-- Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy: Attics and Attic Insulation

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Showing posts with label Attics and Attic Insulation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Attics and Attic Insulation. Show all posts

6.01.2022

Dirty Energy Teams Up against the consumer


 Here is yet another attempt to keep people indebted to the dirty energy companies. 

Which St Louisians does this really help?  
I have never seen an electric and gas company working together in such a blatant matter before.  Please note the items listed to reduce the energy demand: aka Items that require electricy or natural gas.  

Nowhere did the article state: 

If the the energy audit performed by company sponsored energy auditting company determined that when you

  1.  insulate the the Basement Walls with a Rigid Foam insulation panel or
  2.  Adding to the Insulation Depth of 16 inches in your Attic or
  3.  a R40 Insulation Attic level will reduce your demand load.  


There should be a warning label on slight of hand tactics like this. 
Warning We Are Scamming You. Your energy bills went down but your bill didn't.  Thank you for your money
Warning We Are Scamming You. Your energy use went down but your utility bill didn't. Thank you for your money!  



I bet they split the cost between themselves.  and guess who is still on the hook for the cost of the Electric/Gas upgrades: The consumer doesn't catch a break and pays with the cost of the upgrades tac'd on their utility bills every month. 

Nowhere in the article does it say anything like:

 Because your Demand for energy dropped YOU STILL OWE US


Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information is 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. 

11.06.2013

Ensuring Success StLouis Small Biz Energy Efficiency Design Build Project

In todays day and age of small business enterprises I rarely find that a local St Louis area small business is actually thriving.  And when I learned that this successful small business needs to expand to meet the needs of her growing business I was more than happy to assist her in making her business a continued success by utilizing proven advanced energy efficient construction techniques for this Attic Conversion.

"Proper Design Build Energy Conservation Techniques used in this project will ensure that this business owner will keep the energy costs low and comfort levels high-Scotty,Scotts Contracting"

Here is behind the scene work on the Design Build Energy Efficiency-Attic Conversion and the Small Business Customer Must Haves for the project and how I am going to convert the unused attic space into a functional and energy efficient design build project that meets and exceeds the clients requests


Here are the clients Must Haves:
  • Energy Efficient Design (part1)
  • Open Floor Plan (part 2)
  • Kid Sized Plumbing Fixtures located in the Bathroom (part 3)
  • 1 Sink located outside the Bathroom with Extra Counter-space (part 3)
  • Flooring options require materials that do not transfer sound and are easy clean up (part 4)
  • No Harmful VOC Building Products (part 4)
  • Cost Effective (part 4)
  • Financing this Small Business Success Story Design Build Project (part 5)

Designing for Energy Efficiency
Since this project will be in the top floor of a two story building special attention was given to ensure that proper levels of insulation are utilized as well as eliminating air leakage.  


Here is a CAD drawing of the planned Ceiling and modifying the existing Roof Construction that addresses building code requirements for energy efficient design and construction.

Three Main Aspects: Natural Air Flow, R49 Ceiling Insulation, and Air Tight Electrical Junction Box Covers
Three Main Aspects of proper ceiling construction for energy efficiency: (1)Natural Air Flow, (2) R49 Ceiling Insulation, and (3) AirTight Electrical Junction Box Covers

CAD Detail cutaway view of the above Energy Efficient design calling out not only the proper ceiling construction with insulation and air barrier added to the Attic Knee Walls and Dead Space
CAD Detail-Energy Efficient Ceiling and Wall Construction by Scotty-Scotts Contracting
CAD Detail-Energy Efficient Ceiling and Wall Construction by Scotty-Scotts Contracting
In the above photos you see that Natural Air Flow is mentioned numerous times.  The importance of natural air flow-is not only suggested it is required by the new building codes that are slowly being adopted and utilized in today's energy efficient building designs.

What gets me is that why some builders leave out this crucial step.  Its not a new concept and one that I learned in my first year of Drafting classes in 1989 while designing my final year Residential Home Drafting Project.  

What this natural air flow does is keep the upstairs cooler in the summer and is needed to assist in eliminating ice dams during the winter.

Rule of Thumb for determining this natural air flow from eve to roof peak is: 1 square inch for every square foot of space.  

This 1 square inch is then divided equally in half between the top and bottom of the building.  In the case of this building we will be using: Soffit Vent as well as Roof Peak Vent and to ensure there is unobstructed air travel Air Baffles will be utilized in the areas where the insulation contacts the underside of the roof.

Never let a Building Contractor neglect this important step in any of your building projects.

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of the Design process where I address the open floor plan.











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

11.02.2013

#DesignBuild Energy Efficiency-Attic Conversion

My next Design Build Project will be converting this unused attic into Energy Efficient and usable 2nd Floor Space.   

