By Jesse Sanchez. 

How federal infrastructure rules affect material sourcing and compliance across publicly funded projects. 

Federal infrastructure spending comes with clear guidelines designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing and project accountability. These guidelines are also very clear when it comes to where construction materials are made. These requirements are well known to companies like Hunter Panels, who must navigate them regularly. For contractors, manufacturers and specifiers working on publicly funded projects, understanding those requirements is essential to staying compliant and avoiding costly delays. 

The Build America, Buy America Act sets clear expectations for material sourcing on covered infrastructure projects. Under the law, all iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials used in qualifying projects must be produced in the United States. The requirements apply broadly across federally funded infrastructure, including highways, bridges, public transit and other public works supported by federal grants or contracts. 

The act was signed into law in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law on November 15, 2021. Its purpose is to strengthen domestic manufacturing, support job creation and reinforce the U.S. supply chain by ensuring federal investment circulates within the American economy. 

While the intent is firm, the law does allow for flexibility in specific circumstances. Waivers may be granted when materials are not available domestically in sufficient quantities, when products are not produced in the United States at a satisfactory quality or when using American-made materials would significantly increase project costs. These provisions are designed to balance economic goals with practical realities in the field. 

For manufacturers, certification plays a key role in helping project teams meet compliance requirements. Hunter Panels reports that its Hunter Panels and Hunter Xci construction materials are manufactured in the United States, making them compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58.  

As federal infrastructure investment continues to flow, Build America, Buy America remains a central consideration in material selection and project planning. Understanding how the law applies and which products meet its requirements helps contractors and designers move forward with greater confidence in publicly funded work. 

Learn more about what the Build America, Buy America Act means for construction materials and how its requirements affect sourcing, compliance and planning on federally funded projects!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how extended panel layouts in tapered polyiso systems can lower adhesive use, reduce material handling and improve overall installation efficiency. 

Designing a tapered roof system with Hunter Panels requires more than meeting slope requirements, it demands a careful balance between material expense and labor efficiency. Specialty components such as prefabricated target sumps, hips, valleys and extended panel profiles can influence that balance, but the true impact depends on how the tapered layout is configured. 

Adhesive is one of the most significant cost drivers in a multi-layer tapered system. The more insulation layers required to achieve slope, the more adhesive is needed to secure them. In a standard 1/8-inch taper profile with a four-panel repeat across a 64-foot run, layers of 2-inch flat insulation are stacked at each repeat to build elevation. This approach results in 40 panels of application, increasing both adhesive usage and installation time. On a roof measuring 64’x64’ this approach would result in 103 applied square and four applications of adhesive 

Reconfiguring the same 64-foot run with extended panels changes the equation. By increasing the panel repeat, the design reduces the number of required insulation layers, bringing the total application down to 24 panels and immediately lowering adhesive demand. The resulting final panel reflects 1 layer of 4” fill and the “FF” panel needing to be adhered. On a roof measuring 64’x64’, the extended panels would result in 82 applied square and two applications of adhesive. 

While this example highlights a 1/8-inch profile, extended panels are also available in 3/16-inch, 1/4inch, 3/8inch and ½-inch slopes, offering flexibility across a range of tapered system designs. 

Learn more about how extended tapered polyiso panels can reduce adhesive consumption, lower labor demands and improve overall tapered roof system efficiency! 

By Hunter Panels. 

Understanding ASTM-aligned thickness verification can strengthen contractor confidence in product performance and jobsite quality. 

Precise insulation measurements are critical to project accuracy and Hunter Panels is helping contractors approach the methods of calculation with clarity and confidence. As rigid polyiso continues to play a central role in energy-efficient roof assemblies, knowing how to verify thickness correctly in accordance with ASTM C1289 safeguards against guesswork and supports quality control on the job. That attention to detail reflects positively on both the manufacturer and the installer, reinforcing trust in the product while ensuring specifications are met with professionalism and accuracy. 

How to measure polyiso thickness (ASTM C1289 method) 

1 – Cut the board properly

Cut the board down the middle of the 4-foot dimension so you end up with two pieces measuring 2 ft × 8 ft. 

