Green Talk® » Insulation

RE_Home, U of Illinois’ Solar Decathlon House: Reactive to Disasters

Anna@Green Talk — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:13:23 +0000

Re_Home, University of Illinois' solar decathlon home

The University of Illinois designed The Re_Home for the 2011 Solar Decathlon with disaster response in mind. It is a very adaptable, flexible space to accommodate different family situations.

Why a disaster response house? The state is prone to destructive tornadoes.

The beauty of the house is that two modular components of the Re_Home can be transported on one trailer. In addition, the solar panels were design to lay flat on the roof for transportation. Once the house reaches its destination, the panels can be raised to the optimal angle for solar collection. See the short Re_Home video below:

I had the pleasure of receiving a tour of the home by Professor Mark Taylor from the School of Architecture. Listen to the below podcast as he walks me through the home. He really proves wonderful detail to the products they used in the house.

Components of the House

Living room ares of the Re_Home.

The Re_Home has the following components:

The insulation was three inches spray foam in the 2 by 4 studs with a 4 inch spray foam on the outside of the house. The exterior walls achieved a R45 value. (They chose to use 2 by 4 framing since it was a student run program. Professor Taylor felt that SIPs was a good system but given the project was student run, they wanted flexibility that they would not have with SIPs.)
Solar panels were designed to act as a canopy for the southern and western side of the house to keep it cool during the summer.
There were 2 covered porches which added living space to the home.
The house is heated with an air to air heat pump and ventilated with a Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator (CERV) by Newell Instruments. This unit detects when outside air is “nice,” and then maximizes air flow throughout the house. When the air outside isn’t nice, it continues to supply fresh air in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation residential standards.
The outside paneling was made of Resysta, which is comprised of 60% rice husks, approximately 22% common salt and approximately 18% mineral oil, (It cuts just like wood according to Taylor.)
Windows were made by Kolbe and Kolbe. Professor Taylor said it is a very affordable window. Many of the windows at the competition were not made in the US.
The house contained a LG condensing washing and dryer combination.
The reclaimed decking came from a grain silo via Wisconsin Woodchuck.
The roof was covered with an EPDM, a cool roof material.
Affordability was key. All furniture was from Ikea.
They used Lamboo instead of OSB sheathing.
3/4 of the house is an open layout.
The house collects rainwater and greywater to re-use for the water for the toilets.
The cost of the 970 square foot home is $250,000-275.000.
The house is intended to be net zero and contains a 7.5 KW system.

Why Did I love this House?

Why did I loved this house? It was so practical and could fit in any suburban landscape. The house had regular siding, normal roof and windows and interior probably no different than what you are used to. Everyone would want this house and the fact that it was energy efficient was icing on the cake. It was built as either a two bedroom or one bedroom/office combination. It’s contained a large living space with an open floor plan.

How Did the Re-Home in the Competition?

The house placed seventh in the competition. They placed first in maintaining their appliances.

Join the Conversation:

Any advice for the students?
What concept would you incorporate in your house if you could?
What design feature did you like in the house?

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Wool Insulation by Oregon Shepard: Natural, Energy Efficient, NonToxic

Anna@Green Talk — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:59:39 +0000

Oregon Shepard Wool Insulation

Many of my readers know that green building has always been my passion. However, some of the building products used are less than green in my book. I am guilty as well for using them since I didn’t have a viable alternative.

As many of you know I used Icycnene, an open cell foam insulation in my walls. Although I loved the performance of the product, spray foam insulation contain a petroleum based product. Petroleum is a natural resource in which we keep depleting. However, Oregon Shepard provides an alternative to the petroleum based insulation world using an old traditional product, wool. Best yet, from sheep that graze in Oregon.

Before I get into the specifics about the product, I had the chance to sit down with Bob Workman, CEO, and Kelly Donnelly, brand and marketing manager of the Company, to discuss this product. I urge you to listen to either the below podcast or video as Bob and Kelly walked me through the intricacies of Oregon Shepherd’s wool insulation.

Give Me the Baaah Run Down

The Company sells two different products: PermaBatt blown in and PermaLoft batt insulation.

