Evolving Insulation

One of the great aspects of green construction is that we are learning how to do things that we've been doing for a long time better.

Earlier this year, I did a renovation project to finish off the attic of my home. When I was choosing materials for the project, the choice of insulation was one area that took the most time to figure out. The space had some limitations with the space available for the insulation and, being an old home, there were also some limitations in the venting for the roof. (A properly vented roof is best for the life of the shingles). The product I wound up using was a form of spray foam insulation. I was a bit taken back by the higher cost compared to the conventional product, but it provided a superior level of insulation given the space we had to work with.

This week I came across the roof shown in the photo and I realized how well it illustrates attic insulation properties. When you look at the snow on the roof, you can see vertical lines where there is less snow. These lines are where the roof rafters are on the underside of the roof. The rafters are the wooden structure supporting the roof. What is interesting is that the snow has melted more where the rafters run compared to the spaces between. It's the spaces between that contain the insulation. So, on a well insulated roof, you will get this pattern because there is more heat escaping through the rafters than through the insulated cavities.

One building technique that I have seen in green new construction changes the way the traditional framing is done to decrease the amount of wooden framing and to create more insulation space. Additionally, some insulation products allow for a higher degree of insulation per inch. So in a typical six inch thick wall, there is a higher insulation property for the thickness. This is especially productive when doing renovation projects in older homes because there is often less space for insulation in the older framing.

There are some great Maine organizations that are doing work to improve building techniques, development and materials. Two are the U.S. Green Building Council and Grow Smart Maine. Most general building inspectors are also evaluating levels of efficiency as part of the home inspection. What are some other areas of efficiency that you have seen? Thinking of doing some renovations? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my expertise!  For more info and the original article.