Product: Cornell Corp. Vent-Top ThermaCal 1

Noah Kalina

Designed for use on shingle and metal roofs, Cornell Corp.’s Vent-Top ThermaCal 1 system consists of 7/16″ OSB sheathing, 1″ wood spacer blocks, and polyisocyanurate insulation board offered in thicknesses between 3″ and 8″. The fully machined assembly offers R-values between 9 and 40.5 and weighs between 1.9 to 2.9 psf. The edges of the 4′-by-8′ panels feature rabbeted wood and a tongue-and-groove pattern in the foam to reduce heat loss. The 12″-o.c. wood spacers allow for 86% up-slope venting and more than 50% cross ventilation. • cornellcorporation.com

About the Author

Wanda Lau

Wanda Lau, LEED AP, is the former executive editor of ARCHITECT magazine. Along with 10 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction management, she holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Michigan State University, an S.M. in building technology from MIT, and an M.A. in journalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. Her work appears in several journals, books, and magazines, including Men's Health, ASID Icon, and University Business. Follow her on Twitter.

Upcoming Events

  • NeoCon 2026

    The Mart, Chicago

    Register Now
  • AI for Architects and Engineers: A Crash Course in Our Agentic Future

    CEU Live Webinar

    Register for Free
  • Design and Planning Workflows with GIS

    Live Webinar

    Register Now
All Events