“PermaLoft^® – Natural Wool Blown-In Insulation
Our loose or blown-in insulation called PermaLoft^®is terrific for horizontal spaces such as attics or under flooring.

PermaBatt® Natural Insulation for walls and other framing
Can be hand placed or can be blown into vertical cavities between framing members in walls. It is ideal for the remodel/retrofit project.”

Why is this product so green?

According to the Company, the Oregon Shepherd wool insulation has the following attributes:

fire and vermin resistant
100% natural (no polyester fibers added to make it rigid)
nontoxic
resist mold
acoustically superior
provides a reduced air infiltration.
won’t settle
no special protection such as gloves or masks are needed (unlike installing fiberglass.)
no itch factor. Oregon Shepard wool is “fluffy and very soft; like a cloud.”
no plastic packaging. All packaging is recyclable.

But with all these green pluses, all I can think about is wool and moths. Remember those hideous moth balls when we were growing up? Workman explained that the wool is sprayed with a solution consisting of a boron molecule combines with an animal protein to prevent vermin damage and fire spread. According to Workman, their propriety solution binds with the protein fiber in the wool. He states other products, such as cotton or cellulose spray use an adhesive to adhere their boric solution to their product.

However, a representative of Bonded Logic indicated “UltraTouch Denim Insulation does not use an adhesive to adhere its boric solution.”

How is it Installed?

The blown insulation insulation is applied similar to cellulose. It can be blown in an open cavity. Alternatively, small holes can be drilled into the drywall, and then blown in. The Company further explains,

“Our ultra thin netting is simply stapled over the framing members and the insulation is blown or hand placed in the framing cavities. Our exclusive PermaNet stapled over the framing members retains the insulation while the wall coverings are being placed and finished.”

But will it settle?

During the interview, I questioned Workman about possible settling once it is blown in. The Company states wool fiber has pliable memory whereas other loose insulation will settle over time.

“So while your initial 10 inches of fibrous insulation will provide a value of R-38, it settles to an actual depth of only 8-9 inches, lowering efficiency by up to 20%. Wool fibers’ unique attributes actually cause it to increase in depth over a several month period.”

But what happens if it gets wet?

I have some leaks in my house and my Icycnene did not deteriorate. Now, mind you, we aren’t talking about a flood. So, will the wool have to be ripped out if there is minor water damage? Workman said no.

Price?

I held my breath when I asked how much will this wool insulation costs. Workman surprised me when he told me for a 2 by 6 R19 insulation, it would be less than Ultra Touch recycled cotton insulation. “Oh, come on,” I thought.

When I went to the website, the Company had the pricing laid out for my eyes to feast. I recalled that I paid a little under $1 a foot for R-13 Ultra Touch back in the day (seven years ago…) So, it seemed comparable to cotton insulation, but much more expensive than fiberglass.

Prices of Oregon Shepard Wool Insulation

You can buy insulation in the following quantities on their site:

Right now distribution is from their Oregon factory, but the Company hopes to have an east coast distribution center soon.

Ethical Sheared?

The wool industry has been under scrutiny for unethical animal treatment. PETA.org states in it article, “Inside the Wool Industry,”

“[s]hearers are usually paid by volume, not by the hour, which encourages fast work without regard for the sheep’s welfare. Experienced shearers clip more than 350 sheep in one day, and that pace is maintained for up to four weeks.(6,7)”

Although the article targeted Australian wool, shearing is shearing. When I asked this question about the treatment of the sheep who provide wool for the insulation, Workman assured me that the sheep are humanely sheared and taken care of. (I could not confirm or deny Workman’s response.)

What about Vegetarians or Vegans?

If you are vegetarian (like me) or vegan, wool insulation may not be an option for you due to your animal ethics. I was extremely excited about the product until I thought about where the wool came from. Kind of one of those light bulb moment. Many of you might be thrilled to have another alternative other than fiberglass or petroleum based spray foam insulation.

Join the conversation

How do you feel about wool insulation?
Would you use wool insulation?
How do you feel about the price?

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Outlet and Light Switches Suck Your Money Right Out the Window

Anna@Green Talk — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:08:27 +0000

Have you ever notice how cold your outlet or switch covers are in the winter? This winter was extremely cold in the northeast. Periodically, I would go around and see if air was emanating from the outlet. Sure enough, the outlets were cold as ice.

