3.2  Opaque Envelope Assembly

This section addresses the requirements for thermal control of the opaque portion of the building shell or envelope. Fenestration, windows, skylights, and glazed doors are addressed in Section 3.3.

3.2.1      Opaque Envelope Definitions

Opaque elements of the building envelope contribute significantly to the energy efficiency of the building and its design intent. Components of the building shell include the walls, floor, the roof or ceiling, doors, and fenestration. Definitions for fenestration are addressed in Section 3.3.

Envelope and other building components definitions are listed in §100.1(b) of the Energy Code and the Reference Joint Appendices JA1.

A.    Conditioned space is either directly conditioned or indirectly conditioned. (See §100.1(b) for full definition.) Indirectly conditioned space is influenced more by directly adjacent conditioned space than it is by ambient (outdoor) conditions.

B.    Unconditioned space is an enclosed space within a building that is not directly conditioned or indirectly conditioned. 

C.    Air Leakage. Infiltration is the unintentional replacement of conditioned air with unconditioned air through leaks or cracks in the building envelope. It is a major component of heating and cooling loads. Infiltration can occur through holes and cracks in the building envelope. Major Sources of infiltration are often where assemblies meet, as well as around doors and fenestration framing areas and roof penetrations.

D.    Ventilation is the intentional replacement of conditioned air with unconditioned air through open windows and skylights or mechanical systems. Mechanical systems are the preferred ventilation method it can be designed to condition or filter unconditioned air.

E.    Sloping surfaces are considered either a wall or a roof, depending on the slope. (See Figure 3-1.) If the surface has a slope of less than 60 degrees from horizontal, it is considered a roof; a slope of 60 degrees or more is a wall. This definition extends to fenestration products, including windows in walls and any skylights in roofs.

Figure 3-1: Slope of a Wall or Window (Roof or Skylight Slope Is Less Than 60°)

Source: California Energy Commission

F.    Exterior partition or wall is an envelope component (roof, wall, floor, window, etc.) that separates conditioned space from ambient (outdoor) conditions. An exterior wall is considered separate from a demising wall or demising partition and has more stringent thermal requirements.

G.   Demising partition or wall is an envelope component that separates conditioned space from an enclosed unconditioned space.

H.    Exterior floor is a horizontal exterior element under conditioned space and above ambient (outdoor) conditions.

I.     Soffit is a horizontal demising element, under conditioned space and above an unconditioned space.

J.     Attic is a space below an uninsulated roof that has insulation on the attic floor and is an unconditioned space because there is less thermal resistance to the outside than across the insulated ceiling to the conditioned space below.

K.    Plenum is an air compartment or chamber, including uninhabited crawl space, areas above a ceiling or below a floor, including air spaces below raised floors of computer/data processing centers, or attic spaces, to which one or more ducts are connected and which forms part of either the supply-air, return-air, or exhaust air system, other than the occupied space being conditioned.

L.     Exterior roof has a slope less than 60 degrees from horizontal and has conditioned or indirectly conditioned space below with ambient (outdoor) conditions space above.

M.  Ceiling is a demising element that has a slope less than 60 degrees from horizontal and has conditioned space below with unconditioned space above.

N.   Roof deck is the surface of an exterior roof that is directly above the roof rafter and below exterior roofing materials. 

O.   Roofing products (cool roofs). Roofing products with a high solar reflectance and thermal emittance are referred to as “cool roofs.” These roofing types absorb less solar heat and give off more heat to the surroundings than traditional roofing materials. These roofs are cooler and thus help reduce air conditioning loads by reflecting and emitting energy from the sun.

P.    Solar reflectance is the fraction of solar energy that is reflected by the roof surface.

Q.   Thermal emittance is the fraction of thermal energy that is emitted from the roof surface.

R.    Low-sloped roof is a surface with a pitch less than 2:12 (less than 9.5 degrees from the horizon).

S.    Steep-sloped roof is a surface with a pitch greater than or equal to 2:12 (9.5 degrees from the horizontal or more).

T.    Air barrier is a combination of interconnected materials and assemblies joined and sealed together to provide a continuous barrier to air leakage through the building envelope, which separates conditioned from unconditioned space, or adjoining conditioned spaces of different occupancies or uses.

U.   Vapor retarder or barrier is a special covering over framing and insulation or covering the ground of a crawl space that protects the assembly components from possible damage due to moisture condensation.

3.2.2      Thermal Properties of Opaque Envelope Components

Opaque envelope assemblies are made up of a variety of components, such as wood or metal framing, masonry or concrete, insulation, and other membranes for moisture and/or fire protection and may have a variety of interior and exterior sheathings even before the final exterior façade is placed. Correctly calculating assembly U-factors is critical to the selection of equipment to meet the heating and cooling loads of the building. Performance compliance software automatically calculates the thermal effects of component layers making up the envelope assembly, but software programs may use different user input hierarchies. The Reference Joint Appendices JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data, “U-factor, C-factor, and Thermal Mass Data,” provide detailed thermal data for many wall, roof/ceiling, and floor assemblies. However, JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data cannot cover every possible combination of materials and thickness that might be used in a building. For this reason, the Energy Commission has incorporated into the public domain software CBECC-COM, a program for calculating material properties of typical envelope assemblies which are not found in JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data.

