Insulation Technologies and Installation Specifications for Better Energy Performance of Commercial Buildings Wood Products Council is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-aia members are available on request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. Course Evaluations In order to maintain high-quality learning experiences, please access the evaluation for this course by logging into CES Discovery and clicking on the Course Evaluation link on the left side of the page. & Associates/Wood Products Council
Objectives Select the best insulation system for a given application. Write better specifications regarding insulation and installation. Explain how insulation works and sort fact from fiction regarding manufacturer claims. Understand the relationships between air barriers, moisture vapor transmission, condensation, material permeability, and Steve insulation Easley selection. Energy Efficiency Energy Efficiency is a major component of LEED and all Green (GrEEn) Energy Efficiency is the easiest to quantify. The most likely to provide tangible results. Energy Efficiency starts with a good enclosure Enclosure Thermal Performance Thermal performance is a 2 component process Conductive losses Solution Insulation Convective losses.solution Air sealing High performance enclosure = less loads = lower costs purchase, operation, maintenance.forever
Air Leakage Photo IR Thermogram Convective Loop Windwashing Spectrum Infrared Ltd. Air Leakage along the corner joint Effect of Air Infiltration
Air Transport Air Leakage Unplanned Unpredictable Unintentional Very Costly Thermal Performance Specification Tips Insulation Reduce heat loss & gain Air sealing Wind washing Moisture control Reduces condensation Thermal Comfort Warmer components Insulation No voids/spaces, complete alignment with air barriers No compression Cavities filled Air sealing All void sealed Air testing
2.1 SHOWER/TUB AT EXTERIOR WALL Exterior walls have been enclosed on all six sides. Exterior walls have been fully insulated. In the construction process for many homes, tubs and showers are installed immediately after rough framing is complete, before insulation is installed (Figure 2.1.1). As a result, it is almost impossible to properly install insulation and complete air barriers at exterior walls adjoining tubs and showers. This can lead to air flow that circumvents insulation. Building Science Fundamentals Image courtesy of Building Science Corp. Figure 2.1.1 - Tub installed against exterior wall without air barrier or insulation Heat Flow Air flow Moisture movement Temperature gradients Images courtesy of Fort Collins Utilities Figure 2.1.2 - Infrared image showing thermal bypass at tub with incomplete insulation and air barrier The infrared image in Figure 2.1.2 shows a common problem where homeowners have tubs and showers that get cold in the winter. In this case, cool air from outside the home is decreasing the temperature of the tub inside the home. If an air barrier and insulation had been properly installed behind the tub against the exterior wall, the tub would be protected by an effectively insulated wall assembly, making the bathroom more comfortable for the homeowner.
Conduction Convection Radiation Heat Transfer Conduction Heat Transfer Heat Transfer Infiltration Heat Loss by Convection Convection & Associates
Fiberglass Filtering Heat Transfer Basics of Heat Movement Radiation Heat always flows from warm to cold The greater the temperature difference the faster heat flows Temperature gradients cause air movement Air contains moisture
Cause of Air Infiltration in Buildings Air Infiltration & Exfiltration Wind Pressure Stack Pressure Mechanical Pressure (HVAC) Sources of Air Pressure Differential in Buildings Attic Bypasses Stack Pressure 31
Sealed Cans Attic Moisture Sealing Bypasses
Air Sealing Challenges: Ductwork Attic Bypasses The Three Barriers An Air Barrier is a Systems Approach to Reducing Convective Thermal By-Passes Air Barrier & Water Barrier Vapor Barrier Exterior Sheathing Thermal Insulation Drywall Finish Cladding Studs
Controlling Air Infiltration Thermal By-Passes Convective (solved by proper air sealing and a good air barrier system) Tape is Not a Reliable Air Seal
Air Sealing Challenge: Mechanicals Thermal By-Passes This is not an effective air barrier
Sources of Air Pressure Differential in Buildings Mechanical Pressure (HVAC) 50 Extreme Consequences Air Sealing Challenge: Electricals
Change in Relative Humidity 70 Degrees F 30% Relative Humidity Dew Point Location Typical R-values of Insulation Materials INSIDE OUTSIDE Dew Point NOTE: Perm is a unit of water vapor transmission 0 Degrees F
Performance of Various Insulations Performance CAVITY INSULATIONS R-value Air Barrier Vapor Retarder Waterproof Structural Cellulose Wet-Spray 3.7 Cellulose Loosefill 3.5 to 3.8 Fiberglass Batts 3.2 to 4.3 y Fiberglass Loosefill 4.2 to 4.4 Open-Cell SPF 3.4 to 3.8 Y Closed-Cell SPF 5.9 to 7.1 Y Y Y Y Factors Affecting Insulation Performance Keys to a high performance system The Goal Conductive losses (solved by proper insulation) Stops air flow Not affected by moisture Stable R value Protects structure
Installed R-Values of Fiberglass Compression Effect of Gaps and Voids
Gaps and voids
Hard to Insulate Spaces
Wall Insulation: Wet-Spray Cellulose Wet-Spray Cellulose (Scrubbed)
Wet-Spray Cellulose (Scrubbed) Wet-Spray Cellulose: Drying Time
Note Heat Loss Between Floors Prime Areas for Spray Foam Band Joist areas Living spaces over garages Knee walls Behind tubs & showers Hard to insulate ceiling areas Below grade spaces Plumbing on exterior walls Crawl space by passes
Heat Loss at Band Joist
Insulation Challenge: Cantilevered Floors
Insulation Challenge: Soffits
Knee Walls Require an Air Barrier Insulation Challenge: Knee Walls Fireplace Air Barrier
Prime Areas for Spray Foam Non Vented Attics Hard to insulate ceiling areas
Airex BP Innovations
Below Grade Spaces
Walls Heat Loss Heat Gain Windows & Doors Air leakage
Exterior Insulation Exterior Insulation Courtesy Building Science Corp.
Exterior Insulation Exterior Insulation Courtesy Building Science Corp. Exterior Insulation Exterior Insulation
Exterior Insulation Below Grade Spaces Questions? The Wood Products This concludes The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems Course 866.966.3448 info@wood