Roxul ComfortBatt User Manual

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Better | Best

ROXUL® Solutions For Residential
Thermal Applications.

Better | Best

Better. Best.

When deciding on the quality of insulation to include
in a residential construction or renovation project,
builders, contractors and homeowners need input
in determining effectiveness of the insulation and
whether to just meet minimum code requirements
or exceed them, creating a comfortable environment
through all seasons.

From meeting the specified minimum, to achieving
R-values that will exceed building codes well into
the future, it’s great to know you have options.

This thermal guide to ROXUL
solutions can address various common residential
applications using ROXUL insulation, including:

n

exterior walls

n

attics

n

cathedral ceilings

n

crawl spaces and

n

exposed floors

The Better: Although building codes for insulation
requirements vary between states, most building
codes are designed to meet minimum standards.
Using ROXUL to meet these minimum codes is Better
than using other types of insulation because of the
exclusive features and benefits of ROXUL insulation.
In our Better solutions we will show you how to use
ROXUL to achieve or exceed building code standards.

The Best: The R-value of insulation is worth
considering to achieve optimum energy efficiency and
improve the overall comfort of your home. When you
choose the BEST solution, you are creating a warm
and comfortable home to enjoy immediately, as well as
making a long-term commitment to the environment
and energy savings well into the future.

®

Insulation’s Better I Best

Compared to other insulation like foam plastics and fiberglass,
ROXUL

ROXUL’s Better. Best. Thermal Insulation Guide

Features and Benefits .............................................. pg 3

Attic applications ...................................................... pg 8

Cathedral ceilings applications ..............................pg 10

Residential exterior wall applications ...................pg 12

2

®

stone wool ranks superior.

Interior basement foundation wall .........................pg 16

Exterior exposed floors ...........................................pg 18

Non-vented crawl spaces ...................................... pg 21

Vented crawl spaces............................................... pg 22

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

What sets ROXUL® insulation apart
from other insulation.

Fire resistant

The combination of stone wool and recycled content
makes ROXUL® insulation fire resistant. This non­combustible product does not develop smoke or
promote flame spread when exposed to fire, making
ROXUL insulation a critical line of defense in fire
protection. In fact, studies have shown that stone
or mineral wool insulations provide a 54% increase*
in overall fire resistance rating compared to
non-insulated walls.

Sag free, tight fit

The higher density of ROXUL insulation provides
superior sag resistance and fit. Once installed,
ROXUL insulation holds its shape without sagging
or slumping in the wall cavity to provide continuous
fire protection and thermal performance over time.

Water repellent

ROXUL insulation does not absorb or hold water and
will not promote mold or fungi growth. It has superior
drying potential, effectively managing moisture in the
event that it does get into the wall or floor, allowing it
to dry out and maintain its thermal properties.

* Su ltan , M.A . (1996), A Model for Predic ting the Heat Transfer Through Non-in sulated Unloaded Steel-Stud G ypsum Board Wall Assemblies Exposed to Fire,

Institute for Research in Cons truction, National Re sear ch Council Canada , Ottawa, Ontario, C anada.

Fast, easy installation

Working with ROXUL insulation is a breeze. Simply cut
with a serrated knife for quick and easy installation
between studs, around electrical boxes, pipes,
wiring, ductwork and between studs and joists
with non-standard widths.

3

Better | Best

Fire Stopping Board Insulation

Thermal Insulated Sheathing

ROXUL® thermal insulation for residential applications.

Top Up Attic Insulation

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS

Rigid stone wool insulation board fastens to
outside studs and is fabricated to improve thermal
performance to the building envelope.

Thermal Insulated Sheathing

ROXUL COMFORTBATT

®

Thermal insulation for use in exterior walls, attics and
crawlspaces. It provides indoor comfort and energy
savings all year ‘round.