Key terms of assembly thermal performance are:

A.    Btu (British thermal unit): The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1^°F. 

B.    Btuh or Btu/hr (British thermal unit per hour): The rate of heat flow during an hour. The term is used to rate the output of heating or cooling equipment or the load that equipment must be capable of handling, that is, the capacity needed for satisfactory operation under stated conditions.

C.    R or R-value (thermal resistance): The ability of a material or combination of materials to retard heat flow. As the resistance increases, the heat flow is reduced. The higher the “R-value”, the greater the insulating value. R-value is the reciprocal of the conductance, “C-value.”

R-value = hr x ft² x ^oF/Btu

R = inches of thickness/k

D.    U or U-factor (thermal transmittance or coefficient of heat transmission):  The rate of heat transfer across an envelope assembly per degree of temperature difference on either side of the envelope component. U-factor is a function of the materials and related thickness. U-factor includes air film resistances on inside and outside surfaces. U-factor applies to heat flow through an assembly or system, whereas “C” has the same dimensional units and applies to individual materials.  The lower the “U” the higher the insulating value. 

U-factor = Btu/(hr x ft² x ºF)

E.    k or k-value (thermal conductivity): The property of a material to conduct heat in the number of Btu that pass through a homogeneous material 1 inch thick and 1 square foot in area in an hour with a temperature difference of 1°F between the two surfaces. The lower the “k” the greater the insulating value.

k = Btu x in/(hr x ft² x °F)

F.    C or C-value (thermal conductance): The number of Btu that pass through a material of any thickness and 1 square foot in area in an hour with a temperature difference of 1°F between the two surfaces. The time rate of heat flow through unit area of a body induced by a unit temperature difference between the body surfaces. The C-value does not include the air film resistances on each side of the assembly. The term is applied usually to homogeneous materials but may be used with heterogeneous materials such as concrete block. If “k” is known, the “C” can be determined by dividing “k” by inches of thickness. The lower the “C”, the greater the insulating value. 

C = Btu/(hr. x ft² x °F) or C = k/inches of thickness

G.   HC (heat capacity – thermal mass): The ability to store heat in units of Btu/ft² and is a property of specific heat, density, and thickness of a given envelope component. High thermal mass building components, such as tilt-up concrete walls, can store heat and release stored heat later in the day or night. The thermal storage capability of high mass walls, floors, and roof/ceilings can slow heat transfer and shift heating and cooling energy affecting building loads throughout a 24-hour period, depending on the design, location, and occupancy use of a building.

3.2.3      General Envelope Requirements

This section contains mandatory requirements that are not specific to one envelope component.

3.2.3.1    Mandatory Requirements

A.    Certification of Insulation Materials

Manufacturers must certify that insulating materials comply with the California Quality Standards for Insulating Materials, which became effective January 1, 1982. It ensures that insulation sold or installed in the state performs according to the stated R-value and meets minimum quality, health, and safety standards.

Builders may not install insulating materials, unless the product has been certified by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishing and Thermal Insulation. Builders and enforcement agencies shall use the Department of Consumer Affairs Directory of Certified Insulation Materials to verify certification of the insulating material. If an insulating product is not listed in the most recent edition of the directory, contact the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Household Goods and Services, at (916) 999-2041 or by email: HomeProducts@dca.ca.gov.

B.    Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation

The mandatory requirements restrict the use of urea formaldehyde foam insulation. The restrictions are intended to limit human exposure to formaldehyde, which is a volatile organic chemical known to be harmful to humans.

If foam insulation is used that has urea formaldehyde, it must be installed on the exterior side of the wall (not in the cavity of framed walls), and a continuous barrier must be placed in the wall construction to isolate the insulation from the interior of the space. The barrier must be 4-mil (0.1 mm) thick, polyethylene or equivalent.

C.    Flame Spread Index and Smoke Development Index of Insulation

The California Quality Standards for Insulating Materials requires that all exposed installations of faced mineral fiber and mineral aggregate insulations use fire-retardant facings that have been tested and certified not to exceed a flame spread index of 25 and a smoke development index of 450. Insulation facings that do not touch a ceiling, wall, floor surface, and faced batts on the underside of roofs with an air space between the ceiling and facing are considered exposed applications. Flame spread index and smoke density index are shown on the insulation or packaging material or may be obtained from the manufacturer.

D.    Infiltration and Air Leakage

All joints and other openings in the building envelope that are potential sources of air leakage must be caulked, gasketed, weather stripped, or otherwise sealed to limit air leakage. This applies to roof penetrations and to penetrations for pipes and conduits, ducts, vents, and other openings in the building envelope. Particular attention should be paid to the junctures where assemblies meet, and all gaps between wall panels, around doors, and other construction joints. Ceiling joints, lighting fixtures, and rough openings for doors and windows should all be considered potential sources of unnecessary energy loss due to infiltration. No special construction requirements are necessary for suspended (T-bar) ceilings, provided they meet the requirements of §110.7.

E.    Mandatory Insulation Requirements (Newly Constructed Buildings)

Newly constructed nonresidential and hotels/motel buildings must meet mandatory insulation requirements for opaque portions of the building that separate conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air.

