Metal Building Insulation

The National Insulation Association’s® (NIA’s) Metal Building Insulation Laminator members provide up-to-date information on energy code compliance for pre-engineered metal building systems, the use of NIA Certified Faced Insulation®, and recommendations for metal building insulation assemblies and proper installation that comply with ASHRAE 90.1 and the Energy Codes.

Pre-engineered metal buildings continue to dominate the 1- and 2-story commercial and industrial construction market, requiring materials that are engineered to keep pace with constantly evolving design concepts. One such material is NIA Certified Faced Insulation®, which is specifically designed to meet the unique thermal and acoustical designs of today’s metal buildings.

The selection and proper installation of advanced insulation systems to accommodate increases in energy efficiency requirements is a key component in the value delivered of a pre-engineered metal building solution. Contractors, specifiers, end users, and code officials find this information useful in determining the insulation requirements for various building projects.

NIA’s Metal Building Insulation Laminators members meet in a Committee twice yearly at NIA’s National Convention and in the fall. Key objectives of the committee include:

  • Develop technical and professional guidelines that will help laminators deliver the highest quality products and services, and promote these standards within the metal building industry in conjunction with NAIMA and other relevant organizations.
  • Disseminate information on pertinent health, safety, environmental, business, energy efficiency, and other legislative and regulatory issues.
  • Act as a liaison with the design, manufacturing, and construction influences of the metal building industry.
  • Work with the NIA Associate Members on projects and issues of mutual interest.

NIA Certified Faced Insulation

NIA has developed a standard product specification for use by manufacturers, laminators, designers, and users of metal building insulation systems.

This specification covers the classification, composition, and the physical properties of flexible faced fiber glass insulation intended for use in the walls and roofs of manufactured metal buildings.

For insulation to be “certified,” it must be manufactured and laminated according to criteria established by the Certified Faced Insulation Standard developed by NIA (previously called NIA-404). The Standard requires that the unfaced insulation be NAIMA 202-96® (Rev. 2000), or an approved equal, and laminated by a certified laminator in order for its quality and R-value to remain intact.

Third Party Testing

For insulation to be certified to the Faced Insulation Standard, laminators are required to participate in third party testing by a nationally recognized independent laboratory such as Home Innovation Research Labs. The testing ensures out-of-the-package performance of the insulation and provides assurance that the product delivers the specified insulation R-value.

NIA Certified Flexible Faced Fiber Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings

Certified Faced Insulation Standard

The Certified Faced Insulation Standard is a post-lamination certification for flexible faced fiber glass insulation used in metal buildings. It was developed by NIA to assure builders and building owners that the fiber glass insulation specifically engineered for metal buildings meets 100% of the stated R-value after the lamination process.

The Standard was developed because the lamination process of applying adhesives and a facing to the fiber glass insulation can greatly affect the thickness recovery of the insulation and subsequently its effectiveness.

The Standard addresses quality issues such as adhesive rates, compression ratios, packaging, handling, storage, moisture, and other things that can impact the thermal performance of the insulation.

NAIMA 202-96® (Rev. 2000) Standard

This standard was developed by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). It is a product performance standard designed to help builders meet today's energy codes.

To make sure that NAIMA 202-96 insulation products have the R-value stated after lamination, the manufacturers produce the unfaced insulation to an average of 108% of the R-value stated on the pre-lamination label.

Energy Code Tools

There are a few tools that can be used to figure out what energy codes are applicable in your state.

  • COMcheck: COMcheck helps specifiers, contractors, and other construction professionals find the building codes for their states, as every state is required to have a Commercial Building Energy Code. COMcheck provides a link for users to determine the current codes in their state, and lists a contact person who can give them further details and answer any inquiries. COMcheck includes both the ASHRAE standard and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
  • Status of State Energy Code Adoption: The DOE tracks the adoption of energy codes across the U.S. for commercial and residential buildings.