4

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

ROXUL ROCKFILL

™

Loose fill thermal insulation that is easy to apply
over existing attic insulation. Pour, fluff to aerate and
spread. No need to rent an expensive blowing machine
required with other types of insulation.

ROXUL DRAINBOARD

®

Rigid stone wool insulation board for fibrous
foundation drainage. Its non-directional fiber
structure means the boards can be installed
either horizontally or vertically without any
loss of drainage ability.

5

Better | Best

What is R-value?

R-value is a unit of measure describing the resistance of heat flow through a material (e.g. insulation, stud, wallboard)
or a wall assembly. Generally, the higher the R-value, the better the material/assembly is at reducing heat loss
(or heat gain). Many factors play a role in this transfer of heat, including the structural components that bypass
the insulation, as well as humidity and variance of fluctuating daily temperatures.

Effective R-values versus Nominal R-values

People are often surprised at the difference
between the commonly stated (nominal) R-value
of insulation and the effective R-value of the
insulation within the wall assembly. This reflects
the difference between controlled lab tests
versus the real-world performance.

Although the insulation package may state a nominal
R-13, the effective R-value of the assembly may be
smaller. This reduction is dependent on the thermal
bridging of the structural elements that bypass the
insulation. Thermal bridging is where heat escapes
through a conductive material that creates a bridge
between the outside and inside causing heat loss.

For example, wood studs conduct heat relatively
well as compared to insulation. Steel studs conduct
thermal energy extremely efficiently, thereby reducing
the effectiveness of the wall assembly to resist the
loss of heat. High-density stone wool insulation
resists heat loss better and achieves better energy
performance than fiberglass insulation, which is
less dense and less stable.

Today’s building codes are moving to mandate
effective R-values over nominal R-values – and
ROXUL® stone wool, because of its higher density
and dimensional stability, leads the way as the
interior and exterior insulation of choice for
residential applications.

Decreased thermal bridging equals
a better performing wall

ROXUL insulation helps reduce thermal bridging
through wood studs, leading to a better performing
thermal wall. In a typical single-family building,
wood studs make up 25% of the wall surface, so it’s
important to ensure the use of exterior insulation
to complete the building envelope.

Factors that contribute to
superior thermal performance

With informed consumers and the building industry
pushing for innovative solutions that are truly
energy efficient, ROXUL raises the bar in developing
wall systems with excellent long-term thermal
performance. This is the result of two inherent
properties in its insulating systems – lack of thermal
loss due to dimensional changes, and the insulation’s
ability to repel water, which aids in the control of
heat loss and gain.

The use of ROXUL stone wool as a continuous insulation
(c.i.) also contributes to a building envelope's efficiency,
giving it higher effective thermal resistance values
than foam plastics.

Made from stone wool, an inorganic combination
of basalt and recycled slag, ROXUL insulation is
thermally stable, maintaining its R-value over time.
The insulation will not expand or contract due to
humidity or temperature variance.

6

4

6

7

6

4

5

5

3

2

2

2

1

3

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Meeting the challenges of today’s
climate zones.

Building codes vary by state/municipal codes
and climate zone

ASHRAE – History of R-Value Requirements

Building codes often differ by state/municipal codes
and climate zone. The insulation solutions shown
on the following pages represent applications based
on specific locations and on current building
code regulations.

While R-value applications will differ depending
on location, thermal preferences and financial
considerations, one factor should remain invariable:
the quality features of your insulation. When compared

to other insulation like foam plastics and fibreglass,
ROXUL® stone wool ranks superior for soundproofing
and fireproofing, as well as for ease of installation and
long-term performance in wall systems, floors and attics.

The following solutions are only suggested approaches
to consider. Check with your local building code for
specific details.

Catherdal

Ceilings

Attics

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), is an
international society of technical individuals who
provide knowledge to the building industry on
heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration
(HVAC&R). The Society developed ASHRAE 90.1,
an energy conservation standard that provides the
minimum requirements for energy efficient buildings.
This standard, and others are applied today in many
states for commercial, government and high-rise
and residential building applications.

