Monday, August 13, 2012

What's in the walls?

Looking beyond the pretty, behind the wall, have you ever wonder what is hidden behind the drywall, paint and trim?
Looks and renewable energy are not going to keep your building efficient, but how you insulate and seal your building will help.  The composition of the exterior envelope plays an immense role in keeping the energy demand to the minimum.
A typical 2x4 exterior wall allows between R13-R15 insulation values.
This project has 2x6 exterior construction wall with 1/2" closed cell spray foam and BIBS (Blow in Blanket Insulation).  The R-value for the closed cell in combination with the BIBS will add up to R 26 in insulation value.  A large difference, compare to those of 2x4 wall and Batt insulation.
1/2" Closed cell spray foam
BIBS in 2x6 wall
R-38 for ceiling
 
Unique way of putting up drywall
South Facing Loggia Shading
For more information on the insulation:
http://www.bibs.com/?content=page&page=home
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spray_foams_%28insulation%29