U-factor and ComCheck

The following pages discuss how to use ComCheck and Omni Block’s U-factor to achieve the code energy requirements. It is assumed that the reader has a working knowledge of the Department of Energy’s software program ComCheck.

For a downloadable pdf click here.

The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) which supports the masonry industry and is an excellent technical resource provides a Frequently Asked Question publication that further provides invaluable unbiased information at this link https://ncma.org/resource/faq-12-14/.

Mortar Joint Illustration

There are insulated block systems on the market that make claims of continuous insulation within their block and upon close examination, they do. However, that examination also reveals that there is no insulation spanning the mortar joints in a total wall assembly. Since mortar joints account for at least 6% of the total wall, this would not be considered continuous insulation.

Omni Block does not claim to have continuous insulation. Continuous insulation is not required in the IECC, specifically the Performance Path section of the code. Omni Block does have two independent layers of insulation inserts for the System 8 and 3 independent layers of insulation included in the System 12. Additionally, the insulation in both Systems span the mortar joints (vertically and horizontally). 

To download the pdf version click here complete with calculations.

Glass has a higher R-Value than block?

R-Value is the derived industry standard of measuring how products perform in laboratory conditions. However, we do not live and work in a laboratory condition. It is therefore important to consider the real world conditions of all building materials. Omni Block is the best thermally performing building product for the money available on the market.

Law of Diminishing Returns

Building material R-Values are tested in a uniform laboratory testing method. The problem often lies within the “non-perfect” installation techniques that are commonplace in the construction industry. These 3 slides illustrate a) that there is a Law of Diminishing Returns when it comes to R-Value; b) that a small insulation void or improper insulation installation can greatly reduce the expected R-Value performance of a wall assembly; and c) how those voids are shown via infrared imagery (the camera does not lie). Just more REAL WORLD LOGIC from Omni Block.

 More Insulation in the Roof?

There are short-cuts or some would say “loopholes” in the IECC for architects and designers to use in order to meet the minimums set forth for the thermal envelope. Does this strategy follow “best practices” within our industry? Maybe logic should be used rather than finding a loophole in the code. The cartoon above provides a humorous slant on a clear misuse of a code loophole.

Einstein couldn’t have done this kind of math …        How can you?

Let’s look at this logically…

If a 4″ solid grouted block has an R-2.4 (R-Value) and an 8″ solid grouted block has an R-2.7 and a 12″ block has an R-2.8, all per the nationally accredited testing laboratories of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), and we want to build a 48″ thick wall, we are allowed to add the layers of the individual block units to derive the total wall assembly R-Value.

If all units are solid grouted, you have for all intensive purposes the same solid 48″ masonry wall with major R-Value differences. Since heat has “energy”, it is what we are trying to control or at least limit its movement.

Question: It would appear based upon the layered R-values that the same 48″ wall would “resist” this heat much differently, but would it?

Conclusion: The heat would move through or be absorbed by the thermal mass of the wall assembly at the very same rate making the variously stated wall R-Values inaccurate. The laboratory results are not substantiated by real world applications.

Therefore: The current ASTM wall R-Value test results for block are providing “misinformation” and are not useful. Actually they very deceiving, causing many that rely on such information to make the wrong decisions as to what exterior wall material to use.

Further discussion of inaccurate analysis can be found at www.omniblock.com/2016/08/01/case-study-muzyka-residence/