See the sections on roof, walls, doors, and floors

An exception is specified that exempts buildings designed as data centers with high, constant server loads from the mandatory minimum requirements. To qualify for this exception, the building should have a design computer room process load of 750 kW or greater.

3.2.4      Prescriptive Requirements

A.    Air Barrier

The 2022 Energy Code requires that the air barrier is clearly detailed on construction documents and that acceptable air barrier materials are used. Verification is carried out by blower door testing – this measurement procedure is described in Nonresidential Appendix NA5.

Construction documents shall include details, notes, or specifications to clearly identify air barrier boundaries, interconnections, penetrations, and associated square foot calculations for all sides of the air barrier. 

TABLE 140.3-B of the Energy Code specifies material requirements for air barriers in nonresidential buildings. Air barrier requirements apply to nonresidential buildings, but not relocatable public school buildings, and cannot be traded off in the performance approach. These requirements reduce the overall building air leakage rate. The reduction in air leakage can be met with a continuous air barrier that seals all joints and openings in the building envelope and is composed of one of the following:

1.        Materials having a maximum air permeance of 0.004 cfm/ft² (see Table 3-1).

2.        Assemblies of materials and components having an average air leakage not exceeding 0.04 cfm/ft².

3.        An entire building having an air leakage rate not exceeding 0.40 cfm/ft2.

The air leakage requirements stipulated in §140.3 must be met, either by demonstrating that component air leakage of 0.04 cfm/ft2 or the whole-building air leakage of 0.4 cfm/ft² is not exceeded.

Table 3-1: Materials Deemed to Comply as Air Barrier

Figure 3-2: Examples of Reflecting Building Air Barrier Diagram to Prevent Conduction

Source: California Statewide CASE Team

Figure 3-3 Sample Detail Indicating Strategy of Maintaining Air Barrier Continuity Across Specific Detail – a Duct Penetration of a Concrete Wall

Sample of Pre-Test Coordination Steps (Performed by Testing Agency) 

a.    The testing agency should have experience performing blower door tests of similar scope and complexity. A minimum of two years of experience is strongly recommended.

b.    Confirm envelope air barrier boundary and total area from design team. 

c.     Calculate number of fans required to perform air leakage test in accordance with ASTM E3158. Separate air barrier zones are required to have independent fan setup unless it is confirmed that demising walls to adjacent air barrier boundaries will not be constructed at the time of test. (see Figure 3-3.1) 

d.    Identify on floor plan locations of fan stations, as well as locations of external and internal reference points. Identify doorways that are required to be open to allow for air flow to communicate between zones. 

e.    Work with contractor to coordinate pre-test meeting with electrical, mechanical (or controls), and elevator subcontractors to review electrical needs for testing equipment and shutdown/sealing plan for mechanical systems and ductwork. Confirm required subcontractors that will be required on site to assist with execution on test day.

f.     A pretest walk-through to monitor the preparation of the building (sealing of intentional openings, closure of operable envelope components, opening of doorways for air flow) is recommended. 

g.    Provide contractor with schedule of test day so that contractor can coordinate personnel access in/out of building during designated test times. 

Figure 3-3.1: Sample Fan Calculation

Note –all items represented in red are to be confirmed with project design team and fan manufacturer. This example is not related to the images in the rest of the appendix

Source: California Statewide CASE Team

Figure 3-3.2: Sample Diagram of Air Barrier Zones Identified, With Fan Stations and Doorway Openings
(Opened/Closed) Indicated on Plan.

Provided by testing agency

Figure 3-3.3: Sample Test Schedule Provided by Testing Agency to Contractor

The testing agency shall perform a pre-test inspection in accordance with Nonresidential Appendix NA5.3

in coordination with the general contractor (GC) and direct the GC to complete the pre-test setup in accordance with Nonresidential Appendix NA5.3.

Test Execution (Performed by Testing Agency)

a.  Deliver equipment in accordance with test plan.

b.  Perform site walk with general contractor (GC) to perform final assessment of building and temporary sealing measures (identified during pretest meetings and in GC setup guidelines). Identify all areas of incomplete or damaged envelope areas that could potentially affect the result of the air leakage test. 

c.  Confirm that access through fan station setup openings is restricted for other trades. Identify pathways of which wires and tubes will be run such that the GC can assess and mitigate safety hazards and damages to equipment accordingly. 

d.  Perform setup of fan stations: 

•      Ensure that doorway(s) the blower door panel is set within is sealed around the perimeter to reduce the amount of air loss through the opening. 

•      Confirm that all stations are setup with fans in the correct direction of airflow (inward for pressurization, outward for depressurization). 

•      Reference tubes used to measure pressure differential across the building envelope should be placed out of paths of significant airflow. 

e.  Coordinate a temporary shutdown with GC of access to the building to perform preliminary test on building. During this preliminary test, fans should be ramped up to attempt to achieve target pressure for the air leakage test. Based off of the pressure obtained, the testing agency should be able to assess if preparation work of the building needs to be further reviewed. 

1.  If the schedule allows, coordinate a walkthrough with the GC with the building under pressure to determine if any intentional openings were not properly sealed or secured. 

