FINAL July 10, 2012 CHICAGOLAND S ROOFING, INSULATION, AIR-BARRIER REQUIREMENTS

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1 FINAL July 10, 2012 CHICAGOLAND S ROOFING, INSULATION, AIR-BARRIER REQUIREMENTS Executive Summary: In Chicagoland there are two codes in roofing and reroofing. The International Family of Codes and the Chicago Building, Energy and Fire Codes are used here. There is a proposal currently for the State of Illinois to adapt the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code which will affect the City of Chicago s Energy Code increasing Insulation R-Value and adding a continuous air barrier. The Chicago Department of Buildings continues to manage the Building Code of Chicago including the 2009 Energy Code provisions in connection with its plan reviews; The City of Chicago Department of Buildings has taken over its administration and permit procedures. The prospective amendments to the Energy Code do not contain any additional City nor Suburban / County incentives or other tax benefits for commercial properties. Background The State of Illinois is a home rule state. As such, the Building and other codes are adopted by local jurisdictions. In greater Chicagoland, there are basically two codes adapted for building designers, owners and managers to comply The International Family of Codes and the Chicago Building Code and Fire Code. Two Building Codes in Illinois The I-Code Family including International Building, Fire, Existing, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, Mechanical, Residential and Wildland Urban Interface and Green Construction Code are used throughout the USA, Caribbean and United Arab Emirates. The I-Codes are consensus developed documents updated on a three year cycle. The current version is the 2012 version of the I-Codes. The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is produced by the International Code Council as part of this International Family of Codes. The City of Chicago s Building and Fire Codes have evolved with the past 100 years of building science and construction knowledge integrated in the 2012 Municipal Code of Chicago. As part of the Municipal Code of Chicago, there is a chapter on Energy, called the 2009 Chicago Energy Code. The Chicago Energy Code applies to commercial and residential buildings in Chicago and regulates the design and construction for the effective use of energy. This update focuses on commercial buildings.

2 Chicago Energy Code & Urban Heat Island Reduction One unique feature of the Chicago Energy Code is the use of light color surfaces to cool the City in the summer by reducing Urban Heat Island effect through eliminating black roofs over time. This happens in Chicago when repairs or renovations are made to existing buildings. The language states that any alterations, additions, renovations or repairs must comply with the Chicago Energy Code. An Urban Heat Island refers to a condition wherein large amounts of dark absorbing surfaces (such as asphalt paving and dark roofs) trap energy from sunlight and release it back into the atmosphere, causing higher temperatures, energy use and resulting pollution levels. The Energy Code gives several options to mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect in commercial properties, through vegetative green roofs, photovoltaic, ballast or aggregate green roofs, or light colored cool green roofs. Currently, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC-suburbs) does not address the Urban Heat Island Effect for buildings located in the northern climates, such as Zone 5. Chicago s Energy Code does regulate reflectivity through the Urban Heat Island Effect Ordinance. There are many compliance requirements and exceptions in the 2009 Chicago Energy Code. The two most important points are reflectivity and insulation: (i) (ii) reflectance requirements -.72 initial, or.50 aged reflectively insulation requirements - R-20 now Most commercial properties are designed and constructed using low-sloped roofs. The requirements for low sloped commercial roofs include both reflectivity and Thermal Resistance Requirements, with some exceptions for gravel - ballast roofs, vegetative garden roofs and photovoltaics placed on roofs. The current 2009 Chicago Energy Code reflectance requirement for low-sloped roofs is.72 initial installed, or.50 aged 3 years reflectively as determined by the Cool Roof Rating Council or Energy Star. From what we understand, there will be no change to the reflectance requirements in the prospective new Chicago Energy Code when it updates either in 2012 or Chicago & Suburbs Insulation Requirements was to Increase by 20% July 1, 2012 from R- 20 to R-25. The current Chicago Energy Code uses in its entirety the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code ( IECC ) for building envelope wall and roof - insulation requirements and adds the reflectivity requirements above. The current roofing Chicago Energy Code insulation requirements are R-20 for low sloped commercial roofs. The R Value refers to the thermal resistance of the insulation where heat flows from one surface to another. The higher the R-Value the more insulation is required.

