invelope has been modeled to ensure that the exterior stud flange remains above the dew point temperature in all climate conditions.
In special circumstances where the interior of the building has unusually high temperature or relative humidity, such as hospital recovery rooms or natatoriums, our engineering and design team will ensure that the joint is face-sealed.
2. Explain how invelope creates a secondary line of defense.
invelope provides a continuous air and moisture barrier. Our panel protects the interior of the building through engagement of pressure equalized panel joinery, along with a field and factory applied network of butyl sealant.
Our panels are fully capable of providing the primary building envelope and yet also have the benefit of being shielded by the exterior masonry. This double line of defense creates the best possible wall system available.
3. Is the finish of the face panel mortar resistant?
The face panel is mortar resistant because it has been continuously coil-coated with an epoxy primer.
4. Can the panel be cut and will this result in corrosion on the edges?
Panels are easily cut with Tenryu Ferrous Metal Blades, which are included with the invelope order. The use of this blade results in an easy, smooth cut with no ragged edges. Because the steel skins are galvalume, the edges are protected from rust.
5. How much water will get behind the exterior cladding? Will this be a concern for corrosion?
Because brick and similar claddings are permeable, some water will penetrate these exteriors. Fortunately, invelope provides a coated steel drain plane that is not permeable. Water will flow down the face panel and be directed to the exterior of the building. A 1 or 2” cavity between the exterior masonry and the invelope face panel results in a back-up system that will drain, vent and dry. With this design, invelope will last for the life of the building.
6. Does the exposed foam at the edges of the cut panels create an issue?
The foam is 90 percent close celled and does not retain moisture. Because invelope is enclosed one or two inches inside the exterior masonry veneer and has a well-designed drain plane, neither moisture nor sunlight is an issue.
7. What are the factory and field seal types and their life expectancy?
Factory and field applied seals are created using a high grade non-curing butyl sealant by TREMCO. invelope’s sealants will last for the entire life of the building.
8. What is the core type and its actual R-value?
The insulating core is a polyisocyanurate or PIR material. Our all-in-one panel design results in an R-value of 14 for the 2” panel and an R-value of 21 for the 3” panel.
9. What FM approvals does the invelope panel have?
The invelope panel is identical to CENTRIA architectural panels that have been tested and qualified through the FM 4880 and 4881 test protocols. Full test reports are available.
10. What is the fire rating on the panel?
The panel has been tested to meet the requirements of Chapter 26 of the International Building Code. Hourly ratings, if required, can be achieved with the addition of gypsum layers attached to a stud system or directly to the invelope panel.
11. What is the warranty on the panel?
invelope shall warrant, for a period of one year, that panels, trim and accessories will be free of defects.
12. How is the intermediate brick tie attached and sealed?
The intermediate anchor is fastened through the panel face into the stud behind the panel. This anchor is set on a 60 mil sheet rubberized sealant pad to seal the fastener hole.
13. What testing is available for the panel?
invelope has been fire tested per the requirements of Chapter 26 of the IBC. Air and water infiltration testing has occurred in accordance with ASTM E 283-04 and ASTM E 331-0. Structural load capacity and thermal efficiency testing has been completed. Full test reports are available.
14. How will the panel perform in a seismic event?
CENTRIA Design and Development can assist in developing methods of attachment that will allow invelope to accept seismic movement.
15. How will the wall perform in a fire event?
Our foam insulating core has been specially formulated for performance in a fire. As such, this product is qualified to be used in multi-story type 1 construction and can be used where non-combustible materials are required.
16. Does invelope meet the IBC code requirements as noted in Chapter 26 for exterior building enclosure products?
invelope does meet the requirements of NFPA 285 (ISMA Test), as required in Chapter 26 of the IBC.
17. Why is placing batt insulation in the stud cavity, in addition to fastening the invelope panel to the exterior
flange of the stud, generally not recommended?
Insulation in the stud cavity behind invelope will lower the
temperature of the invelope liner element. Since this liner is the
established air and vapor barrier for the wall this may be a
condensation problem if the liner temperature dips below the dew point
for the given interior RH and interior temp.
18. Is the galvalume finish with a primer top coat a more resistant finish than galvanized in the masonry cavity situation? Would performance be better with another finish, such as painted?
The steel skins are coated in continuous coil coating fashion at our CENTRIA coating lines. Very robust paint systems and topcoats can be applied, if desired. The only mitigating factor in adding a premium paint system as a coating to the invelope panels is cost.
19. Is the invelope system still achieving an R-21 value at the panel joint?
The R-value of 21 is a thermal value of a total wall system including a vertical and horizontal joint. The test specimen description in the National Certified Testing Laboratory Report is as follows, “the test specimen was an insulated wall section measuring 68” wide by 84” high overall. The specimen consisted of two interlocking panels which were joined creating a vertical joint.”
