Insulation Technologies and Installation Specifications for Better Energy Performance of Commercial Buildings

Steve Easley

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.

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© Steve Easley & Associates/Wood Products Council

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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 insulation selection. Steve Easley

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

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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 along the corner joint

Spectrum Infrared Ltd.

Air Leakage

IR Thermogram

Photo Convective Loop “Windwashing”

Effect of Air Infiltration

Air Transport

� Unplanned � Unpredictable � Unintentional � Very Costly

Air Leakage

Thermal Performance

•  Insulation •  Reduce heat loss &

gain •  Reduces condensation •  Warmer components

•  Air sealing •  Wind washing •  Moisture control •  Thermal Comfort

Specification Tips

•  Insulation •  No voids/spaces,

complete alignment with air barriers

•  No compression •  Cavities filled

•  Air sealing •  All void sealed •  Air testing

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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.

Image courtesy of Building Science Corp.

Images courtesy of Fort Collins Utilities

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.

Figure 2.1.1 - Tub installed against exterior wall without air barrier or insulation

Figure 2.1.2 - Infrared image showing thermal bypass at tub with incomplete insulation and air barrier

Building Science Fundamentals

•  Heat Flow •  Air flow •  Moisture movement •  Temperature gradients

Heat Transfer

•  Conduction •  Convection •  Radiation

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Heat Transfer

•  Conduction

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Heat Transfer

•  Convection

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Infiltration – Heat Loss by Convection

Steve Easley & Associates

Fiberglass Filtering

Heat Transfer •  Radiation

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Basics of Heat Movement

•  Heat always flows from warm to cold

•  The greater the temperature difference the faster heat flows

•  Temperature gradients cause air movement

•  Air contains moisture

Mechanical Pressure (HVAC)

Stack Pressure

Cause of Air Infiltration in Buildings

M h i lSSSt kkkWind Pressure

Air Infiltration & Exfiltration

Stack Pressure

Sources of Air Pressure Differential in Buildings

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Attic Bypasses

Sealed Cans Attic Moisture

Sealing Bypasses

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Air Sealing Challenges: Ductwork

Attic Bypasses

The Three Barriers

Cladding

Drywall Finish

Exterior Sheathing

Studs

Air Barrier

Vapor Barrier & Water Barrier

Thermal Insulation

An Air Barrier is a Systems Approach to Reducing Convective Thermal By-Passes

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

Mechanical Pressure (HVAC)

Sources of Air Pressure Differential in Buildings

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Extreme Consequences Air Sealing Challenge: Electricals

Change in Relative Humidity

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NOTE: Perm is a unit of water vapor transmissionexpressed

INSIDE OUTSIDE

70 Degrees F 30% Relative Humidity

Dew Point Location

Dew Point

0 Degrees F

Typical R-values of Insulation Materials

Performance of Various Insulations

R-va

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Air B

arrie

r

Vapo

r Ret

arde

r

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Cellulose Wet-Spray 3.7Cellulose Loosefill 3.5 to 3.8Fiberglass Batts 3.2 to 4.3 yFiberglass Loosefill 4.2 to 4.4Open-Cell SPF 3.4 to 3.8 YClosed-Cell SPF 5.9 to 7.1 Y Y Y Y

Performance

CAVITY INSULATIONS Factors Affecting Insulation Performance

Keys to a high performance system

•  Stops air flow •  Not affected by moisture •  Stable R value •  Protects structure

The Goal •  Conductive losses (solved by proper

insulation)

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

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Note Heat Loss Between Floors

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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

•  Hard to insulate ceiling areas

NNon Vented Attics

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Airex BP Innovations

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• Below Grade Spaces

Walls

•  Heat Loss •  Heat Gain •  Windows & Doors •  Air leakage

Exterior Insulation

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Exterior Insulation

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Courtesy Building Science Corp.

Exterior Insulation

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Courtesy Building Science Corp.

Exterior Insulation

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Exterior Insulation

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Exterior Insulation

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Exterior Insulation

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• Below Grade Spaces

This concludes The American Institute

of Architects Continuing

Education Systems Course

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