Webinar sharing report findings including aerosol sealing cost-effectiveness in multifamily buildings and recommendations on how utilities and contractors can take advantage of this new sealing application.
This presentation provides information on a field research project of an aerosol sealant used to reduce the leakage of existing and new construction multifamily units.
Home energy audits are needed to ensure that your home performs. Don't waste money on energy efficient upgrades until having an energy audit performed.
Airtight Construction - Step 1 of The Seven Steps of Building a Synergy HomeTodd Witt
Airtight Construction is Step 1 of The Seven Steps of Building A Synergy Home. Airtight Construction is the foundation of energy efficient building. However, in absence of the other 6 Steps a home may experience major issues.
State of the Art Review of Unvented Sloped Wood-Framed Roofs in Cold ClimatesRDH Building Science
Typical residential house construction in North America has long had vented attics above living space with the insulation and air control layer at the ceiling plane of the living space. Except for documented wintertime condensation issues in cold climates, such vented attics generally perform quite well, provided that they are ventilated adequately and air leakage from the interior is prevented. However, architects and designers are moving away from empty attics by using the attic space as conditioned storage or bonus rooms, or by designing larger interior volumes with cathedral ceilings. The practical challenges of ventilating cathedralized attics and cathedral ceilings have been significant, both because of increased geometrical complexity and because of the number of penetrations typically required for services.
Spray foam has been used successfully in tens of thousands of unvented roof assemblies throughout North America but some concerns remain in the building industry that these assemblies are inferior to ventilated roof assemblies. The National Building Code of Canada, in particular, makes it difficult for designers to use unvented roof assemblies, even using designs that are approved in similar building codes in the United States and have been proven to be durable, high-performing options. Over the past decade, the authors have been directly involved with studies of both 0.5 pcf (8 kg/m3) open cell spray foam, and 2.0 pcf (32 kg/m3) closed cell spray foam in unvented roof assemblies in various climates with continuous monitoring of temperature and moisture conditions. This paper provides a literature review of research that has been conducted on wood-framed sloped unvented roof assemblies, but will focus on results from a field monitoring study of sloped unvented wood roofs in partnership with the University of Waterloo, as well as a field survey that opened roofs and removed samples from aged unvented roof assemblies.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
This presentation provides information on a field research project of an aerosol sealant used to reduce the leakage of existing and new construction multifamily units.
Home energy audits are needed to ensure that your home performs. Don't waste money on energy efficient upgrades until having an energy audit performed.
Airtight Construction - Step 1 of The Seven Steps of Building a Synergy HomeTodd Witt
Airtight Construction is Step 1 of The Seven Steps of Building A Synergy Home. Airtight Construction is the foundation of energy efficient building. However, in absence of the other 6 Steps a home may experience major issues.
State of the Art Review of Unvented Sloped Wood-Framed Roofs in Cold ClimatesRDH Building Science
Typical residential house construction in North America has long had vented attics above living space with the insulation and air control layer at the ceiling plane of the living space. Except for documented wintertime condensation issues in cold climates, such vented attics generally perform quite well, provided that they are ventilated adequately and air leakage from the interior is prevented. However, architects and designers are moving away from empty attics by using the attic space as conditioned storage or bonus rooms, or by designing larger interior volumes with cathedral ceilings. The practical challenges of ventilating cathedralized attics and cathedral ceilings have been significant, both because of increased geometrical complexity and because of the number of penetrations typically required for services.
Spray foam has been used successfully in tens of thousands of unvented roof assemblies throughout North America but some concerns remain in the building industry that these assemblies are inferior to ventilated roof assemblies. The National Building Code of Canada, in particular, makes it difficult for designers to use unvented roof assemblies, even using designs that are approved in similar building codes in the United States and have been proven to be durable, high-performing options. Over the past decade, the authors have been directly involved with studies of both 0.5 pcf (8 kg/m3) open cell spray foam, and 2.0 pcf (32 kg/m3) closed cell spray foam in unvented roof assemblies in various climates with continuous monitoring of temperature and moisture conditions. This paper provides a literature review of research that has been conducted on wood-framed sloped unvented roof assemblies, but will focus on results from a field monitoring study of sloped unvented wood roofs in partnership with the University of Waterloo, as well as a field survey that opened roofs and removed samples from aged unvented roof assemblies.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology.
Vapour Permeable Air Barriers: Real World Evaluation - What Works, What Doesn...Lorne Ricketts
As insulation and airtightness requirements increase, vapour permeable liquid and self-adhesive air barrier membrane products are rapidly gaining traction in the North American marketplace. This presentation looks at real world testing of various types of these membranes and identifies potential strengths and weakness of these types of products.
Kitec Plumbing Replacement : A Comprehensive GuideSamantha Angel
A slide deck to walk property managers and condo boards through the nuts and bolts of replacing the defective Kited plumbing in all of the units in a multi-unit residential complex or building.
