The document discusses a cavity wall system developed by Firestone Building Products called the Enverge Cavity Wall System. The system includes continuous insulation (CI), an air and vapor barrier, and thru-wall flashing. These products work together to improve energy efficiency in buildings by preventing thermal bridging and moisture penetration. Masonry contractors installing the system can achieve long-term energy savings for projects.

1. 14 MASONRY g January 2015 • www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
Long-Term Energy
Savings Through Cavity
Wall Systems
BY CHRIS TOBIAS

2. www.masonrymagazine.com 15January 2015 g MASONRY
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MASON CONTRACTORS ARE ALL TOO
FAMILIAR WITH THE FACT not all cavity wall
products are created equal. Building the exterior wall
from the framing out not only requires trade expertise,
but knowledge of manufacturers and project
intricacies.
A masonry structure built with a cavity wall system
generally includes a series of components including
gypsum sheathing, air and vapor barrier, continuous
insulation (CI), water-resistive barrier and flashings.
A completed Firestone Building Products Enverge CI Foil Exterior Wall
Insulation project at the University of Colorado, Denver, has the highest R-
Value per inch compared to other wall insulation products.

3. response to advancements in building requirements for new and
existing buildings as codes are refined and made stricter.
Air and vapor barrier
WHEN IT COMES TO SELECTING an air and vapor bar-
rier for a wall assembly, the key is combating uncontrolled air
movement and moisture. A proactive approach will not only
aid in energy conservation, but guard against mold.
The Enverge Air andVapor Barrier is an asphalt-based,self-
sealing wall barrier that provides energy sav-
ings and contributes to better air quality for
building occupants. Mason contractors have
found that the products provide a sustainable
option for building projects, due to reduced
maintenance costs attributed to moisture,
mold and draft control.
Engineered and manufactured to create
an impermeable barrier, Enverge Air and
Vapor Barrier has a consistent membrane
thickness and allows up to a 90-day con-
struction stage exposure during installa-
tion. It is self-sealing around mechanical
fasteners to minimize open gaps, though
foil flashing tape also can be used to seal
penetrations.
The air and vapor barrier meets or
exceeds several ASTM International codes
including D5602, D1876, D903, E283, E96
and E330. It can be installed in tempera-
tures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some general installation considerations
include:
• Surfaces should be primed using an
Enverge primer.
• Release liners must be removed at a
45-degree angle and in three-inch
increments to promote correct
alignment and installation continuity.
• The membrane should be firmly
rolled from the center to the outside
for maximum adhesion strength.
A cavity wall system has been created by Firestone Building
Products. The line of Enverge Cavity Wall Products includes
continuous insulation (CI) exterior wall insulation, an air and
vapor barrier and thru-wall flashing.These individual products
work together to improve thermal performance and prevent
thermal bridging in commercial buildings.
The line was developed to meet the needs of industry profes-
sionals,includingmasoncontractors,whoareworkingspecifical-
ly to achieve long-term energy savings. It also was developed in
16 MASONRY g January 2015 • www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
The line was developed to
meet the needs of industry
professionals, including
mason contractors, who are
working specifically to
achieve long-term energy
savings.
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4. • Seams should overlap a minimum
of two inches to ensure the most
effective coverage.
Thru-wall flashing
ENVERGE FLASHGARD THRU-
WALL FLASHING is a flexible mem-
brane used to protect masonry walls
from water damage. The EPDM mem-
brane was developed to maximize ther-
mal and dimensional stability,as well as
provide superior resistance to weather-
ing, ozone and ultraviolet (UV) radia-
tion,even when left exposed.Its flexibili-
ty in various temperatures allows for
year-round installation and adaptability
to irregular shapes and contours.
FlashGard also offers puncture and tear resistance; delivers
expansion and contraction characteristics; offers long-lasting
durabilityandresistancetocorrosion;andyieldslaborandmate-
rialcostsavingswhencomparedtometalflashingswithoutcom-
promising longevity.
Offered in a standard membrane as well as self-adhered tech-
nology,thethru-wallflashingcanbeinstalledinthemortarbedor
attachedtoavarietyof substratesusingstandardconstructiontools.
Continuous insulation
ACCORDING TO ASHRAE, continuous insulation is
required in order to stop thermal bridging and help improve
thermal performance of the wall assembly.
The continuous insulation offered in the Enverge CavityWall
Systemlineisavailableincoatedfiberglassmatfaceroraluminum
foil facer – specifically,Enverge CI Glass ExteriorWall Insulation
and Enverge CI Foil ExteriorWall Insulation.Each option offers
thehighestR-valueperinch.R-valuerepresentsthecapacityof an
Contractors install a Firestone Building Products Enverge Cavity Wall insulation system at the University of
Colorado’s new Academic Building in Denver.
18 MASONRY g January 2015 • www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
AIR BARRIERS AND
INSULATION

5. insulatingmaterialtoresistheatflow.The
higher the R-value,the greater the insu-
lating power. That power is essential
when it comes to long-term energy-effi-
ciency and savings.
TheFirestoneBuildingProductscon-
tinuousinsulationoptionsaredeveloped
using inorganic facers and closed-cell
technology.They are formaldehyde-free
andfeatureHCFC-freeproprietaryfoam
technology that does not contribute to
ozone depletion.The thin design allows
for increased gross lease space and pro-
vides low global warming potential,due
to the high-embodied energy of manu-
facturing,as well as the aforementioned
high R-value.
Enverge CI Exterior Wall Insulations
also offer a Class A, FSI ≤ 25 SDI ≤ 450, ASTM E 84 perfor-
mance and meet code compliance wall assembly testing under
NFPA 285. Enverge CI insulation boards can be scored to 16-
and 24-inch dimensions for ease of installation working
around brick ties.
All Enverge Cavity Wall Products are covered by the Enverge
Building Envelope Assembly Compatibility Warranty. With
proper installation detailing and project management by a
mason contractor, the cavity wall system will serve as the ther-
mal,air and water resistant barrier,as well as the vapor retarder
in the exterior wall assembly while complying with energy
codes in virtually every climate zone. SMAS
Chris Tobias is business development manager for Enverge
Cavity Wall Systems Group, Firestone Building Products.
20 MASONRY g January 2015 • www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
the Wall System Revolutionizing the Industry
ockProB
ProBlock Producers
A Firestone Building Products Enverge Cavity Wall insulation system was selected for the University of Colorado’s
Academic Building in Denver because of its flexibility, ease of installation, dimensional stability and significant
energy savings.
AIR BARRIERS AND
INSULATION