Despite the fact my house is an Energy Star house, I know that my electrician did not install an air barrier vapor box such as one like a LESSCO or AIRFOIL box. (See the picture below of a LESSCO electrical box.) Worse, there is no insulation behind the junction box. No rigid foam or open cell foam. (See the rigid insulation behind the box?)

I know. I was an unhappy camper but it was my own fault assuming that all my subcontractors understood that I wanted an energy efficient house. Seven years ago, no one gave a darn about energy efficiency, except a few of us green folks. So as I stare at those frigid outlet which scream “darn I’ m coooold.” I swear they were shivering.

What’s a green girl to do with freezing outlets?

I have to resort to a DIYer fix. Namely, foam outlet covers bought at Loews. Installing the foam covers is easy peezy. Simply remove the outlet cover with a screw driver, pop in the foam and re-screw. You might want to turn off the power to the outlet just in case you stick the screw driver in the switch box where the exposed wires are by mistake. I am dumb enough to do this.

When you are installing the foam, notice if you feel a draft. I just changed some of my outlets. The temperature outside was in the mid-fifties. I could definitely feel a draft. Just think about winter and how much cold air is coming into your house.

In fact…

Don’t do what I did. I hate that some of my plates are not flush with the baseboard. See picture at the beginning of the post where the outlet cover does not cover the hole of the electrical box? So, I tried to unscrew the outlet and move it upwards. Well, needless to say, I got a little shocked. I did notice that my hair is a little bit curlier today…

Okay, am I done? Not quite yet.

Next step is to buy children safety covers to seal up the unused plugs. If you don’t want to run to Loews or Home Depot, you can buy as many covers and child plugs as your heart desires here. (The foam is priced at 10 cents and the child safety caps are priced at 18 cents a piece.) While you are on the Conservation Mart’s site, there are also a variety of air tight covers for phone and cable jacks as well as double and triple light switches. I have a data port which is screwing blue from being cold.

The sad thing is I got rid of all those great child plugs when my kids were big enough not to put their fingers in a socket. (Seems like yesterday. In fact, it might have been yesterday?)

So, you need a designer look. I know the type.

Want to get fancy? Check out the above Cardinal Insulated Outlet Cover priced at $2.60 each. These little energy buster outlet covers not only stop the cold but keep junior’s fingers from being fried. Added bonus is that it also seals the air draft emanating from the plug area.

Now if you are a DIYer and want to make your own covers on a rainy Saturday, see my friend, Lisa’s Condo Blue’s post on how to make your own foam covers.

Don’t wait until winter to do this simple fix. You will regret it . Think Spring is for cleaning up all those cracks and crevices that suck your money down the energy drain

So, have you insulated your exterior electrical outlets and switches? Have you noticed a difference? Which product did you use?

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Green News for April 4 , 2010, Ford Motor, Facebook Green, Fake Energy Star Approvals

Anna@Green Talk — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:21:47 +0000

Photo by Fernando de Sousa.

I don’t know what got into everyone this week, but my email box was jammed with interesting green news. Is it Spring? New clothes? Lost Weight? New Love Interest? A recent Hook-up? Heck, I have no idea, but get a cup of Joe, tea or tap water (forget the bottle waters, boys and girls) and snuggle up to some good reads:

Oh, don’t forget add your own green news in the comments below. Self-promotion is advised and suggested! Just keep it green. I have the power of the Delete button and can get power crazed. Don’t make me say, “no you didn’t.”

The iPad, internet, climate change link in the spotlight

Ford Motors announces the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, expected to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America and teams up with Microsoft to implement the Microsoft Hohm™ energy management application for Ford’s electric vehicles.

Facebook intends on building its own data center using coal. Join this group (350K and strong) to say no to coal and yes to renewable energy. We want a green Facebook.

Hall Wines Earn Organic Certification. While you are on the site, check out their Gold LEED facility.