State of the Art of Multi-Unit Residential Building Airtightness: Test Procedures, Performance, and Industry Involvement
Outline:
- Airtightness Test Procedures & Equipment
- Worldwide Regulatory Requirements & Targets for Airtightness
- Airtightness of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
- Air Barrier Systems
- Industry Preparedness for Airtightness Testing
Moisture Buffering and Ventilation Strategies to Control Indoor Humidity in a...RDH Building Science
Control of the indoor humidity in a marine climate is a challenge, especially under operating conditions where high indoor humidity is a norm. Outdated mechanical equipment, inefficient ventilation design, and occupants’ life styles are some of the contributing factors to high indoor humidity. In this field experimental study, the moisture buffering potential of unfinished drywall in reducing daily indoor humidity peaks, coupled with various ventilation strategies are investigated. Two identical test buildings exposed to real climatic conditions in Burnaby, BC are monitored under varying ventilation rates and schemes.
The interior of the test building is clad with unfinished drywall, while the control building is covered with polyethylene, which has negligible moisture buffering. In this way, the moisture buffering potential of drywall under four test cases is isolated. Under the test cases, the indoor air quality in terms of CO2 concentration, and ventilation heat loss of the two buildings are also evaluated.
The results show that the moisture buffering potential of drywall effectively regulates indoor humidity peaks, and maintains relative humidity levels within acceptable thresholds, when coupled with adequate ventilation as recommended by ASHRAE. When coupled with time-controlled and demand-controlled ventilation schemes, the moisture buffering effect of drywall shows competing benefits.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology
Pre monsoon-checklist-for-pre-engineered-buildings- EPACK PEBEPACK PEB
Monsoon has arrived!
How much preparation you have made for your Pre Engineered Building?
Here is a maintenance checklist for your PEB that will let you know what part of your PEB required maintenance in Monsoon!
THIS COURSE TEACHES:
-- Analyze substrate conditions to identify problematic substrate conditions – including substrate variation and excessive moisture.
-- Explain the effects of excessive moisture levels in substrates on specific floor-coverings and delineate the benefits of a moisture mitigation membrane.
-- Understand how to work within the parameters of today’s tight construction schedules and commitment to LEED® certification, while simultaneously addressing substrate conditions to prevent flooring failures.
-- Address substrate variation by selecting an appropriate patch or self-leveler.
What will be discussed in this white paper presentation is simply our approach to the assessment of a single family residential home in Florida. We will describe the how and the why of our residential IAQ assessments, the basis for our opinions and the equipment used during our assessments.
SPF Insulation Build It Tight Ventilate It Right JPL 10-10-2015 2016 IAQA Ann...John P. Lapotaire, CIEC.
This presentation will be discussing the issues with the reduction of the necessary natural or passive ventilation in a home that is substantially reduced when SPF insulation is installed. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have had a residential ventilation standard since 2003, ASHRAE 62.2. So while a home’s recommended minimum ventilation rate remained unchanged for many years, ASHRAE has recognized the tighter construction of today’s homes and 10 years after the initial ASHRAE 62.2, there are new and controversial changes to the 2013 version of ASHRAE 62.2.
Vapour Permeable Air Barriers: Real World Evaluation - What Works, What Doesn...Lorne Ricketts
As insulation and airtightness requirements increase, vapour permeable liquid and self-adhesive air barrier membrane products are rapidly gaining traction in the North American marketplace. This presentation looks at real world testing of various types of these membranes and identifies potential strengths and weakness of these types of products.
Kitec Plumbing Replacement : A Comprehensive GuideSamantha Angel
A slide deck to walk property managers and condo boards through the nuts and bolts of replacing the defective Kited plumbing in all of the units in a multi-unit residential complex or building.
State of the Art of Multi-Unit Residential Building Airtightness: Test Procedures, Performance, and Industry Involvement
Outline:
- Airtightness Test Procedures & Equipment
- Worldwide Regulatory Requirements & Targets for Airtightness
- Airtightness of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
- Air Barrier Systems
- Industry Preparedness for Airtightness Testing
Moisture Buffering and Ventilation Strategies to Control Indoor Humidity in a...RDH Building Science
Control of the indoor humidity in a marine climate is a challenge, especially under operating conditions where high indoor humidity is a norm. Outdated mechanical equipment, inefficient ventilation design, and occupants’ life styles are some of the contributing factors to high indoor humidity. In this field experimental study, the moisture buffering potential of unfinished drywall in reducing daily indoor humidity peaks, coupled with various ventilation strategies are investigated. Two identical test buildings exposed to real climatic conditions in Burnaby, BC are monitored under varying ventilation rates and schemes.
The interior of the test building is clad with unfinished drywall, while the control building is covered with polyethylene, which has negligible moisture buffering. In this way, the moisture buffering potential of drywall under four test cases is isolated. Under the test cases, the indoor air quality in terms of CO2 concentration, and ventilation heat loss of the two buildings are also evaluated.