Look to the National Building Code and refer to section
A-5.3.1.2 for information on condensation and energy
conservation standards.

Exterior

Walls

Exposed
Floors

Basement

Walls

Heated

Crawl Space

ASHRAE Map of Climate Zones

Every rating agency has its own maps that divide
regions into thermal or climate zones to tailor codes
and standards to what is appropriate for that

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® thermal home
insulation keeps your home warm in the

particular region.

winter and cool in the summer for more
comfortable living all year round.

7

Better | Best

Thermal insulation systems for
residential attic applications.

To increase home comfort and save energy year
round, start by reducing the heat loss through
the attic, probably the most cost-effective area
to add insulation.

*

:

R-49

The New Minimum R-Value Requirement for Attics

Using ROXUL® thermal insulation, this can easily
be done as a weekend project to insulate the attic
portion of a new extension, or to increase the R-value
and top up the current attic insulation, especially in
an older home.

Gaps and voids in the attic can account
for up to 30% of the heat loss. Areas
around pipes, wiring and attic vents are
often neglected and can account for
the majority of those gaps and voids.

™

ROXUL ROCKFILL

loose fill, top up attic
insulation makes it easy because unlike
other attic insulation, there is no blowing
machine required, and installation can
be done by hand.

Venting Your Attic

Before adding insulation, ensure proper venting in the attic,
which is usually supplied by vents in the soffit. Inadvertently
blocking the vents with insulation allows moist air to collect in
the attic, which can cause wood rot and mildew. To avoid this,
install baffles over the soffit vent and staple the baffles in place.

8

*Som e state/mun icipaliti es may d iffer. Check your loc al bulding co des.

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Better: R-53

CB R-30 + CB R-23 + ROCKFILL™
(as much as desired)

1

2” x 8” Joists

2

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R23)

3

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

4

ROXUL ROCKFILL

5

Vapor Control Layer

™

*

4

1

3

2

5

Best: R-61

CB R-23 + CB R-23 + CB R-15 +
ROCKFILL™ (as much as desired)

1

2” x 8” Joists

2

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R23)

3

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R23)

4

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R15)

5

ROXUL ROCKFILL

6

Vapor Control Layer

™

*

5

4

1

3

2

6

*Meet s code in most locations.

9

Better | Best

Thermal insulation systems for
cathedral ceiling applications.

When building a cathedral ceiling as a room
renovation project or as the ceiling for an entire
new home or cottage, it makes sense to start with
the best solution possible if starting from scratch.
This makes sense in colder climate zones since
a cathedral ceiling, by its very design, lacks the
optimum thermal performance when compared
to a vented attic.

Regardless, in warmer climate zones, and from an
aesthetic design perspective, many architects and
homeowners opt for modern cathedral ceilings,
and ROXUL COMFORTBATT® insulation can play
an effective role in the Better I Best solution.

To increase the R-value of the cathedral ceiling, either
start with 2 x 12 ceiling joists, or add a 2" furring strip
to existing 2 x 10 joists, which gives a deeper
joist cavity to add the COMFORTBATT® insulation.

Ceiling air space

When building a cathedral ceiling, the most
important reminder is to properly maintain an air
space of 25 mm (1") between the insulation and
the sheeting. Check your local building code for
specific recommendations.

Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Residential Buildings

The critical steps to reduce a building’s energy consumption usually
occur during the design process. The development towards modern zero
net energy (ZNE) buildings that take as little off the grid as possible, has
become possible through sustainable products like ROXUL® stone wool
insulation. All ROXUL products produced in the Milton facility contain
a minimum of 40% recycled content.

