-- Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy: Insulation

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

4.07.2016

Simple Comparison of Clothes to a Buildings Envelope

R 16 Unfaced Wall Insulation as used in Benton Rehab Project
R 16 Unfaced Wall Insulation as used in Benton Rehab Project


If you are reading this I’m going to assume that you aren’t a googlebot or bingbot and wear clothes in your daily activities.  You are an actual human being who wears clothes.  
Besides the obvious fact we wear clothes to cover our nakedness.  
We humans wear clothes for protection, protection for our bodies from the heat, from the cold, from rain and snow- from the Elements.  
We protect ourselves with clothes against the Climate and Elements we live in.

Just as you wear clothes to protect yourself from the elements the various parts of a properly constructed energy efficient building are there to protect it from the elements while keeping the inhabitants comfortable.

While it may sound complex in Nature; it’s really rather simple in content when talking about a Building.

The simple comparison in how warm and dry an Insulated Windbreaker is to a Simple T-Shirt.   
The Windbreaker stops the Cold Air from reaching your skin and the Insulation is the stuff that keeps the cold from creeping close to your body.  
  1. While a T Shirt lets in both Air and Cold thus failing to keep you warm and dry. (This is the Framing of your Building. )
  2. A Sweatshirt will help seal out a little cold but not for long. (This is the Insulation in your Building. )
  3. But when a Windbreaker is put on over the Sweatshirt and T-Shirt it is such relief to be warm- almost anything is tolerable when in a Cold Windy Environment. (This is the Air Barrier in your Building.)
  4. Caps or Hats (The roof of your Building)
  5. Shoes and boots (The Foundation / Basement of your Building)
Examples 1 thru 5 when applied to a Building is your Building's Envelope or Outer Shell.
The buildings we live and work in need protection too. Just as you will add layers against the cold to stay warm in today’s extreme climate. Your Building needs the same protection against the Elements of Heat and Cold.

The best protection against the Elements cold and heat from entering your building is: Insulation.

Insulation is your Number One Source for keeping your building’s energy consumption as low as possible while staying comfortable.

 Insulation keeps the Heat and Cold from creeping in your Building.  

While building Insulation comes in many forms it basically performs the basic action that I mentioned above when talking about wearing a sweatshirt.  

Insulation is there to keep out the heat and cold that make life uncomfortable(to include the uncomfortable feeling you get when you pay your local monthly Gas and Electric utility bills- for the over priced services they provide your building.)

Example of Air Barrier used in Benton Rehab ProjectJust as the Windbreaker stops the Wind from interfering with your body.  The Air Barrier does the same for your Home or Office.  Normal construction techniques have various Air Barriers. All of which are designed to eliminate and reduce the cold or warm air from entering and leaving your Building.  This is the second most crucial step in protecting a building against the Elements of heat and cold.

Bare Wall Stud Framing with No layers of Protection from the Elements
Bare Wall Stud Framing with No layers of Protection from the Elements
So what is the T-shirt used in this examples place in a building.  The T Shirt in this example is the Buildings Walls and Roof.  See the bare wall in this photo above of the Benton Rehab Project.

 While the crew and I were rehabbing this building in St Louis.  This is the framing without layers of Insulation or Air Barrier.  It’s obvious that these walls will not keep out any heat or cold.  Just as a t-shirt performs.
The Air Barrier and Insulation coupled with a few other areas of your building is your Building's Envelope.
reposted Scotty, Scotts Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy 4/2/13


Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.
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8.02.2015

Natural Fiber Insulation Poll




Natural Hemp Insulation Hemp Wool Insulation http://www.hemp-technologies.com/page15/styled-29/page116.html
Natural Insulation Poll: Would you use it if it costs the same and has same R Value

InsulationPoll 


Natural Fiber Insulation: Same R Value and $ Monetary Cost.

Poll Question: Would You use it? 



Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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12.10.2012

Green and Renewable Peer Discussion Topics

      In discussions with other Peers involved in the Construction Industry about the building and remodeling of homes and business in the St Louis Area.  I keep a mental log of the conversations and what I noticed was a re-occurring theme in something we all did agree on ( and it didn't matter if I was speaking to a Democrat, Republican, Independent- Young or Old).  
     They all agree that:  

  1. Material prices have skyrocketed in the past few years.  
  2. A Building shouldn't be drafty and have air leaks.  
  3. Heat and Cool Buildings Efficiently and Afford-ably.


