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Showing posts with label Certainteed Insulation Certificate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Certainteed Insulation Certificate. Show all posts

4.21.2013

Pt1 Spray Foam Insulation StLouis Brick Building

 To help educate the people of StLouis against future problems in regard to: Air Quality, Durability, and Creature Comforts I put together: Part One-Basement, Crawl Space, Stone Foundation Insulation Series on: Cost Effective:Energy Conservation for StLouis Brick Buildings [ where, how and why with suggested solutions in regard to spray foam insulation.]


Recently I've had a couple of requests to "Spray Foam" Insulate a StLouis Brick Home with Spray Foam Insulation-I don't know who has been telling people its ok to do 'this or that' but I want to show all the readers the basic principles behind the Actual Building Science behind Spray Foam Insulation and the best practices for using this product.


Many times the shows on TV and supposed building professionals performing similar home improvement services [in some instances these shows are correct;many times they are not.]  So before you start spraying foam insulation on the walls of your building there are a few areas that need to be considered before starting on a project such as this-follow the suggested Building Science Principles for






  #brick 


  




See, Review and Comment on the Google Cloud Document: Spray Foam Insulation St Louis Brick Buildings

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

10.29.2011

Poll: How can I help you save money on your Winter Time Heating Bills?

Click Here to take the Poll: How can I help you save money on your Winter Time Heating Bills? you will be redirected to the Sister Site at Word Press

Example: By adding the suggested Inches of Insulation you will save 10-30% amount on the Energy needed to heat your Home = Lower Heating Bills and Greater Comfort Levels for you and your family

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...
On the Frosty Mornings when you are outside your house scraping your cars windshield to prepare for your drive to work. Take a look at the Roof of your Home. -Lack of Frost or Snow on your Roof is a sure indication that it was melted by the Heat as it rises from the Interior of your House into the Attic Area-

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...

    • Does the Frost or Snow cover the whole roof?
    • Are there places where the snow and frost melt first? (not caused by the Suns Rays)
    • Is there Frost and Snow on the Garage Roof but not on the House Roof?
    • Does your Neighbors House have Frost and Snow on their Roof- but-Your Roof Doesn't?
Any or All the above may mean that:
    1. Lack of Insulation In the Attic
    2. Air Infiltration from the Interior of the House into the Attic Area
    3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts inside the Attic
Scotts Contracting can Inspect your Attic for Proper:
  1. Insulation Levels
  2. Adequate Ventilation
  3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts
  4. Air Infiltration
Email scottscontracting@gmail.com and Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. I will also provide a Cost Saving Analysis that will provide a ROI on your Investment.

Weatherization doesn't cost it Saves! - Rule of Thumb: For Every $1 Spent on Weatherization- You will Save $2-$3 on your Home's Energy Bills
  • Example: By adding the suggested Inches of Insulation you will save 10-30% amount on the Energy needed to heat your Home= Lower Heating Bills and Greater Comfort Levels for you and your family

Additional Green Blog Posts:Energy Star Home Improvement Tips ,Insulation and Thermal Performance ,Which Kind Of Insulation Is Best? ,Radiant Barriersfor your Attic,Insulating Roofs, Walls, and Floors, Roof and Attic Ventilation ,

Email scottscontracting@gmail.com Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. -- Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com

7.03.2011

Weatherization Tips- Home


I encourage everyone to utilize the information to Weatherize Your Home or Schedule a Free Green site evaluation and Scotts Contracting will outline a Personal Energy Plan to reduce the Costs of High Summertime Cooling Bills.



Attic Insulation-Energy Solutions-
  • Part 1 on Home Weatherization Series

Attic Insulation-I've put a little information to explain Attic Insulation for a Home. 

It takes a whole house approach to Reduce a Home's Energy Needs.

  • The Attic Area and Attic insulation being just one area. When Combined with a Green Roofing System- The pair combined are your First Defense Against Rising Energy Costs.

AIR INFILTRATION AREAS BE RESOLVED BEFORE ADDING INSULATION- STOP THE AIR (HOT OR COLD) FROM ENTERING OR LEAVING A HOME.

  • This includes: proper attic ventilation, ceiling protrusions(Light Boxes / Ceiling Fan), access points, mechanical and electric points, Attic Knee Walls, Obtrusion's-
  • Anything that will allow the unconditioned air from the Exterior of the Home

Adding Radiant Barriers for Existing Buildings-in a nutshell this bounces the Exterior Temperature back outside and the Interior Temperatures Reflected inwards


Radiant Barriers are being used in more Construction Projects in today's construction techniques to assist homeowners with additional savings on utility bills.