10

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Better: R-30

CB R-30 + VB + Air Space
(51 mm / 2")

1

Shingles

2

Roofing Felt (Tar Paper)

3

Sheathing

4

2” x 10” Roof Joists

5

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

6

Vapor Control Layer

*

1

2

3

5

4

6

Best: R-36

CB R-30 + CB IS R-6 + VB + Air Space
(51 mm / 2")

1

Shingles

2

Roofing Felt (Tar Paper)

3

Sheathing

4

2” x 10” Roof Joists

5

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

6

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (R6)

7

Vapor Control Layer

*

1

2

3

5

4

6

7

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

11

Better | Best

Thermal insulation systems for
residential exterior wall applications.

As society demands more energy-efficient houses,
building codes and builders (and DIY homeowners)
are responding by increasing the R-value of the
building enclosure, in particular, the above-grade
exterior wall. Given that the cavity of the standard
2 x 6 wood frame wall used in residential housing
(new construction) is already filled with insulation,
the clear path forward to higher R-values is to
add layers of exterior insulation.

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS is a rigid stone wool
insulation board fastened to the outside face of the
exterior studs used in residential construction and
designed to provide increased thermal performance
to the building envelope.

As building codes adjust to increased effective R-value
requirements, the need for insulated sheathing will
increase accordingly, and COMFORTBOARD™ IS leads
the way as the exterior insulation of choice for
residential applications.

What makes ROXUL COMFORTBOARD IS
a superior exterior insulation sheathing

More “Breathability” than Foam Plastics

COMFORTBOARD™ IS is a moisture resistant, yet vapor
permeable insulation (30-40 perms) and will allow
transient vapors to pass through with little restriction.
This unique vapor permeable quality of ROXUL®’s
cavity wall insulation allows for an increased potential
for drying “breathability” without trapping moisture
in the wall assembly.

Lower permeable insulations such as foam plastics can
act as vapor retarders and negatively affect the drying
potential of many typical residential wall assemblies.

Fast Outward Drying

Highly permeable insulation like COMFORTBOARD IS
has the added benefit of allowing fast outward drying
during cold weather. This dries the wood-frame cavity
very quickly, even if the framing is wet from construction
or becomes wet because of incidental water leaks.

How to insulate a typical above-grade
exterior wall

Exterior walls should be insulated to their maximum
R-value, in part, determined by the thickness of the
stud wall. If your walls are constructed with 2 x 6
studs, then COMFORTBATT® R-24 batts should be
used. R-24 batts are 5 ½ inch thick and snugly fit
intoa 2 x 6 cavity wall.

When installing COMFORTBATT between the wall
studs, eliminate any gaps and ensure the ends butt
snugly together. Ensure the surface of each batt is
flush with the interior surface of the studs.

Determining your climate zone and
building code requirements

In the northern states chances are that building
codes mandate a vapor control layer be installed on
the warm side of the insulation. A vapor control layer
in northern climates helps to reduce the moisture
diffusion through the wall assembly and through to
the drywall. Vapor control layers and barriers have
different permeance levels measured in perms,
and depending on your building code, you may
need to install a vapor control layer with a specific
perm rating. In some northern US states, a 6 mil
polyethylene sheet is commonly used, but always
check with your local building code for guidance.

Installing vapor barriers

Typically, a vapor barrier/retarder (e.g. poly sheeting)
is installed on the warm side of the wall, over the
insulation and studs. If a single membrane is used as
a combined air/vapor barrier, seal all vapor barrier
seams with suitable tape to completely seal the wall
and eliminate any chance of warm air getting into the
wall cavity, where it can contribute to condensation and
cause mold problems.

