PermaBASE CI^® Insulated Cement Board features a 1/4” PermaBASE^® Cement Board facer laminated to high-density polyiso insulation, consolidating key wall assembly components into a single integrated substrate panel. This one board can eliminate the need for separate substrate and continuous insulation layers – streamlining installation and potentially shortening construction schedules.

Lightweight and durable, PermaBASE CI is compatible with a variety of exterior finishes, including thin brick, tile, manufactured and natural thin stone and cement board stucco. Mold- and moisture-resistant, it also achieves the industry’s lowest water-absorption rating under ASTM C473, providing an optimum long-term performance.

Approved component in select system warranties

PermaBASE CI is approved as a component in select mortar manufacturers’ system warranties, including Laticrete, MAPEI and ARDEX. Contact me with questions.

Meet Code Requirements

PermaBASE CI addresses two critical design requirements with one solution.

1. It satisfies continuous insulation for energy code compliance.
2. It is compatible with ANSI A118.4/A118.15 modified mortars for adhered veneer applications.

To enhance long-term performance, current building codes and The Masonry Society (TMS) require ANSI A118.4/A118.15 modified mortars for exterior adhesion over any substrate rather than Type N or Type S mortars. PermaBASE CI provides a compatible, code-compliant substrate that supports these approved mortar systems.

Choose the right R-Value.

R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating performance. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) map divides the country into climate zones with specific R-value requirements. R-value is determined by code requirements for these climate zones along with specific guidelines for the municipality, state or region and the building type (commercial, residential or specialized). Selecting the appropriate R-value is critical to achieving energy-efficient building enclosures.

Include a drainage space behind the cladding.

Building codes increasingly recognize the importance of moisture management in exterior wall assemblies. While drainage requirements vary by assembly type and jurisdiction, National Gypsum recommends incorporating a drainage system into all assemblies to help promote drainage, drying and long-term wall performance.

• The 2021 and 2024 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) require a drainage space or drainage material between the exterior wall cladding and the water-resistive barrier (WRB) in certain conditions.

Provide tested fire resistance.

PermaBASE CI is approved for NFPA 285-compliant wall assemblies with adhered veneer finishes, including thin brick, tile, manufactured and natural thin stone and cement board stucco. It also carries UL classifications in a variety of fire-rated assemblies, helping support code-compliant exterior wall designs.

Design Flexibility

One substrate. Multiple finish options.

PermaBASE CI provides a durable substrate for a variety of adhered veneer finishes, including thin brick, tile, manufactured and natural thin stone and cement board stucco. It also supports the use of multiple finishes on a single façade, giving architects greater design flexibility while maintaining a consistent substrate throughout the wall assembly.

Easy to Install

Watch these step-by-step installation videos to see how easy PermaBASE CI is to install.

• Commercial Stucco Wall System Installation with PermaBASE CI Insulated Cement Board
• Commercial Thin Brick Installation with PermaBASE CI Insulated Cement Board