RainBarrier® Continuous Insulation

Words: Dan Kamys

Winter 2014-15

New Products

RainBarrier® Continuous Insulation

http://www.keenebuilding.com

RainBarrier® Continuous Insulation

Thermafiber RainBarrier products from Owens Corning are designed for exceptional performance in rain screen and cavity wall construction applications. New RainBarrier HD & RainBarrier 45 provide energy-saving continuous insulation (ci), fire protection, and acoustical control while efficiently draining water from a wall cavity system. RainBarrier products are non-combustible and compatible with common wall ties and air barrier systems.

According to the manufacturer, RainBarrier has several distinct advantages over other insulation products in these types of construction:

  1. Non-combustible and fire resistant. RainBarrier can withstand temperatures over 2,000°F for over 5 hours. In the event of a fire, mineral wool will not burn or release toxic smoke and gasses.
  2. Sustainability. Available with a minimum 70% recycle content. No CFC or HCFC blowing agents. Energy saving R-value of 4.2 per inch of thickness.
  3. Permeable. In a vapor permeable system, RainBarrier allows the building to breathe as it is designed without sacrificing R-value. In a non-permeable system, RainBarrier allows the vapor barrier to perform without creating additional traps for moisture in the wall cavity.
  4. UV resistant. RainBarrier is ideal for use in open joint systems where UV rays can degrade other insulations.
  5. Easy to fabricate and install. Semi-rigid mineral wool can conform to jobsite irregularities much better than rigid insulations to ensure a continuous thermal barrier.
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