Gorgeous Green House Wrapped in a Vertical Garden

Insurance Agents: Get Ready for Green Building Exposures

Is your Blog carbon neutral? See this German project to help make our blogs carbon neutral. According to an email I received

“And how do we actually neutralize your blog’s carbon footprint? We are planting trees in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation in Plumas National Forest in Northern California for our project to neutralize the carbon footprint of blogs. Thousands of wildfires burned down many national forests over the past ten years and 88.000 acres of Plumas’ were destroyed by two fires in 2007. To help replanting we need the support of bloggers all over the world! For every participating blog we plant a tree. One blog – one tree.”

Gasoline-Powered Alarm Clock Among 15 Fake Products Receiving Energy Star Seal of Approval

Check out VolunteerSpot , “a free online volunteer coordination tool, has teamed up with Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees in honor of those who participate in earth-friendly action. The program, Give and Grow Together, rewards good deeds in giving back to the earth with the gift of trees to be grown in our fire-damaged national forests.”

New EPA Policy Should Protect Communities from Mountaintop Removal

CertainTeed Brings New Sustainable Insulation(TM) to Market From California Manufacturing Facility

D.O.E. freezes distribution of substandard Aerosys products

Cool Products and Ideas:

Open source software compared to Photoshop. Readers?

Happy Easter to those celebrating and Happy Spring to everyone! As you can see, some people above have a spring in their step. Sorry to be so corny. I just love Spring.

Readers, don’t forget your own favs. Which one of the articles did you like?

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Recycle Your Jeans at the Gap March 5-14, 2010

Anna@Green Talk — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:46:26 +0000

Photo by permission of Ben Donley

One of my most popular post is “Recycle your Blue Jeans.” I guess I have a lot of jean wearing, need to get rid of old jeans readers. Well, for a limited time, Gap is taking back old jeans as part of the CottontoBluetoGreen.org campaign. The time period is short: March 5-March 14, 2010. See here for a store near you.

In fact, when you give Gap your jeans, you can get 30% off a new pair of jeans.

Old Blue Jeans are used to create UltraTouch cotton insulation. (I have this insulation. Love it.) See the video here about how your ratty jeans become insulation.

To date, the Campaign has collected enough jean to make 185,000 square feet of insulation. It takes 500 jeans to make insulation for an average house. 180 Habitat for Humanity have houses have used this insulation. So, get a jump on spring cleaning, and head over to the Gap to give those jeans a second life. If you miss the deadline, check out my post for other jean recycling ideas.

It will give you a warm feeling.

Tip via Mommy Goes Green

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Garage Door Insulation Helps to Reduce Winter and Summer Energy Bills

Anna@Green Talk — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:39:02 +0000

Photo courtesy of Falcon Foam.

Updated 12/20/2011: Falcon Foam’s garage kit is not known as Matador.

How many of you use your garage as a work area? Or how many feel like their bedroom above the garage is cold despite adequate insulation? Are your garage doors insulated? I did not think.

My prior house had beautiful custom wood doors and no insulation in the walls. It was colder than you a know what in that garage and it severly impacted the upstairs room despite adequate insulation in the garage ceiling. So, lesson learned? Take the first step and insulate your garage doors. You can either insulate your doors yourself with kits from Matador , Owens Corning, Anco, and ASTRO-FOIL or buy brand new insulated garage doors. It is your dime. I am a firm believer in insulated doors and installed Clopay insulated doors in my new house. We also insulated the walls of the garage as well. The winter temperature is the garage is always around 50 plus degrees.

According to the EPA,

“Insulated garage doors are also widely available, which can help keep your garage and any adjacent rooms warmer in the winter, and improve the energy efficiency of your home. For homes in warmer climates, consider a perforated garage door, which allows ventilation and light inside the garage, while providing security and privacy.”

Here’s the low down on the garage kits:

Matador Garage Door Insulation Kit:

The panel is comprised of EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation with an exposed face of High Impact Polystyrene Laminate. (See picture at the beginning of the article.) According to the Company, you can install their kits in less than an hour with just a few required tools. The panels have an R-value of 4.5 at 75 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-1/4″ thick panels. One Garage Door kit contains 8 panels (each 1 1/4″ x 20 1/4″ x 54.”) The Company also sells a2 panel kit for oversized doors.

Note, it the door does not have cavities on its back side (wood door or insulated door), you can not use this kit. Read the Company’s FAQs before you order this kit. See here for instruction on how to install the product.

