Insulation
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3:41 AM EDT
Response to Leah
by Martin Holladay, GBA Advisor
Leah,
If you are building a 50,000-square-foot building, I presume you have both an architect and an HVAC engineer. Either one should be able to answer your question, using energy modeling software.
If your architect and engineer find this question too challenging, you're in trouble. If it's not too late, find another architect and engineer.
The question, however, is somewhat more challenging than it appears, because batt insulation and blown-in insulation can't simply be compared on the basis of their rated R-values.
It is difficult to install batt insulation perfectly; as a result, there will be more voids in walls insulated with batts. Moreover, the blown-in insulation may be slightly better at reducing air leakage. These two factors -- the voids in the batt-insulated assemblies and the difference in air leakage -- should if possible be modeled when making the comparison.
6:17 PM EDT
Insulation Question
by Leah
I am trying to determine the incremental benefits of using R-21 batt insulation versus R-23 blow in insulation. for a 50K sq.ft building we are figuring an increased cost of $23-25K. But, I want to determine whether the incremental savings is worth it or if that $25,000 could be better used on a different energy measure. Can you direct me to a source that could give me some information on the incremental energy savings anticipated? The property is located in the Portland, OR area.
12:58 PM EDT
Weatherization agencies
by Martin Holladay, GBA Advisor
Adrian,
Contact your state energy office and ask about local weatherization agencies. They should be able to advise you.
12:13 PM EDT
Need advice
by Adrian Quijada
My wife and I are buying a house. This was built in 1962 made with bricks of burnt adobe. It's very beautiful with huge original glass windows at the living room as in bedrooms. We worry about the level of insulation and if this house may qualify in the future as energy efficient and green.
My mother in law recommend to ask to our county on evaluation services that may be free and would indicate us quality of insulation and things we can do to improve it. Do you perform such evaluations? Is any cost associated? THANK YOU!
4:09 AM EST
Response to Ryan
by Martin Holladay, GBA Advisor
1. The best place for your question would be our Q&A page. You can find the page by clicking the yellowish green tab marked "Q&A" at the top of any page. Here it is:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/qa
2. The Insofast panels should perform well. However, since these panels measure 2 inches thick, they have an R-value of only about R-8. They will not meet minimum R-value requirements in most of the country. In Climate Zones 4 and 5, the IRC requires a minimum of R-10 basement wall insulation. In Climate Zones 6, 7, and 8, the minimum code requirement for basement wall insulation is R-15. So these Insofast panels should only be used in Climate Zone 3 (the deep South) or warmer locations.
3. I don't know what you mean by "BCIS." It sounds like you are talking about your rim joist (also known as a band joist).
4. Tiger Foam can be safely sprayed over Dow Styrofoam (XPS),
5. You can use either open-cell spray foam or closed-cell spray foam over Dow Styrofoam (XPS).
7:00 PM EST
I need some help
by Ryan O'Dell
I am about to finish off my basement. I am going to buy the Insofast product (rigid EPS panels) and install it. Anyone used this yet?
Also, I built my home 5 years ago and came across some blue Dow board insulation (XPS) and cut it to fit inside the bcis. What i would like to know is, I am looking at getting some Tiger Foam and spraying over the bcis and the plates and sill to get an air tight seal. What kind of foam — open or closed — and can I spray it over the blue Dow board without it eating it?
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