EarthCraft: Insulating Strategies Energy Efficient Insulation Systems by

1. EarthCraft:Insulating StrategiesEnergy Efficient Insulation Systems by Church Hill Homes

2. What is an EarthCraft House? • Green Building Certification Program • Based on a point system • 3rd party certification • Gives builder’s flexibility • Adopted by HBAV • Local/National marketing support • Brand recognition • Heavy emphasis on Energy Efficiency • 150 points: 75 min, 85 max on Energy Efficiency

3. Your Home Loses and Gains Heat In 3 Ways • Convection- The transfer of heat by moving air • Conduction- The transfer of heat through a solid material • Radiation- The transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves R-value is a laboratory measurement of only one heat transfer mechanism (conduction) and does not effectively measure all 3 of the above methods, therefore R-value alone will not tell you how well the insulation will perform in your home.

4. Heat Gain / Loss (cont.) • +50% of a homes energy loss is due to random air leakage (convection) • +50% of a homes energy loss occurs in overhead areas (ceilings, vaults, overhangs, etc…) • Batts come in a handful of standard sizes while only 30% of framing cavities are standard. Batts (whether made from fiberglass, cotton, blue jeans, etc…) are not effective in controlling random air leakage (convection) CONCLUSIONS 1. Control random air leakage (convection) w/ use of a custom fit, spray applied insulation (open or closed cell foam, cellulose, or fiberglass) 2. Address ceilings FIRST! This is the most critical component of the building envelope. 3. Control radiant heat loss w/ use of unvented attic assembly.

5. Unvented Attics • Air-impermeable insulation required • Insulation applied to underside of roof deck w/ no insulation separating attic from living area • ICC-ES Legacy report required for exposed insulation in roof deck • Eliminate all passive ventilation (gable, soffit, and ridge vents) • Mechanical ventilation is required • Reduce HVAC equipment sizing • Brings HVAC equipment and duct work into conditioned space • Improved indoor air quality • Eliminate condensing surfaces • Section 806.4 of 2006 IRC

6. Conditioned Crawl Spaces • Brings HVAC equipment, Air Handler, and Ducts into conditioned space. • Duct leakage is lost into building envelope. • Eliminate moisture intrusion and control relative humidity. • Improved indoor air quality • Creating a mini basement, insulating the foundation walls instead of crawl ceiling • Supply air only (no return) to pressurize crawl at 1cfm per 50 square feet. • ICC-ES Legacy report required for exposure of foundation insulation.

7. Cellulose Wall-Spray • Cavity filling insulation system • Made from recycled materials • Great sound and air infiltration performance • Cost effective-minimal upgrade expense

8. Open-Cell Foam • Superior Air-seal • Total Project system- used in roof decks, walls, crawl spaces, overhangs, etc.. • Low flame spread and smoke development • ICC-ES Legacy Report NER-420 for use in unvented attics • Can be left exposed in attics or crawl spaces w/out use of ignition/thermal barrier. • Open cell structure allows bulk water intrusion w/ drying capability

9. Closed-Cell Foam • Superior Air-seal • High R-value • Typically used in walls as part of a “flash and batt” system • Requires use of an ignition/thermal barrier (can NOT be left exposed in unvented attics or crawl spaces) • Closed cell structure does not allow bulk water intrusion.

10. Hybrid Insulation System • Open-Cell foam to condition attic areas. Includes garage ceilings, overhangs, jebs. • Cellulose SprayWall System in exterior walls

11. Hybrid Insulation System • Earns 63 of the 75 minimum EarthCraft points for Energy Efficient features. • Including 35 points for Blower Door pressure test. • Addresses most critical envelope areas while controlling cost. EarthCraft mandatory insulation/envelope requirements (NO points) • Conditioned attics eliminate the majority of theses requirements. Examples: -sealing/calking all interior drywall penetrations (light fixtures, supply boots, can lights, etc…) -insulating and weather stripping attic accesses -Insulating knee walls to R-19 w/ minimum R-5 foam board sheathing

12. REM Design-Performance

13. Selling Featuresand Benefits • Up to 50% reduction in heating/cooling costs • Reduces HVAC equipment sizing • Exceeds DOE Recommendations • Improved Indoor Air Quality • Improved Sound Control • Happy, Comfortable Homeowners (no callbacks) • Distinguishes you from competition (most other builders don’t offer it!)

14. Questions and Comments? ?