2.  If infrared scanning equipment is available, perform a scan of building to assist in identifying any air leakage out of unintentional openings and intentional openings that were not properly sealed or secured. 

f.    Following the preliminary test, testing agency should also assess if adjustments to station setups are required to improve pressure distribution and flow readings. Changes to the test setup should be documented for the record.

g.  Once the preliminary test has been completed and any repairs to the preparation work have been completed, testing agency to complete the test in accordance with Nonresidential Appendix NA5.5 of the Energy Standards and ASTM E3158. Upon collection of data points in accordance with ASTM E3158, the testing agency should be able to determine an approximate air leakage per envelope area based off of building inputs (envelope area, temperature differential, wind speeds height above elevation, etc.). The testing agency should then confirm this value using the fan manufacturer’s software with the GC to determine if the building passed the test.

h.  If the building failed the test, perform reviews using methods of Nonresidential Appendix NA5.7 and ASTM E1186.

3.2.5      Roofing Products and Insulation

3.2.5.1    Mandatory Requirements

A.    Roof/Ceiling Insulation

Metal Building: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.098 (R-19 screw down roof, no thermal blocks).

Wood-Framed and Others: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.075 (2x4 rafter, R-19 insulation).

B.    Insulation Placement on Roof/Ceilings

Insulation installed on top of suspended (T-bar) ceilings with removable ceiling panels may not be used to comply with the Energy Code unless the installation meets the criteria described in the Exception to §120.7(a)3 below. Insulation may be installed in this location for other purposes such as for sound control, but it will have no value in terms of meeting roof/ceiling insulation requirements of the Energy Code.

Acceptable insulation installations include placing the insulation in direct contact with a continuous roof or ceiling that is sealed to limit infiltration and exfiltration as specified in §110.7, including, but not limited to, placing insulation either above or below the roof deck or on top of a drywall ceiling.

When insulation is installed at the roof in nonresidential buildings, the space between the ceiling and the roof is considered either directly or indirectly conditioned space. Therefore, this space must not include fixed vents or openings to the outdoors or to unconditioned spaces. This space is not considered an attic for complying with California Building Code (CBC) attic ventilation requirements. Vents that do not penetrate the roof deck and that are designed for wind resistance for roof membranes are acceptable.

Exception to §120.7(a)3: When there are conditioned spaces with a combined floor area no greater than 2,000 square feet in an otherwise unconditioned building, and when the average height of the space between the ceiling and the roof over these spaces is greater than 12 feet, insulation placed in direct contact with a suspended ceiling with removable ceiling panels shall be an acceptable method of reducing heat loss from a conditioned space and shall be accounted for in heat loss calculations.

C.    Wet Insulation Systems

Wet insulation systems are roofing systems where the insulation is installed above the roof’s waterproof membrane. Water can penetrate this insulation material and affect the energy performance of the roofing assembly in wet and cool climates. In climate zones 1 and 16, the insulating R-value of continuous insulation materials installed above the waterproof membrane of the roof must be multiplied by 0.8 before choosing the table column in Reference Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data for determining assembly U-factor. See the footnotes in JA4 for Tables 4.2.1 through 4.2.7.

D.    Roofing Products: Aged Solar Reflectance (SR) and Thermal Emittance (TE)

In general, light-colored, high-reflectance surfaces reflect solar energy (visible light, invisible infrared, and ultraviolet radiation) and stay cooler than darker surfaces that absorb the sun’s energy and become heated. The Energy Code prescribes cool roof radiative properties for low-sloped and steep-sloped roofs. Low-sloped roofs receive more solar radiation than steep-sloped roofs in the summer when the sun is higher in the sky.

Roofing products must be tested and labeled by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), and liquid-applied products must meet minimum standards for performance and durability per §110.8(i)4. When installing cool roofs, the aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance of the roofing product must be tested and certified according to CRRC procedures. The aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties are rated and listed by the Cool Roof Rating Council at www.coolroofs.org. When a CRRC rating is not obtained for the roofing products, the Energy Code default values for solar reflectance and thermal emittance must be used.

1.  Rating and Labeling

When a cool roof is installed to meet the prescriptive requirement or when it is used for compliance credit, the products must be tested and labeled by the CRRC as specified in §10-113. The CRRC is the supervisory entity responsible for certifying cool roof products. The CRRC test procedure is documented in CRRC-1, the CRRC Product Rating Program Manual. This test procedure includes tests for both solar reflectance and thermal emittance. See Figure 3-4 for an example of an approved CRRC product label.

Figure 3-4: Sample CRRC Product Label and Information

Source: Cool Roof Rating Council

2.  Solar Reflectance, Thermal Emittance, and Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)

Both solar reflectance and thermal emittance are measured from 0 to 1; the higher the value, the "cooler" the roof. There are numerous roofing materials in a wide range of colors that have adequate cool roof properties. Excess heat can increase the air-conditioning load of a building, resulting in increased air-conditioning energy needed for maintaining occupant comfort. High-emitting roof surfaces reject absorbed heat quickly (upward and out of the building) than roof surfaces with low-emitting properties. 