Material Prices  (using a simple 2x4x10 Wall Framing Stud as an Example)-


  • Supply and Demand is Driving the Material Costs Higher.  World Wide Population growth coupled with what seems like some form of Natural Disaster Somewhere in the World every Month or Two.  It doesn't matter if the home or business was destroyed by the Flood, Hurricane, Tornado, Tsunami, or whatever it was.  The End Results are the Same: Cities and Towns left Completely in Ruins.  And we simply can't get trees to grow as fast as whats needed to rebuild the damage.

Air Leaks and Drafty Homes

  • Whether its your home or office:  Everyone wants to be comfortable.  With the Advent of the different types of Air and Vapor Barriers, Insulation, Advanced Framing Techniques, Windows, and Doors.  (As Required by current building codes) Buildings are now constructed and or remodeled using progressive building techniques that eliminate over 90% of these Air Leaks.

Heat and Cool Buildings Efficiently and Affordably

  • We've came along ways in providing heat for the home over the years.  Long past is the time we spent sitting around the campfire for warmth.  Our warmth in the winter and cold air in the summer; now comes from the switch on the wall. (I enjoy the modern convenience of a climate controlled room.)  And any business owner will state that their employees productivity is greater when the staff isn't too hot or cold.  In times long since past the costs for turning up or town the temp didn't make too big of a bill at the end of the month.  Nowadays it seems that every notch on the dial leads to higher bills at months end.
Its obvious to me that: Green and Sustainable Buildings is the Answer for today's Construction Needs.  I would venture to say that 90% of today's builders and re-modelers (worth their Salt) adhere to Energy Efficient Building Guidelines.


Which always leads me to ask:


"What is wrong with making your own Electricity?"
A new re-occurring theme appeared and they asked these three main questions:  Is it affordable-Aren't they expensive to install? Is Solar Reliable?


Zero $00.00 Down Solar Lease

  • I then start telling them about the: Zero Down Solar Lease, which makes solar affordable on most every budget.  (for every home I have figured- Solar either eliminates or cuts the Electricity Bill in half.) What could be better than a Non-Polluting Solar Electric System that generates its own electricity for less than your current Ameren UE Utility Bill?

Installation Is Covered

  • With the $00.00 Down Solar Lease- Any Permits, Inspections, Installation, and Maintenance is included in the Solar Lease. 
That means that you will not have to come out of pocket for a Dime to install a Solar System at your Home or Business.  Installation and Maintenance is covered in the Solar Lease

20+ Year Guaranty

  • The various Solar Systems I sell, lease, and install all have guaranties for 20+ years.  These warranties come from Field Tested Systems; where the electrical output is so predictable that the "Yearly" electrical outputs are guaranteed as well.  As long as the sun is shining they will produce electricity for your home for many many years into the Future.  And Unlike the rising costs of electricity- an Owner of a Solar system costs decrease as the Solar System pays for itself.

I can't spell it out any clearer.  Solar is Affordable Now. 

It will decrease your High Energy Bills leaving more $Money$ for you and your household.  And it will last 20+ years and still produce electricity in its old age.  What is there not to like about a Free Solar Lease System?  - as always Scotts Contracting provides a Free Estimate for any job.  What have you got to lose?  Use the contact info below to contact Scotty for a "Free Solar Lease Quote".


Build a Green St Louis
Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy

11.17.2012

1st Floor Weatherization-Benton Project

3 Main Energy Efficiency Measures Taken on the Benton Project


  1. R22 Insulation installed in 2x6 Wall Framing Members
  1. Vapor and Air Filtration Barrier
  1. Additional HVAC Cold Air Return Duct


Scotts Contracting Installs R22 Insulation

R22 Batt Type Insulation-Friction Fit-
Johns Mansfield No Itch Insulation


Photo is the Water and Vapor Barrier used to seal the wall frame-Scotts Contracting,St Louis Renewable Energy
Water and Air Barrier
The Above Photo is the Water and Vapor Barrier used to seal the wall frame.  This material is recycled Billboard Sign Material.  The true R-Value of the Material is not known.  We do know that the material is Ten Times stronger and thicker than normal vapor barriers on the Market today. 