We will be performing major Energy Conservation Build Techniques as well as using Advanced FramingMethods on this Green Build Project 

Upon completing we will have the following RValues: R19+ in the wall, R49 Attic, R13+ in the Floor. 

My plans also call for Air Tight Electrical Junction Box Covers in the Attic as well as 6mil Poly Air Barrier for the Interior Walls. 

Stay Tuned for more project photos as well as otherCAD Drafting details by Scotty-Scotts Contracting . 

Build Green Scotty! 


#DesignBuild   #EnergyConservation  #AdvancedFramingTechniques   #RValue  #CADDrafting 

CAD DesignBuild Attic Conversion Project Drawings and Before Pics
See more of the CAD Drawings for this Energy Efficient Attic Conversion at the link below





















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
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1.01.2013

Why is there ICE in my Attic and where did it come from?


  • Ice Dams are created when the Hot Moist Air Rises from the Interior of the Building.  
  • Any snow built up on the roof will now also thaw and refreeze at the gutter area and build up eventually working its way under the shingles and into the home.

  • As the Hot Moist Air Rises into the Attic and meets the Roof Framing System.  Condensation Occurs on the Cold Framing Members consisting of: Rafters, Roof Trusses, Roof Decking

  • As the Condensation Cools the Moisture in the Air Freezes on the Roof System and is why venting the attic is suggested.


Ice Dams1-CAD Drawing by Scotts Contracting
Example 1 of how Ice Dams Form in the Attic 

Ice Dams-CAD Drawing by Scotts Contracting
Example 2 of How Ice Dams Form in the Attic
Read how Ice Dams are Prevented in upcoming Blog Post or 
view prior Green Blog Posts on Attic and Attic Insulation

Oct 25, 2010
The construction industry's leading researcher explains why what we think is true often isn't, and how some of our best hunches, based on observation of field performance, have paid off with problem-free attic assemblies. by William B. Rose ...
Jul 19, 2010
-Attic Insulation-I've put a little information to help assist in explaining 'Attic Insulation for a Home'. I take a whole house approach to improve a Home's Energy Reduction Needs. The Attic Area and Attic insulation being just ...
Aug 27, 2011
Attic Insulation. - Proper Insulation Levels in your Attic coupled with Ventilation will save you Money on your Energy Bills. Certified Insulation Installer for: Batt Type, Spray Foam, Loose Fill-. Green and Eco Friendly options are always available.

Nov 27, 2010
Lack of Insulation In the Attic; Air Infiltration from the Interior of the House into the Attic Area; Uninsulated Heating Ducts inside the Attic. Scotts Contracting can Inspect your Attic for Proper: Insulation Levels; Adequate Ventilation; Uninsulated ...
Jul 03, 2011
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 ...
Mar 27, 2011
Snow on Roof-Opportunity to Check Insulation Level. This last snow we received yesterday is the perfect opportunity to see if your attic is properly insulated. Take a look at the Roof of your Home. -Lack of Snow on your Roof is a sure indication ...
Oct 19, 2011
With my Preliminary Figures using a Guesstimate ($400) on your current Energy Bill and using the Dept of Energy's Estimate of 20% Savings for attic retrofits. I've determined that by Sealing your Air Leaks and Adding Insulation to the Attic the ...


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

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2.19.2012

Spray Insulating Foam Deal of the Week

If you have ever wanted to super insulate your home or business against the cold and heat and protect the bank account from the rising costs of our Electricity Rates - Ameren UE and New Gas Rate Hikes - Laclede Gas.  The following offer I received from a couple of my Spray Insulation Dealers is just what your Bank Account needs.



ISOCYANATE PROMOTION
While Supplies last we are offering our customers 500 lbs of PMDI Isocyanate forbelow wholesale prices!! Compatible with most all spray foam products, very clean, high quality ISO.

YOUR PRICE$ 650.00




Promotions running on 500lb Iso's and system pricing on our EcoGuard 500 and EcoTite 1200.  Let us start helping you save money today!


  • EcoSeal 500 .5 OPEN CELL foam.  18,000 board feet yield, odorless and excellent adhesion.
  • EcoTite 1200 1.2lb open cell spray foam.  R-Value 5.0 per inch. 3.55 perms per inch, has a tensile strength close to closed cell foam. No scraping or scarfing, Odorless products
Syenergy Spray Foam Specialists offers a broad range of innovative solutions to meet all your needs. Whether big or small, our products are made with precision, in accordance with the highest quality standards.  All Syenergy spray foam products are custom blended when you order to insure the highest quality and the freshest material. You can rely on our products to get the job done right!

An overview of our Products:

Syenergy 500- Renewable Resource Based .5 lb Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation. Passes the NFPA 286 Appendix X with no thermal barrier or intumescent coatings. Read More....

