A library of best practices, educational and technical training resources to support generally accepted, code-compliant use of polyiso products.
Using scientific methods, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) develops research and builds tools to support the reliable, efficient and economic design and installation of polyiso foam sheathing.
Building Designer Support
Installer Support
Continuing Education
- NFPA 285 Product Suppliers
A listing of products supplied by PIMA members who have code evaluation reports showing compliance with NFPA 285 testing requirements. - Engineering Analysis of NFPA 285 Tested Assemblies
Code requirements for specific testing are often questioned in the industry. This program explains how engineering extensions of tested assemblies are allowed. - Construction Details for the Use of Polyiso in Light-Frame Construction
Illustration of construction detailing concepts for Polyiso when used as a continuous insulation material on light-frame wood or cold-formed steel exterior wall assemblies
- Polyiso Used as a Water-Resistive Barrier System
Installation guidance when Polyiso is used as the Water Resisitive Barrier - How to Install Polyiso
General installation guidance for Polyiso - Window Installation with Polyiso and Wood Framing - Standard Method
Installation guidance for a representative solution to installing windows with Polyiso - Window Installation with Polyiso and Wood Framing - Picture Frame Method
Installation guidance for a solution to installing windows with Polyiso using a 'picture frame' - Window Installation with Polyiso and Wood Framing - Rainscreen Method
Installation guidance for a solution to installing windows with Polyiso using furring installed over the Polyiso - Window Installation with Polyiso and Wood Framing - Window Buck Method
Installation guidance for a solution to installing windows with Polyiso using a lumber window buck frame - Attachment of Exterior Wall Coverings Through Polyiso to Wood or Steel Wall Framing
Improved energy efficiency is a major focus in building design and construction with the evolution of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Proper attachments for wall coverings installed over polyiso are explored here.
- Continuous Insulation for Code-Compliant & High Performance Walls
These educational modules cover the appropriate use of Polyiso in Types I-IV as well as Type V and Residential construction. - Polyiso CI for Code-Compliant & High Performance Walls in Types I-IV Construction
This educational program is focused on the appropriate use of Polyiso in Types I-IV construction and its application with respect to codes, standards, and other information useful for the proper installation by the construction industry. - Polyiso CI for Code-Compliant & High Performance Walls in Type V and Residential Construction
This educational program is focused on the appropriate use of Polyiso in Type V and Residential construction and its application with respect to codes, standards, and other information useful for the proper installation by the construction industry. - Assessment of Water Vapor Control Methods
Overview of key building science concepts, U.S. & Canadian code requirements, accepted methods of design to control water vapor, and design solutions for all climate zones and walls with or without polyiso insulation. - Stop Wardrobe Malfunctions: Don't Eat Your Sweater
Resources on using continuous insulation for compliance with the building codes and energy codes.
Code Compliance Support
Research
Standards
- Polyiso Used as an Air Barrier Material in an Air Barrier Assembly
A centrally located listing of products that have been approved for use as an air barrier material in an air barrier assembly. - Polyiso Products & Accessories Used as a Code Compliant Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB) System
A central location for the identification of products that have been approved for use as a WRB. - Attachment of Windows with Integral Flanges Through Polyiso to Wood Framing
Information to supplement the manufacturer's installation instructions where installation over Polyiso is not specifically addressed - Attachment of Exterior Wall Coverings Through Polyiso to Wood or Steel Wall Framing
This report examines the attachment of exterior wall coverings through Polyiso, with thickness up to 4", to wood or cold-formed steel wall studs.
- Assessment of Moisture Control & Insulation Requirements in Vermont’s Final Draft 2015 Residential Building Energy Standard (RBES) and Handbook
Concerns regarding moisture control performance can affect walls of any thickness, with or without the added protection of exterior continuous insulation. - Water-Resistive Barriers: Assuring Consistent Assembly Water-Penetration Resistance
Water-resistive barriers (weather-resistant sheathing paper) (WRB) have been required by the model building codes for many years and have been required by the International Code Council model codes since their inception in 2000. This program investigates how polyiso can be used as a WRB. - NFPA 285- Engineering Extension of Tested Assemblies
Building code requirements relating to NFPA 285 testing requirements and the use of the alternative materials provision of the code to extend those test results to similar wall assemblies of equal or better performance.
- ANSI/ABTG FS 100
Standard Requirements for Wind Pressure Resistance of Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing Used in Exterior Wall Covering Assemblies - ASTM C1289 - Standard Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board
ASTM standard specifications for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board