How can I easily show code compliance for metal buildings?

If your local jurisdiction allows the use of COMcheck-EZ™ to demonstrate energy code compliance, showing compliance for metal buildings can be much easier than you may have thought. The COMcheck-EZ software has precalculated assembly U-factors for metal buildings for:

• Metal Roof with Thermal Blocks
• Metal Roof without Thermal Blocks
• Metal Wall without Thermal Blocks

The software will recalculate the assembly U-factors after entering the cavity or continuous insulation R-value to be installed. (Continuous insulation is insulation that runs continuously over structural members and is free of significant thermal bridging; one example is rigid-foam insulation above the roof deck.)

COMcheck-EZ allows for "Other" assemblies not listed in the software. When using "Other" as your assembly option, you will need to enter the overall assembly U-factor, including exterior and interior air films. For metal buildings, the roof and wall U-factors for a variety of constructions are available from the manufacturer, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), or ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999. You can use the U-factor information from the manufacturer or standard and attach a copy of your information source to your building plans. You can also edit the assembly definition "Other" to display your complete assembly. For example, if you use Company A's EZWall system, you can change the word "Other" in the assembly column of the software to read "Company A's EZWall system." (Building departments may require supporting documentation for assemblies entered using the "Other" category and "U-Factor" field.)

Figure 3

Figure 3 shows examples of metal building roof and wall input assemblies.

The COMcheck-EZ software can be downloaded at no cost.

Sources:http://www.energycodes.gov/support/metal_faq.stm