• Avoid using a razor knife for measurement cuts. 
• A clean, smooth cut is necessary to expose a true cross-section of the foam. 
• A caliper is the preferred measuring tool to ensure accuracy. 

2 – Take six (6) thickness measurements

ASTM C1289 requires multiple measurements to account for natural surface variation. Take readings as follows: 

• Start at least 1–2 inches in from the edge (never on the outer edge). 
• Take measurements approximately every 2 feet along the board. 
• Ensure one measurement is taken at the center of the board. 
• This results in six total measurements. 

3 – Calculate the average thickness

After collecting all six readings: 

• Add all measurements together 
• Divide by six to obtain the average 
• Compare the calculated average to the manufacturer’s stated thickness 

4 – Verify ASTM tolerance compliance

The final average must fall within ±1/8 inch of the labeled product thickness to meet ASTM C1289 requirements. 

In summary, measuring polyiso insulation in accordance with ASTM C1289 is straightforward when you use the correct tools, follow consistent sampling procedures and take measurements in the right locations. By cutting a clean sample, taking six properly spaced measurements and calculating an accurate average, you can confidently verify that the insulation meets ASTM standards and project specifications. 

Original article source: Hunter Panels

By Hunter Panels. 

A closer look at why American-made materials matter now more than ever. 

The Build America, Buy America Act has become a rallying point for companies like Hunter Panels, which stands firmly behind its U.S. manufacturing roots and the strength of the domestic supply chain. As federal infrastructure dollars surge into communities nationwide, the push for American-made materials is shaping not only how projects are built, but how manufacturers step up to meet a new era of demand. 

In 2021, the Build America, Buy America Act was signed into law. It was incorporated into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law on November 15, 2021. 

The act aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen the U.S. supply chain by mandating the use of American-made materials. 

There are provisions for waivers if the materials are not available domestically in sufficient quantities, are not produced in the U.S. in a satisfactory quality or if using American-made products would increase the cost of the project by a significant amount. 

Overall, the Build America, Buy America Act is designed to ensure that federal infrastructure investments support domestic production and contribute to the U.S. economy by requiring that federally funded projects utilize American-made materials and products. 

Hunter Panels is proud to certify that Hunter Panels and Hunter Xci construction materials are manufactured in the United States of America. Therefore, our products comply with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, Pub. L. No 117-58. 

Original article source: Hunter Panels

By Hunter Panels. 

From selecting the correct SIP fastener to dialing in drill speeds, understanding the specifics can make all the difference in your Xci Ply installation.  

When it comes to high-performance polyiso panels, Hunter Panels doesn't just deliver product, they deliver answers. Whether you're securing Xci Ply, Xci Ply Class A or Xci NB, the right fastening approach is critical to performance, speed and long-term durability. To help streamline your next install, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions about SIP fasteners and how to use them effectively across different base wall types. 

Question:  

Which style of SIP fastener is needed? 

Answer:  

Hunter Panels offers multiple styles of SIP fasteners for attachment of Xci Ply, Xci Ply Class A and Xci NB, depending on the base wall type. Plates are not required with these fasteners. 

Question: 

What length of fastener is needed? 

Answer: 

Minimum penetrations vary from a few threads up to 2.0″ depending on the fastener and base wall. Please reference DrJ TER 2102-05 or contact Hunter Technical for more info. 

Question: 

How many fasteners are needed? 

Answer: 

The fastening pattern is determined by several factors including stud spacing, Xci panel thickness and the weight of the cladding system. Use DrJ TER 2102-05 to determine the correct pattern. The technical team at Hunter Panels is available to assist with this. 

Question: 

Do the fasteners countersink? 

Answer: 

No, the fasteners are not meant to countersink. The head should rest on the surface of the panel. 

Question: 

What tools are used to install these fasteners? 

Answer: 

Typically, a screw gun is used to install these fasteners. Impact drivers are not recommended for concrete and CMU applications. SIP fasteners should not be struck with a hammer during installation. 