The results show that the moisture buffering potential of drywall effectively regulates indoor humidity peaks, and maintains relative humidity levels within acceptable thresholds, when coupled with adequate ventilation as recommended by ASHRAE. When coupled with time-controlled and demand-controlled ventilation schemes, the moisture buffering effect of drywall shows competing benefits.
Presented at the 15th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology
Pre monsoon-checklist-for-pre-engineered-buildings- EPACK PEBEPACK PEB
Monsoon has arrived!
How much preparation you have made for your Pre Engineered Building?
Here is a maintenance checklist for your PEB that will let you know what part of your PEB required maintenance in Monsoon!
THIS COURSE TEACHES:
-- Analyze substrate conditions to identify problematic substrate conditions – including substrate variation and excessive moisture.
-- Explain the effects of excessive moisture levels in substrates on specific floor-coverings and delineate the benefits of a moisture mitigation membrane.
-- Understand how to work within the parameters of today’s tight construction schedules and commitment to LEED® certification, while simultaneously addressing substrate conditions to prevent flooring failures.
-- Address substrate variation by selecting an appropriate patch or self-leveler.
What will be discussed in this white paper presentation is simply our approach to the assessment of a single family residential home in Florida. We will describe the how and the why of our residential IAQ assessments, the basis for our opinions and the equipment used during our assessments.
SPF Insulation Build It Tight Ventilate It Right JPL 10-10-2015 2016 IAQA Ann...John P. Lapotaire, CIEC.
This presentation will be discussing the issues with the reduction of the necessary natural or passive ventilation in a home that is substantially reduced when SPF insulation is installed. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have had a residential ventilation standard since 2003, ASHRAE 62.2. So while a home’s recommended minimum ventilation rate remained unchanged for many years, ASHRAE has recognized the tighter construction of today’s homes and 10 years after the initial ASHRAE 62.2, there are new and controversial changes to the 2013 version of ASHRAE 62.2.
The energy required to heat and cool outdoor air and infiltration air is a significant fraction of thermal loads. This project has developed diagnostic procedures to identify air leaks and methods to calculate the savings from air sealing large commercial and institutional buildings. Envelope air sealing could significantly reduce large building energy consumption, but no systematic research has identified the most cost-effective strategies for Minnesota buildings.
The Predictability of Moisture Control & Building Air Tightness in High-Perfo...George DuBose
Course / Learning Objectives:
•Learn about the non-conformance in air-tightness standards and what's driving this non-consensus.
•Examine case studies to realize the differences in air-tightness results as compared to air-tightness standards.
•Recognize the importance of moisture control while achieving air tightness and understand the predictable elements of this process.
•Apply predictable elements of air-barrier design that will mitigate failures.
To save energy seal ducts. New code requirements will test ducts for air leakage. Find out the best way to seal your HVAC system whether it's a retrofit or a new system.
Advisian Digital Enterprises hosted the COMIT community day at Brentford in March 2015 at WorelyParsons. These slides were presented during their showcase slot.
2017.11.29 - ROXUL EDC New York - Lorne Ricketts Enclosure Design for High Pe...ROCKWOOL
ROXUL® Building Science, Dörken Systems and RDH Building Science Laboratories’ Lorne Ricketts discussed and shared in resolving common problems related to high performance building design and Passive House construction. This half-day seminar provided 3 CONTINUING EDUCATION LEARNING UNITS and reviewed the following learning objectives:
Identify building enclosure challenges to meeting stringent energy codes and Passive House standard
Recognize and understand critical design principles and strategies to meet high energy performance targets
Understand the in-situ performance of building enclosure materials and systems with respect to airtightness
Gain awareness of emerging issues and trends in building enclosure design that may influence design decisions and building performance.
Airflow in Mid to High-rise Multi-Unit Residential BuildingsRDH Building Science
Agenda
1. Understand typical ventilation practices for multi-unit residential buildings including corridor pressurization systems.
2. Understand performance issues associated with the ventilation of high-rise multi-unit residential buildings including the impacts of stack effect, wind, and airtightness.
3. Learn about how the theory of airflow relates well to what is
measured in-service, but that the well understood theory is not always taken into account in design.
Leveraging existing home inspections at time-of-sale to promote energy upgrades. Presentation given at ACEEE 2018 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
As the mantra to "electrify everything" intensifies, we'll need to develop a clear understanding of what that goal means and what it will take to get us there. Electrification may be our only practical pathway to decarbonization, but that doesn't reduce the need for a keen awareness of what we're undertaking.
This forum brought in speakers from both Minnesota and around the country to talk about a range of electrification topics including emerging tech, an evolving grid, ongoing natural gas reliance and electric innovations.
This webinar gives a technical overview of the field assessment, measured energy savings, occupant feedback, and evaluation of cost-effectiveness of transport membrane humidifier (TMH) technology.