Syenergy Seal 500 - Class one .5 lb Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation with an R value of 3.83 per in. We use low odor catalysts and it will not cause a "blue haze" for installers. Read More....

Syenergy 1200 - Is a Hybrid Open cell foam insulations with a high R value of 5 per inch. Read More....


Syenergy 1800W & 1800 245fa– Class one thermoset 1.7 and 1.8 lb. water blown Closed cell Spray Foam Insulation that has a high r value of 5.5 per inch and contains the highest level of agriculturally based renewable resources content available on the market.Read More….



ECOSAFE Spray Foam Insulation is the newest SPF company to the market. Our goal is to produce the most technologically advanced products at the most affordable price. Homeowners demand the safest, greenest products for their home and ECOSAFE strives to deliver. Our certified contractor program encompasses all areas of the spray foam business, so that every time a contractor installs ECOSAFE products, it is installed to our specifications.
Spec Sheets

Company Website:
Company website: http://www.syenergyfoam.com/


Schedule a Free Green Site Evaluation at the Web Locations Below and Scotts Contracting will respond as fast as humanly possible.

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1.21.2012

How To Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Needs

Power Point Presentation of how Incorporating Green Building Practices can 

Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Use

Both of which will Add Value to your Home in Comfort and Appraisal Value

This Wrap Around Porch was 

Designed and Built by Scotty, Scotts Contracting

The Final Photos will be added soon!









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 for your Home or Business in the Greater St Louis Area and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP.

10.29.2011

Fire Proof-Air Tight-Electrical Junction Box Cover


Air Sealing a Ceiling Electrical Junction Box

CAD Design-Weatherize-Insulate-Fire Block-Electrical Junction Box
Air Sealing Ceiling Electrical Junction Box
CAD Diagram explains how to Build and Air Tight Electrical Junction Box located in most Attics

Sealing Air Leaks

Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter and can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.



You can save on your heating and cooling bill by reducing the air leaks in your home.

Fire Proof /Air Tight Electrical Junction Box Cover used in Attics

Hint: Use Fire Rated: 5/8″Fire Rated Drywall or Sheetrock with Fire Proof Caulking to 

Create the Air Tight Seal

Tips for Sealing Air Leaks

re-posted from:http://www.energysavers.gov/tips/insulation_sealing.cfm
Pie chart shows how air escapes from a typical home: 31% floors, ceiling, walls; 15% ducts; 14% fireplace; 13% plumbing penetrations, 11% doors; 10% windows; 4% fans and vents; 2% electric outlets.How Does the Air Escape?
Air infiltrates into and out of your home through every hole and crack. About one-third of this air infiltrates through openings in your ceilings, walls, and floors.
  • First, test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, carefully hold a lit incense stick or a smoke pen next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing, or weatherstripping.
  • Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air.
  • Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.
  • Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls.
  • Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which often indicate holes where air leaks into and out of your house. You can seal the holes with low-expansion spray foam made for this purpose.
  • Look for dirty spots on your ceiling paint and carpet, which may indicate air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists. These joints can be caulked.
  • Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with more efficient windows, such as double-pane. See Windows on page 18 for more information.
  • When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed. A chimney is designed specifically for smoke to escape, so until you close it, warm air escapes—24 hours a day!
  • For new construction, reduce exterior wall leaks by installing house wrap, taping the joints of exterior sheathing, and comprehensively caulking and sealing the exterior walls.
  • Use foam sealant around larger gaps around windows, baseboards, and other places where warm air may be leaking out.
  • Kitchen exhaust fan covers can keep air from leaking in when the exhaust fan is not in use. The covers typically attach via magnets for ease of replacement.
  • Replacing existing door bottoms and thresholds with ones that have pliable sealing gaskets is a great way to eliminate conditioned air leaking out from underneath the doors.
  • Fireplace flues are made from metal, and over time repeated heating and cooling can cause the metal to warp or break, creating a channel for hot or cold air loss. Inflatable chimney balloons are designed to fit beneath your fireplace flue during periods of non-use. They are made from several layers of durable plastic and can be removed easily and reused hundreds of times. Should you forget to remove the balloon before making a fire, the balloon will automatically deflate within seconds of coming into contact with heat.
Cutaway house illustration showing areas of home where air leaks. Refer to caption for list.Sources of Air Leaks in Your Home
Areas that leak air into and out of your home cost you lots of money. Check the areas listed below.
  1. Dropped ceiling
  2. Recessed light
  3. Attic entrance
  4. Sill plates
  1. Water and furnace flues
  2. All ducts
  3. Door frames
  4. Chimney flashing
  1. Window frames
  2. Electrical outlets and switches
  3. Plumbing and utility access
Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in improving your Home or Business Energy Demands.  Please use this form below to Contact Scotty, Scotts Contracting to schedule a FREE Energy Analysis for your Property.

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