The final installment of the “SMARTci 3 in 1 System” 3-piece series looks at the standard specification tests and studies completed by the SMARTci 3 in 1 System and its proven effects to combat commercial building industry hurdles.
Click here to see the previous installments in the series.
Major disruptions in supply chain and manufacturing have been apparent in industries across the globe. Some of the shock waves we are experiencing within the commercial building industry are due to the 2020 global pandemic and economic downturn. Advanced Architectural Product’s SMARTci 3 in 1 continuous insulation (CI) system offers the commercial building industry the best practice, weather-resistive barrier (WRB) building envelope solution. The best practice continuous insulation (CI) solution includes overcoming budget constraints and obstacles owners, developers, architects, and contractors face.
Those in the commercial building industry have faced hurdles, including increased material costs and labor shortages. In the first two installments of our “SMARTci 3 in 1 Blog Series”, we discussed current trends and challenges in the commercial building industry. We also explored the SMARTci 3 in 1 System components, assembly process, and cost-effective all-in-one WRB continuous insulation (CI) solution to combat some of the current challenges within the industry.
In the final installment of our 3-piece series, we will highlight various tests and standards performed to validate the weather-resistive barrier (WRB) properties of the SMARTci 3 in 1 system. These tests show how SMARTci Systems stand up to fire safety regulations, strength tests, and energy standards.
The SMARTci 3 in 1 System and its components have been rigorously tested and have passed over 30 energy, strength, and water, air, and vapor weather-resistive barrier (WRB), highly recognized standards, and finite element analysis (FEA) tests. The performance standards and results for the SMARTci 3 in 1 System, which we dive deeper into included, but are not limited to ASTM E96, ASTM E283, ASTM E331, ASTM E2357, ASHRAE 90.1, and NFPA 285.
What is a weather-resistive barrier (WRB)?
A weather-resistive barrier (WRB) is vital in building code compliance of an exterior wall system. A WRB prevents water, vapor, and air from penetrating a building’s exterior. Elements such as water, vapor, and air should not penetrate or permeate through a building envelope.
The durability and integrity of a building are dependent on a WRB to keep building envelope materials dry. If building materials do not stay dry, the risk of moisture-related problems such as mold or mildew increases. Mold or mildew jeopardizes the building safety, the lifespan of the building will decrease, and air quality decreases within the building. Therefore, it is deemed harmful, and more damaged building materials go to landfills over time which ultimately becomes more costly.
SMARTci 3 in 1 System WRB Performance Standards and Results
Below are some of the most common tests performed to validate a WRB building material. The SMARTci 3 in 1 System passes all requirements for a WRB.
| Property | Performance Standard | Results | System |
| 1. Vapor Transmission | ASTM E96 | ✔ <0.4 Perms | SMARTci 3 in 1 – Polyiso |
| 2. Air Barrier | ASTM E283 | ✔ Passed | SMARTci 3 in 1 |
| 3. Water Penetration | ASTM E331 | ✔ Passed | SMARTci 3 in 1 |
1. ASTM E96 Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
What is the ASTM E96 test?
The ASTM E96 test determines water vapor transmission through the permeability of materials. The ASTM E96 test is required for all WRB products and is a standard test performed by manufacturers and designers.
How is the ASTM E96 test performed?
The ASTM E96 test involves placing a cup of distilled water with a small gap for air space between the sample specimen and the cup of water. The cup is sealed to prevent the loss of water vapor, except through the test sample.
SMARTci® 3 in 1 System Performance:
The dual foil-faced polyiso insulation panel component of the SMARTci 3 in 1 System passed the ASTM E96 test with less than 0.4 perms.
2. ASTM E283 – Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
What is the ASTM E283 test?
The ASTM E283 is a building material specification performed on exterior windows, skylights, curtain walls, and doors to determine air leakage characteristics under specified air pressure differences at varying conditions. The test method measures only the air leakage associated with the assembly and not the installation.
How is the ASTM E283 test performed?
An ASTM E283 test is performed by sealing a chamber against one side of the sample specimen and supplying and measuring the airflow to a set pressure difference.
SMARTci® 3 in 1 System Performance:
The SMARTci 3 in 1 System passed the ASTM E283 test.
3. ASTM E331 – Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
What is the ASTM E331 test?