Drill speed recommendations: 

Speed up installation by going slower for steel, concrete and CMU applications. Higher drill speeds create excess heat from friction, which can cause fasteners to soften and lose their edge.  

For SIP/SD and SIP/SD-PT fasteners going into light gauge steel: 1500 – 2000 RPM  

For SIP/SD and SIP/SD-PT fastener going into concrete/ CMU: 900 – 1500 RPM  

For SIP/HD and SIP/HD-PT fasteners going into heavy gauge steel: 900 – 1500 RPM 

Original article and photo source: Hunter Panels

By Hunter Panels. 

The choice of insulation impacts performance, safety, and cost for years to come. 

When it comes to commercial roofing, insulation plays a critical role in controlling energy costs, enhancing fire safety, speed of installation, and maximizing long-term ROI. However, not all insulation options are the same. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid, thermoplastic insulation made from closed-cell foam. Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) is also a closed-cell foam board, but it’s a thermoset material with a high-performance foam core sandwiched between two facers. Here at Hunter Panels, we want to help drive this convTersation forward with high-efficiency solutions built for today’s demands. Keep reading to understand the advantages and limitations of these two options and which option professionals focused on performance and value are choosing. 

Advantages of polyisocyanurate over expanded polystyrene: 

Long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) 
Long-Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) is a scientifically supported method to calculate the 15-year, time-weighted average R-value of closed-cell insulation products. Polyiso insulation has a high R-value per inch (5.7) compared to other insulation products on the market. EPS insulation’s R-value varies depending on the density of the foam and can range from 4 to 5. This performance characteristic allows polyiso insulation to deliver greater energy savings potential in thinner product thicknesses, which can be advantageous in height-restricted areas. 

Flexibility in roofing assemblies 
Polyiso insulation is compatible with most types of cladding and roofing materials, such as metal, brick, stone, wood, vinyl, asphalt shingles, etc. It can be attached with adhesives, mechanical fasteners or hot mopping. Polyiso is also lightweight and easy to cut and install. In comparison, EPS is not compatible with some types of cladding and roofing materials, such as adhesives, hot mopping or torch-down roofing, without the use of slip sheets or additional cover boards. It can be damaged by high temperatures or solvents and requires a protective layer or coating to prevent UV degradation. EPS can also be molded into different shapes and sizes to fit various design needs. 

Fire resistance 
Polyiso insulation is a thermoset material that does not melt or drip when exposed to flame (ASTM E84). In comparison, EPS is less fire-resistant; it melts and drips when exposed to high heat, which can spread the fire and create toxic fumes. Polyiso also offers a direct-to-deck attachment option for steel deck roofs (FM 4450/UL 1256). 

Environmental and other attributes 
Polyiso insulation contains blowing agents with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP), reducing buildings’ energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. It is also recyclable through reuse where permitted and contains recycled content, which varies by product. While EPS can also contain recycled content, polyiso insulation’s high thermal efficiency results in energy savings potential equal to 47 times the product’s embodied energy. 

In conclusion, the choice of insulation material for a commercial roof system is a critical decision that directly impacts the building’s performance, energy efficiency and overall value. Polyiso insulation is the superior choice due to its exceptional thermal efficiency, fire resistance, ease of installation, environmental sustainability and long-term cost savings. Please see the links below from the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) for unbiased manufacturer resources.[i] 

[i]  https://www.polyiso.org/

Original article and photo source: Hunter Panels

By Hunter Panels. 

Behind every high-performance wall is a code-compliant design. 

When you see a wall packed with polyiso foam insulation from manufacturers like Hunter Panels, you're looking at more than just energy efficiency, you're looking at a component that was carefully crafted for code compliance. At the center of that compliance is ASTM C1289, a standard that manufacturers can’t ignore and most professionals should understand. But unless you're deep in the construction world, the types, classes and grades of polyiso foam might as well be alphabet soup. Here's what those letters and numbers really mean and why they matter on every job site. 

Type 

Refers to the facer material that is bonded to the foam. Below is a list of common types of facers used in the commercial wall market. 