Solar Reflectance (SR). There are three measurements of solar reflectance:

1.  Initial solar reflectance

2.  Three-year aged solar reflectance

3.  Accelerated aged solar reflectance

All requirements of the Energy Code are based on the three-year aged solar reflectance. If the aged value for the reflectance is not available in the CRRC’s Rated Product Directory, then the aged value shall be derived from the CRRC initial value or an accelerated testing process. Until the appropriate age-rated value for the reflectance is posted in the directory, or a new method of testing is used to find the accelerated solar reflectance, the equation below can be used to calculate the aged rated solar reflectance.

Aged Reflectance_calculated = (0.2+ β[ρ_initial – 0.2])

Where,

ρ_initial = Initial reflectance listed in the CRRC Rated Product Directory

β= 0.65 for field-applied coating, or 0.70 for not a field-applied coating

Thermal Emittance. The Energy Code does not distinguish between initial and aged thermal emittance, meaning that either value can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Energy Code.

Default Values. If a manufacturer fails to obtain CRRC certificate for its roofing products, the following default aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance values must be used for compliance:

a.  For asphalt shingles, 0.08/0.75.

b.  For all other roofing products, 0.10/0.75.

Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). The temperature of a surface depends on the solar radiation incidence, surface reflectance, and emittance. The SRI measures the relative steady-state surface temperature of a surface with respect to standard white (SRI=100) and standard black (SRI=0) under the standard solar and ambient condition. A calculator has been produced that calculates the SRI by designating the solar reflectance and thermal emittance of the desired roofing material. The calculator can be found at http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2022standards. To calculate the SRI, either the initial or the three-year aged solar reflectance value of the roofing product may be used. By using the SRI calculator, a cool roof may comply with a lower emittance, as long as the aged solar reflectance is higher and vice versa.

3.  Field-Applied Liquid Coatings

There are several liquid products, including elastomeric coatings and white acrylic coatings that qualify for field-applied liquid coatings. The Energy Code specifies minimum performance and durability requirements for field-applied liquid coatings in Table 110.8-C depending on the type of coating. These requirements do not apply to industrial coatings that are factory-applied, such as metal roof panels. The requirements address elongation, tensile strength, permeance, and accelerated weathering.

4.  Aluminum-Pigmented Asphalt Roof Coatings

Aluminum-pigmented coatings are silver-colored coatings that are commonly applied to modified bitumen and other roofing products. The coating has aluminum pigments that float to the surface of the coating and provides a shiny, surface. Because of the shiny surface and the physical properties of aluminum, these coatings have a thermal emittance below 0.75, which is the minimum rating for prescriptive compliance. The performance approach is typically used to achieve compliance with these coatings.

This class of field-applied liquid coatings shall be applied across the entire surface of the roof and meet the dry mil thickness or coverage recommended by the coating manufacturer, taking into consideration the substrate on which the coating will be applied. Also, the aluminum-pigmented asphalt roof coatings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2824. Standard specification is also required for aluminum-pigmented asphalt roof coatings, nonfibered, asbestos-fibered, and fibered without asbestos that are suitable for applying to roofing or masonry surfaces by brush or spray. Use ASTM D6848, Standard Specification for Aluminum Pigmented Emulsified Asphalt used as a Protective Coating for Roofing, installed in accordance with ASTM D3805, Standard Guide for Application of Aluminum-Pigmented Asphalt Roof Coatings.

a.  Cement-Based Roof Coatings

This class of coatings consists of a layer of cement and has been used for several years in California’s Central Valley and other regions. These coatings may be applied to almost any type of roofing product. Cement-based coatings shall be applied across the entire roof surface to meet the dry mil thickness or coverage recommended by the manufacturer. Also, cement-based coatings shall be manufactured to contain no less than 20 percent Portland cement and meet the requirements of ASTM D822, ASTM C1583, and ASTM D5870.

b.  Other Field-Applied Liquid Coatings

Other field-applied liquid coatings include elastomeric and acrylic-based coatings. These coatings must be applied across the entire surface of the roof to meet the dry mil thickness or coverage recommended by the coating manufacturer, taking into consideration the substrate on which the coating will be applied. The field-applied liquid coatings must be tested to meet performance and durability requirements as specified in Table 110.8-C of the Energy Code or the minimum performance requirements of ASTM C836, D3468, D6083, or D6694, whichever are appropriate to the coating material.

3.2.5.2    Prescriptive Requirements

A.    Thermal Emittance and Aged Solar Reflectance

The prescriptive requirements call for roofing products to meet the aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance in both low-sloped and steep-sloped roof applications for nonresidential buildings. A qualifying roofing product under the prescriptive approach for a nonresidential building must have an aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance greater than or equal to that the values indicated in TABLE 140.3-B of the Energy Code. Table 3-2 is for hotel/motel guest rooms, and Table 3-3 is for relocatable public-school buildings where the manufacturer certifies use in all climate zones.

Table 3-2: Prescriptive Criteria for Roofing Products for Nonresidential Buildings

Energy Code, TABLE 140.3-B

Table 3-2: Prescriptive Criteria for Roofing Products for Guest Rooms of Hotel/Motel Buildings

Energy Code, TABLE 140.3-C

Table 3-3: Prescriptive Criteria for Roofing Products for Relocatable Public-School Buildings
Where Manufacturer Certifies Use in All Climate Zones

Energy Code, TABLE 140.3-D

Exceptions to the minimum prescriptive requirements for solar reflectance and thermal emittance:

1.  Roof area covered by building-integrated photovoltaic panels and building-integrated solar thermal panels is not required to meet the cool roof requirements.