Thoughts? From an environmental standpoint, I don’t love that the product is made of EPS and a polystyrene laminate. Both are made from petroleum and are environmental nightmares, in my opinion. Plus, an R-value of 4.5 is better than nothing but I would like to see a higher R-value for a garage insulation kit. The Company’s response to the environmental question, “Does Falcon Foam require large amounts of natural resources to produce?”

“Studies have shown that Falcon foam production requires one-third less energy to produce than paperboard, one-half the atmospheric emissions and 42% of the waterborne wastes, compared with paperboard products. Also, total EPS production uses less than 0.1% of this country’s petroleum.”

(Note, that page no longer exist on their website; however, Atlas, the company who owns Matador states EPS Reduces Global Warming.) Looks? The Laminate appears to give the garage door a more finished look.

Priced at $85 on Matador’s site.

Owens Corning Fiberglass Garage Kit:

Watch the above video of how to install an Owens Corning Garage Kit. The panel is made out of fiberglass with a vinyl backing. Note, this system can not be used for wood doors. The specification on the Lowe’s site stated the product has an R-value of 8 and the kit could insulate a 9 foot door (12″x16″x 24″.)

Thoughts? From an environmental standpoint, I don’t love the vinyl backing which is made out of PVC as well as the fiberglass. According to the Company, their products contain trace amount of formaldehyde and have been certified by GREENGUARD as low emitting. [Source.] From a personal standpoint, I can’t be around fiberglass since the fiber dust bothers me.

Looks? Kind of like putting pillows on your doors.

Priced at $68.98. See the mixed reviews on the Lowe’s site. The product is available for sale at home improvement stores.

Anco Garage Insulation Kit:

This product is similar in looks as the Owens Corning system except the fiberglass has no formaldehyde and is made of 85% recycled fiberglass fibers. It is also GREENGUARD certified as low emitting. The product is friction based so there is no need for plastic pieces or adhesive to keep it in place like the Owens Corning product. The backing is vinyl and looks simliar to the Owens Corning product. The product has an R-9 value.

Note, this product is similar to the above products in that your door must have cavities in order for you to use this product. You can not use this product on insulated doors or wood doors.

Thoughts? As I mentioned above, I am not crazy about fiberglass insulation; however, this product is different than your average fiberglass insulation. It contains long strands, which according to President/CEO Andy McCleery are not non-respirable. (See this video about Anco’s products.)

The word, “non-respirable,” stopped me in my tracks. Sherry from Customer Service explained that due to the longer stands, there is only a minute amount of dust associated with the installation of any of their products. My experience with fiberglass has been short of an asthma attack. So, I was pleased to hear that Anco was addressing this problem with fiberglass.

I also like that this product because it is formaldehyde free and made of recycled content. Plus, it has a high R value.

Cons? As I stated above, I am not thrilled with anything that has a vinyl backing.

Looks? Again, I am not crazy about the pillow look.

Priced at $89 on sale at Texas Garages.

Photo courtesy of Sky Mall. (Note, this product sold by Sky Mall is a reflective foil kit. I used this picture as an illustration of what the system could look like.)

ASTRO-SHIELD Insulation:

There are two different ASTRO-SHIELD kits. One kits contains panels with foil insulation on both sides and an R-value of 6; whereas, the other kits contains panels with one sided foil and the other side white for a cleaner look. The single sided foil kit has an R-value of 5. The white side is made of polyethylene. The inside of the kits is made out of recycled polyethlene that is blown in between the two outside layers. It resembles bubble wrap. In order for this product to be effective, it needs an air space between the door and the insulation.

Note, there is no information about this product on ASTRO-SHIELD’s website. See here for how to install the insulation kits taken from a competitor’s website, Innovative Energy, Inc., who sells a similar product.