Energy Fit Homes is a certificate program administered by the Center for Energy and Environment, designed specifically for existing homes in Minnesota and is focused exclusively on energy efficient upgrades that are cost-effective to the homeowner.
The presentation includes background information on building science and the benefits of Energy Fit Homes for both homeowners and Realtors®. Real estate professionals who attended the presentation received the tools needed to start integrating the program into their Realtor® client services.
There’s growing awareness that perhaps the only practical pathway to achieving Minnesota’s deep decarbonization goal is through a combination of steps.
Research lead discusses how new generation air source heat pumps perform in Minnesota’s colder climate, how to best integrate air source heat pumps into utility efficiency programs, and how this new technology has the potential to create new business opportunities in the building and design world.
Research identifying common issues affecting the effectiveness of Energy Recovery Ventilation in Minnesota buildings and developing a protocol to optimize their performance.
Technical overview of the research questions and findings as well as a discussion of targeted recommendations for utility energy efficiency programs and operator learning.
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies.EpconLP
Epcon is One of the World's leading Manufacturing Companies. With over 4000 installations worldwide, EPCON has been pioneering new techniques since 1977 that have become industry standards now. Founded in 1977, Epcon has grown from a one-man operation to a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative air pollution control technology and industrial heating equipment.
Presented by The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action at GLF Peatlands 2024 - The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Altered Terrain: Colonial Encroachment and Environmental Changes in Cachar, A...PriyankaKilaniya
The beginning of colonial policy in the area was signaled by the British annexation of the Cachar district in southern Assam in 1832. The region became an alluring investment opportunity for Europeans after British rule over Cachar, especially after the accidental discovery of wild tea in 1855. Within this historical context, this study explores three major stages that characterize the evolution of nature. First, it examines the distribution and growth of tea plantations, examining their size and rate of expansion. The second aspect of the study examines the consequences of land concessions, which led to the initial loss of native forests. Finally, the study investigates the increased strain on forests caused by migrant workers' demands. It also highlights the crucial role that the Forest Department plays in protecting these natural habitats from the invasion of tea planters. This study aims to analyze the intricate relationship between colonialism and the altered landscape of Cachar, Assam, by means of a thorough investigation, shedding light on the environmental, economic, and societal aspects of this historical transformation.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Top 8 Strategies for Effective Sustainable Waste Management.pdfJhon Wick
Discover top strategies for effective sustainable waste management, including product removal and product destruction. Learn how to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, implement waste segregation, and explore innovative technologies for a greener future.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Climate Change All over the World .pptxsairaanwer024
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It encompasses both global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. While climate change is a natural phenomenon, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated its pace and intensity
3. Minnesota Applied Research &
Development Fund
Purpose to help Minnesota utilities achieve 1.5
% energy savings goal by:
• Identifying new technologies or strategies to
maximize energy savings;
• Improving effectiveness of energy conservation
programs;
• Documenting CO2 reductions from energy
conservation programs.
Minnesota Statutes §216B.241, Subd. 1e.
5. New Technology for Efficient
Multifamily Building Envelope Sealing
Dave Bohac PE | Director of Research
June 2017
6. Pg. 6
Multifamily Experience
• Facility assessments of over 2,000
buildings in Minnesota
• Completed over 20 research
projects
7. Pg. 7
Multifamily Research Projects
PROJECT ANTICIPATE FINDINGS
• Condensing boiler optimization Available
• Multifamily ventilation optimization Available
• Multifamily aerosol envelope air sealing Available
• Indoor pool optimization Fall 2017
• Demand controller recirculation loop Fall 2017
• Through-wall furnace/AC packages Fall 2017
8. Multifamily Envelope Sealing
Opportunity:
• Existing. Thousands of leaky
units built before any tightness
requirements.
• New Construction.
• Lowrise - moderately
tight with ventilation.
• Highrise – limited
tightness requirement.
9. Benefits:
• Reduced air infiltration energy costs
• Reduced odor transfer & improved IAQ
• Improved comfort from reduced drafts
• Reduced noise transmission (neighbors and outside)
• Improved envelope durability
• Reduced stack effect
10. Envelope Sealing Challenges:
• Existing buildings. No/difficult/costly access
to distributed air leaks. 10% to 30% reduction
is challenging.
• New Construction. Single family approaches
only recently starting to carry over to
multifamily buildings. How can we do this
more effectively for both exterior leakage and
compartmentalization?
11. Envelope Tightness Requirements:
• Minnesota Energy Code (2015).
• SF and 1 to 3 story MF: 3.0 ACH50
• 4+ story MF: 0.4 cfm75/sf
• Green Communities (MHFA). EPA ENERGY STAR for
multifamily high rise = 0.3 cfm50/sf (4 – 8 ACH50)
• LEED.
