A Brief History of Building Insulation
Since World War II when the Federal Government mandated and enforced building code regulations to include insulation standards (R-
value limits) a booming industry emerged in the US; building insulation. The goal of the Federal Government in enacting this building code
was to reduce oil and natural resource consumption for the war efforts. For the time period, fiberglass, asbestos and rock wool were
the primary insulation mediums being used.
During the 1970's, in response to the national oil crisis, a new form of insulation emerged that would completely change the way
building science principles were applied for insulation. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) was developed and the concept of the "thermal
envelope" became the core principle in combating volatile energy costs by effectively stopping thermal energy loss. SPF was created
in response to the demand for energy efficient buildings and the inability for standard insulation materials of the time to insulate
effectively. Since SPF's introduction in the 1970's there has been vast improvements in product composition and performance. Recent
developments in SPF include products that are developed from organic based materials and that utilize water as the primary blowing
agent.
The Thermal Envelope
The thermal envelope most specifically refers to a buildings ability to successfully stop air infiltration, radiant energy transfer and vapor
transmission (from outside the building as well as from inside). Stopping air infiltration is the number one way to stop thermal energy
loss. Depending on the climate up to 40% of a buildings heat loss or gain is due to air infiltration (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). This
is a contrasting stance to what many industry professionals believe about building construction. For many contractors, the belief is that
a home/building must breathe. This was a standard building practice and thought process prior to advancements in modern HVAC
systems and the development of SPF. It is now understood that a house or building that breathes is loosing thermal energy and
allowing unfiltered air to infiltrate. This fact is proven in blower door and thermal imagery infrared camera tests.
Once a buildings thermal envelope has been successfully established, an efficient HVAC system is then installed to monitor and adjust
air circulation, humidity and temperature levels. Due to SPF's heightened performance, tonnage size of heating and cooling units can be
reduced by 1/3. Not only to these systems consume less electricity when running they also run less often.
A home or building that is "breathing" is allowing unwanted air infiltration, and unwanted air infiltration means you are loosing heated or
conditioned air your HVAC system is working so hard to produce. When the thermal envelope is sealed and the HVAC system is
performing air circulation and regulating humidity levels at a heightened efficiency level. You are breathing air that is clean, filtered and
microbe free.
An R-guementive Topic
The use of R-values in building code regulations was a welcome advancement for the American economy as well as the environment
during WWII. While the use of the R-value was an effective tool at reducing the energy consumption problem, it is now understood this
is not the only barometer for determining an insulation materials worth. By exploring the three methods of thermal energy transfer this
fact can be better explained.
The 3 methods of thermal energy transfer:
- The east wall of your building heats up in the morning as a result of the suns rays. This absorbed heat is then transferred through the
walls.
- When fiberglass insulation is used, differences in high and low pressures are formed as a result of high and low temperatures formed
inside and outside the building. A convection current then created in between each stud. This convection phenomena promotes air
infiltration.
- Radiant heat can come from the sun or absorbed and emitted in pavement and asphalt.
- Radiant heat from a radiator can be lost due to an inefficiently designed thermal envelope.
R-values ASTM test standards (ASTM C518) do not account for these three forms of thermal energy transfer; especially in relation to
air infiltration. Here-in lies the argumentative topic of R-value when applicable to Building Code Insulation standards. R-values inability
to account for all forms of energy transfer make it an ineffective and inefficient means of regulating how buildings should be insulated.
What have we learned?
Current building code requirements for insulation material only account for R-value. R-value alone is not a sufficient
barometer for rating an insulations worth. Insulation should be rated by its ability to stop conduction, convection (air
infiltration) and radiation. Only SPF can effectively stop thermal energy transfer in all three ways.
At Ecologic, we like to say "The proof is in the science." We stay away from aggressive and
pushy sales tactics and focus on the facts; and the fact of the matter is there is a solution to
reducing your pollutant discharge and slashing your home or business operating costs.
Since World War II when the Federal Government mandated and enforced building code regulations to include insulation standards (R-
value limits) a booming industry emerged in the US; building insulation. The goal of the Federal Government in enacting this building code
was to reduce oil and natural resource consumption for the war efforts. For the time period, fiberglass, asbestos and rock wool were
the primary insulation mediums being used.
During the 1970's, in response to the national oil crisis, a new form of insulation emerged that would completely change the way
building science principles were applied for insulation. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) was developed and the concept of the "thermal
envelope" became the core principle in combating volatile energy costs by effectively stopping thermal energy loss. SPF was created
in response to the demand for energy efficient buildings and the inability for standard insulation materials of the time to insulate
effectively. Since SPF's introduction in the 1970's there has been vast improvements in product composition and performance. Recent
developments in SPF include products that are developed from organic based materials and that utilize water as the primary blowing
agent.
