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Building Envelope How does spray foam reduce energy use in buildings? • Spray foam provides a continuous air barrier. • Spray foam prevents moisture infiltration through air leakage. • Spray foam minimizes dew point problems and condensation. • Spray foam avoids thermal bridging. • Spray foam resists heat movement in all directions. • Spray foam provides reliable performance under varying conditions. What is the difference between a vented and unvented attic? Unvented (conditioned) attics use air-impermeable insulation as a barrier to prevent moisture condensation on the underside of roof decks. Vented attics minimize condensation by allowing the escape of moisture to the exterior by air flow. If you spray the underside of a roof deck with spray foam insulation, should you vent the attic? No, the application of SPF insulation to the underside of the roof deck minimizes the potential for condensation. The SPF insulation develops a thermal and moisture gradient that avoids the development of dew point conditions in the attic. Because of this, moisture won't condense or accumulate and, therefore, does not need to be vented to the exterior. Do you need a vapor retarder or a vapor barrier with spray foam insulation? It depends of the use of the building, the climate and the materials of construction. In normal occupancies and moderate climates, SPF insulation typically does require a vapor retarder. Extremes of climate and building use may require vapor retarders/barriers. Check with your design professional for specific recommendations and refer to SPFA technical document, AY 118, Moisture Vapor Transmission for further information. Is spray foam a good soundproofing material? Both low and medium (2lb/cubic/ft) density SPF effectively reduce noise from outside sources by sealing cracks and gaps that allow sound to travel through the walls, floors and ceilings into the building. They are less effective against noise caused by vibration. What is the difference between open cell foam and closed cell foam? 1/2 lb Open Cell Polyurethane Foam •Low density, open cell SPF refers to a generic spray polyurethane SPF that weighs between 0.4 to 0.6 lbs per cubic ft when fully cured. It is spray applied to a substrate as a liquid and expands about 100-150 times its original volume to form a semi-rigid/flexible, non-structural SPF insulation. The SPF has an R-value around 4.1 per inch and typically uses water as the blowing agent. 2.0lb Closed Cell Polyurethane Foam • Medium Density, Closed Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam (Spray foam ) Medium density, closed cell Spray foam used in interior applications typically refers to generic spray polyurethane foam that weighs between 1.5 to 2 lbs per cubic ft when fully cured. It is also spray applied as a liquid to a substrate and expands about 35 to 50 times its original volume to form a rigid, structural SPF insulation with a compressive strength between 15 to 25 PSI. The SPF has an R-value of around 7.0 per inch (aged R-value) and uses high R-value blowing agents. • Similarities: Both products are excellent air barriers in buildings, provide great insulation, can assist in the control of condensation within buildings and have great environmental benefits. Solar Tubular Skylights Are sun tunnel tubular skylights energy efficient? Sun tunnel tubular skylights are extremely efficient; with virtually no heat gain or loss, they are also Energy Star rated and qualify for both state and federal tax credits. What is a tubular skylight / Sun Tunnel, skylight? A Tubular skylight is a product that transfers natural sunlight into useable light that lightens up dark rooms. The technology used to accomplish this is a super reflective light shaft and precise engineered diffusers. Why use a sun tunnel tubular skylight? A sun tunnel tubular skylight efficiently provides pure natural light while effectively minimizing heat gain and heat loss since it is a sealed system. Tubular skylights eliminates dark rooms. There are many benefits of living in rooms illuminated with natural light How do I determine the right size sun tunnel tubular skylight to use for my room? Use the following guideline to assist you in determining the best unit for your particular installation. Remember, if you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact us and we will respond promptly. 10 Inch Unit- 150 sq. feet or less. Bathrooms, Hallways, Walk-in Closets, Pantries, Laundry Rooms. 13/14 Inch Unit- 150 -250 sq. feet. Kitchens, Living Rooms, Family Rooms, Foyers, Garages. 18 Inch Unit- 300 - 500 sq. feet. Rooms with vaulted ceilings, Family Rooms, Living Rooms, Great Rooms, Garages. 21 Inch Unit- 500 - 700 sq. feet Commercial Flat Roof Application only Will the sun tunnel tubular skylight work on cloudy days? Sun tunnel tubular skylights reflective system transfers light down to the room with minimal light loss on cloudy days. The engineered diffuser and state of the art optic technology incorporated into the light pipe allows light coming from any direction to be transferred down the tube, allowing the best light output possible. Solar Attic Fans Do I need a thermostat on my solar attic fan? Typically you do not need a thermostat for the proper operation of your solar attic fan. The solar attic fan exhausts the moisture that is trapped in your attic space that comes from the heat sources in your home as well as the environment. Moisture does far more damage to your roof structure than heat; ice dams and mold formation are the two major problems. I recommend using a thermostat if you live in a dry area, like the desert. Where should I install the solar attic fan on my roof? The solar attic fan should be installed on a south or west facing roof. It should be located in the center of the roof and about three feet from the ridge of the roof. Will the solar attic fan make noise? The solar attic fan is so quiet you will not hear it run from a distance of about three feet! |