  • Attached to the Underneath Side of Existing Rafters- Best Option for Retrofits
  • Reflective Radiant Barriers have R-Values that range from R-3.7 to R-17 (When used in accordance with Manufactures Recommendations and Insulation Levels)
    Radiant Barriers can also act as vapor Barriers 

Prior Experience: R30 2x4 Vaulted Roof System Example #105:

  • Light Color Shingles on Exterior
  • 1 in roof decking
  • 2x4 Rafters 16" Space
  • R13 Batt Insulation
  • Double Sided Radiant Barier
    • Also Acts as Vapor Barrier
  • Adequate Ventilation Provided by
    • Automatic Power Attic Fan Peak of Roof
    • Proper Vents in Soffits and Gable Ends

ENERGY SAVINGS:

  • Reduced the Need for 1 window AC unit in Typical Two Story Stick Built Home-
  • This translates to a Savings of $30 / Month during Cooling Months or $120-$160 / Year.
    • This Application Payed for itself in the 1st Summer 06. At the time of writing this article the estimated savings for 5 yrs is $600. This Pays for 100% of the Materials used in the Green Roof Retrofit System in the Upstairs Bedroom Remodel.
  • The Only drawback reported by owner (which wasn't really a drawback since it was his teen-age sons room) was the decrease in cell phone reception-
    • Caused by the Reflective Nature of the Reflective Foil Radiant Barrier.
Energy Star, Department of Energy, US Government Suggestions for Optimum Home Energy Savings (Reference Links Below)


Attic Add Insulation to meet Suggested Guidelines for the St Louis Area

  • w/ no insulation Add Insulation to achieve=R38 to R60
  • If existing 3-4 inches Add Insulation to achieve=R38
  • Suggested needed R value of Insulation on Attic Floor=R25 to R30 Optimum  Performance would be to upgrade to: R30-R60- Green Fiber Blow-In Natural Fiber Insulation.

Insulation when used in conjunction with a Radiant Barrier can lower the Cost of Insulation by reducing the Amount of Insulation Needed


Scotts Contracting is Available to assist you in improving your “Homes Energy Efficiency”

When Scotty comes over to perform an Green Site Evaluation.

  1. Scotty will inspect for the above mentioned problem areas.
  2. Discuss the various solutions.
  3. Next-Determine the Materials and Labor Needed to Complete and Fix the Areas Quoted in the Project.
  4. I'll then submit a Project Proposal that will discuss project in detail.
  5. Answer any Questions, Explain Procedures, and determine the least obtrusive time to Weatherize your Home.
  6. Computerized Energy Audits for your Home for Estimated Energy Savings are also available- [Equest, Sam, HEED are just a few of the programs I am currently using. The Latest Simulated Advisory Model Beta is in the testing stages and being offered by the US Department of Energy].

Looking forward to meeting you and discussing the ways I can help with Lowering your Energy Bills for your Home or Business.


I encourage everyone to utilize the above information to Weatherize Your Home or Schedule a Free Green site evaluation-


Scotty will Weatherize You Building Against the High Costs of Ameren UE Electricity Rates that increase your Homes Summer Time Cooling Costs- Any Green Projects done to reduce energy needs reduces Pollution from burning Fossil Fuel (Coal) that creates our Electricity.


I will Save You $Money$!!!!


Scotty, Scott's Contracting

Find me at: Green Me UP-Scotty

scottscontracting@gmail.com http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/StLHandyMan

Referrence Materials:

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_fig2.html http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_02.html http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_tables.html#table1 http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_07.html http://www.greenfiber.com/step_one_-_calculate_your_need_how_to_install.html http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Insulation-Radiant-Barrier/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xjlZbedf/R-100052556/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Re-posted from: Weatherization Tips

5.20.2011

Rapture

If for some reason I'm not wisked away in the upcoming Rapture on May 21st 2011.  I'll be available for your Green Building Needs in St Louis.  email: scottscontracting@gmail.com about your project.

With Cooling season is approaching- Proper Insulation Levels in your Attic coupled with Ventilation will save you $ on your Summer Time Cooling Bills.

Certified Insulation Installer for: Batt Type, Spray Foam, Loose Fill-

Green and Eco Friendly options are always available.

US Department of Energy and the Green Building Initiative quote that by having:
  "Proper Attic Insulation will save 40% on 
your Summer Time Cooling Costs".
  • Example:  5 months of Cooling Bills= $750 - 40%= $450
  • Savings of $300 
  • When added to winter time savings your Insulation will pay for itself in under 2 years for a standard size home.
There are additional benefits to adding insulation to your home.  If you would like to know more feel free to email: scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional information and to schedule a Green Site Evaluation.

