How Can Dryvit’s Outsulation System Make Buildings More Sustainable?

Contents

1. What is Outsulation?
2. The System Of Choice
3. As Green As It Gets

As global awareness of climate change intensifies, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the construction industry. Moreover, with stringent regulations set forth by the International Energy conservation Code (IECC) and an increasing demand for greener structures, building professionals who prioritize sustainability not only position themselves as being socially and environmentally conscious, but also ensure long-term viability in a rapidly evolving industry. 

Embracing greener building practices is a strategic decision that aligns with societal expectations, regulatory trends, and economic benefits. Let’s look at how Dryvit’s Outsulation^® System not only delivers in these aspects but also allows for greater creativity when it comes to building aesthetically pleasing structures.

What Is Outsulation^®?

The Outsulation^® System is essentially an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) where the exterior wall cladding system includes adhesive, continuous insulation (CI), fiberglass mesh embedded in base coat, and finish coat, which are installed sequentially by a trained professional contractor as specified by the design team, and as required by code.

The System Of Choice

The original Dryvit Outsulation^®  system, introduced into the United States almost 50 years ago, was made from expanded polystyrene (also known as beadboard). The product was attached adhesively to the exterior sheathing of the house structure. Installers subsequently covered that rigid polystyrene insulation board with a thin coating of a modified cement base coat, glass fibre reinforcement, and a textured coloured finish coat chosen by the homeowner. 

EIF Systems, like Outsulation^® , have remained popular among industry professionals mainly because of these undeniable factors:

1. Excellent Energy Efficiency

The Outsulation^® system is essentially a thermal barrier, like a blanket that covers the entire exterior of a building. It works to reduce air leakage and thermal bridging, allowing for Continuous Insulation (CI) while also improving energy efficiency by reducing a building’s energy consumption. When tested against brick, glass, stucco, concrete, wood, and masonry, Dryvit’s EIF system achieved an 84% higher R-value than the next best-performing cladding. The thermal efficiency of Outsulation^®  can translate into real home energy savings of anywhere from 20 to 40% annually.

2. Design Flexibility

With Outsulation^® , there is unlimited design flexibility to suit any architectural style. The wide range of finishes can be customized to meet virtually any colour or texture desired.

3. Enhanced Durability

All finishes are engineered with superior quality raw materials and have been thoroughly tested to perform in a wide range of expected conditions, with options to further enhance performance in particularly harsh or challenging environments.

As Green As It Gets

To determine just how the Outsulation^® System contributes towards building green structures, it is essential to examine three key areas where the products are evaluated.

Greener Construction

Product Life Cycle: Outsulation® systems are greener throughout their lifecycle as compared to other common cladding materials because of several reasons. Firstly, the entire manufacturing process requires less energy, especially when compared to brick and stucco. This means that the embodied energy of the resources needed to extract the materials used to make the Outsulation^® system is significantly lower. Secondly, the lightweight composition of the Outsulation^® system reduces fuel costs associated with transportation and delivery. Lastly, the Dryvit facilities are managed to ISO standards, ensuring worldwide manufacturing excellence.

Greener Operations

Energy Efficiency: The insulation properties of Outsulation® contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. This results in better temperature regulation and reduced reliance on heating and cooling systems, which can help earn valuable LEED points and result in lower operational costs.

Moisture Management: Some Outsulation® systems include a water-resistant barrier, helping to manage moisture infiltration and protect the building structure from water damage. This can contribute to an improved indoor air quality and prevent issues like mould growth.

Greener Environment

Recycle / Upcycle: Many Outsulation® components are recyclable, and the system itself can be used to renovate existing exteriors without removal or disposal of the original cladding. In this way, Outsulation^® contributes to sustainable building practices as it helps to reduce the environmental impact associated with construction waste.

Low Carbon Footprint: The energy savings achieved through the insulation properties of Outsulation^® can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint over the lifespan of the building, as reduced energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

With more companies investing in and aligning their operations with principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Dryvit’s Outsulation^® system emerges as a holistic and environmentally conscious choice that contributes significantly to the overarching goal of creating a more sustainable, beautiful, and eco-friendly built environment.