*

12

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Better: R-23

2 x 6 Stud Cavity + CB R-23 +
Vapor Barrier

1

Cladding

2

Air Barrier

3

Sheathing

4

2 x 6 Wood Studs

5

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R23)

6

Vapor Control Layer

7

Gypsum Wall Board

*

*

4

5

7

6

3

2

1

Best: R-29

2 x 8 Stud Cavity + CB R-23 +
CB IS R-6 + Vapor Barrier

1

Cladding

2

Air Barrier

3

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (R6)

4

Sheathing

5

2 x 8 Wood Studs

6

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R23)

7

Vapor Control Layer

8

Gypsum Wall Board

*

*

5

6

8

7

2

4

3

1

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

13

Better | Best

Typical exterior wall claddings using ROXUL COMFORTBATT

2

3

1

7

10

4

5

8

6

9

Vinyl wall components

(shown from outside to inside)

1

Vinyl siding

2

Fasteners

3

1 x 3 furring strips

4

1.25" (R5) to 3" (R12) of insulating
ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS sheathing

5

Exterior air/weather resistive barrier membrane

6

Sheathing

7

(2 x 6) stud wall @ 16" o.c or best practice of 24" o.c.

8

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® cavity insulation

9

Vapor control layer*

10

Gypsum wall board

2

1

7

10

4

5

8

3

6

9

Wood wall components

(shown from outside to inside)

1

Wood siding

2

Fasteners

3

1 x 3 furring strips,

4

1.25" (R5) to 3" (R12) of Insulating
ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS Sheathing

5

Exterior air/moisture barrier membrane

6

Sheathing

7

(2 x 6) stud wall @ 16" o.c or best practice of 24" o.c.

8

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® cavity insulation

9

Vapor control layer*

10

Gypsum wall board

Vinyl and wood siding

n

Minimum 1" x 3" furring strip to be placed vertically

with screw attachment of 16" OC for 16" on wood
studs and 12" OC for 24" on-center wood studs.

n

#8 or #10 screws recommended.

n

Each screw must have a minimum embedment of

1" into the wood stud or substrate.

14

Brick

n

Metal ties or anchors required for nailing into the

framing through the insulation boards
(to building code requirements).

n

1" (25 mm) space between the masonry and

insulation required.

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

®

and ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS.

2

7

3

4

5

1

6

10

8

9

Brick wall Components

(shown from outside to inside)

1

Brick

2

Air space

3

Brick ties

4

1.25" (R5) to 3" (R12) of Insulating
ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS sheathing

5

Exterior air/weather resistive barrier membrane

6

Sheathing

7

(2 x 6) stud wall @ 16" o.c or best practice of 24" o.c.

8

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® cavity insulation

9

Vapor control layer*

10

Gypsum wall board

2

3

1

7

10

4

5

8

6

9

Cement board wall components

(shown from outside to inside)

1

Cement board

2

Fasteners

3

1 x 3 furring strips

4

1.25" (R5) to 3" (R12) of insulating
ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS sheathing

5

Exterior air/weather resistive barrier membrane

6

Sheathing

7

(2 x 6) stud wall @ 16" o.c or best practice of 24" o.c.

8

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® cavity insulation

9

Vapor control layer*

10

Gypsum wall board

Air barrier

n

Air barrier is required as per building code and

necessary for effective air tightness.

n

Can be applied on the inner side or outer side of

the insulation board and should be continuous.

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

15

Better | Best

Thermal insulation systems for
interior basement wall foundations.

Building codes are changing: R-values
are increasing

Insulating a new or unfinished basement is an
excellent way to make your home comfortable,
more energy efficient and reduce your overall
heating and cooling costs.

In addition to comfort and efficiency reasons for
insulating the basement, new building codes are
mandating that the foundation wall assembly have
increased R-values, depending on the climate
zone. Generally speaking, the colder the climate,
the higher the R-value requirements.

ROXUL® has two thermal insulation products
for interior basement wall assemblies:
ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (Insulation Sheathing)
and ROXUL COMFORTBATT®. When used in tandem
within the 2 x 4 stud wall cavity, these two products
help create a drier, more comfortable basement.

Note: To help ensure soil moisture doesn’t have a
chance to seep through the concrete foundation, you
may wish to attach a layer of ROXUL DRAINBOARD®
to the exposed exterior foundation before the soil
is filled in.