1.30.2011

Old Man Winter Loose in the USA

It's that time of year when Old Man Winter is knocking at our doors in the USA. Reduce your Energy Imprint, Carbon Foot Print, UN-Needed and Wasteful Energy Consumption by Winterizing your Home and Business.

The Money You Spend on Weatherization will come back to you in real time savings on your Heating Bills
!!!

Step 1: Check for Wind and Drafts in your Buildings Structure:

a) I check for air drafts entering your Buildings Interior by: Looking for air gaps by sight, feel or you can use a candle, Smudge Sticks, Incense Sticks (be care full of any open flame in your home/business; especially when testing by windows with Curtains).
b) Places to check: Windows, Doors, Visually Inspect Exterior of your Structure for signs of disrepair, Base Boards and Electrical Outlets around the exterior walls of your home, Electrical Outlets

Step 2: Stop the Cold Air from entering your Structure: Seal all Cracks, Air Gaps, Add Vapor Barriers and or Insulation Where Needed

a) Seal Cracks around Window Frames with Caulking/Expandable Foam.
+Caulking / Expandable Foam can be purchased at Home Improvement Stores, Hardware Stores, Lumber Yards;
+Cost $3-$5 / Tube or Can
+Foam Strips of Self Adhesive Strips can be added to the Window Frames
Costs: $5-$25 / Door

b) Doors:
+Self Adhesive Strips can be added to the Door Stops around the Door Frame
+Costs: $5-$25 / Door
Bottom of the Door is the Threshold and will create the largest air Gap, Stop Air Infiltration by Installing a New Threshold
+Costs: $10-$35 / Door
+ Seal Door Trim with Caulking (around Edges) Expandable Foam Insulation (behind the trim)
Costs: Cost $3-$5 / Tube or Can

c) Base Boards
+ Seal with Caulking or Remove and add Insulation in the Gap between wall material and Flooring
Costs: Caulking $3-$5 / Tube; Insulation $20-$45 / Roll

d) Exterior Electrical Outlets
+ Seal with Caulking or add Insulation in the Gap between wall material and Electric Box Remove Electric Box and Seal with Vapor Barrier / Insulation, then Re-Install Electrical Box and Components $20-$45 each by Qualified Handy Man or Electrician)
Costs: Caulking $3-$5 / Tube; Insulation $20-$45 / Roll

Step 3 Attic Insulation-Suggested Insulation Levels [R-Value] For the St Louis Region (suggestions by the US Dept of Energy)
  1. Attic Insulation Level Should be a Minimum Level R-49
  2. Wall Insulation Level Minimum Level R-13
  3. Flooring Insulation Minimum Level R-30
  4. Basement Interior Wall Minimum Level R-11
Additional Information on Insulation can be found:Insulating Roofs, Walls, and Floors , Attic Insulation and Attic Energy Solutions , Roof and Attic Ventilation , Fall Home Check Up Guide with Photos

Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in Lowering your Buildings Energy Needs- Click here to email: scottscontracting@gmail.com for any additional questions or to request a Free Green Site Evaluation. 

NOTE: For Every $1-Dollar Spent on Weatherization will Return a $2 Savings on your Energy Bills


Scotts Contracting Guarantees that with proper insulation levels and
stopping the Cold Air Drafts in your Building you will save money on your Heating Bills.Scotty

1.21.2011

CertainTeed Insulation Product Index

Information Provided by:Scotty,Scott's Contracting GREEN BUILDER, St Louis Renewable Energy Missouri contact scottscontracting@gmail.com for additional information or to Schedule a "Green Site Evaluations" Home Repair and Green Building Specialist!!!

CertainTeed Insulation Product Info:

1.09.2011

Spray Foam: Open Cell VS Closed Cell

Scotty writes: In response to a prior questions:

Q:Which Spray Foam Insulation is Best, Open Cell or Closed Cell?

Open-Cell Vs. Closed-Cell

The real distinction between types of foam insulation focuses on whether they are open- or closed-cell. In general, both are made from the same materials and work in the same way, trapping air or gas in a plastic matrix. The differences start with the "blowing agents" used to create bubbles and end with both varied performance and cost.

Open-cell foam costs slightly less for the same thickness, but offers lower per-inch R-values than closed-cell products. In some instances, this is a disadvantage, but where thickness is less relevant, or where higher R-values are not needed, then open-cell can provide the better choice. It also has some green advantages over closed-cell: The blowing agent used to install open-cell insulation is water, which reacts with air to become CO2—while closed-cell products use HFCs.