• Prerequisite. 1-3 story: 3.0 ACH50; 4-8 story:
0.3 cfm50/sf; 9+ story: continuous air barrier.
• Secondhand smoke. 9+ story prereq. & credits
typically met by either Materials (0.004 cfm75/sf) or Assemblies
(0.04 cfm75/sf) prescriptive options
12. Pg. 12
Envelope Aerosol Sealing
• Pressurize apartment
• Spray air sealing fog
• Sealant particles build up on gaps as they flow through
the leaks
Similar to
process
used for
aerosol
duct
sealing
13. How does it do that?
No, really?
(animation video here)
Sealant is low VOC: GREEN Guard Gold Certified for use in California school
and health care facilities.
Sealant is a synthetic acrylic – typically rolled or sprayed on for monolithic,
elastomeric exterior air barrier. Diluted for aerosol application.
14. Aerosol Benefits:
• Automatically finds and seals
leaks
• Very effective at sealing small,
diffuse leaks
• Continuous update of leakage
during sealing
• Reliably meet air tightness
requirements
• Potential savings for avoided
conventional air sealing (?)
15. Pg. 15
Study Objectives:
Demonstrate sealing capability and evaluate
commercialization
• Demonstrate - measure leakage and noise transmission
reduction & identify sealing locations
• Document – work time
• Innovate - how to incorporate into sealing strategy, pre-seal
“large” leaks and protect horizontal surfaces as necessary
• Model - energy savings and effect on ventilation
1. Sealed 18 units in 3 new construction buildings
2. Sealed 9 units in 3 existing buildings
16. Pg. 16
Project Team
• Center for Energy and Environment
• Ben Schoenbauer and Jim Fitzgerald
• Kirk Kolehma and Megan Hoye
• UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center
• Curtis Harrington
• Mark Modera and Jose Garcia
• The Energy Conservatory (TEC)
17. Pg. 17
Aerosol Sealing Process:
All In One Visit
1. Walk thru to identify pre-sealing & protection
requirements (prior to sealing visit?)
2. Pre-seal large gaps & temporary sealing (as necessary)
3. Site work prep – cover horizontal surfaces (as necessary)
4. Set up sealing equipment
5. Perform sealing
6. Remove coverings
7. Clean surfaces (as necessary)
8. Post-sealing air leakage test
9. Air leakage test when unit finished – research only
18. Pg. 18
Site Work Prep: pre-seal wide gaps
Sprinkler head
Plumbing penetration
19. Pg. 19
Site Work Prep: pre-seal wide gaps
Range electric line
Low-voltage wiring
20. Pg. 20
Site Work Prep: pre-seal wide gaps
AC Line set
Duct – narrow
enough to leave?
21. Pg. 21
Site Work Prep: pre-seal wide gaps
Construction Plumbing Electrical Mechanical
Floor wall
connection
Showerhead
penetration
Range plug Line sets for HVAC
Sprinkler
penetration
Sink penetrations Electric
baseboards
Vent duct
penetrations
Waste line
penetrations
Low voltage
wiring
Fresh air duct
penetration
Clothes washer
connections
Additional
wiring
penetrations
Combustion and
exhaust air
penetrations
Toilet water
connection
PTAC wall penetration
Kitchen water
connection
Gas line penetrations
(range, HVAC,
laundry)
1 to 2 hours/unit
22. Pg. 22
Site Work Prep: baseboards
Seal before quarter round, caulk after?
What about leaky wood floors?
23. Pg. 23
Site Work Prep: temporary sealing
Exterior doors
Combustion ventsExhaust fan ducts
Plumbing penetrations
Fill traps or cover waste line openings Shower handles
24. Pg. 24
Site Work Prep: temporary sealing
Construction Plumbing Electrical Mechanical
Door frames Bathroom handles Intercom Bath fan
Floors (i.e. finished
hardwood)
Drains Low voltage outlets Kitchen fan
Exterior doors (not
used for fan frame)
Waste lines Smoke detectors Additional ventilation
Large holes/openings in
the envelope
Alarms Combustion and exhaust
air
Windows (leaky) Sprinkler heads PTAC openings
Outdoor air intakes
Forced air registers
Forced air returns
25. Pg. 25
Site Work Prep: cover horizontal
finished surfaces
Ideal: drywall mud/tape no other finishes (bare floor better)
Not ideal: ready for occupancy
27. Pg. 27
Site Work Prep: cover horizontal
finished surfaces
Construction Plumbing Electrical Mechanical
Finished floors Tub or shower
surrounds and floors
Ceiling Fans Top surface of
baseboard heating
Window sills Toilets, sinks, other
bathroom pieces
Light switches
Window meeting rail and
muntins
Plumbing fixtures Light fixtures
Door tops and hardware Sprinkler heads
Top surface of
baseboards, trims, and
molding
Horizontal surfaces of
cabinets and built-ins
Temporary seals & covers: 3 to 7 hours/unit
28. Pg. 28
Site Work:
Set-up, Seal & Breakdown
• Blower door and nozzles
• 100Pa pressurization
• ~ 90% RH maintained
• Open windows & purge
6 to 7 hours/unit
Remove Covers & Pack-up
• Care to not disturb seals
• Minimal clean-up
1.5 to 3.5 hours
29. Pg. 29
Site Work Prep: how long does it take?