Type, description 

• I, Foil Facer 
• II, Glass Mat Faced 
• V, Plywood or OSB on one side, Fibrous Felt or Glass Mat on the other side. 

Class for type I materials 

For foil faced polyiso the “Class” designation refers to whether or not the foam core is glass fiber reinforced. 

Class, description 

• 1, Non-Reinforced Foam Core 
• 2, Glass Fiber Reinforced Foam Core or Non-Reinforced Foam Core 

Class for type II materials 

For glass mat faced polyiso the “Class” designation refers to the material used in conjunction with the glass mat. Currently, all Type II polyiso products for commercial wall applications fall into the Class 2 category. 

Class, description 

• 1, Glass Fiber Reinforced Felt Mat both sides 
• 2, Polymer Bonded Glass Fiber Mat both sides, Coated Glass 
• 3, Glass Mat Only both sides 

Grade 

Refers to the product’s compressive strength for permeable faced products. Compressive strength is reported in terms of PSI. Several polyiso products are available in multiple grades 

Grade, description 

• 1, 16psi min 
• 2, 20psi min (Standard for most Hunter Xci products) 
• 3, 25psi min 

Original article and photo source: Hunter Panels

By Hunter Panels. 

Designing energy-efficient exterior walls that meet IECC code requirements without compromise, confusion or unnecessary cost. 

Above-grade exterior walls must meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and building professionals face a choice: follow the R-value path or the U-value path. Both are prescriptive methods allowed under the IECC, but they approach compliance from different angles, one simple and product-driven, the other more nuanced and performance-based. At Hunter Panels, we understand the tradeoffs between the two isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about making smart, code-compliant decisions that optimize thermal performance without overspending or overengineering. 

R-Value prescriptive path 

Complying with the R-value method is straightforward – simply use products with R-values that meet or exceed the values shown in the IECC for the appropriate climate zone and wall type. For example, the prescriptive R-value for metal framed walls in most climate zones (Zone 3 and above) is R-13 + 7.5 ci. This means the wall must incorporate insulation of R-13 or greater within the stud cavity and insulation of R-7.5 or greater as continuous insulation, as shown in the following illustration: 

U-Value prescriptive path 

The U-value method is different. It takes the thermal resistance of all the components of the wall assembly into consideration, not just the insulation. The R-values of the wall assembly components are added together. Since U-value is the reciprocal of R-value, the U-value of the assembly is determined by dividing 1 by the total R-value. There are tables within the code documents that assign R-values to certain components of wall assemblies such as cavity air spaces and interior air film. 

The U-value calculation will be slightly different for framed walls depending on whether the framing members are steel or wood. Since steel conducts heat, there is a reduction in effectiveness of the stud cavity insulation within a steel framed wall assembly — in other words, the effective R-value of the wall assembly is less than the insulation’s stated R-value. This is not any fault of the insulation, rather it is because the steel framing is a thermal short circuit in the wall. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the stud cavity insulation is reduced by a “framing factor” percentage found in the IECC. In the below example, the reduction is 54% for steel framed walls 16″ oc, meaning the R-value of the insulation is multiplied by .46 (1 – 0.54). 

Wood framing provides some measure of insulating value, so it is treated differently than steel framing when calculating U-value for the wall assembly. The most common way to calculate wood framing U-value is the “parallel path” method, whereby the U-values for the framing path and the cavity path are calculated and then added. So, if the wood studs are 16″ oc, the code calls for using a framing factor of 0.25 (meaning the studs take up 25% of the wall area). The U-value of the framing path is then multiplied by 0.25 and the U-value of the cavity path is multiplied by 0.75 to account for the remainder of the wall assembly. The U-value of the total wall is the sum of the framing path U-value and the cavity path U-value. 

Original article and photo source: Hunter Panels

By Hunter Panels. 

Learn about the benefits and strategies for using extended panels when working with a tapered polysio system. 

