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ROXUL REPORT:
Fastener Guidelines
TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
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Fastener
Guidelines
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TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
DESIGN BASIS
1. MECHANICAL ATTACHMENT
For permanent attachment, ROXUL stone
wool (mineral wool) insulation should be
mechanically attached or pressure held by
supporting members.
2. ADHESIVES
Adhesives and adhesive applied stick-pins
should NOT be used for permanent
attachment of ROXUL stone wool insulation.
Adhesives, and adhesive based systems
can used for temporary attachment, but
mechanical attachment (or supporting
members) must be used for permanent
attachment.
3. EXPOSED INSULATION
ROXUL stone wool insulation is not
intended to be left exposed to the elements.
Cladding should be installed after insulation
attachment. If the insulation is to be left
exposed, or installation takes place in bad
weather, the insulation should be
permanently mechanically attached and
covered with a breathable protective layer
(such as tarp). Designers can increase
number of fasteners to meet specific
conditions and design requirements
(including wind-driven rain-loads).
4. DESIGN LOADS
Fastening connections should be designed
to withstand all the combined applied loads,
including (but not limited to) Dead-Load and
Wind-Loads. Where applicable,
consideration should also be given to
Seismic- Load, Live-Load and Wind-Driven
Rain-Load (Not covered in this guide).
5. DEAD LOAD
Fastening connections should be designed
to withstand all the combined applied dead
loads, including (but not limited to) the
insulation, fasteners and any other
supported members or cladding.
6. WIND LOAD (LIVE LOAD)
Fastening connections should be designed
to withstand horizontal loads imposed by
wind pressures. Wind loads often govern
lateral load scenarios
7. FASTENER SELECTION
Fasteners should be: a) appropriate type for
the substrate; b) capable of withstanding
applied pull-out and shear-loads ; c)
numerous enough and of large enough
cross-section to prevent tear-through of the
insulation under expected conditions; d)
suitable for use outside if being used in
exterior applications.
8. ENGINEERED DESIGN
The design of fastened connections is a task
normally completed, or reviewed, by a
structural engineer. The primary purpose of
this fastener guide is to provide suggestions
for attachment design of ROXUL stone wool
insulation attachment to various structures
and buildings.
9. LIMITATION
ROXUL stone wool insulation boards are
suitable for mechanical attachment using a
number of fasteners and fastening systems.
Mechanically attached fastening systems
are subject to various loads including dead
load, wind load and seismic load; all of
which vary with location and over time.
WARNING: Failure to include safety factors
or adequately design for applied loads can
result in failure of mechanical attachment.
The determination of the specific design
requirements and safety factors regarding a
fastener system is the sole responsibility of
the installer and/or end user. ROXUL Inc
assumes no responsibility whatsoever for
any failure of insulation attachment or
related fastening systems.
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Plain Insulation
1. APPLICATIONS
Exposed Exterior Insulation
Basements (Inside / Outside)
Parking Garages
Acoustic Panels
2. EXPOSED INSULATION
ROXUL stone wool insulation is not
intended to be left exposed to the elements.
Cladding should ideally be installed
immediately after insulation attachment. If
the insulation is to be left exposed, or
installation takes place in bad weather,
ROXUL recommends a minimum of 5
mechanically attached insulation fasteners
per board.
3. TYPE OF FASTENERS
Screw & Washer
Insulation Fastener
Plastic Cap Nails
Impaling Pins
4. NUMBER OF FASTENERS
ROXUL recommends a minimum of 5
mechanically attached insulation fasteners
per board. Designers can increase number
of fasteners to meet specific conditions and
design requirements (including wind-driven
rain-loads).
5. EMBEDDED DEPTH OF FASTENER
Embedded depth required to resist fastener
pull-out will vary with both substrate
material and the fastener type. ROXUL
recommends a minimum 1” embedded
depth, designers may vary this amount.
6. PROPRIETARY FASTENERS
Some proprietary Insulation Fasteners can
provide adequate support with fewer than 5
fasteners per board and less than 1”
embedded depth. Individual fastener
manufacturers should be consulted for
details.
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5. THERMAL CONTROL LAYER
ROXUL® COMFORTBOARD ™ IS
continuous insulation is the primary thermal
control layer.
The amount of insulation recommended
varies by climate region (see Table 2)
6. VAPOR CONTROL LAYER
The assembly as illustrated is a “vapor
open” assembly, meaning that there is a
single line of vapor control and that drying
can occur towards the interior or towards
the exterior from this line. Selection of
vapor-open interior finishes should be
considered. If vapor impermeable finishes
are used, analysis should be conducted to
assess drying potential.
7. EXTERIOR CLADDING
A drained and back-ventilated wood or fiber
cement siding is illustrated.
Material options for the exterior cladding
include:
• Vinyl siding (see manufacturer’s notes
for installation on furring)
• Wood siding
• Fiber cement siding or panels
8. QUALITY CONTROL
CONSIDERATIONS
Inspect the lapping of drainage plane pieces
to ensure that pieces are installed in
“shingle” fashion.
Ensure a tight fit where the exterior
insulation boards are fit together. At
mechanical and structural penetrations, an
opening in the ROXUL COMFORTBOARD
IS layer may be cut slightly undersized to
ensure a tight fit.
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