The Knowledge Center
This section will direct you to
informative articles and links
Spray
Foam Facts
What are the added values of closed cell
spray foam insulation and comparison to other insulation mediums. Will ccSPF
add sustainability and protection against high wind events? Sealing the
building envelope will ccSPF abate mold growth? What are the cost savings and
payback?
Honeywell, SPF Facts
What is the value of Fiberglass Insulation?
Oak Ridge National Laboratory study on the potential R-value loss of 28%
for commonly installed fiberglass batt insulation.
Performance Study
Insulation flaws can downgrade a labeled R-19 stud wall to R-11.
Thermal Shorts and Flaws
Construction Products Review, Spray in place polyurethane foam
insulation.
Spray Foam Insulation and FEMA
Closed Cell SPF is a FEMA recognized class four building material,
recommended as an insulation medium for buildings below the BFE. Idea for
buildings built in area’s that have the potential for high water events.
FEMA fact sheet
Eliminating Attic Ventilation ‘Creating a Conditioned Space’
The added value of un-vented and insulated attics. Closed Cell SPF is
the only code approved insulation medium for insulating the interior roof deck.
The DOE recommends HVAC air-handlers and duct work be installed in a
conditioned space.
Unvented Roof Assemblies
Top ten Dumb Things to do in the South
Attic’s and existing homes
Closing
the vents and applying ccSPF to the roof sheeting of existing homes nets
results similar to new construction. Blocking the radiant drive through the
roof into the attic. A typical vented attic realizes summer temperatures of
150/130 degrees F. This hostile environment adds a significant heat load on the
HVAC duct work, interior ceiling and can also cause condensation. Insulating
the roof deck with ccSPF and sealing the attic typically reduces the attic temperature
to the mid 80’s and also improves the sustainability against high wind event’s.
Basements and Crawl spaces, insulating and
sealing with ccSPF
Impervious
to moisture and an excellent vapor barrier, ccSPF is the idea insulation in
area’s exposed to moisture and condensation.
Basements
Crawl Spaces
5 year History of Energy Cost Increases
A historical review of the Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing an
average overall increase of 42% for home energy cost.
On the attached link ‘Change the output option years to 1978 / 2007 than click
the GO button on the file to see the data in graph format.
Electricity Natural Gas
Fuel Oil
Energy Efficient New home Tax Credits
The improved R- value and building envelope sealing characteristics of
SPF will qualify for the application of new home energy efficient tax credits.
RESNET IRS
Commercial Building Tax Credits
Consider the superior sealing and insulating value of ccSPF for
commercial buildings. Tax credits of $1.80 per sq. ft. are available for energy
efficient commercial buildings.
Energy Star
Qualifying for an Energy Efficient Mortgage
More than $2.5 billion in federally supported EEMs have been issued
since 1992. It recommended home buyers understand and take advantage of an
Energy Efficient Mortgage.
RESNET
Home Ventilation Systems and Indoor Air Quality
Insulating with SPF will seal the building envelope and eliminate
exterior air intrusion. The addition of a mechanical ventilation system will be
required. Engineered energy efficient systems are recommended. The added value
of a ventilation system will improve indoor air quality; EPA studies show
indoor air quality to be two to four time more polluted than exterior air.
Building Science Indoor Air Quality / NSC
Moisture, Mold and Spray Foam Insulation
Four elements are required to promote mold growth, mold spores, a food source
(cellulose materials i.e. wood and paper products), favorable temperature and
moisture. The low permeance and closed cell structure of Eco-Therm insulation,
blocks the transfer of moisture laden exterior air and mold spores that
transfer through fiberglass batt and potentially open cell foam insulation, condensating on the interior wall propagating
mold growth.
EPA
Do You Want GREEN?
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) estimates 40% of the cost
of heating and cooling a home is lost to uncontrolled air leakage. The DOE has
also shown that 15% of conventional insulation material's effectiveness is lost
due to convection loops through and behind the board and fiberglass batt
systems. Eco-Therm ccSPF polyurethane spray foam insulation completely seals the
building envelope, eliminating air leakage and convection looping.
HVAC Design Considerations
The rule of thumb, x square feet = x ton cooling capacity is not
applicable to buildings insulated with SPF. The application of SPF insulation
changes the rules, sealing the building envelope and blocking the intrusion of
exterior air. Engineered down sizing the HVAC tonnage per square foot will be
required and an experienced designer should be consulted.
DOE / Recommended Building Practices for the Gulf Coast
The application of Eco-Therm SPF meets or exceeds the DOE recommended
building practices for hot humid climates.
US Dept. of Energy
Energy Basics / Facts and Figures
According to the ‘US Energy Information Administration’ electricity
consumption will increase by 51% from 2002 to 2025
Fun facts and figures.