I added an additional HVAC 'Return' Air Duct to help
the Efficiency of the Electric Furnace


Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy
before Modern Day Insulation they used Hair, Newspaper,
and other Miscellaneous Materials





Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP. Company Web Address: http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com



10.29.2011

I took the Energy Pledge-Have YOU?


Take the Pledge to reduce Energy Consumption and Encourage Everyone Else to do their Part
  • Here are my Top 10 reasons for Green and Sustainable forms of Energy Independence and Reducing Energy by Weatherization
  1. Wars Over Oil
  2. Pollution
  3. Clean Air
  4. Clean Water
  5. Reducing Cancer Causing Agents caused by Pollution
  6. Saving Money on Energy and Electric Costs
  7. Safety of the USA
  8. Clean Energy Creates Jobs For America
  9. Reduce the Leverage of Big Oil Companies on our Politicians
  10. Sustainable Resources for Energy Efficient Buildings
  
If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty

image: LEARN MORE AT energystar.gov
BScott, Scotts Contracting S, thank you for making a difference with ENERGY STAR!
Here is what you committed to change and the special offers available to help you make that change:
Pledged Items
  • Turn off your lights when not needed
  • Change your system's air filter regularly
  • Seal leaks and repair disconnections in your duct system
  • Set or program your thermostat while asleep or away
  • Purchase and properly use a programmable thermostat
  • Add more insulation to your attic to block out heat and cold
  • Seal your home's envelope to stop air leaks and drafts by using caulk, spray foam, and weather stripping
Rebate/Special Offers
Now that you've taken this important step, here are some tools that can help you get started:
  • Home Energy Yardstick – Compare your household's energy use to others across the country. Get your score now, and then come back in 12 months to see how you've improved.
  • ENERGY STAR @ Home Tool – Take a room-by-room tour of ENERGY STAR @ home and learn what you can do to save energy, save money and help protect our environment in your own home.
  • Programmable Thermostat Video – This video teaches you to properly use your programmable thermostat.
  • At Home with ENERGY STAR Video – In this video, a home improvement expert takes you through a real home to learn energy-saving tips.
When you have completed your actions, show us how you made a change with ENERGY STAR by sharing a written or video story.
INVITE OTHERS TO THE CAMPAIGN!
Don't forget to spread the word to others and discover even more rewards!
INVITE OTHERS TO THE CAMPAIGN!
ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

©2011 ENERGY STAR®. All Rights Reserved.

If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty

--
Twitter                                                  Facebook









Join Me and Take the ENERGY STAR Pledge!


If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty

image: LEARN MORE AT energystar.gov
Hi Readers,
I've just made a change with ENERGY STAR and I'm inviting you to join me. And now saving energy is more rewarding than ever! With just a few changes, you'll discover many benefits—from saving money, to improving the comfort of your home, to helping protect our climate.
Make a change now and discover even more rewards, including special offers from leading ENERGY STAR partners.
Join the millions who are making a real difference. When we work together the rewards are great!
INVITE OTHERS TO THE CAMPAIGN!
ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

©2011 ENERGY STAR®. All Rights Reserved.

If I can assist you in anyway in lowering your Energy use in your Home or Business shoot me an email at the follow link below, Scotty


Twitter                                                  Facebook









10.23.2011

Part 4 in Weatherization Series

If you have the question:
Why is my house so Cold? Why are the walls so cold? Why are the outer rooms of my house so cold? Where are these cold air drafts coming from? Why is it costing me so much to heat my house? Why is my Heating Bill so high? How do I lower my heating bills? What are the recommended ways to lower my heating bills?

I've designed this CAD Diagram to explain how hot and cold temperature seeps into a home with 2x4 walls with 0 (zero) insulation.

You can see by the blue areas how solid materials transfer the temperature.

