The Icynene Insulation System®

The product is:

Healthier: Water is the only blowing agent. Icynene® contains no CFCs, HCFCs, HFAs, HFCs, formaldehyde or volatile organic chemicals. It seals out dust, pollen and other allergens from entering the structure. As an air barrier, Icynene® minimizes the potential for condensation and the subsequent mold and mildew.

Quieter: By sealing the building envelope, Icynene® effectively minimizes airborne sounds. Icynene® is perfect for reducing unwanted noises from home theaters, plumbing runs, roads and playrooms.

More Energy Efficient: Icynene® delivers up to 50% energy savings versus traditional insulation.

Application Case Study: Energy Efficient Remodel of a Heritage Home

Synopsis:

√ Achieved more than a 50% reduction in the size and cost of the HVAC system by installing Icynene® rather than fiberglass insulation

√ Improved Indoor Air Quality

√ Maintained low moisture/humidity levels, despite extreme outdoor levels

√ Reduced energy consumption

The Challenge

Built in 1908 and situated within the federally designated historic district of Wilmington, North Carolina, an abandoned home was acquired for rehabilitation by homeowner, Martyn St. David. Deemed to be in a general state of disrepair, the building was to be gutted and restored in order to serve as Martyn's residence as well as her office. This was to be achieved while remaining sensitive to environmental concerns when choosing building materials.

Moreover, Martyn's allergic reactions to mold and mildew demanded a high-performance insulation and air barrier that is dedicated to moisture control. By eliminating air leakage, The Icynene Insulation System® minimizes condensation caused by infiltrating moist/humid air which would otherwise be transported through the building envelope, invading cool, air-conditioned surfaces. Minimizing the opportunity for condensation helps prevent, mold growth within the walls and ceilings.

The challenge was to convert this previously abandoned house into an Energy Star™ rated home. To earn the Energy Star™ designation, the home must receive a minimum Home Energy Rating (HERS) of 86, which translates to at least a 30% increase in energy efficiency versus the Model Energy Code.

The one-story, five-room 1,104 square foot home was to be converted to 2 bedrooms with a home office. This made the reduction of airborne sounds a key factor when evaluating insulation alternatives.

The original clapboard structure was designed long before air conditioning was a standard household feature, so it was built to circulate air throughout the wall system. In balloon frame tradition, all interior wall stud cavities were open from the crawlspace to the attic, which had vents installed into the gable ends. These gable vents would provide an avenue of escape for the hot air. By incorporating lots of windows for primary ventilation, this design provided for a fairly comfortable home in the days of unlocked doors and no security alarms. However, high humidity levels experienced in North Carolina during the summer months affected the humidity levels inside the home. During these months, interior humidity levels were equivalent to the extreme levels that were present outside.

The Solution - Insulate with Icynene®

The need for a Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient® living environment inevitably resulted in the decision to install The Icynene Insulation System® in this heritage home. This high-performance, soft-expanding foam insulation was required to tighten the building envelope in order to decrease interior humidity levels, improve indoor air quality, regulate the attic temperature and incorporate a properly-sized heating and cooling system to optimize performance and energy efficiency.

The installation included:

 R-20 (5.5 inches) of Icynene Insulation System® in the roof deck, which allows the attic temperature to adjust within 10 degrees F or 10°C of the ambient interior temperature of the house.

 R-13 (3.5 inches) of Icynene Insulation System® in the walls