The Thermal Envelope
The thermal envelope most specifically refers to a buildings ability to successfully stop air infiltration, radiant energy transfer and vapor
transmission (from outside the building as well as from inside). Stopping air infiltration is the number one way to stop thermal energy
loss. Depending on the climate up to 40% of a buildings heat loss or gain is due to air infiltration (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). This
is a contrasting stance to what many industry professionals believe about building construction. For many contractors, the belief is that
a home/building must breathe. This was a standard building practice and thought process prior to advancements in modern HVAC
systems and the development of SPF. It is now understood that a house or building that breathes is loosing thermal energy and
allowing unfiltered air to infiltrate. This fact is proven in blower door and thermal imagery infrared camera tests.
Once a buildings thermal envelope has been successfully established, an efficient HVAC system is then installed to monitor and adjust
air circulation, humidity and temperature levels. Due to SPF's heightened performance, tonnage size of heating and cooling units can be
reduced by 1/3. Not only to these systems consume less electricity when running they also run less often.
A home or building that is "breathing" is allowing unwanted air infiltration, and unwanted air infiltration means you are loosing heated or
conditioned air your HVAC system is working so hard to produce. When the thermal envelope is sealed and the HVAC system is
performing air circulation and regulating humidity levels at a heightened efficiency level. You are breathing air that is clean, filtered and
microbe free.
An R-guementive Topic
The use of R-values in building code regulations was a welcome advancement for the American economy as well as the environment
during WWII. While the use of the R-value was an effective tool at reducing the energy consumption problem, it is now understood this
is not the only barometer for determining an insulation materials worth. By exploring the three methods of thermal energy transfer this
fact can be better explained.
The 3 methods of thermal energy transfer:
- Conduction
- The east wall of your building heats up in the morning as a result of the suns rays. This absorbed heat is then transferred through the
walls.
- Convection
- When fiberglass insulation is used, differences in high and low pressures are formed as a result of high and low temperatures formed
inside and outside the building. A convection current then created in between each stud. This convection phenomena promotes air
infiltration.
- Radiation
- Radiant heat can come from the sun or absorbed and emitted in pavement and asphalt.
- Radiant heat from a radiator can be lost due to an inefficiently designed thermal envelope.
R-values ASTM test standards (ASTM C518) do not account for these three forms of thermal energy transfer; especially in relation to
air infiltration. Here-in lies the argumentative topic of R-value when applicable to Building Code Insulation standards. R-values inability
to account for all forms of energy transfer make it an ineffective and inefficient means of regulating how buildings should be insulated.
What have we learned?
Current building code requirements for insulation material only account for R-value. R-value alone is not a sufficient
barometer for rating an insulations worth. Insulation should be rated by its ability to stop conduction, convection (air
infiltration) and radiation. Only SPF can effectively stop thermal energy transfer in all three ways.
At Ecologic, we like to say "The proof is in the science." We stay away from aggressive and
pushy sales tactics and focus on the facts; and the fact of the matter is there is a solution to
reducing your pollutant discharge and slashing your home or business operating costs.
| x Site Under Construction x With questions, comments or concerns about our products, services or website, mail: info@ecologicinsulation.com Copyright 2007 Ecologic Spray Foam Insulation Inc. |
Building Science, as it relates to thermal energy transfer represents the foundation of our business model. Saying our product performs the best
holds no weight with out the scientific facts to back it up. Understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of thermal energy transfer is
how Ecologic Spray Foam Insulation is able to deliver on cutting your energy bills and reducing your pollution output. The proof is in the science.
holds no weight with out the scientific facts to back it up. Understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of thermal energy transfer is
how Ecologic Spray Foam Insulation is able to deliver on cutting your energy bills and reducing your pollution output. The proof is in the science.
R-value (noun) : A
measure of resistance
to the flow of heat
through a given
thickness of a material
(as insulation) with
higher numbers
indicating better
insulating.
measure of resistance
to the flow of heat
through a given
thickness of a material
(as insulation) with
higher numbers
indicating better
insulating.
Currently, R-value is the only
stipulating factor pertaining to
insulation standards for
residential, commercial and
government building code.
stipulating factor pertaining to
insulation standards for
residential, commercial and
government building code.
HVAC -
Heating
Ventilation
Air Conditioning
Heating
Ventilation
Air Conditioning
Seal the thermal
envelope and allow
the HVAC system to
perform its intended
purpose. Breathe air
that is clean, filtered
and free of mold,
bacteria and
allergens.
Click here to find out what
R-value requirements are
needed for your home or
building per US Dept of
Energy and ORNL
recommendation.
R-value requirements are
needed for your home or
building per US Dept of
Energy and ORNL
recommendation.
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