ROXUL DRAINBOARD is a rigid stone wool insulation
board specifically designed for foundation drainage.
Its non-directional fiber structure means the boards
can be installed either horizontally or vertically
without any loss of drainage performance.

Won’t trap moisture & won’t grow mold
or mildew

Basements are notorious for dampness, which
is why COMFORTBOARD™ IS sheathing is so
highly recommended. Like all ROXUL insulations,
COMFORTBOARD IS is moisture-resistant and
yet vapor permeable: moisture can pass through
without being trapped.

COMFORTBOARD IS won’t absorb water and is not
susceptible to mold or mildew growth due to its
inorganic composition of basalt and recycled slag.
In the event of a basement leak where the insulation
becomes wet, COMFORTBOARD IS quickly dries out
and maintains its R-value.

COMFORTBOARD IS and the effects of
thermal bridging

Before recommending the Better I Best R-values for
the basement wall assembly, we need to understand
thermal bridging, the process that describes a material’s
capacity to conduct heat from one material to another.

In a typical basement, thermal energy transfers
from the interior of the concrete foundation through
the wood studs and eventually into soil to the exterior
of the foundation. The studs perform as the conduit
or “thermal bridge”, lowering the effective R-value
of the wall assembly. Insulated sheathing like
COMFORTBOARD IS reduces this thermal bridging
by acting as a thermal buffer between the concrete
and the studs.

Vapor Barrier or Not?

In many regions, particularly in colder climates, local building codes may require a vapor barrier within
the wall assembly. If so, remember to staple and overlap the vapor barrier to reduce reduce the rates of
vapor diffusion before adding the drywall. Note: The average below-grade temperature of soil is between

39.2-42.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 39 inches, the temperature remains constant all year round.

16

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Better: R-15

2 x 4 Studs + CB R-15

1

Foundation Wall

2

2 x 4 Studs

3

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R15)

4

Vapor Control Layer*

5

Gypsum Wall Board

2

3

4

1

5

Best: R-21

2 x 4 Studs + CB R-15 + CB IS R-6

1

Foundation Wall

2

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (R6)

3

2 x 4 Studs

4

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R15)

5

Vapor Control Layer*

6

Gypsum Wall Board

3

4

2

5

1

6

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information. ROX UL suggest t he use of 'smar t' vapor control l ayers.

17

Better | Best

Thermal insulation systems for
exterior exposed floors.

Many home and cottage owners experience a
multitude of long-term benefits by insulating their
exposed floors. This can apply to an overhang that
extends beyond the house, an unheated porch you
wish to turn into living space, or a cottage with
floors too cold for bare feet.

Sometimes the most difficult aspect of insulating an
exposed floor is having enough working room to apply
the insulation. If the underfloor area is easy to get at,
the application is simple.

Insulating the exposed floor with ROXUL® insulation
can make the home or cottage more comfortable,
reduce the incidence of frozen pipes, and help
eliminate mold growth problems and, ultimately,
help save on overall energy costs.

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS
installation recommendations

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD IS high-performance
insulation boards should be attached to wood studs
using roofing nails or wood screws with heads/
washers with a minimum diameter of 1" (25 mm)
at spacing no more than 12" on-center along the
perimeter of the board and along the studs.

When properly installed, the product's rigid yet
flexible edges allow for a tightly butted edge where
the boards meet, further increasing the floor’s
thermal performance.

How to hold insulation in place over time

While the insulation batts should stay in place, you can
apply an extra layer of material to secure the batts over
time. This includes plastic strapping, a crisscross of
string, or holding in place with a layer of chicken wire.
Simply unroll the wire and staple it to the joists.

ROXUL COMFORTBATT
precise cutting to ensure a fit without gaps and voids.

®

higher density batts make it simple for

18

The combination of ROXUL COMFORTBOARD IS

and ROXUL COMFORTBATT ensures optimum

long-term thermal performance from your

exposed floor and crawl space assembly.