14 to 22 hours: researchers still learning
30. Pg. 30
Site Work Preparation
Opportunities to reduce labor time
• Pre-sealing: new construction – GC or sub completes
• Unit preparation: select time during construction when:
• Minimum horizontal surfaces to protect
• Leaks are accessible
• Seals will be durable
• Sealing time: new generation of more portable equipment is
being developed & stop when no longer cost effective. 1
person oversees sealing.
• Breakdown/clean-up: minimize surfaces to cover and better
positioning of spray nozzles
36. Pg. 36
Leakage Reduced Over Injection Period
ACH50 pre: 2.0 – 2.9, post: 0.2 – 0.7; 71% to 94% reduction
New construction
Floor area: 900 to 1,300sf
Needed to meet 0.3 cfm50/sf or
about 5 – 7 ACH50
Building B
38. Pg. 38
Leakage Reduced Over Injection Period
ACH50 pre: 7.1 – 8.4, post: 0.9 – 1.4; 82% to 89% reduction
New construction
Floor area: 350 to 420sf
Sealed 4 in one day
Building C - Hotel
39. Pg. 39
Leakage Reduced Over Injection Period
ACH50 pre: 12.0 – 17.2, post: 1.4 – 10.5; 39% to 88% reduction
Existing units
Floor area: 230 to 250sf
Sealed 4 in one day
Large leak behind
kitchen cabinet
Building D – Affordable Housing
40. Pg. 40
Leakage Results: 18 New Construction Units
Average leakage: pre= 3.9 ACH50, post= 0.7 ACH50
54% to 95% below code requirement, average= 77%
44. Pg. 44
Leakage Results: Where Are the Leaks?
Interior wall to hallway 5x leakier than others
(cfm50) (cfm50/ft2) Percent of Total
ID
Ext &
Below
Adj
Units Comm
Ext &
Below
Adj
Units Comm
Ext &
Below
Adj
Units Comm
A404 93 42 63 0.09 0.08 0.49 47% 21% 32%
A406 94 30 83 0.09 0.06 0.64 45% 15% 40%
A407 88 48 63 0.09 0.10 0.49 44% 24% 32%
A408 98 53 47 0.09 0.11 0.37 49% 27% 24%
A409 87 47 86 0.09 0.10 0.67 40% 21% 39%
A411 105 58 38 0.10 0.12 0.29 52% 29% 19%
Average 94 46 63 0.09 0.09 0.49 46% 23% 31%
New Construction Building A
About a quarter of leakage to adjoining units
and a third to common space (hallways)
All units on the fourth (top) floor
45. Pg. 45
Over half of the leakage is to the hallway
Leakage Results: Where Are the Leaks?
About 13% of leaks to units on same floor and a
little more to units above and below
Total (ACH50) Percentage of Total Leakage
Floor
ID (cfm50) Total Exter Exter Comm Left Right Up Down
Red.
B206
494 3.58 0.28 8% 46% 19% 9% 12% 7% 29%
B207
580 4.21 0.73 17% 51% 12% 2% 12% 6% 43%
B208
957 5.97 0.46 8% 76% 4% 5% 4% 3% 57%
B209
648 3.97 0.99 25% 58% 2% 0% 11% 5% 42%
B210
784 4.04 0.33 8% 58% 7% 9% 12% 6% 50%
B211
757 4.98 1.07 22% 45% 9% 0% 13% 11% 43%
Average 703 4.46 0.64 15% 56% 9% 4% 11% 6% 44%
New Construction Building B
Compartmentalization requirement: < 0.3 cfm50/sf
46. Pg. 46
Leakage Results: Where Are the Leaks?
8% of leakage to units on same floor
New Construction Building C
Total Adjacent Unit Remainder
ID (cfm50/ft2) (cfm50/ft2) (%) (cfm50/ft2) (%)
CA 0.29 0.12 8% 0.33 92%
CB 0.33 0.12 7% 0.39 93%
CC 0.34 0.12 7% 0.39 93%
CD 0.29 0.12 8% 0.33 92%
Min 0.29 0.12 7% 0.33 92%
Average 0.31 0.12 8% 0.36 92%
47. Pg. 47
Leakage Results: Where Are the Leaks?
Exterior is 2/3 of leakage
Existing Building D
(ACH50) (cfm50/ft2) % of Total
ID Total Ext. Int. Total Ext. Int. Ext.
Int.
