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Consider the Environment
“Hubbert’s curve”, named after geophysicist M. King Hubbert and
presented to the American Petroleum Institute in 1956, predicted
that US domestic oil production would peak between 1965 and 1970,
and it did in 1971. It also projected a peak in worldwide
production in 2001; some experts believe it peaked in 2004. The
supply is not infinite.
Today’s buildings consume nearly two thirds of all electricity
that is produced. It’s estimated that 40% of all raw materials are
used in building construction. On average, a 2,200 square foot
house consumes 1.5 acres of forest and generates about 13 tons of
waste. Conventional stick built homes have framing factors that
range from 22-35% versus a framing factor of 8% for walls built
with a structural insulated panel system. It’s also estimated that
today’s buildings produce one third of all greenhouse emissions.
| Recent testing from Oak Ridge National Laboratories proves that
structural insulated systems outperform conventional 2’x4’, and
even 2’x6’, wall assemblies with batt insulation. In wood frame
construction, thermal breaks allow heat transfer at the stud
facings, plates, headers, nail penetrations, and utility
openings.
Therefore, even though a wall analysis might show thermal
resistance to be R-24, an infra-red camera can quickly prove
otherwise. SIPS provide a continuous thermal barrier since wire
and plumbing chases are usually pre-cut in the center of the wall. |
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Infra-red image reveals thermal breaks in
conventional wood-frame construction. |
I.A.Q. (indoor air quality) has also become a recent topic of
discussion with the arrival of the “sick” house. No cladding is
immune as brick, vinyl siding, and stucco buildings have all
exhibited signs of poor air quality. Buildings become “sick” for
many reasons. HVAC systems can be oversized causing a lack of air
movement, moisture infiltration due to improper flashings and
details around windows, doors, roofs, and decks, as well as from
everyday tasks such as washing clothes, taking showers, and
cooking. If moisture gets in, it needs a way to get out!
Department of Defense ORNL Whole-Wall Anaylsis
produced by
Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (ORNL)
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