2.  If the roof construction has a thermal mass like gravel, concrete pavers, stone, or other materials with a weight of at least 25 lb/ft² over the roof membrane, then it is exempt from the above requirements for solar reflectance and thermal emittance.

3.  Wood-framed roofs in Climate Zones 3 and 5 with a U-factor of 0.034 are exempt from the low-sloped cool roof requirement.

Where a low-sloped nonresidential roof’s aged reflectance is less than the prescribed requirement, insulation tradeoffs are available. By increasing the insulation level of a roof, a roofing product with a lower reflectance than the prescriptive requirements can be used to meet the cool roof requirements. The appropriate U-factor can be determined from Table 3-4 for nonresidential buildings based on roof type, climate zone and aged reflectance of at least 0.25.  

Table 3-4: Roof/Ceiling Insulation Tradeoff for Aged Solar Reflectance

Energy Code, Table 140.3

Under the prescriptive requirements, roofs or ceilings must have an assembly U-factor equal to or lower than the U-factor criterion for nonresidential l buildings. (See Table 3-5.) The U-factor values for exterior roofs and ceilings from Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data must be used to determine compliance with the maximum assembly U-factor requirements.  Alternatively, the assembly calculator that is incorporated into the approved energy modeling software, can be used to determine U-factors for assemblies and/or components not listed in JA4 tables.

The prescriptive requirement for metal building roofs requires the entire cavity be filled with insulation. A common technique for standing seam metal roofs is to drape a layer of insulation over the purlins, using thermal blocks where the insulation is compressed at the supports. (See Figure 3-3A.) Either approach on insulation may be used in the performance approach. However, there are significant benefits to using the “filled cavity” approach as shown in Figure 3-3B.

Figure 3-3A: Standing Seam Metal Building Roof with Single Insulation Layer

Source: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)

Figure 3-3B: Filled Cavity Insulation for Metal Building Roofs

Source: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)

A rigid polyisocyanurate (“polyiso”) thermal block with a minimum R-value of R-3.5 should be installed at the supports (a 1-inch-thick thermal block is recommended). The first rated R-value of the insulation is for faced insulation installed between the purlins. The second rated R-value of insulation represents unfaced insulation installed above the first layer, perpendicular to the purlins and compressed when the metal roof panels are attached. A supporting structure retains the bottom of the first layer at the prescribed depth required for the full thickness of insulation.

The bottom layer of insulation should completely fill the space between the purlins, and the support bands should be installed tightly to prevent the insulation from sagging.

The configuration in Figure 3-3B  shown with  two layers, one of R-19 and one of R-10 insulation, corresponds to the prescriptive requirement of U-0.041. ,Other insulation combinations exceeding the minimum requirement are readily achievable.

3.2.6      Performance Approach 

Compliance options for roofing products and insulation. See Section 3.5 and Chapter 12 for more on the performance approach.

3.2.7      Exterior Walls

The U-factor criteria for walls depend on the class of construction. U-factors used for compliance must be selected from Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data. Alternatively, the assembly calculator that is incorporated into California Building Energy Code Compliance (CBECC) software can be used to determine U-factors for assemblies and/or components not listed in JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data.

There are five common classes of wall constructions: wood-framed, metal-framed, metal building walls, light mass, and heavy mass. (Figure 3-5.) The following provides information about these wall systems, as well as furred walls, spandrel panels and opaque curtain walls:

1.  Wood-framed walls: As defined by the 2022 California Building Code, Type IV buildings typically have wood-framed walls. Framing members typically consist of 2x4 or 2x6 framing members spaced at 24-inch or 16-inch OC. Composite framing members and engineered wood products also qualify as wood framed walls if the framing members are nonmetallic. Reference Joint Appendix JA4, Table 4.3.1 has data for conventional wood-framed walls.

1.  Metal-framed walls: Many nonresidential buildings require noncombustible construction, and this is often achieved with metal-framed walls. Often metal-framed walls are not structural and are used as infill panels in rigid framed steel or concrete buildings. Batt insulation is less effective for metal-framed walls (compared to wood-framed walls) because the metal framing members are more conductive. In most cases, continuous insulation is required to meet prescriptive U-factor requirements. Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4, Table 4.3.3, has data for metal-framed walls. 

2.  Metal building walls: Metal building walls consist of a metal building skin that is directly attached to metal framing members. The framing members are typically positioned in a horizontal direction and spaced at about 4 feet. A typical method of insulating metal building walls is to drape the insulation over the horizontal framing members and to compress the insulation when the metal exterior panel is installed.

3.  Light-mass walls: Light-mass walls have a heat capacity (HC) greater or equal to 7.0 but less than 15.0 Btu/°F-ft². See the definition below for heat capacity. From Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4, Tables 4.3.5 and 4.3.6 have U-factor, C-factor, and heat capacity data for hollow unit masonry walls, solid unit masonry and concrete walls, and concrete sandwich panels.

4. Heavy-mass walls: Have a HC equal to or greater than 15.0 Btu/°F-ft². See Reference Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data for HC data on mass walls.

