-- Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy: Weatherization

Search This Blog

Showing posts with label Weatherization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weatherization. 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.
-->

6.12.2013

StLouis Fed Bank starts promoting Green Buildings

  • results of this study demonstrate that when homeowners correctly operate their home’s energy-efficient features, they can realize a significant cost savings

  • In an effort to stabilize housing by enhancing affordability, the St. Louis County Office of Community Development (OCD), in partnership with Laclede Gas Company and a private developer, launched an energy study to determine the best combination of green building techniques to control utility costs.

  • The study, which was the first of its kind on a national platform, examined traditional building methods and various Energy Star features by means of a 10-home project known as Patrician Place.


Save Energy, Save Money: Making Homeownership More Affordable

For many low- to moderate-income (LMI) households, homeownership remains one of the only avenues to building personal wealth, albeit with limited success due to the ever-present challenge of rising living expenses. 

Focusing on what can be changed as opposed to what cannot may help homeowners meet this challenge. Although it can be difficult to influence the cost of maintenance, food and transportation, utility costs are a financial strain that can be partially controlled through structural and behavioral modifications.
In an effort to stabilize housing by enhancing affordability, the St. Louis County Office of Community Development (OCD), in partnership with Laclede Gas Company and a private developer, launched an energy study to determine the best combination of green building techniques to control utility costs. 
The study, which was the first of its kind on a national platform, examined traditional building methods and various Energy Star features by means of a 10-home project known as Patrician Place. Funding for this endeavor was provided by a regional bank and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Natural lighting-Patrician Place Home Green Floor Plan-Scotts Contracting
Patrician Place Home Basic Floor Plan
Energy-efficient natural lighting helps lower utility costs.
Patrician Place was designed to provide relevant comparisons. Therefore, all 10 homes share a common floor plan. The goal was to maximize utility savings through smart architectural design, such as strategically placed windows that allow for natural lighting versus costly artificial lighting. The control home was designed to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted by St. Louis County, and contained standard-efficiency HVAC equipment—a natural gas furnace and water heater, and an electric air conditioner. The design of the nine green homes incorporated a number of different energy-efficient components, including increased air sealing and insulation, Energy Star windows, and high-efficiency natural gas and electric HVAC systems. The Energy Star ratings for the green homes ranged from 59 to 69, compared to the control home at 150 (lower scores are considered more energy-efficient). Furthermore, all of the green homes were certified to either the National Association of Home Builders’ Model Green Home Building Guidelines or LEED for Homes.

Data Collection

All 10 homes were sold to LMI persons willing to participate in this study. Each buyer received training on the energy-efficient features of their home and completed a survey designed to capture their energy-related behaviors. The data tabulated from this survey were supplemented by observations from quarterly visits. Laclede Gas Company employees visited each home regularly to ensure strategically located data loggers were operational and to extract the data stored on each device. The data loggers recorded temperature and humidity readings in five- to 15-minute intervals over the course of one year. Additionally, natural gas and electric utility bills were collected to analyze energy consumption relative to homeowner preference and general home operation.
The results of this study demonstrate that when homeowners correctly operate their home’s energy-efficient features, they can realize a significant cost savings. Compared with the control home, the average green home saved approximately $200 annually; however, residents of some green homes experienced nearly twice the savings. Not surprisingly, the homeowners with less energy-conscious preferences and those who did not properly utilize their home’s energy-efficient features, such as the programmable thermostat, did not experience the full savings potential. This powerful information fuels the following policy recommendations to motivate and educate existing homeowners and future homebuyers about energy-efficient behaviors and habits in the operation of their households.

Policy Recommendations

The first recommendation gleaned from the evaluation of Patrician Place calls for a shift regarding homebuyer education. All homebuyers receiving federal assistance currently undergo a mandatory eight-hour homebuyer counseling course; unfortunately, this curriculum does not adequately address energy-conservation practices. All homebuyers, especially first-time purchasers, should be exposed to an energy-saving program that is easy to understand and execute. Doing so will help them achieve greater cost savings while simultaneously preserving valuable resources. In response to this data, OCD has created an energy-savings curriculum, Saving Money by Saving Energy, which will be delivered to all homebuyers benefiting from any federal, state or locally funded grants administered by OCD. The curriculum is also available to other agencies, lenders and residents upon request.
The second recommendation is to examine policies that will promote and expand voluntary green building certification programs in order to integrate the most cost-effective green building procedures into local building practice. Patrician Place findings indicate that these techniques are centered on smart architecture, energy-efficient mechanical systems, Energy Star products and appliances, insulation, air sealing, use of recycled materials, low-flow plumbing, and landscaping. Many of these procedures may already be integrated into construction practices across the nation; however, failing to promote these elements through green building programs provides incentives for builders to adopt lowest-cost, least-efficient construction techniques.
The final recommendation is to encourage the implementation of energy-saving home features. Currently, homeowners have access to many different resources that have the potential to help them utilize cost-saving measures that will lower their debt-to-income ratios and increase homeownership affordability—for example, federal, state and local tax incentives; utility rebate programs; low-interest home improvement loans; and the use of Energy Efficient Mortgages.
Improved energy efficiency and the subsequent cost savings are achievable and sustainable by all. The recession and depressed housing market are issues that affect every community. But by continuing to come together to help one another seize opportunities to save money, we will in turn make our communities stronger and more prosperous.