D 106 12.1 7.3 4.7 0.40 1.10 0.20 61% 39%
D 201 14.4 9.7 4.6 0.53 1.37 0.23 68% 32%
D 202 12.4 6.8 5.6 0.38 1.25 0.21 55% 45%
D 206 17.2 10.2 7.0 0.58 1.53 0.31 59% 41%
D 301 12.4 10.4 2.0 0.40 0.67 0.13 84% 16%
D 302 12.0 9.9 2.2 0.37 0.67 0.12 82% 18%
Average 13.4 9.0 4.4 0.44 1.10 0.20 68% 32%
Exterior is 5x leakier than interior
48. Pg. 48
Reduced Noise Transmission
• Sound transmission testing
was conducted in a MF
building in NY
• Seal was an effective sound
barrier between 800-5000 Hz
– reduction of 7 to 14dB
• Human voice frequency falls
between 300-3000 HZ
• Helps to meet Building Code
(IBC) requirement of 50 STC
Human Voice
49. Pg. 49
• 6-Story building model
• Floor plan:
• 4 Units per floor
• 1 Elevator shaft
• 1,200sf floor area
• Construction:
• DOE reference model construction
• Window to wall ratio: 20%
EnergyPlus Model
50. Pg. 50
• Four ventilation strategies
investigated
• Exhaust only
• Exhaust with some supply
• Balanced
• No ventilation
• Individual unit exhaust fans
and balanced ventilators
Model – Ventilation Method
51. Pg. 51
Envelope leakage (total):
• Existing Building
• Leaky: 9.5 ACH50 (existing data)
• Sealed: 3 ACH50 (MN code?)
• New Building
• Compliant: 3 ACH50 (MN code?)
• Tight: 0.6 ACH50 (Passive House)
Model – Leakage
ACH50 Exterior Interior Floor/Ceiling Door
9.5 43% 34% 13% 9%
3 47% 18% 5% 29%
0.6 47% 18% 5% 29%
Table 1: Leakage distribution used in models
52. Pg. 52
Results – Ventilation Flows
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Exhaust Only Exhaust & Some
Supply
Balanced No Vent
AirFlowrate(CFM)
9.5 ACH50 3 ACH50 0.6 ACH50 Vent Fan Flow MN Code Req't
Annual building average fresh airflow per unit
0.6 ACH50 – 96 cfm50; 50cfm exhaust = 20 Pa depressurization
0.35ach, 63 cfm
(MN code)
53. Pg. 53
Results – Interior Flows
0
5
10
15
20
25
Exhaust Only Exhaust & Some Supply Balanced No Vent
AverageFlowfromAdjoiningApartment(CFM)
9.5 ACH50 3 ACH50 0.6 ACH50
54. Pg. 54
Results – Summary Table
New Buildings
80% reduction
Existing Buildings
68% Reduction
Heating Savings (therms/year) 60 - 75 40 - 200
Heating Savings ($/year) $33 - $44 $23 - $120
• Impact of sealing air leaks in apartment buildings in
Minneapolis
Exterior leakage
reduced from
3.0 to 0.6 ACH50
Little or negative impact on cooling energy
Low savings: Total
leakage reduced from
9.5 ACH50 to 3 ACH50
New construction: balanced ventilation
Existing buildings: exhaust only typically acceptable
55. Pg. 55
Conclusions
• Effectively seals gaps < 1/2” to 5/8”
• New construction
• 81% reduction & 77% below code
• Reduce to below code reliably & w/o excessive QC
• Need balanced ventilation
• Use to reduce cost of conventional sealing methods
• Existing units
• 68% reduction & 6 of 9 comply with new code (3
ACH50)
• Heating savings= 40 - 200 therms/yr (Minnesota)
• Target leakier units. Need exhaust ventilation.
• Improved IAQ – 85% reduction in flows from other
units
• Change in occupancy – needs development
56. Pg. 56
Ongoing Work
Large Building Sealing with Department of Defense
• WCEC project with Aeroseal
• Sealing existing commercial buildings on military bases
• Lab testing of seal strength and durability
• Modeling energy savings due to large-building sealing
Aeroseal AeroBarrier Commercialization
• Announced at 2017 RESNET conference
• Currently in advanced field trials
• Available Q1 2018
• For more information visit www.aeroseal.com/aerobarrier
58. Approach
Key Issues:
• Previous Building America projects showed 60% to 95%
improvements in envelope tightness.
• Sealing typically applied after drywall in place. No experience
with ability to replace current sealing methods.
Approach:
• Iterative approach with multiple
builders – when & what to eliminate
• Assess current sealing methods for a
MN & CA builder and develop two
approaches for each
• Net cost and tightness will be evaluated
against standard methods
• Process repeated with second set of
houses for first builders and a set of
houses for additional builders.
59. Progress and AccomplishmentsLessons Learned (Builder Kickoff Meeting):
• Builders interested in sealing after mechanical penetrations/before
insulation and drywall
• Eliminate 4 ml poly interior and use low perm paint for interior vapor
retarder?
