|
|
|
| Keeps you
warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer |
Insulation
is installed in the building's floor, wall or ceiling cavities. Insulation
slows heat transfer by reducing conduction (heat flow in a solid substance),
radiation (heat that travels through the air, like the sun's energy)
and convection (heat transfer by movement of air or a fluid). Insulation
comes in many different forms, all have an R-value, which is the measurement
of resistance to the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value the
greater the resistances to heat transfer.
Some insulations have foil faces that increase its radiant performance,
for example, Reflectix or Celotex. Fiber glass is commonly used, yet
air travels freely through its fibers allowing convection to rob your
home's energy more easily. Properly installed Cellulose and various
Spray foams can form an air-barrier around your home and stop convection
flows within your building's cavities. Investing in the proper insulation
is very important, since you will not be able to change it easily
in the years ahead as you would with a kitchen cabinet, appliance
or even a window. The insulation is in every exterior surface of a
house and very expensive to upgrade post completion.
Along with the many different types of insulation there are many different
construction designs that can boost your overall R-value. For example,
a design incorporating 2 x 6 walls is common, yet simply using 2 x
8 alone can increase the walls insulation R-value from R-20 to R-28.
Another practice is double studding which aids by giving a thermal
break (stopping convection) and grants large amounts of depth for
insulation to achieve very high R-values. Another design utilizes
ridged insulation on the interior or exterior; this also offers a
thermal break and higher R-values.
The detailing and design to achieve air-tightness and high R-values
of the building shell are close to unlimited. Choosing the right design
for the homes needs, interests, and budget is the trick. With our
skills, resources, sub-contractors, and architects, we are able to
help design a new home, or improve an old home that suites your budget
and energy efficiency interests.
Click on the links below for descriptions of just a few of the various
insulations available: |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
 |