5.          Note: For light- and high-mass walls, heat capacity (HC) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of the material by 1 degree F. In the Energy Code, it is defined as the product of the density (lb/ft³), specific heat (Btu/lb-F), and wall thickness (ft). For instance, a 6” medium weight concrete hollow unit masonry wall has a heat capacity of 8.4 and is considered a light mass wall. The same masonry wall with solid grout that is 10 inches thick has a heat capacity of 19.7 and is considered a heavy mass wall.

6.  Furred walls: Are a specialty wall component, commonly applied to a mass wall type. See Figure 3-4 below. The Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4 Table 4.3.5, 4.3.6, or other masonry tables list alternative walls. Additional continuous insulation layers are selected from JA4 Table 4.3.13 and calculated using either Equation 4-1 or 4-4 from JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data. The effective R-value of the furred component depends upon the framing thickness, type, and insulation level.

Figure 3-4: Brick Wall with Furring Details

7.         

8.  Spandrel panels and curtain walls: These wall types consist of metalized panels, opaque or semi-translucent glass panels often hung outside structural framing to create exterior wall elements around fenestration and between floors. See Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4, Table 4.3.8 for U-factor data.

9.  For some climate zones, mass walls and metal-framed walls require continuous insulation to meet the prescriptive U-factor requirements. When this is the case, the effect of the continuous insulation is estimated by Equation 4-1 in Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data.

10.  U_prop = 1 / [ (1/U_col,A) + R_cont,insul]

11.        Framed or block walls can also have insulation installed between interior or exterior furring strips. The effective continuous R-value of the furring/insulation layer is shown in Table 4.3.13 of Reference Appendix JA4.

12.  Figure 3-5:  Classes of Wall Construction

13.         

3.2.8      Mandatory Requirements

A.    Wall Insulation 

In addition to the mandatory requirements in §110.8 for all buildings, Nonresidential, high–rise residential, hotels and motels must also meet the requirements in §120.7|topic=SECTION 120.7 – MANDATORY INSULATION REQUIREMENTS

The opaque portions of walls that separate conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet these applicable requirements.

1.    Metal Building: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.113 (single layer of R-13 batt insulation).

2.    Metal-Framed: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.151 (R-8 continuous insulation, or R-13 batt insulation between studs and 1/2” of continuous rigid insulation of R-2). It may be possible to meet the area-weighted average U-factor without continuous insulation if the appropriate siding materials are used.

3.    Light Mass Walls: 6 inches or greater hollow core concrete masonry unit having a U-factor not exceeding 0.440 (partially grouted with insulated cells).

4.    Heavy Mass Walls: 8 inches or greater hollow core concrete masonry unit having a U-factor not exceeding 0.690 (solid grout concrete, normal weight, 125 lb/ft³).

5.    Wood-Framed and Others: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.110 (R-11 batt insulation).

6.    Spandrel Panels and Curtain Wall: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.280.

Exception to Section 120.7|topic=SECTION 120.7 – MANDATORY INSULATION REQUIREMENTS: Buildings designed as data centers with high, constant server loads are exempt from the mandatory minimum requirements. To qualify for this exception, it should have a design computer room process load of 750 kW or greater.

3.2.9      Prescriptive Requirements

Under the prescriptive requirements, exterior walls must have an assembly U-factor equal to or lower than the U-factor criterion for nonresidential buildings in TABLE 140.3-B, C, D (see Table 3-6).

The U-factor for exterior walls from Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data must be used to determine compliance with the assembly U-factor requirements. The Energy Code does not allow using the R-value of the cavity or continuous insulation alone to demonstrate compliance with the insulation values of Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data; only U-factors may be used to demonstrate compliance.

For metal-framed walls with insulation between the framing sections, continuous insulation may need to be added to meet the U-factor requirements of the Energy Code. For light mass walls, insulation is not required for buildings in South Coast climates (i.e., climate zones 5-9) but is required for other climates. For heavy mass walls, insulation is not required for buildings in Central Coast (i.e., climate zones 3-5) or South Coast (i.e., climate zones 6-9) climates but is required for other climates.

Table 3-6a: Wall U-Factor Requirements by Building Type (Climate Zones 1 through 8)

Table 3-6b: Wall U-Factor Requirements by Building Type (Climate Zones 9 through 16)

3.2.10    Demising Walls

3.2.10.1  Mandatory Insulation for Demising Walls

Demising walls separate conditioned space from enclosed unconditioned space. The insulation requirements include:

•   Wood-framed: minimum of R-13 insulation (or have an equivalent U-factor of 0.099) between framing members.

•   Metal-framed: minimum R-13 insulation (or a U-factor no greater than 0.151) between framing members plus R-2 continuous insulation.

•   If it is not a framed assembly (constructed of brick, concrete masonry units, or solid concrete), then no insulation is required.

This requirement applies to buildings meeting compliance with either the prescriptive or performance approach. 

Note: Window area in demising walls is not counted as part of the window area for this requirement. Demising wall area is not counted as part of the gross exterior wall area or display perimeter for this requirement.

3.2.11    Exterior Doors

When an exterior door has 25 percent or more glazed area it is considered fenestration. See more on fenestration in Section 3.3.

3.2.11.1  Mandatory Requirements

Manufactured exterior doors shall have an air infiltration rate not exceeding:

•   0.3 cfm/ft² of door area for nonresidential single doors (swinging and sliding).

