Remodeling Tips
for the Green Home
by Gardner/Fox
for the Green Home
by Gardner/Fox
Insulation
Most homeowners know that more insulation is good and less insulation is bad, but insulation must also be a part of a wall system that shuns water, dries well, controls moisture, blocks air infiltration, and maintains thermal integrity at windows and doors.
A thousand dollars spent on beefed-up insulation will save that amount many times over in fuel costs over the lifetime of the home.
Formaldehyde-Free, mold-Resistant Traditional fiberglass batts installed in 80% of new homes rely on carcinogenic formaldehyde binders to hold the thin glass strands together. For a slight premium, you can find formaldehyde-free insulation that has been treated for mold resistance. R-values range from R-11 to R-38 and are available in rolls or precut batts.
Spray Foam Insulation Blown foam creates a highly efficient and consistent layer of insulation that covers every cavity and seam. Plus it typically doesn’t have the moisture problems associated with batts. It can actually boost indoor air quality and prevent mold. Look for bio-based foams such as soy, that do not contain harmful chemicals.
A. Polyurethane spray foam is often categorized as either open-cell or closed-cell. Although open-cell polyurethane spray foam is usually found with an R-value around 3.5 per inch, slightly more than half that of closed-cell foam, it still provides excellent thermal insulating and air barrier properties. Open cell foam is more permeable to moisture vapor and should not be used in exterior applications or applications where it can be in direct contact with water.
B. Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam is among the most efficient insulating materials commercially available, with R-values commonly around 6.0 per inch. Closed-cell foam incorporates an insulating gas within the cells that makes it stronger and denser, increases r-value, and creates a greater resistance to air leakage.
Most homeowners know that more insulation is good and less insulation is bad, but insulation must also be a part of a wall system that shuns water, dries well, controls moisture, blocks air infiltration, and maintains thermal integrity at windows and doors.
A thousand dollars spent on beefed-up insulation will save that amount many times over in fuel costs over the lifetime of the home.
Formaldehyde-Free, mold-Resistant Traditional fiberglass batts installed in 80% of new homes rely on carcinogenic formaldehyde binders to hold the thin glass strands together. For a slight premium, you can find formaldehyde-free insulation that has been treated for mold resistance. R-values range from R-11 to R-38 and are available in rolls or precut batts.
Spray Foam Insulation Blown foam creates a highly efficient and consistent layer of insulation that covers every cavity and seam. Plus it typically doesn’t have the moisture problems associated with batts. It can actually boost indoor air quality and prevent mold. Look for bio-based foams such as soy, that do not contain harmful chemicals.
A. Polyurethane spray foam is often categorized as either open-cell or closed-cell. Although open-cell polyurethane spray foam is usually found with an R-value around 3.5 per inch, slightly more than half that of closed-cell foam, it still provides excellent thermal insulating and air barrier properties. Open cell foam is more permeable to moisture vapor and should not be used in exterior applications or applications where it can be in direct contact with water.
B. Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam is among the most efficient insulating materials commercially available, with R-values commonly around 6.0 per inch. Closed-cell foam incorporates an insulating gas within the cells that makes it stronger and denser, increases r-value, and creates a greater resistance to air leakage.