The ASTM E331 test determines the resistance to water penetration under static air pressure differences. In addition, exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors test for resistance to water penetration.
How is the ASTM E331 test performed?
The ASTM E331 test involves utilizing a calibrated spray apparatus to apply water and static air pressure to the outside of the building test material, whether a window, curtain wall, skylight, or door. In addition, uniform static pressure is applied to the inside of the building material during testing.
SMARTci® 3 in 1 System Performance:
All SMARTci Systems performed a Technical Evaluation Report (TER 1501-06). The SMARTci 3 in 1 System passed the ASTM E331 test. Results from the TER test are in Figure 1. To see the full SMARTci TER report, visit the DrJ Certification website.
Figure 1: Technical Evaluation Report TER 1501-06 completed by DrJ Certification
|
Product Name |
Minimum Insulation Thickness³
(in.) |
Maximum Stud Spacing (in.) | Maximum GreenGirt™ Spacing (in.) | Pressure (psf) | Duration of Test (min.) | Results |
Comments |
|
SMARTci® Systems |
2 | 24 | 24 | 10 | 15 |
No Leakage |
SMARTci on open studs. Panel joint between studs. 3” 16 ga. Strapping at 24” O.C. No tape on joints.¹ |
|
2 |
16 | 24 | 20 | 15 |
No Leakage |
SMARTci on open studs. Panel joint between studs. No tape at joints. ¹ | |
|
2 |
24 | 24 | 20 | 15 |
No Leakage |
SMARTci on open studs. Panel joint between studs. Includes perforations and taped seams. ¹ | |
|
2 |
24 | 24 | 15 | 15 |
No Leakage |
SMARTci on open studs. Panel joint between studs.² | |
| SI: 1” = 25.4 mm, 1 psf = 0.0479 kN/m²
1. Tested per ASTM E331. 2. Tested per AAMA 501.1. 3. Products less than 2” thick are not certified for use as WRBs. |
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Additional SMARTci Systems and GreenGirt Performance Standards:
Along with the WRB property testing completed on the SMARTci 3 in 1 System, further testing and specifications were performed, including fire propagation, tensile strength, and energy efficiency.
| Property | Performance Standard | Results | System |
| 4. Thermal Efficiency | ASHRAE 90.1 (2003-2019) | ✔ Compliant | SMARTci with GreenGirt |
| 5. Fire Propagation | NFPA 285 | ✔ Compliant | SMARTci with GreenGirt |
4. ASHRAE 90.1 (2003-2019) – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
The ASHRAE 90.1 (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard is a benchmark within the United States commercial building energy codes. ASHRAE 90.1 provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficiency of most buildings (excluding low-rise residential buildings). The ASHRAE 90.1 minimum energy standards are required in all new commercial building construction, new portions of buildings, and new systems within existing structures. GreenGirt and SMARTci Systems meet and exceed ASHRAE 90.1 standards.
5. NFPA 285 Compliance & ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components
According to the 2012 edition of the NFPA 285 standard, NFPA 285 provides a fire test procedure for evaluating the suitability of exterior, non-load-bearing wall assemblies and panels used as components of curtain wall assemblies. These are constructed using combustible materials or incorporate flammable elements for installation on buildings where exterior walls must be non-combustible. This test is required for most building types by the 2012 International Building Code (IBC).
GreenGirt composite metal hybrid (CMH) did not add to the flame spread of an assembly and retain the cladding by resisting fire propagation. This result is due to its non-flammable constituents, as well as a built-in, environmentally friendly flame retardant that allows GreenGirt to be self-extinguishing. In addition, the fiberglass and steel in the composite metal hybrid (CMH) remain in place for extended periods of high temperatures.
A SMARTci System with GreenGirt from A2P can provide multiple levels of fire protection – levels not typically found in construction assemblies. From the CMH material and fire-retardant elements designed in, GreenGirt delivers performance that exceeds fire code requirements. As a result, GreenGirt and SMARTci Systems by A2P offer a new, high-performance baseline for the product category. GreenGirt and SMARTci Systems is NFPA 285 compliant and ASTM E84 approved.
Download the SMARTci 3 in 1 Systems Specifications to see the full list of tests performed.
Find an A2P Representative in your area for more information about our SMARTci™ Systems and GreenGirt® sub-framing.
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