Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency and Performance
Metal buildings can utilize a multitude of high-performance insulation options - from fiberglass to rigid board, which can meet or exceed energy conservation code requirements. ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC have specific prescriptive requirements for metal buildings, but sophisticated metal building contractors often utilize software tools such as COMcheck to show energy code compliance using the envelope trade-off approach. This approach allows builders to select the best balance of high-performance roof and wall insulation, windows and doors, and foundation insulation that works best and saves the most energy and money when considering all the project requirements. For more information refer to the MBMA Energy Design Guide for Metal Building Systems available at www.mbmamanual.com.
In addition to the MBMA Energy Design Guide, MBMA developed the following energy design resources:
Best Practices to Comply with Whole-Building Air Leakage Testing Requirements
MBMA has conducted extensive testing of metal building systems which has clearly shown they can readily comply with air leakage requirements implemented in current codes. This free guide identifies best practices for optimizing a building’s performance in these tests.
This five-page publication offers solutions to condensation in metal building systems. It contains factual information about the proper ventilation of buildings as well as systems that can be used to prevent condensation from forming.
Energy Code Compliance: A Guide For Metal Building Contractors
This free energy design guide was developed to help building contractors and erectors understand the basic energy code and insulation requirements for metal buildings, and meet these ever changing and complex requirements.
COMcheckTM Frequently Asked Questions for Metal Building Systems
The COMcheckTM Frequently Asked Questions for
Metal Building Systems is based on questions received from customers,
contractors, and architects. This free document provides guidance on
COMcheckTM regarding tradeoff options, which can be challenging.
Answers are based on the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019,
unless otherwise noted.