•   1.0 cfm/ft² of door area for nonresidential double doors (swinging).

3.2.11.2  Prescriptive Requirements

The Energy Code define prescriptive requirements for exterior doors in TABLE 140.3-B and TABLE 140.3-C. For swinging doors, the maximum U-factor is 0.70, and for non-swinging doors, the maximum allowed U-factor is 1.45 in climate zones 2 through 15 and 0.50 in climate zones 1 and 16. Refer to Energy Code, TABLE 140.3-B, 140.3-C, and TABLE 140.3-D for exterior door U-factor requirements.

The swinging door requirement corresponds to uninsulated double-layer metal swinging doors. The 1.45 swinging door U-factor requirement corresponds to insulated single-layer metal doors or uninsulated single-layer metal roll-up doors and fire-rated doors. The 0.50 U-factor requirement for climate zones 1 and 16 corresponds to wood doors with a minimum nominal thickness of 1 ¾ inches. For more information, consult Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4, Table 4.5.1. 

When glazing area is 25 percent or more of the entire door area, it is then defined as a fenestration product in the Energy Code, and the entire door area is modeled as a fenestration unit. If the glazing area is less than 25 percent of the door area, the glazing must be modeled as the glass area plus two inches in each direction of the opaque door surface (to account for a frame). However, exterior doors are part of the gross exterior wall area and must be considered when calculating the window to wall ratio.

3.2.12    Floors

The U-factor criteria for concrete raised floors depend on whether the floor is a mass floor or not. A mass floor is one constructed of concrete with a heat capacity (HC) greater than or equal to 7.0 Btu/°F-ft².

Insulation levels for nonresidential concrete raised floors with HC ≥ 7.0 using
U-factor for compliance, from Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4, Table 4.4.6, are equivalent to no insulation in climate zones 3-10 and associated U-factors to continuous insulation of R-8 in climate zones 1, 2, 11 through 15; and R-15 in climate zone 16.

To determine the U-factor insulation levels for hotel/motel concrete raised floors, use the U-factors that are associated with R-8 continuous insulation in climate zones 7 through 9; R-15 in climate zones 3-5 and 11-13; with additional insulation required in climate zones 1, 2, 14 and 16.

Table 4.4.6 from Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data is used with mass floors while Tables 4.4.1 through 4.4.5 are used for non-mass floors. (See Figure 3-6.)

Figure 3-6:  Classes of Floor Constructions

3.2.12.1  Mandatory Requirements

A.    Insulation Requirements for Heated Slab Floors

Heated slab-on-grade floors must be insulated according to the requirements in TABLE 110.8-A of the Energy Code (Table 3-8). The top of the insulation must be protected with a rigid shield to prevent intrusion of insects into the building foundation, and the insulation must be capable of withstanding water intrusion.

A common location for the slab insulation is on the foundation perimeter. Insulation that extends downward to the top of the footing is acceptable. Otherwise, the insulation must extend downward from the level of the top of the slab, down 16 inches (40 cm) or to the frost line, whichever is greater.

For below-grade slabs, vertical insulation shall be extended from the top of the foundation wall to the bottom of the foundation (or the top of the footing) or to the frost line, whichever is greater.

Another option is to install the insulation inside the foundation wall and between the heated slab and exterior wall. In this case insulation must extend downward to the top of the footing and then extend horizontally inward, under the slab, a distance of 4 feet toward the center of the slab. R-5 vertical insulation is required in all climates except climate zone 16, which requires R-10 of vertical insulation and R-7 horizontal insulation.

Note: The California Mechanical Code should be consulted when constructing a heated slab.

Table 3-8: Slab Insulation Requirements for Heated Slab Floors

Energy Code, TABLE 110.8-A

B.    Floor and Soffit Insulation

1.    Raised Mass Floors: A minimum of 3 inches of lightweight concrete over a metal deck or the weighted average U-factor of the floor assembly shall not exceed U-0.269.

2.    Other Floors: Weighted average U-factor of U-0.071.

3.    Heated Slab Floor: A heated slab floor shall be insulated to meet the requirements of §110.8(g).

Figure 3-7: Requirements for Floor/Soffit Surfaces

3.2.12.2  Prescriptive Requirements

A.    Exterior Floors and Soffits

Under the prescriptive requirements, exterior floors and insulated soffits must have an assembly U-factor equal to or lower than the U-factor criterion for nonresidential and hotel/motel buildings and relocatable public school buildings in TABLE 140.3-B, C, D (Table 3-9). The U-factor for exterior floors and soffits from Reference Appendices, Joint Appendix JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data shall be used to determine compliance with the maximum assembly U-factor requirements. The Energy Code does not allow using the R-value of the cavity or continuous insulation alone to demonstrate compliance with the insulation values of JA4|topic=Appendix JA4 – U-factor\, C-factor\, and Thermal Mass Data; only U-factors may be used to demonstrate compliance. For metal-framed floors, batt insulation between framing section may need continuous insulation to be modeled and installed on the interior or exterior to meet the U-factor requirements of the Energy Code. See Energy Code, TABLE 140.3-B, TABLE 140.3-C, and TABLE 140.3-D.