Welcome to Pace Representatives, Inc.

This web site is intended to give members of the design and construction community a set of resources and tools to learn more about structures that incorporate air barriers and rigid insulation on the exterior frame of the building and renewable single-ply roof systems . This building science is being adopted by many architects and designers across the country, and in many states it is becoming the building code. Massachusetts is one of the first states to require this building science.

This site was originally created in September of 2000 to help the construction community comply with the new Energy Conservation Requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR 13 Envelope) effective January 1, 2001 and mandatory July 1, 2001. The code applies to all non-residential buildings, residential buildings over three stories in height, and Group R-1 buildings under three stories (hotels, motels). Refer to the code for exceptions such as greenhouses, unheated buildings, unheated portions of buildings and residential buildings not in Group R-1 (read the full code for more information).

Pace Representatives Inc., in conjunction with some of the leading construction material suppliers to the industry, and with specific help from Joseph Lstiburek, PhD, P.Eng. of Building Sciences Corporation, has assembled a series of CAD drawings, dew point calculations, and specifications that address the code. New wall, roof, foundation, slab, skylight, and louver requirements are covered. The suggested details reflect the requirements of the prescriptive tables of the code. For buildings that fall outside of the prescriptive tables the details can be used as a starting base, but must be checked with the state's COMcheck-EZ computer program.

As with any building code acceptance, it is up to the local building inspector to accept the assembly. The architect of record must verify the suitability of the assemblies presented.

The changes to the code have broad impact on the way buildings are currently designed and built, in terms of methodology, materials, and cost. This site will allow the user to make intelligent decisions in the process of meeting the new code; we also provide details and specifications for the assemblies which meet the new code.

How To Use This Site

By passing your mouse over the blueprint to the left, you can begin the process of building your knowledge and library to meet the new code. We have set up a system whereby you can go through the various assemblies, checking off the items you wish to receive -- specifications, CAD details, images -- to meet your needs; those items are then placed in a .zip archive and delivered via email.

If you have previously registered with us, please login using the form in the upper left corner. If you are a new user, you can register here.