Because CO2 expands quickly, the bubbles tend to burst before the plastic sets, and hence the "open cells," which produce a spongy, lightweight foam. The industry describes the foam as "half-pound" material, which simply means the foam has a mass that weighs 0.5 pounds per cubic foot. This density yields an R-value of approximately 3.6 per inch, equivalent to most traditional insulations. Because of the open cell structure, open-cell foam allows some vapor to pass through, making it a good choice in hot, humid climates, and under roof sheathing, such as in conditioned attics, where water vapor caught between insulation and sheathing could promote wood rot.

In short, open-cell foam, tested in accordance with ASTM E 283, provides an air barrier with vapor breathability. Water-blown solutions have less environmental impact than the current HFCs used for most closed-cell spray-foam insulation. And open-cell has about twice the noise reduction coefficient in normal frequency ranges as closed-cell foam. Because the blowing agent in open-cell insulation dissipates as it sets, instead of slowly over time, there is no degeneration of the R-value—a minor point given aged closed-cell R-values still trump open-cell R-values by a magnitude of nearly 100%.

Unlike open-cell foam, closed-cell foam uses chemical blowing agents that come in liquid form and become gasses as they are applied. These gasses expand, but not as quickly as CO2, allowing the polyurethane plastic to set before the bubbles burst. This yields dense foam weighing nearly 2 pounds per cubic foot, and without the capillary characteristics of open-cell, it remains impermeable. The blowing agents used perform like the inert gasses between the panes of high-performance windows, adding to the insulating qualities of the foam. Unlike open-cell foam, closed-cell foam rarely requires any trimming, with little or no jobsite waste.

Closed-cell has more obvious advantages over open-cell, and a slightly higher price tag (20% to 30% for the same thickness). It provides both a vapor and air barrier and offers an aged R-value of a whopping 6.5 per inch. Because of its density and glue-like consistency, it remains very strong, providing both compressive and tensile strength to structure comparable to added sheathing, increasing the racking strength of walls by as much as 300%, according to the NAHB Research Center. Because water does not penetrate or degrade the product, FEMA recommends closed-cell foam as a suitable insulation material for flood regions.

The principle disadvantage of closed-cell foam comes with overkill. If you do not require the extra vapor barrier, structural strength, and R-value per inch, then you may be wasting money. As for the added wall strength, while real and substantial, it's not acknowledged by building codes currently, so you can't reduce the structural bracing as a tradeoff.
---------------
Information found at: http://www.ecohomemagazine.com

Spray Foam: Toxic Blowing Agents and Fire Proofing ecohomemagazine.com/green-products/expanding-options.aspx

--
Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com

 

11.27.2010

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...

On the Frosty Mornings when you are outside your house scraping your cars windshield to prepare for your drive to work. Take a look at the Roof of your Home. -Lack of Frost or Snow on your Roof is a sure indication that it was melted by the Heat as it rises from the Interior of your House into the Attic Area-

Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign...



    • Does the Frost or Snow cover the whole roof?
    • Are there places where the snow and frost melt first? (not caused by the Suns Rays)
    • Is there Frost and Snow on the Garage Roof but not on the House Roof?
    • Does your Neighbors House have Frost and Snow on their Roof- but-Your Roof Doesn't?
Any or All the above may mean that:
    1. Lack of Insulation In the Attic
    2. Air Infiltration from the Interior of the House into the Attic Area
    3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts inside the Attic
Scotts Contracting can Inspect your Attic for Proper:
  1. Insulation Levels
  2. Adequate Ventilation
  3. Uninsulated Heating Ducts
  4. Air Infiltration
Email scottscontracting@gmail.com and Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home. I will also provide a Cost Saving Analysis that will provide a ROI on your Investment.
Weatherization doesn't cost it Saves! - Rule of Thumb: For Every $1 Spent on Weatherization- You will Save $2 on your Home's Energy Bills
  • Example: By adding ___ Inches of Insulation you will save $__ amount on the Energy needed to heat your Home= Lower Heating Bills and Greater Comfort Levels
Additional Green Blog Posts:Energy Star Home Improvement Tips ,Insulation and Thermal Performance ,Which Kind Of Insulation Is Best? ,Radiant Barriers for your Attic,Insulating Roofs, Walls, and Floors, Roof and Attic Ventilation ,
Email scottscontracting@gmail.com and Scotty will provide a Free Estimate to Fix any of the Above Issues on your Home.


--
Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com

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