3 The State of Illinois enacted legislation some time ago that mandates the current version of the International Energy Conservation Code as state law 12 months from publication by the ICC action. This is similar to what happens when the Americans with Disabilities Act changes. Rather than the normal code adaption process through each legislative body in Illinois, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code becomes state law12 months after publication.and that is July 1, 2012.unless a formal statement is made altering this requirement. CRCA has heard that this requirement will be postponed until January 1, Until we see this in writing from the State of IL, we recommend writing contract clauses explaining what insulation thicknesses are provided and placing the risk of compliance on the building owners choices. According to the Chicago Department of Buildings, since the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code becomes State Law, Chicago will have to comply. That will mean the Chicago Energy Code will update from the 2006 version to the 2012 version of the IECC when the State adapts the 2012 IECC. As a result, insulation required on roofs on commercial properties in Chicago, suburbs and all of the State of Illinois will increase by over 20% from R-20 to R-25. We understand that the legislation has passed and awaits Governor Quinn s signature. We understand that the effective date of the requirement is for buildings permitted after January 1, However, should the administrative rules process or Governor Amendment alter the requirement, it may be effective prior to January 1, The new Chicago Energy Code causes an increase in insulation requirements from R-20 to a minimum of R-25 to comply with the IL State Law. This applies to all commercial low sloped roofs including new construction, reroofing and tear offs. Currently, exceptions are allowed only if the authority having jurisdiction allows a variance. Reasons for the variance include impracticality in the opinion of the building official, based on of the Building Code, Alternative Methods. CRCA has requested that IL amend the code allowing exceptions for reroofing. That is not complete at this time. Economics Roofing Contractors state the prospective increase in insulation will cost an additional $1.25 to $3.00 per square foot (assuming a 10,000sf roof) to meet the new requirements depending on the building configuration. Service items on the roof such as heating and air conditioning equipment, doors and windows at penthouses and building abutments means costly raising of the units. Higher building perimeter nailers and sheet metal flashing and other factors will cause further expense adding to the cost of the roof and insulation installation. Plus, high rise buildings will very likely cost more. For the building owner and managers, the question remains, is the additional R-5 worth the extra money? Studies show that there is a diminishing return on investment for insulation after R First, the thermal resistance optimizes at R Additional heat flow gains are very

4 small when adding insulation. Therefore, additional dollars spent on extra insulation produce show returns when related to payback periods. Heat Flow Reduction through Insulation at varied thicknesses " 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 9" 10" 11" 12" SOURCE: MASSAVE.com How does a slow payback period for R-25 insulation affect investment decisions? The life expectancy of a typical low sloped commercial roof is 17 years. Calculating the return time on the investment in additional insulation shows a long payback period of 43 years. With the prospective changes in the insulation requirements, that s 2.5 times the life expectancy of the roof. And, since the building code requires all new materials, the existing insulation cannot be reused. The prospective amendments to the Energy Code do not contain any tax benefits for commercial properties. The Chicago Roofing Contractors Association ( CRCA - crca.org) has suggested that the State of Illinois provide an exception to buildings already constructed and undergoing reroofing or tear offs and reconstruction. Where height of building equipment and perimeter is impractical, an exception would be granted to allow the insulation thickness to be the same as before, but with an LTTR of 6.0 per inch. The exception would allow the building owner and manager to replace less efficient insulation with equal thickness at higher efficiency insulation. How to Comment on the New Law Anyone can public comment supporting the CRCA positions during the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules during the first 45 day posting period in the Illinois Register. Another New Twist Air Barriers The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code also contains requirements for a continuous Air Barrier which includes the roof. Continuous means joints sealed, penetrations sealed, and more. To meet the new IECC Code requirements, there are several materials that qualify for air barrier status. How do building officials, architects and roof consultants know if a material or system complies? That s determined through testing of products for suitability as a system.