My first thought when I looked at this product was “low R value.” However, my understanding of R-value might be misguided. I spoke with Ken of Heartland Insulation Supply, the distributor of ASTRO-SHIELD (formerly known as ASTRO-FOIL) about what does the R-value means as it relates to foil insulations. Instead of trying to summarize what Ken told me, the passage in Heartland website’s page entitled, “High R-values Are A Must for insulation to be effective, right?” is right to the point:

“R-values only account for the heat transferred by condition and convection, and do not recognize the third form: radiation. The problem: the majority of heat transfer is in the form of radiation, which means that the R-values only tell you part of the story and as a result, are very incomplete measurements of heat resistance. Because residential buildings are required to adhere to strict building codes with specific R-values, it is optimal to use a combination of both mass insulation and some kind of radiant (reflective) material. This will increase the insulation values, satisfy the building codes, and allow you to reflect (stop) up to 97% of all radiant energy/heat.”

There are four kits available: Foil 2 Sides 2 Car; Foil 2 Sides 1 Car; Foil 1 Side 2 Car; Foil 1 Side 1 Car.

During my conversation with Ken, I asked him why I could not order off his website. He explained that they wanted people to call them to discuss their application. In my situation, I already own an insulated door. My inclination would be to order the single layer foil kit and install it face down on my door so the white side would show. Personally, I don’t like the foil side showing. Ken explained that given that I already had an insulated door, I would have to install the white side to the door with the foil showing. The product needs an air space to function effectively.

In the case of a metal uninsulated door, you can install the foil in between the cavities, which would provide for the needed air space. As for wood garage doors, Ken suggested that people install furring strips and attach the foil insulation to the same. I must have asked Ken three times to explain all of this information to me, so my advice would give him a call to explain your situation.

Just for your information, according to Ken, ASTRO-SHIELD is made for Heartland in a factory in Indiana.

Priced at $81.60 for a 2 sided foil 8′ by 10′ garage door. The white version is $76.60.

For a side by side comparison (except for the Owens Corning brand) see Texas Garages.

Despite my own green issues with the products, pick one that fits with your budget, environmental temperament, and aesthic requirements. Why should your work space be cold? Take the first step and insulate your garage doors.

Readers, have you insulated your garage doors? If so, which product did you use? If not, which one would you use and why?

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AirKrete Fire Proof Foam Insulation: Peace of Mind with Lower Energy Bills

Anna@Green Talk — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:50:13 +0000

Note: post has been updated as of 2/15/2010 due to conversation with Keene Christopher, CEO of AirKrete.

The other day as I was sitting around of table of women at a Super Bowl Party, one of the women commented on how cold this particular winter has been Quickly the conversation turned to how cold their own houses were and the cost of their utility bills. Some were wearing bulky clothing and keeping their homes quite chilly to keep their bills in check. So, I wondered, have you seen your own energy bill soar in the last couple of years?

As many of my loyal Green Talk readers know, I have written extensively about how to button up those air leaks in your house especially in your attic. But sometimes, simply caulking is not enough when you don’t have adequate insulation in your attic, crawlspace or walls.

I am fascinated about different types of insulation, and have been particularly interested about AirKrete, for sometime. This product has been around for over 25 years.

During a recent green exhibition, I interviewed New Jersey AirKrete installer, Fabio Alberti of Alberti Insulation, about the attributes of the product. I urge you to listen to the above short podcast. It is really quite informative.

What is AirKrete? According to Alberti, it is a cementitious foam insulation comprised of ~~Portland cement~~ high quality magnesium oxide (MgO) cement, ceramic talc, water, and a foaming agent. The Company states that the product is fire proof and mold resistant, and free of formaldehyde, CFCs, asbestos, and all other carcinogenic fibers. It does not off-gas.

In addition, it has an R factor of 3.9 per inch and completely fills all the nooks and crannies within a wall cavity. It does not expand within the cavity like foam, so there is no worry that it will blow out the wall. (See the Material Data Safety Sheet here as well as independent tests and approvals authenticating the Company’s claims.)

According to Alberti, the main difference between ordinary foam and Airkrete is that AirKrete is 100% fireproof rather than containing a flame retardant ingredient. In the event of a fire, AirKrete foam will not burn or create smoke.

As to cost, Kristopher stated a board foot (12″ by 12″ by 1″) on average costs the same as 1/2 lb polyurethane foam. New Jersey based Alberti states that a typical AirKrete installation would cost 20% more than the installation of foam, but would be 40-50% more effective than foam (depending on the installation) since it does not shrink from its original installed state. He claims foam, on the other hand, shrinks.

