Gig Harbor, Washington – The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) will join the NAHB Research Center and a team of remodeling contractors to research cost-effective solutions for residential energy efficiency improvements in New York State. The NAHB Research Center was selected to receive a $300,000 grant from the New York State Energy [...]
Gig Harbor, Washington – The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) will join the NAHB Research Center and a team of remodeling contractors to research cost-effective solutions for residential energy efficiency improvements in New York State. The NAHB Research Center was selected to receive a $300,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Deep Energy Retrofit Program to improve the energy efficiency of three existing homes using retrofit insulated panels.
Retrofit insulated panels, also referred to as “nailbase,” consist of rigid insulating foam laminated to oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing. The panels are attached over the wall or roof sheathing of an existing home, adding continuous insulation and a complete air barrier without disturbing the interior. Increased insulation and proper air sealing can significantly cut energy costs for New York homeowners, who pay on average $995 per year just to heat their homes.
“Bringing innovative technologies such as retrofit insulated panels to the housing industry ultimately improves the quality and affordability of homes and home building products,” said Mike Luzier, President of the NAHB Research Center. “This project will look at a wide array of issues that will provide information and guidance that could accelerate use of this technology.”
Adding insulation on the exterior of existing homes has been shown to be effective in reducing energy use, but can prove complicated when it comes to installing siding, flashing, and windows. Retrofit insulated panels provide a solid OSB nailing surface that is ready to accept a weather resistant barrier, window trim, and virtually any type of siding.
“Retrofit insulated panels present a great opportunity for homeowners to cut their utility bills and add value to their home,” said Bill Wachtler, Executive Director of SIPA. “And for remodeling contractors, the solid nailing surface greatly simplifies both the installation and detailing of continuous exterior insulation.”
Along with installing retrofit panels on the three homes, the NAHB Research Center will apply construction details for attaching retrofit insulated panels over a variety of architectural features. Researchers will also present best practices for moisture protection, sealing, and flashing to facilitate the adoption of the technology by New York State remodeling contractors.
Each project will be field tested before and after to determine the amount of energy saved by insulating the home. This will be paired with real-world construction costs to demonstrate the return on investment for homeowners considering retrofit insulated panels.
Materials for the project will be provided by SIPA members Timberline Panel Company of Cambridge, New York and Thermal Foams of Buffalo, New York. Retrofit insulated panels are available from a number of structural insulated panel manufacturers across North America. For a complete list of suppliers, check out our membership directory.
SIPA is proud to be a member of a team that is helping builders like Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) build energy-efficient homes through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) High Performance Residential Challenge. INHS is the second builder to start construction on an energy-efficient SIP home in New York State, following Kraft Construction, who is expected to complete their project in March.
The good folks over at INHS have been documenting the construction of the 1,800 sq. ft. home on their blog. Working with crews from SIPA Dealer/Distributor member Panel Pros, they were able to install most of the first floor walls in a single day.
On Monday, November 30, 2009, the roof was installed at the latest Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) “green” home at 711 Hancock Street in the City of Ithaca. The roof as well as the walls are prefabricated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), making this house extremely energy-efficient. Because the process requires pre-fabrication, it also means the roof was set in place, with crane assistance, literally before the observer’s eyes.
Think of SIPs as a sandwich – a core of rigid foam plastic insulation placed between interior and exterior sheathing. Because regional builders do not commonly practice this technique, this house was chosen by the New York State Energy Research Development Research Authority’s High Performance Residential Challenge, only 1 of 4 statewide, for partial funding. The collaboration is also helping to educate local builders and planning professionals about this innovative building system.
INHS has applied for certification to the Leadership in Energy Efficiency Design (LEED), the standard for green building construction, where the house is likely to be granted its highest rating of Platinum. In order to meet LEED’s strict requirements the house will be evaluated not just: for energy savings, but also for ways it addresses water efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions, indoor environmental quality, and conservation and selection of materials.
INHS’ is committed to helping working families own homes that are green and affordable. Upon its completion in early 2010, this house will be sold to a first-time homebuyer. You can follow the progress of this house on the INHS blog: www.ithacanhs.blogspot.com.
http://www.nyserda.org/Programs/IABR/kraft.asp
This projectwill be a one-level home with full basement located near Tupper Lake, NY, where Heating Degree Days approach 9,500. The builder encouraged the ready-mix contractor to use flyash in the concrete to reduce the carbon footprint. Setting the forms is fairly easy and then concrete is poured to fill the forms, which becomes the structure. The house will have a Hydronic boiler with sidearm hot water heater and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to provide year round ventilation via air exchange.
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| After 2 part foam is applied every 8″ along seam, caulk is applied for final exterior seal between SIP | The 12″ Nepoor EPS SIP panel is hoisted in place to join the ICF wall section. Note the 2 part foam in place ready to seal the SIP to the ridge beam |
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| BASF manufactured Neopor Expandable Polystyrene Beads are injected into the SIP panel, improving the EPS R-value. First SIP panels in US to be installed in Residential applications | The OSB material is drilled every 8″ and filled with 2 part foam sealant, assuring complete thermal seal between SIP joints |