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Better: R-30

2 x10 Joists + CB R-30

(or attach 1 x 2 furring/strapping strip to
2 x 8 joist to build up the joist cavity depth)

1

Flooring

2

Sub-Floor

3

Vapor Control Layer

4

2 x10 Joists

5

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

*

1

2

5

4

3

Best: R-36

2 x10 Joists + CB R-30 + CB IS R6

(or attach 1 x 2 furring/strapping strip
to build up the joist cavity depth)

1

Flooring

2

Sub-Floor

3

Vapor Control Layer

4

2 x10 Joists

5

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

6

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (R6)

*

1

2

5

4

6

3

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

19

Better | Best

Thermal insulation systems
for crawl spaces.

Many home and cottage owners can enjoy additional
benefits by insulating their crawl spaces. In some
cases, the most difficult aspect of insulating a crawl
space is having enough room to work around to
properly install the insulation. If the crawl space area
is easy to get at, the installation of ROXUL® insulation is
quite simple.

Non-Vented Crawl Spaces (page 21)

A non-vented crawl space is defined as having a
heating or cooling source, or some other source that
conditions the air within the crawl space. Conditioning
the room helps to manage the relative humidity
in the space, and helps to avoid the growth of mold.

We would treat insulating a non-vented crawl space
in the same manner we do a conditioned basement.
The exterior foundation would be framed in with
studs and then insulation would be installed
between the studs.

Typically, there are two types of crawl spaces – they
are defined by either being vented or non-vented.
The difference in how the two crawl space types are
insulated is defined by either applying insulation to
the exterior wall, or to the ceiling/floor between the
heated living space and the crawl space.

Vented crawl spaces (page 22)

Vented simply refers to the space having air vents,
typically more than one, and are generally located
across from one another at the upper part of the
foundation wall. The vents allow for air movement,
helping to eliminate dry rot, moisture build up, and
other conditions that can develop in these enclosed
spaces. This type of venting would be very common
in a lot of older homes.

With a vented crawl space, it would be treated in the
same manner as a cantilever, or insulating a room
of your house where the underside is exposed to the
elements. The underside of the floor would then be
insulated by adding batt insulation between the
floor joists.

ROXUL Insulation: a two-tiered solution
to insulating crawl spaces

ROXUL has two thermal insulation products
for interior crawl space wall assemblies:
ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (Insulation Sheathing)
and ROXUL COMFORTBATT®. When used in tandem
within the 2 x 4 stud wall cavity, these two products
help create a more comfortable space.

A vented crawl space can be notorious for dampness,
but ROXUL insulation is water repellent, moisture
resistant yet vapor permeable. The permeance of
ROXUL products allows moisture vapor to pass
through the insulation without being trapped. In the
unfortunate event of a flooded basement where the
insulation becomes wet, ROXUL insulation quickly
dries out and maintains its R-value. Unlike other
insulations, ROXUL won’t absorb water and is not
susceptible to mold growth.

20

COMFORTBOARD™ IS and the effects of
thermal bridging

Before recommending the Better I Be st R-values for
the crawl space wall assembly, we need to understand
thermal bridging – the process that describes a
material’s capacity to conduct heat or cold from
one material to another.

In a typical crawl space, thermal energy transfers
from the wood studs and interior of the concrete
foundation into the exterior foundation and
surrounding soil. The studs perform as the conduit
or “thermal bridge”, lowering the effective R-value
of the wall assembly. Insulated sheathing like
COMFORTBOARD IS reduces this thermal bridging
by acting as a thermal buffer between the concrete
and the studs.

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Non-vented crawl spaces.

Better: R-15

2 x 4 Studs + CB R-15

1

Foundation Wall

2

2 x 4 Studs

3

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R15)

4

Vapor Control Layer*

1

Best: R-21

2 x 4 Studs + CB R-15 + CB IS R-6

1

Foundation Wall

2

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (R6)

3

2 x 4 Studs

4

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R15)

5

Vapor Control Layer*

2

3

4

1

3

2

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

4

5

21

Better | Best

Vented crawl spaces.

