Solar Dry Insulation
Solar Dry (SDI) is a vented and perforated outboard continuous rigid insulation technology. It has been designed, tested and engineered for framed hybrid (batt and continuous rigid insulation combined) and empty cavity walls. SDI is permeable. It manages vapour diffusion and channels bulk water to the outside. As a result, SDI reduces the risk of mold and building material degradation. For framed wall assemblies; SDI’s thermal performance, drying and drainage (hygrothermal) capabilities have been tested, evaluated and validated by recognized Building Science organizations.
90% of all building envelope problems are related to water. Designing for moisture management is important to protect the building and keep its occupants safe from adverse health effects. Moisture control is adequate provided wet materials have the opportunity to drain and dry – preferably to the outside.
“The cavity provided by Quik-Therm Solar-Dry provides a technical advantage. The vertical cavities, open at the base, provide a drying path to the outside.“ – Mark Lawton, P.Eng,Morrison Hershfield
“In all instances, moisture levels were maintained below critical thresholds associated with mold growth and material degradation. Natural convection within the open drainage channels did not significantly affect moisture or thermal performance. While the open channels enhanced vapor release, diffusion occurred primarily through the perforated insulation system.”
Transient Moisture assessment
Employed WUFI® Pro 6.2 hygrothermal modeling software. Simulations were performed in accordance with design parameters outlined by ASHRAE 160-2009, Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings and Addendum E. Interior design conditions were determined by WUFI’s integrated EN 15026 / WTA 6-2 interior climate method. Exterior weather data utilized WUFI’s Cold Year meteorological data for Vancouver, British Columbia, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Toronto, Ontario.
Performance Criteria and Risk Evaluation Simulation
Outcomes were compared to the VTT Mold Index evaluation criteria as outlined in ASHRAE 160 (2009), Addendum E. The Mold Index was determined using the WUFI-integrated Mold Index VTT plug-in.
Steady-State Moisture Transport
Assessment applied Computational Fluid Dynamics to simulate coupled heat and moisture transport through two and three-dimensional wall assemblies. Simulations were performed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4, which employs partial differential equations and Finite Element Analysis (FEM) to predict simultaneous flows of fluids, gasses, heat, and moisture.
Fire Code Compliance
6” thick Quik-Therm and fibre cement board siding met the requirements of Article 3.2.3.8. Sentence 2 when exposed to the time temperature curve of CAN/ULC-S101 for 15 minutes duration.