Designers and installers working on tapered roof systems often end up utilizing a range of specialty products to reduce the overall cost of building a tapered roof system. From prefabricated options like target sumps and hips, to things like extended roof panels, these specialty components aim to reduce installation time and labor costs. This often outweighs the slightly elevated cost of getting a specialty product and reduces the overall cost of roofing. 

So, how do you determine if your project is a good fit for some of these specialty products? It all depends on the unique system you are working with. Keep reading to get some technical advice from the experts at Hunter Panels about designing a tapered roof system in a cost-effective manner. 

Insulation adhesive costs can be lowered drastically by reducing the number of layers in a tapered profile. Take a standard 1/8” taper profile with a 4-panel repeat: 

Using layers of 2.0” flat insulation at every repeat, you’re looking at multiple layers of 2.0” to achieve a 64’ run. It goes without saying that more layers of insulation require more adhesive to properly secure the system. This profile requires 40 panels of application. 

Let’s look at the same 64’ run but using extended panels: 

Using this extended panel profile, we’re able to lower the number of insulation layers, thus reducing the adhesive required to adhere the system. This profile requires only 24 panels of application 

The easiest way to show the benefits of extended panels is a side-by-side project analysis 

The design on the left (4-panel repeat) requires 257 squares of application. The design on the right (8-panel repeat) requires 159 squares of application. The cost of insulation for the extended panel option is only $2,300 more than the standard repeat option.  

The standout savings in the extended panel design are in adhesive costs. The extended panel option will require 4 fewer tanks of adhesive, yielding a savings of ~$4,800 in adhesive. Regarding labor costs, using fewer layers of insulation means less material handling and field cutting. To top it all off, extended panels create less waste, which not only means fewer dumpster fees for you, but also less material going to waste in landfills!  

The above comparisons utilize the 1/8” profile as the example for this article, but extended panel options are available in all profiles (1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”). 

Original article and photo source: Hunter Panels

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors look to training, innovation and prefabrication to overcome persistent labor shortages. 

As the roofing industry continues to grapple with an entrenched labor shortage, manufacturers and contractors alike are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to tackle jobs. One solution is gaining traction: tapered insulation systems designed for labor and cost savings. That was the focus of a recent Coffee Conversations, hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth and featuring industry leaders from Hunter Panels and Delta Rep Group. 

“There’s a contractor shortage besides the aging labor force,” said Wayne Heironimus of Delta Rep Group. “You don’t see a lot of young people being drawn to roofing. We’re trying to do more with less people.” 

The panel consisted of industry experts, each looking for solutions to meet the labor demands. One panelist, Justin Andrews, commercial roofing sales manager at Hunter Panels, noted that the labor crisis is no longer about just skilled versus unskilled labor. It’s a broader issue of recruitment, retention and perception. “There’s competition from other trades and there’s competition from other industries outside the building industry,” Justin said. “Then there’s the perception of the work and the roofing industry in general.” 

What’s emerging as a practical answer isn’t just more training, but smarter design choices and prefabrication. Tapered insulation systems are engineered offsite and delivered ready to install, reducing the need for complex field cutting and speeding up application. Justin shared, “We design the tapered layout for folks, but we’re also willing to follow it from start to finish and deal with problems that come up.” 

Tim Rood, tapered department manager at Carlisle Construction Materials, broke it down further: “If you get handed a shop drawing and are told to put it on a roof, that labor force is a lot harder to find. So, we have some tips and tricks to make it a little easier.” Among them: extended panel systems that significantly reduce adhesive layers, waste and man-hours. 

Dawn Holsinger, co-founder of Delta Rep Group, added that even long-time roofers are beginning to see the benefits of transitioning from custom field cuts to prefabricated components. “You have a lot of old school guys who are used to cutting sumps in the field,” Dawn said. “Except it’s not going to be engineered and done the way it is in a controlled setting.” 

Even as the panelists acknowledged the steep road ahead, they painted a hopeful picture, where smart design, collaborative training and thoughtful recruiting could reshape roofing into a more sustainable and attractive career path. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about how tapered insulation systems and smarter installation strategies are helping contractors overcome labor shortages and boost jobsite efficiency!