At CPBS, we understand the drive to lower initial building costs but also the importance of future costs and the role that life-cycle cost analysis plays in making critical decisions about new construction or remodeling, repairs or energy retrofits. CPBS developed the C-SIS System with the needs of apartment and building owners in mind to give owners and managers a huge selling point and return on investment while reducing maintenance and repair costs. This high performance exterior building envelope system is a better alternative to conventional building methods. The C-SIS System dramatically outperforms the traditional combinations of OSB, caulk and tape, house wraps and vapor retarders and termite shields in lowering operating costs and improved life-cycle costs in both new construction and retrofits.
So why is the C-SIS System the better exterior wall system choice for apartment and building owners or property managers?
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
A large proportion of buildings, even to existing energy code standards, within the last 10-15 years are significantly under insulated, resulting in poor energy efficiency, particularly with fast rising energy costs. Adding more insulation or replacing insufficient insulation will save every building owner thousands of dollars over the life of the building. The C-SIS System was designed to meet and exceed the 2015 Energy Codes, delivering an excellent return on investment that will actually increase as utility costs keep rising.
Air Infiltration and Vapor Retarders
Even new buildings can have a considerable amount of air infiltration due to cracks and holes in the walls, around framing members or sheathing and around windows and doors. Air infiltration is dangerous because it affects your building 24/7 – there isn’t a minute that goes by where untreated air is not flowing into your building, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. CPBS tackled this energy problem in two ways; first with an advanced fiberglass reinforced thermoset (FRT) skin on the C-SIS that acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder as well as a moisture drainage plane. Second, the C-SIS is installed with a tested and proven joint sealing system that blocks any air infiltration between the joints, around windows or doors or through wall connections at the foundation/floor or roof – creating an extremely air tight exterior building envelope.
Stops Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging is the conduction of exterior temperatures through materials, such as wood or metal. Thermal bridging creates significant energy loss that your HVAC system has to make up for constantly. The C-SIS sheathing attaches directly to the wall frame and isolates framing members from thermal bridging with polyurethane foam. Possible thermal bridging through the C-SIS joints is removed with the use of the joint sealing system that has been tested for long term sustainability.
Mold and Moisture
Mold and moisture penetrating the exterior building finishes, through the wall systems and into interior spaces is a major problem for any type of building. Unlike C-SIS sheathing, conventional building materials are not designed to block moisture penetration or completely resist mold. Oriented strand board and even treated wood framing members allow moisture penetration which could promote mold growth. The C-SIS System blocks moisture from penetrating the wall and stops thermal transfer which, when present, creates condensation inside the wall. The closed cell polyurethane foam used does not absorb moisture or allow for mold growth acting as both an insulator and moisture barrier. The C-SIS System will perform at the same high levels for decades.
Termites and Insect Infestation
Termites and other insects can cause significant damage to wood structural members or sheathing and, like mold or moisture damage, not be visible until the building’s structural integrity is in jeopardy. The C-SIS sheathing does not contain any cellulose materials that are a food source or attractive to termites. Rather than paying for termite protection services, or treating wood building materials with harsh and toxic chemicals, CPBS’ building systems were designed with materials that do not require any termite or insect treatments and the tight joint sealing system prohibits most insects from penetrating the wall system – just as they block air and moisture infiltration.
Repair and Maintenance – Lifecycle Costs
Billions of dollars are spent each year maintaining and repairing buildings that are energy inefficient or damaged from mold, moisture, extreme weather or termite and insect infestation. It is not uncommon that newer buildings, some as young as five or six years old are renovated because of high energy costs or moisture damage. Your building’s exterior wall system does not have to under-perform and sustain damage. The C-SIS System is a high performance wall system that will measurably decrease your energy bills and reduce costs. This long-term sustainable exterior wall system is an excellent net-zero investment with a long term return on investment compared with traditional building systems.
Payback and Return on Investment
Investing in CPBS’ C-SIS System delivers a net-zero investment and return on investment unlike any other. Strong structural performance, higher R-values, reduced thermal bridging, low air and vapor infiltration, reduced initial HVAC equipment investment and preventing mold and moisture penetration are all proven characteristics of the C-SIS System. As energy costs climb higher, your exterior wall systems will increase your return on investment if you choose to surround yourself with the future…today.