In February 2024, Ohio implemented updated energy codes aimed at enhancing building energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. These changes significantly affect the construction and insulation requirements for Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs). Understanding the advantages and challenges of these regulations, as well as alternative ways to comply with the code, is crucial for both compliance and cost-effectiveness ensuring a smooth construction process.
Overview of Ohio’s Updated Energy Codes
The revised energy codes place greater emphasis on improved thermal performance, requiring higher R-values and U-values for building envelopes, including walls, roofs, and floors. To meet the new requirements, builders must adopt more effective insulation strategies that enhance energy efficiency without compromising the structural integrity and cost-effectiveness of the building.
R-Value vs. U-Value: Understanding the Difference
R-value and U-value are both measurements of thermal performance, but they represent different aspects of heat transfer. R-value measures the resistance of a material to heat flow—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. U-value, on the other hand, measures the overall heat transfer coefficient of an entire building component, such as a wall or roof system. A lower U-value indicates better insulation performance. While R-value focuses on individual insulation materials, U-value provides a more comprehensive assessment of a building’s thermal efficiency.
Code Meeting Insulation Methods for PEMBs
Cavity fill insulation involves filling the spaces between the structural components, such as girts and purlins, with insulation material. This method maximizes the use of existing building cavities to improve thermal performance. It fully fills the girt or purlin space and includes an additional layer of insulation rolled over the top, ensuring an airtight seal that prevents heat loss. This system is further enhanced by a reinforced vapor barrier, custom sized for each bay for easy installation. The fabric vapor barrier not only improves energy efficiency but also provides a clean, uniform appearance for the walls and roof.
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer another solution that aligns with the updated energy codes. These rigid foam panels are installed over the building’s structural components, providing continuous insulation across the envelope. IMPs deliver high thermal resistance, effectively reducing energy loss and improving overall building efficiency. A key advantage of IMPs is that they also serve as a built-in vapor barrier, preventing moisture infiltration and minimizing the risk of condensation issues. Additionally, these panels are sheeted on both sides, creating a full-height liner panel on the interior of the building envelope. This not only enhances insulation performance but also provides a durable and aesthetically clean finish inside the structure.
Pros and Cons of Updated Energy Codes
The new energy codes offer several benefits, including increased energy efficiency, improved occupant comfort, and reduced environmental impact. By enhancing insulation standards, these regulations help lower energy consumption for heating and cooling, leading to reduced utility costs over time. Better insulation also contributes to a more consistent indoor climate, ensuring a comfortable environment year-round. Additionally, improved energy efficiency reduces a building’s overall carbon footprint and is cost efficient on the heating and cooling bills.
However, the new regulations also present challenges. The requirement for higher R-values means increased construction costs, as upgraded insulation materials and installation techniques can be more expensive. For some builders, meeting these requirements may also necessitate design modifications, potentially impacting project timelines and budgets. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for making informed decisions about compliance strategies.
When Does the Energy Code Apply?
Anytime a building is submitted to a governing authority with building inspections, the new energy code must be followed. However, despite the stricter requirements, there are ways to reduce the impact of these regulations. One option is to classify a building as a “semi-heated” structure. Buildings that maintain an interior temperature between 41°F and 59°F may have lower insulation requirements, making compliance more manageable. This approach can be particularly beneficial for warehouses, storage facilities, and agricultural buildings where maintaining a moderate temperature is sufficient.
Another key consideration is that not all buildings are subject to building inspections thus are not required to follow the new energy codes. “For example, buildings designated for agricultural or personal use are often exempt from submitting blueprints to governing authorities for approval. This exemption allows for ultimate flexibility in design and insulation choices. Additionally, some jurisdictions offer alternative compliance paths, such as allowing trade-offs where high-efficiency HVAC systems or alternative energy sources can be used in place of stringent insulation requirements. Having these conversations early on in the pre-construction phase are vital to determine the best path forward for you and your building.
At Boyers Construction, we craft exceptional design build commercial and residential spaces with decades of experience in pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), residential, commercial, and industrial general contracting, custom floor plans and 3D design, blueprint drafting, and interior design. We provide and erect PEMBs such as warehouses, distribution centers, cold storage buildings, agricultural buildings, and production facilities across the United States, while locally offering luxury custom homes, high end residential construction and commercial construction, office renovations, and construction management in northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan, and northeast Indiana.
