New to the LP® Structural Solutions portfolio, LP® NovaCore® Thermal Insulated Sheathing is a dual-layered wall panel design to protect structures against heat loss and gain. It combines resilient OSB sheathing with XPS foam to provide continuous insulation without the long-term R-value deterioration associated with other foam insulation products.
While LP NovaCore panels install similarly to regular OSB sheathing, there are a few key best practices to know for insulation sheathing installation before you get started. When the installation instructions are followed, you can help ensure the product performs as it’s intended. We checked in with Chris Dall, Growth & Innovation Product Manager at LP Building Solutions, for some tips and tricks.
As soon as your LP NovaCore thermal insulated sheathing panels arrive on the jobsite, proper storage and handling is critical to ensure your panels can perform once installed. As you inspect the product prior to installation, here are a few guidelines to remember:
“If the original cover is not used, use only opaque white covers to avoid damage to the foam,” Dall adds. “Do not use non-white or non-opaque covers as these can build up excess heat or expose the foam to UV.” Dall also notes that if a panel’s foam is damaged, it can still be used as a fill-in panel by cutting off the affected area and trimming to the needed size.
Beyond installing the panels correctly, don’t forget these standard requirements for a build using LP NovaCore thermal insulated sheathing. Be sure to check your local codes as well.
LP NovaCore thermal insulated sheathing panels can be cut with standard woodworking tools, helping you work efficiently and easily as you would with other wood products. “While cutting the board with a circular-saw or worm-saw, we recommend you cut on the OSB side to prevent any snagging of the baseplate while cutting,” Dall says.
Check out more guidelines and requirements in the complete installation instructions.
When you’re ready to begin installation, many typical wall sheathing best practices apply. “In order to install LP NovaCore thermal insulated sheathing panels properly, the foam must face the framing members (studs) and the OSB side should face outwards,” Dall specifies. Panels can be installed horizontally or vertically. For horizontal installations, stagger joints a minimum of one stud space.
Here are a few other basic tips for insulation sheathing installation:
Read more about nailing practices here.
When you’re installing LP NovaCore panels at corners, take special care with the following instructions:
Check out details and diagrams here.
Because LP NovaCore panels are 7/16-inch thick, additional framing may be needed at corners to account for the thickness of the panels.
Because LP NovaCore panels are made with engineered wood, they represent an easy and efficient way to add protection against heat loss and gain to your build. They install simply and easily with standard tools and procedures, integrating seamlessly into your processes.
“With the foam layer facing inward, towards the framing members, LP NovaCore sheathing is an easy-to-install product that combines OSB with Owens Corning FOAMULAR NGX to provide racking strength and continuous insulation in a one-step installation,” Dall says.
Looking for more details? Learn more about the latest addition to the LP Structural Solutions portfolio. And be sure to read up on the complete installation procedures for LP NovaCore panels.
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