How is the product installed? Watch the above video. The product fills the walls like other foam applications and cures within a few days. It is ideal for new construction and can be added to existing homes. The beauty of the product, according to Alberti, is left over product could easily be disposed of in your garden.

During my conversation with Alberti, I was impressed that AirKrete could be installed through an exterior wall so less damage would be done to the interior walls of your home. He explained it is the only insulation that can be installed from the exterior as well as through brick veneer.

So, is it really fire proof? The above video shows a penny being burned on top of AirKrete. The foam does not burn. The Penny…well, it did not do as well.

The Company does not maintain a list of installers on their website. If you are interested in AirKrete, simply contact the Company through their email address and they will furnish you with the name of a local installer.

~~A couple of caveats about the product.~~ While I was writing this article, I thought all types of cement are the same. Creating Portland cement is a heavily embodied energy process. According to the Material Resource Institute at Penn State,

“Concrete is, by volume, the most common manmade material in the world, with 2 ½ billion tons poured each year. In the process of making Portland cement, a main component of concrete, one ton of CO2 is released into the atmosphere for each ton of cement produced, accounting for 7 percent of manmade global emissions.” [Source]

However, what makes AirKrete different is that it is made out of Magnesium Oxide not Portland Cement. According to George Swanson, in his article, “ Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Chloride, and Phosphate-based Cements,”

“Depending upon where they are mined, magnesium oxide and magnesium oxide/magnesium chloride cements require only 20%-40% of the energy required to produce Portland cement.”

Swanson’s article is a must read, comprehensive look at the use of Portland Cement versus magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride cement. Most notably, he explained the health benefits of using magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride cement to Portland Cement.

Inevitably, with greener products, you have to pick your poison. Foam insulation, on the other hand, contains polyurethane, a petroleum based product, which environmentalists have argued depletes a dwindling natural resource.

One caveat about the product. Alex Wilson, founder and executive editor of BuildingGreen, LLC in Brattleboro, Vermont, who I admire very much, wrote in his September, 2009 article entitled “Foam-In-Place Insulation,” that there were few trained installers and it may be more expensive to hire one that was far away from your area. In my situation, Alberti covers New Jersey, and he is reasonably close to me. Like Alex stated, installing AirKrete may not be so easy for you in your area. Christopher confirmed this issue but stated more and more installers are coming aboard.

In addition, Wilson states,

“Other than availability, the biggest problem with Air Krete is that the cured foam is fairly fragile; if exposed to frequent vibration, such as along a busy highway, the foam can begin to disintegrate, reducing its performance. The manufacturer is working to solve this problem.”

Christopher denied this statement and had no idea where Wilson heard this problem. ~~Keep Alex’s point in mind if your home is exposed to frequent vibrations. Contact the Company to see if they have resolved this situation~~.

Readers, has anyone used AirKrete ?

Have you found this winter to be worse than prior years? Or are we just getting older and starting to feel the cold?

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Air Infiltration in Your Home Causing Energy Bill Blues?

Anna@Green Talk — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 02:24:47 +0000

Photo by Dee Teal by permission.

Updated 1/25/2012

Would your feet look like the above picture if you took off your socks and shoes in your house? Are you cold, unable to stay warm, and tired of giving away your money to the utility companies? Sometimes, you think the utility company should be considered a charity. You donate large sums to them so often. People would call this the Energy Bill Blues.

Not a pretty tune.

Just to recap, I have given your several tips in both my posts, “Look to Your Attic To Lower Your Energy Bills” and “Is Your Living Area too Leaky?” I know. Winterizing you house is really sexy. Are you biting at the bit for more tips?

So, here are the next 8, starting with lucky number 7! Let’s stop air infiltration. After I am done, arm yourself with your handy caulk gun and go to work so that you can be snug as a bug in your warm house.

Seventh Tip-Drafty Windows

Oh, those drafty windows! Consider replacing your windows with Energy Star rated qualified windows.What is an energy efficient window? Check out Energy Star’s article, “Anatomy of an Energy Efficient Window.”

“New ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help reduce your energy bill up to 15 percent. Estimated savings vary from region to region depending on current heating and cooling costs and are generally greatest where there are hot summers, cold winters or both.