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

1.12.2013

Video Diagram-Heat Loss or Gain-Energy Saving-Green Build

  Simple Video Diagrams with Examples of Stopping and Reducing Heat Loss for Todays 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
Posted by Picasa

Web Page Sponsors:

11.03.2012

Tuckpointing Interior- Rehab of 4 Family Part 3



 How we  brought the Old Western - Old South St Louis Architecture- Decor and Feel into a Modern Day Apartment- Benton Gut Rehab


We performed extensive tuck-pointing on the Building for
  • Aesthetic Purposes -for the Interior-see Soulard* Red Colored Mortar in this picture below ) and 

    Structural Purposes  (see upcoming Green Blog Post) both of which have Energy Saving Benefits!

    Soulard Red Decorative Tuck-pointing



Materials/Tools Used for the Project:
  • Type N- Masonry and Tuckpoint Mortar Mix
  • Red Coloring (Soulard Red)- Dry Mix
  • 4 in Diamond Plated Grinder Wheels
  • Various Tuck-pointing tools- Concave Pointers
  • Hudson Sprayer
  • Step Ladders and Walk Boards
  • Safety Glasses / Dust Masks
  • Wheel Barrow and Garden Hoe
Before During and After Pictures of this stage of the project



Scotts Contracting Decorative Interior Tuckpointing Soulard Red Mortar Mix Type N 

  
After we Ground out the Mortar Joints we then Tuck-pointed the Soulard Red Decorative Mortar Mix into the Mortar Joints.  Type N Masonry Mix "Pro Mix"
Scotts Contracting Decorative Interior Tuckpointing Soulard Red Mortar Mix Type N
  • Before We Removed the Damaged Exterior Wall.
  • We First Tuck-pointed the Brick Walls of the Building.
  • We could then Safely Remove the Damaged Lumber and Walls- after shoring up the existing Ceiling Joists (upcoming post in the Series)
  •  Rebuild the 2x6 Walls (upcoming post in the Series)
     

scotts Contracting Gut Rehab St Louis Missouri
Building the 2x6 Walls and Door Frame

  1. Removed all the old plaster from 2 walls int the Apartment then
  2. ground out all the mortar joints to a depth of one-half to three-quarters of an inch
  3. We then blew all the loose mortar from the area -To clean out the joints and prepare the Mortar Bed for the New Mix
  4. Dampened the area with a Hudson sprayer filled with water- before applying the Masonry Mix -On older buildings this is a critical step as it will help the Masonry Mix adhere to the Bricks while the New Mortar cures.
  5. We then filled the cracks with Type N Masonry and Tuckpoint Mix
  6. Brush the area for a consistent look
  7. Clean Up the area and enjoy the Decorative Look of the new Red Accent Walls




 

   
Scotts Contracting Decorative Interior Accent Wall Tuckpointing with Soulard Red Type N Masonry Mix

Soulard Red Interior Tuckpointing by Scotts Contracting 

Scotts Contracting Decorative Interior Accent Wall Tuckpointing with Soulard Red Type N Masonry Mix
 The 'Soulard Red' Decorative Tuck-pointed Accent Walls- when combined with: 
  • Modern Drywall that has a 
  • Smooth Textured Finish and a 
  • 'Refinished Douglas Fir Wood Floor' which Mother Nature has provided a natural reddish tint will give this kitchen and bedroom area the:

Old Western - Old South St Louis Architecture Decor and Feel into a Modern Day Apartment- Benton Gut Rehab






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


3.26.2012

I took the Energy Star Pledge Have You?

Scott's Contracting Energy Star Pledge to 

Improve the Energy Efficiency of 

America's Buildings by 10% or More!


Scotts Contracting Energy Star Pledge





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

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

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









Connect with Scotts Contracting

FB FB Twitter LinkedIn Blog Blog Blog Blog Pinterest

Featured Post

Misc Tools, Truck, For Sale

$2,000 obo 97 Nissan Pickup 4wd AC 4cyl 5speed New Clutch / Pressure Plate, Plugs, Wires, Rotor, Dist Cap, Door Locks w/ Keys  Front Clip su...