SmartWall
Advantages

Energy Efficiency

  • High R-Values
  • Optimized Thermal Mass
  • Low Thermal Bridging
  • Reduced Heating And Cooling Costs
  • Better Insulation
  • Slow Energy Release

 

 

  

SmartWall Is The Answer!

Is SmartWall Energy Efficient? YES!

SmartWall provides superior energy conservation by combining high R-values with thermal mass and low thermal bridging. Wall heating and cooling costs may be reduced by as much as 60%! The concrete in SmartWall has up to 2.5 times the thermal resistance of the concrete in a typical heavy block. This significantly reduces thermal bridging, maximizes the effectiveness of core insulation, and results in the high R-value SmartWall. Even an un-insulated SmartWalI performs as well as core-insulated heavy units! (See Table)

In addition to thermal resistance, SmartWall also benefits from thermal mass - the flywheel effect that minimizes peaks and valleys in heat load as a wall responds to daily changes in ambient temperature. Walls with optimized thermal mass reduce overall energy use, compared to non-masonry walls. SmartWall has the proper balance of thermal mass and thermal resistance for optimum performance.

Calculating the overall effect of thermal mass and thermal resistance in a wall’s dynamic response to the environment is a complicated task, one that the ASH RAE 90.1 energy code uses a computer program, ENVSTD*, to perform. However, the results can be dramatic. For example, using ENVSTD to compare the energy performance of a 12" SmartWall with perlite core insulation to an R-19 batt insulated metal stud wall shows that SmartWall outperforms the metal stud system!

ENVSTD factors many variables besides opaque wall properties, including glass area, shading overhangs, and building orientation. Using ENVSTD and SmartWall, energy efficient buildings can be designed that comply with energy codes without the need for added-on insulation. In many cases a single-wythe SmartWall does the job.

The energy performance of SmartWall is not just smart, it’s a money saver!

*Note: ENVSTD stands for ENvelope STanDard; refer to ESCSI Information Sheet #3201 for more information on ENVSTD and the energy comparison made in this example.

R-Values For Concrete Masonry Walls(1)
(Exposed Both Sides)
Unit Size
Concrete
Unit Weight
lbs/ft3
Cores
Empty
With
Core
Inserts
Cores
Filled With
Perlite
8 X 8 X 16"
SmartWall (2)
2.5
4.0
6.6
Heavy CMU's (3)
1.9
2.6
3.2
12 X 8 X 16"
SmartWall (2)
2.7
4.4
9.5
Heavy CMU's (3)
2.0
2.7
4.4

(1) R-Values are mid-range per NCMA TEK 6.1 A & 6.2A. R in. ( h * ft2 * oF) / BTU
(2)  SmartWall at 90 lbs. / ft3
(3)  Heavy CMU's at 135 lbs. / ft3

 

How Does It look? What About Color ?

Not only does SmartWall resist chipping and cracking, its more uniform texture produces sharp corners and surfaces that provide structure and finish. If desired, SmartWall is readily paintable. SmartWall is available in the same wide range of sizes, colors and textures as other concrete masonry units.