5 What materials qualify as part of a continuous air barrier? Can an assembly qualify? Answer: Ask the manufacturer of the product configuration proposed if it meets the following requirements when tested as shown below or are deemed to comply from the list. Yes, and yes Materials are listed below, and Assembly test requirements are on the next page. C Air barrier compliance options. A continuous air barrier for the opaque building envelope shall comply with Section C , C , or C C Materials. Materials with an air permeability no greater than cfm/ft2 (0.02 L/s m2) under a pressure differential of 0.3 inches water gauge (w.g.) (75 Pa) when tested in accordance with ASTM E 2178 shall comply with this section. Materials in Items 1 through 15 shall be deemed to comply with this section provided joints are sealed and materials are installed as air barriers in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. 1. Plywood with a thickness of not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm). 2. Oriented strand board having a thickness of not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm). 3. Extruded polystyrene insulation board having thickness of not less than 1/2 inch (12mm). 4. Foil-back polyisocyanurate insulation board having a thickness of not less than 1/2 inch (12 mm). 5. Closed cell spray foam a minimum density of 1.5 pcf (2.4 kg/m3) having a thickness of not less than 11/2 inches (36 mm). 6. Open cell spray foam with a density between 0.4 and 1.5 pcf (0.6 and 2.4 kg/m3) and having a thickness of not less than 4.5 inches (113 mm). 7. Exterior or interior gypsum board having a thickness of not less than 1/2 inch (12 mm). 8. Cement board having a thickness of not less than 1/2 inch (12 mm). 9. Built up roofing membrane. 10. Modified bituminous roof membrane. 11. Fully adhered single-ply roof membrane. 12. A Portland cement/sand parge, or gypsum plaster having a thickness of not less than 5/8 inch (16 mm). 13. Cast-in-place and precast concrete. 14. Fully grouted concrete block masonry. 15. Sheet steel or aluminum.

6 How do we know an assembly qualifies as an air barrier? C Assemblies. Assemblies of materials and components with an average air leakage not to exceed 0.04 cfm/ft2 (0.2 L/s m2) under a pressure differential of 0.3 inches of water gauge (w.g.)(75pa) when tested in accordance with ASTM E 2357, ASTM E 1677 or ASTM E 283 shall comply with this section. Assemblies listed in Items 1 and 2 shall be deemed to comply provided joints are sealed and requirements of Section C are met. 1. Concrete masonry walls coated with one application either of block filler and two applications of a paint or sealer coating; 2. A Portland cement/sand parge, stucco or plaster minimum 1/2 inch (12 mm) in thickness. Can the whole building be tested to see if it complies? Sure! C Building test. The completed building shall be tested and the air leakage rate of the building envelope shall not exceed 0.40 cfm/ft2 at a pressure differential of 0.3 inches water gauge (2.0 L/s m2 at 75 Pa) in accordance with ASTM E 779 or an equivalent method approved by the code official. What about holes in the air barrier? C Air barrier penetrations. Penetrations of the air barrier and paths of air leakage shall be caulked, gasketed or otherwise sealed in a manner compatible with the construction materials and location. Joints and seals shall be sealed in the same manner or taped or covered with a moisture vapor-permeable wrapping material. Sealing materials shall be appropriate to the construction materials being sealed. The joints and seals shall be securely installed in or on the joint for its entire length so as not to dislodge, loosen or otherwise impair its ability to resist positive and negative pressure from wind, stack effect and mechanical ventilation. To learn more about roofing installations check out the Whole Building Design Guide Resources from NIBS. There is a lot to learn about the new code. What is clear is that there are changes coming unless there are reprieves given by the State of Illinois during the 45 day Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Comment Period. The key points for contractors, consultants, building owners and managers to meet the new Air Barrier Requirements are 1. Not sure? Ask the manufacturer if products qualify as an Air Barrier as defined in this code. It is up to the manufacturer to provide testing that the materials comply. 2. Impractical to make the insulation thickness work? Request a variance during the permit application process from the building official. It may be difficult since energy code is state law. Same for the air barrier. Both codes have an administrative section that allows alternative methods to meet the intent of the code. CRCA is constantly working with the various local governmental agencies and with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) at the Federal Government to insert these exceptions and provide some incentives for commercial properties to keep their buildings code compliant.

7 Bill McHugh, Executive Director & CRCA s Industry Affairs Committee Chicago Roofing Contractors Association 4415 W. Harrison St, #436 ~ Hillside, IL ph ~ fx ~ bill@crca.org July 10, 2012