Application
Case Study: Cathedral Ceiling Insulation Retrofit
Product Comparison: Icynene® versus
Fiberglass
Synopsis:
√ Icynene® lowered heating costs by 24% in a 12% colder climate
period
√ Icynene® provided a more consistent temperature
√ Icynene® corrected a mold and mildew problem
The Problem
Mr. Johann Eyolfson of Grindstone Point, Manitoba (approximately 90 miles
north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) was unhappy with his high electric
heating bills and inability to maintain a consistent comfortable temperature.
The home was 2,236 square feet and utilized forced air electric heat with
heat recovery ventilator, and mechanical ventilation. The house was only
occupied on weekends and holidays. When not occupied during the week, all
thermostats were set at 10 degrees Celsius (50� F.)
The structure had a web truss roof and R50 fiberglass insulation that had
been in place for 3 years. The walls featured 2” x 6” construction
with 6” fiberglass insulation. Both the walls and ceiling included
2 layers of 6 millimeter polyethylene which had been caulked and taped.
Post and pad foundation was present and there was an insulated pony wall
around a heated crawl space.
The Solution – Retrofit with Icynene®
The R50 fiberglass insulation was removed from the cathedral great room
and two adjacent wings (1660 sq.ft.) The home owner wanted to insulate and
seal the ceiling so that the warm moist interior air remained contained
in the living space of the home.
Removal:
R50 fiberglass insulation (1660 sq.ft) Retrofit
With R-20 (5.5 inches) of Icynene® Insulation Sprayed on:
-underside of roof deck
-gable ends
-soffit vents, now sealed
-gable vents, now sealed
The remaining portion of the attic floor space, approximately 576 sq.ft.
was left intact with the original R40 fiberglass batt insulation.
The Results
| |
Sept 1999 – Jan 2000
Before Icynene® |
Sept 2000 – Jan 2001
After Icynene® |
| Heating degree days*(1) |
3,071 |
3,441 |
| Kilowatt hours used **(2) |
14,540 |
11,170 |
| (*Heating Degree Days = Each degree that
the average daily temperature is below the base temperature (65� F)
constitutes one heating degree day. This data was supplied by Environment
Canada) |
The time period in which the electricity consumption was measured for
The Icynene Insulation System® was approximately 12% colder than the
time period for the R-50 fiberglass insulation.
Electricity consumption was reduced by 24% due to the retrofit with Icynene®
. The reduction in electricity consumption due to Icynene®
Would have been even lower if the heating degree days were the same between
the two measurement periods.
The electricity consumption would have been reduced further if the fiberglass
had been removed from the remaining portions of the attic andd walls.
The homeowner was aware of the potential added benefit of completing the
project but did not want to be involved in further renovations.
The Icynene® Insulation Retrofit:
√ Saved money with lower energy costs. A 24% savings in this case.
√ Maintained a more consistent temperature throughout the house.
√ Eliminated the mold and mildew problem in the cathedral
ceiling.
The Icynene Insulation System®
Icynene® is a low density soft foam insulation which is sprayed into/onto
walls, crawl-spaces and ceilings by Icynene Licensed Dealers. Sprayed
as a liquid, it expands to 100 times its volume in seconds to create a
superior insulation and air barrier. Every crevice, crack, electrical
box, duct, and exterior penetration is effortlessly sealed to reduce energy
robbing air leakage. The Icynene Insulation System® adheres to all
surfaces and remains flexible so that the integrity of the building envelope
seal remains intact over time.
Icynene® is ideal for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional
applications.
The product is:
Healthier: Water based. No CFCs, HCFCs, Formaldehyde,
or volatile chemicals. Seals out dust, pollen, and other allergens from
entering the structure. Air sealing minimizes the potential for condensation,
molds, mildews.
Quieter: Air sealing blocks out air-borne noise from
entering the structure. Eliminates vibration in plumbing run walls.
More Energy Efficient: 30 – 50% energy savings
versus traditional insulation when used in identical situations.
Information about The Icynene Insulation System® can be obtained by
calling Icynene Inc. (800-758-7325), visiting the web site www.icynene.com,
or contacting your local Icynene Licensed Dealer.
Footnotes:
(1) Data supplied by Environment Canada
(2) Data supplied by Manitoba Hydro |