In addition, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights do more than just lower energy bills-they deliver more comfort, create less condensation, and protect your valuables from sun damage better than conventional clear-glass double-paned alternatives.”¹

If replacing your windows is not in your budget, then consider having glass or acrylic storm windows made, caulk around the windows, and install window treatments especially made to insulate your windows.

Contact the following companies who make eco-friendly window coverings: Earthshade (their truegreen hemp insuliner made of a blend of cotton and hemp), Veridrape, Symphony Shades, EcoSmart Insulating shades, Window Quilts, and Green Sage’s lined drapes. You can also use quilts as window treatments as well.

Update 01/25/2012: If you are ready to remodel, check out my article about triple pane windows and storm windows.

Eighth Tip-Insulate Crawl Spaces

Always insulate a crawl space. The proper way to insulate it depends on whether it is ventilated or not. Read the article by US Department of Energy, entitled “Crawl Space Insulation,” to learn how to insulate the different types of crawlspaces.

Ninth Tip-Insulate Your Basement Rim Joist

“A common area of air leakage in the basement is along the top of the basement wall where cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame. These leaks can easily be fixed in portions of the basement that are unfinished. Since the top of the wall is above ground, outside air can be drawn in through cracks and gaps where the house framing sits on top of the foundation. This perimeter framing is called the rim (or band) joist. In the basement, the above floor joists end at the rim joist creating multiple cavities along the length of the wall, and many opportunities for leakage.”²

Family Handyman has a terrific article showing you where to seal your basement rim joist. In addition, it has pictures to identify many leaks in your house.

Tenth Tip-Lock you doors and windows

I asked Ed Schwartz, founder of Green Living Solutions, a northern NJ home energy consulting company, what is the most overlooked winterizing remediation in your house. He replied, “locking your windows. Although people may think this is for security reasons, locking your windows actually creates a seal to prevent air infiltration.” Take Ed’s advice and go check all of your windows to make sure they are locked properly.

Eleventh Tip-Leaky Dryer Vents and Exhaust Vents

Last month I wrote about “Is Your Dryer Vent Giving You a Cold?” Those flimsy dryer and exhaust vents do absolutely nothing to prevent air infiltration into your laundry rooms and bathrooms. I have installed the Heartland Natural Energy Savings Dryer Vent Closure System DRY21000™ as my dryer vent. My laundry room has been warmer since I installed this device.

I still need to install more efficient dampers on my exhaust vents. Those metal vents just flap away in the wind. Both CET and Batticdoor sell the clothes dryer vent seal and Batticdoor sell exhaust vents.

Twelfth Tip-Soffits in Second Floors

Sometimes recessed lights on the second floor are enclosed in soffits. Take a look at your bathroom and see if your lights are in a “box.” Many times, soffits are overlooked and are hollow. Replace the cans with air tight cans and insulate the soffit.

Thirteenth Tip-Insulating Cantilevers

Your house may have a second floor overhang. Ever wonder why the floor is so cold in that part of the house? The overhang needs to be insulated.

Fourteenth Tip- Landscaping for Energy Efficiency not Just Beauty

“Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to keep your home cool in summer and reduce your energy bills. In addition to adding aesthetic value and environmental quality to your home, a well-placed tree, shrub, or vine can deliver effective shade, act as a windbreak, and reduce overall energy bills.” ³

You can save up to 25% of typical household energy used for cooling by carefully positioned trees on your property. Consult with a landscape architect as to positioning your landscaping to provide you with the maximum energy reduction.

Fifteen Tip-Insulate the Water Heater

Insulating your hot water pipes and installing a jacket around your hot water heater are not tips to make your house less drafty. However, they will reduce your energy bills. See the article, entitled, “Insulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings.”

If you are not a DIYer and would rather contact a home energy rater such as Green Living Solutions, to help you ascertain where you need to plug holes in your house, Energy Star provides a list of home energy raters by state. Check first if your local utility company provides this service for free or at a discounted fee.

Sources:

“More than Just a Dollar,” Energy Star

“Locating Air Leaks,” Energy Star

“Landscaping,” US Department of Energy

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