Insulation for both above- and below-grade applications saved installation time and money for the builder of Silver Valley Condominium Complex in Munroe Falls, Ohio. Set among 50 acres of land with an 11-acre lake, the complex consists of 200 two-story condominiums. “One of the main advantages of using extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) was its versatility,” said Mr. Jim Fox, superintendent of Botnick Building Company, builders of the Silver Valley Condominiums. “Once it is on the job, we can use it virtually everywhere.”
XPS TYPE X as listed in ASTM C 578 2002 is being used at Silver Valley in the foundations, the vaulted ceilings, and behind the entire envelope of the construction. XPS is also being applied in non-living quarters, such as around the garage area and the gable end walls of the attic.
In the foundation, XPS was installed vertically against the concrete block foundation and was held in place by the backfill. A plastic membrane was then placed onto the dirt floor, followed by XPS, and then a 4” slab of poured concrete. The insulation provides the benefits of a thermal break between the soil temperature and the inside temperature. In the condos that have a full basement, they installed the XPS TYPE X as listed in ASTM C 578 2002 on the outside of the concrete block, followed by backfill.
XPS is often used in foundations because of its high R-value of 5 per inch of material and its excellent water resistant properties. It is also unaffected by common soil acids, mildew and fungus growth, decay or corrosion — properties that make it ideal for long term durability.
In addition, XPS TYPE X as listed in ASTM C 578 2002 was installed in the walls of the Silver Valley project. “We were able to erect the walls without pre-insulating,” explained Mr. Fox. “We used tongue and groove XPS, starting at the slab and completely encompassing all aspects of the entire exterior. By running it in this manner, it takes less product. We found approximately 10% less waste compared to other 4’ x 8’ insulation products, and the tongue and groove edges fit tightly and did not break at the stud. There is less waste on the windows and doors,” he continued.
“XPS was also installed above ground, in the garage and attic area, particularly in places where stucco walls were used. Other insulations, like mineral impregnated fiber-board, will not allow the stucco to adhere as well. The fiber-board draws the water out of the stucco, causing it to dry and crack. Because of XPS’s excellent water resistance, no protection is required underneath the stucco application. We also eliminated the necessity for a paper liner that is needed when using other insulations. We simply apply the stucco after the lath, this saves time and material,” stated Mr. Fox.