Standard or Minimum Code Wall Framing consisting of
Siding on Exterior of Building
1/2 in Plywood or OSB Particle Board
2x4 Framing Member Wall Stud
1/2 in Drywall or Sheet Rock

The hot/cold temperature (Blue Areas in Diagram) on the Exterior of the Building is transferred to the Interior of the Building by Conduction The simplest explanation I can use to demonstrate and explain this is too use this example:
"...when you are using a Metal Cooking Utensil to stir a pot of chili. If the utensil is left in the pot of chilli for any length of time. The heat will eventually transfer up the utensil handle and will usually burn your hand or fingers. Heat and Cold enter a Building in the same way; unless, there is some form of Insulation or Thermal Break to prevent the conduction of energy..." from article--> Part 3 How to Build and Remodel to reduce Energy Loss / Gain in Todays Modern Buildings

Now that your understand how Energy is transferred thru building materials I'll explain the various ways that Insulation:
Slows down and Reduces this form of Energy Loss in an upcoming post.

If you have any questions or comments about this article or schedule an appointment use this link to schedule a
Free Proposal on Weatherizing your Building to save money and reduce your Winter-Time Energy Bills
and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will return your Weatherization request asap.

I will save you money, Scotty

CAD Diagram courtesy of Scotty, Scotts Contracting explaining how hot and cold temperature is transferred thru building materials into your home.

10.22.2011

How to Stop Energy Loss or Gain in a Building


How to Stop Energy Loss or Gain in a Building ~ St Louis Renewable Energy









How to Prevent Heat Loss with 4 Examples-Diagrams-Drawings for your Building Projects

In recent conversations with customers and peers about Reducing Energy Loss in Buildings / Structures and how heat and cold are transferred into a Building via Conduction. I explained and made reference to using a Metal Cooking Utensil to stir a pot of chilli.

If the utensil is left in the pot of chilli for any length of time. The heat will eventually transfer heat up the utensil handle and will usually burn your hand or fingers.

Heat and Cold enter a Building in the same way; unless, there is some form of Insulation or Thermal Break to prevent the conduction of energy.

Cooking utensil manufactures solve this issue by adding handles made of Wood, Plastic, etc.

The Building and Remodeling Industry combats this energy loss/gain in various ways. Here a few examples, diagrams, and drawings that show how this loss or gain is minimized.

When this heat/cold gain and loss is minimized you will save money on your Heating and Cooling Bills.

By renovating and building using these examples and basic design principles you will save money and reduce Global Warming / Climate Change.

  • Example 1. Adding Insulation on the exterior of the Building normally behind the exterior wall finish. This is normally used in conjunction with Insulation in the Wall Cavities.


    • Example 1 top view
      Example 1 Top View
      ISO View Example 1
      Example 1 Adding Insulation on the Exterior of Wall Framing



  • Example 2 – Staggered Wall Studs


  • 2x4 Staggered Studs to prevent Energy Loss and Gain
    Top View 2×4 Staggered Studs to Prevent Energy Loss and Gain
    2x4 Staggered Studs
    2×4 Staggered Studs Prevent Energy Loss and Gain



  • Example 3- Double Wall Construction





  • 2x4 Double Wall Construction
    2×4 Double Wall Construction to Prevent Energy Loss and Gain
    2x4 Double Wall Construction
    2×4 Double Wall Construction to Prevent Energy Loss and Gain



  • Example 4- Creating a Thermal Break by Adding Wall Channels




Thermal Break created by Wall Channels to prevent energy loss
Thermal Break created by Wall Channels to prevent energy loss
Thermal Break created by adding Wall Channels to prevent energy loss and gain
Thermal Break created by adding Wall Channels to prevent energy loss and gain
The above illustrations are just a few examples of how to prevent Energy Loss in a Building by adding: Insulation, Providing a Thermal Break, and Creating Dead Air Space. Examples 1 and 4 are used mostly in Remodeling and Renovation Projects. With examples 2 and 3 are used mainly in new construction of Buildings. For detailed information, proven scientific facts, about how energy is transferred I suggest reading the Article at Wiki on Heat Transfer at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer.
If you live in the St Louis Area and are interested in Saving Money on your utility bills by any of the above mentioned diagrams or illustrations I can be reached via: scottscontracting@gmail.com

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