Insulated Pan el Building Systems

Technical Bulletin

Technical Bulletin # 2011- 014

Vapour Barriers in Structural Insulated Panel Construction

…. a 6 ½” SIP test section is 42 ng/Pa·s·m2. This is less than the

maximum permitted by Code for vapor retarders / vapour barriers,
meaning that IPB SIPs are acceptable vapour retarders/vapour barriers.
This technical bulletin addresses the interior diffusion of water vapour into the building’s components
from the interior of a building.

Vapour barriers or retarders are designed and installed to prevent the movement of water by vapour
diffusion. Approved vapour barrier/retarder materials are vapour semi-impermeable with a
permeance of 1.0 perm or less and greater than 0.1 perm.

The National Building Code (NBC) 2005 VAPOR BARRIER contains the following provisions
with respect to vapour barriers:

9.25.4.1. Required Barrier to Vapour Diffusion. 1) Thermally insulated wall, ceiling and floor
assemblies shall be constructed with a vapour barrier so as to provide a barrier to diffusion of water
vapour from the interior into wall spaces, floor spaces or attic or roof spaces.

A vapour barrier is defined in the NBC 2005 as the elements installed to control the diffusion of
vapour. Vapour barrier requirements in Clause 9.25.1.2.(1)(b) are that the vapour barrier must have
a vapour permeance less than 60 ng/Pa·s·m2 when tested in accordance ASTM E96 dry cup
method.

IPB Systems Insulated Panel Wall System

Note: The following calculation uses a 6 ½ inch thick structural insulated panel as the basis for
determining compliance. SIPs thicker than 6 ½ inch will provide more vapour permeance.

IPB’s 6 ½” SIP system consists of one layer of 7/16” oriented strand board (OSB) laminated to each
face of a 5 5/8” thick expanded polystyrene (EPS) core material.

ipbsys.com Technical Bulletin # 2011-014 Revised June 2015

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Technical Bulletin

Vapour Permeance Calculation

The vapour permeance was calculated using the vapour permeance property of the EPS insulation
core and glued 2 OSB structural sheathing. The vapour permeance property will decrease as the
EPS thickness increases resulting in a lower composite property.

Vapour Permeance Table

OSB – 2 Layers of 7/16 60 ng/Pa·s·m2 Per 25.4mm 60 ng/Pa·s·m2
Plastifab Type I EPS 300 ng/Pa·s·m2 Per 25.4mm, 54 g/Pa·s·m2
Morad SIP Glue - 2 coats 0 ng/Pa·s·m2 on 80% of glue surface coverage 11 g/Pa·s·m2

The composite vapour permeance calculation for a 6 ½” SIP test section is 42 ng/Pa·s·m2(0.75
perm). This is less than the maximum permitted by Code for vapor retarders/vapour barriers
meaning that IPB SIPs are acceptable vapour retarders/vapour barriers and are compliant with the
National Building Code.

Permeance of OSB
OSB standards published by the APA have determined that OSB skins have permeance rating of
less than 1. The EPS foam core of a 6 ½ inch SIP is rated at less than 1. Therefore the assembly
acts as a vapour barrier or retarder.

With respect to water vapour entering the assembly; the concern with SIP construction is not water
invading the assembled components through the skin’s surface but water vapour diffusion through
the panel joints at panel connection points.

Prevention of Water Diffusion Through the Panel Connections

Installation guidelines for assembly of IPB SIPs calls for a continuous bead adhesive sealant along
the inside inner and outer (joint) face of OSB as well as a continuous bead of expansion foam on the
joint edge of EPS. With respect to vapour sealing this detail ensures that the joint is air and vapour
tight. Note: this detail also ensures the connection is joined structurally.

Application of Air and Vapour Seal tape for Building Code compliance
Good SIP construction practices have always called for application of an air and vapour seal tape
across the panel joint. Referred to as redundant sealing IPB has always recommended this practice
as it ensures that the envelope is tightly sealed. However our recommendation is no longer voluntary
because as of 2015 the NBC energy efficiency requirements of the building code (9.36.2.10 –
Construction of Air Barrier Details) calls for application of an Air and Vapour Seal Tape to all joints
in panel type assemblies.

IPB recommends 3M’s Air and Vapour Seal 3015 tape for this detail. Application of the tape ensures
complete continuity of the vapour barrier/retarder system. It’s easy to use and usable under all types
of weather conditions.

ipbsys.com Technical Bulletin # 2011-014 Revised June 2015

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There are other membranes that will achieve compliance:

a. using a 6 mil (0.15 mm) thick polyethylene sheeting applied over the joint with an
approved Acoustical Sealant.
b. gypsum board interior finish with low permeance (vapor barrier) paint applied,
c. other approved sealant tapes.

Note: Red tape used seal laps and holes in polyethylene film is not approved for application
onto OSB.

Prior to project commencement, in all cases, check with your local building inspector or development
officer to ensure compliance with applicable building code requirements. A 6 mil (0.15 mm) thick
polyethylene sheeting and Acoustical Sealant may be recommended over the entire SIP system in
order to reach acceptance. The use of an additional vapour barrier/retarder, such as above, may be
warranted based on local building code and or climate conditions. It is up to the design professional
or local building authority to make this determination.

If proceeding with the polyethylene, it is important to use a moisture meter to check that the moisture
content of the OSB is ten percent or less prior to installing.

ipbsys.com Technical Bulletin # 2011-014 Revised June 2015