Better: R-30

2 x 10 Joists + CB R-30

(or attach 1 x 2 furring/strapping strip to
2 x 8 joist to build up the joist cavity depth)

1

Vapor Control Layer

2

2 x 10 Joists

3

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

4

Foundation Wall

*

2

1

3

Best: R-36

2 x 10 Joists + CB R-30 + CB IS R-6

(or attach 1 x 2 furring/strapping strip
to build up the joist cavity depth)

1

Vapor Control Layer

2

2 x 10 Joists

3

ROXUL COMFORTBATT® (R30)

4

ROXUL COMFORTBOARD™ IS (R6)

5

Foundation Wall

*

4

2

1

3

4

5

22

*Check with your state/munic ipal building code for app rove d vapor barrier/retarder information.

ROXUL® Insulation Products For Residential Thermal Applications

Creating a more
comfortable home
for today, tomorrow
and beyond.

In our ever changing world, we
are always looking for new ways
to live more comfortably, be
more environmentally conscious,
and save money along the way.
ROXUL®’s Better I Be st solutions to
thermal insulation applications give
contractors, builders, and home
owners the information needed to
make educated decisions about
the options available.

Using the ROXUL “Better” solution
means you are meeting the current
building code. With the ROXUL
"Best" solution, you are not only
exceeding current and future
building codes, but you are taking
one additional step toward reducing
your environmental footprint.

So, whether you are building a
new home, putting on an addition,
or renovating an existing room in
your home, it is always good to
think about your home comfort,
the environment, and the money
you could save – both today,
and down the road.

23

Better | Best

A global leader

R O X U L ® Inc. is part of ROCKWOOL International, the
largest producer of stone wool insulation, which is
made from natural basalt rock and recycled material.
ROCKWOOL International was founded in 1909 and
today operates worldwide withmore than 9,700
employees, with 26 factories across three continents.

ROCKWOOL has more than 40 years experience in
developing and manufacturing advanced wall system
products. For more than 25 years, ROXUL has been
serving the North American market.

In addition to residential insulation, ROXUL also
manufactures a range of other premium insulation
products for commercial and industrial applications.

ROXUL is The Better Insulation™

ROXUL is an innovative insulation offering a world
of green features. When ROXUL is the specified
insulation, green building developers can earn a variety
of LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) points across four key categories toward
sustainable development.

Environmentally sustainable

Our stone wool production process utilizes some of
the most advanced technology available. The ROXUL
facility is designed to capture and recycle rainwater,
reduce energy consumption, and create zero waste
to landfill by recycling raw materials back into the
production process.

ROXUL insulations are created using naturally
occurring, inorganic raw materials and materials
with a high-recycled content. Stone wool insulation
is non-combustible and achieves its thermal
performance without the use of blowing agents.
The products do not off-gas and are fully recyclable,
therefore contributing to a sustainable environment.

ROXUL is pleased to have third-party certification
of our products’ recycled content for our Milton
facility, completed by ICC-ES SAVE™. All ROXUL
products produced at the Milton facility contain a
minimum of 40% recycled content. For further details,
contact your ROXUL Sales Representative. Please visit
www.roxul.com for the latest information.

TM

2012-2013

COMFORTBATT® and DR AINBOARD

COMFORTBOARD™ IS and ROCKFILL™ are tr ademarks of ROXUL Inc.

LEED® is a register ed tradema rk of Un ited St ates Green Building Council.

GREENGUARD® is a register ed tradema rk of Gr eenguard Envir onmental Institute.

Suite 105, Milton, Ontario L9T 0H9

420 Bronte Street South

®

are registe red tr ademark of ROXUL Inc.

ROXUL INC.

Tel: [phone]

www.roxul.com

ROX-2589_1213