Wildland Fires: A Growing Threat

Increasingly stringent energy code requirements in places such as California have made meeting fire code more difficult, and only with new thinking can we solve this challenging puzzle. 

ROCKWOOL worked with Sagan Design Group to solve the challenge of complying with WUI and energy codes, which often compete against one another. Sagan engineers developed an exterior wall assembly using ROCKWOOL Comfortboard® 80 rigid continuous stone wool insulation. 

To meet the energy code requirements that call for tighter building envelopes to combat air leakage and lower U-values to address thermal bridging, architects often rely on foam plastic continuous exterior insulation. 

Adding extra Type X gypsum increases the material and labor costs of the wall assembly.

• Added fuel load – Foam plastic insulation adds to the home’s fuel load because it is combustible.
• Increased cost – Wall assemblies made with foam plastic insulation often require an additional layer of Type X gypsum to achieve the required fire resistance.