• Seal ducts from outside > in?
• Ductwork exposed to interior
• Plug duct boots & create opening to outside; protect furnace
• Change rim joist spray foam approach?
• Likely to need help working with code officials to approve some
changes
61. CARD Project Resources
Link to
Aerosol
Sealant Project
Report
CARD Web Page (https://mn.gov/commerce/industries/energy/utilities/cip/applied-research-development/)
For Reports
use CARD
Search Quick
Link
For Webinars use
CARD Webinars &
Videos Quick Link
62. Upcoming CARD Webinars:
• June 22: Improving Effectiveness of Energy Recovery Ventilation
• July 12: Small Embedded Data Center Program Pilot
• July 26: Statewide Commercial Behavior Segmentation & Potential
• August 17: Expanding New Construction Design Assistance Statewide
If you have questions or feedback on the CARD program contact:
Mary Sue Lobenstein
marysue.lobenstein@state.mn.us
651-539-1872
CARD Webinar
Thanks for Participating
66. Dave Bohac | Director of Research
dbohac@mncee.org
Editor's Notes
Welcome to this Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) Webinar.
I am Mary Sue Lobenstein, the R&D Program Administrator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
This webinar is one in an ongoing series designed to summarize the results from research projects funded by Minnesota’s Applied Research and Development Fund.
The Applied Research and Development Fund was established in the Next Generation Energy Act of 2007.
Its purpose is to help Minnesota utilities achieve their 1.5% energy savings goal by:
Identifying new technologies or strategies to maximize energy savings;
Improving the effectiveness of energy conservation programs; and
Documenting CO2 reductions from energy conservation programs.
$2.6 million of this fund is set aside annually for the CARD program which awards research grants in a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Since the legislation was enacted, the CARD program has:
Had 8 funding cycles, with 22 RFPs posted;
Received nearly 380 proposals; and
Funded 92 research projects, representing over $21 million in research dollars.
As you can see by the pie chart, projects funded to date have been in all building sectors.
The subject of today’s webinar is a project which demonstrated a new aerosol envelope sealing technology in multifamily buildings. It will be presented by Dave Bohac from the Center for Energy and Environment.
CEE has been involved in MF since early 1980s
Started w research on boiler controls and identification of other opportunities (study published 1984)
Ran programs in MN, also involved for a while with Focus on Energy.
We are involved in CARD grant research funded through the Division of Energy Resources.
We’re also involved with a benchmarking pilot, through a company called EnergyScoreCards. We have about 500 MF bldgs throughout the state enrolled in this. The idea is we’ll see if providing MF building owners and managers with a benchmark of their energy usage, compared to similar buildings, will provide energy savings in itself, sort of like an OPOWER for MF buildings.
Reduced stack effect
Possibly an expedited process
Reduced noise transfer
Reduced odor transfer/improved IAQ
Increased comfort
Increased energy efficiency
Reduced air infiltration >> reduced space heating and cooling costs
Reduced odor transfer/improved IAQ
Increased comfort
Reduced noise transfer
Improved envelope durability
Reduced stack effect
Concept: A recently developed technology at UC Davis for
-automating the envelope sealing process
-process involves briefly pressurizing a building to normal testing pressures while applying an aerosol “fog” to the building interior.
-As the air escapes through leaks in the exterior shell of the building (including leaks between apartments), the aerosolized sealant is transported to the leaks, and seals them as it tries to escape.
-Existing blower door equipment is used to facilitate the sealing process as well as to provide real-time feedback and a permanent record of the sealing that is occurring.
-This technology is thus capable of simultaneously measuring, locating, and sealing leaks in a building envelope
(using aerosol particles has been successfully tested in the laboratory and demonstrated in full-scale applications. The aerosol envelope sealing e providing permanent documentation of the sealing process.)
This project was conducted by the Center for Energy and Environment in Minnesota and the UC Davis Western Cooling Efficiency Center in California. There were a number of people at CEE who assisted with the field work and data analysis. In addition, Jose Garcia worked with Curtis on the building modelling and Mark Modera has developed both the process of using aerosol sealing for ducts and envelopes.
This work was funded by the Minnesota Dept of Commerce as part of their grant program to help MN utilities identify methods to reach their energy savings goals.
2 near term applications: new construciton, post drywall/tape. Rehabs : at time of carpet/cabinets
Seal windows? Dave will confirm
Gaps filled with fiberglass seal? Tried that. Yes, it appears that will work. Any gap 3/8” or narrower. Duct board in aeroseal process of sealing ducts and it works on duct board. Dave will email uc davis guy.
Mark Modera at UC Davis developed this technology.
Remain sticky/stain over time? A lot of durability testing on duct sealant. Little degradation over time. This sealant has been used for other applications (tremco is manufacturer).
Lots of prep work
Cover all horizontal surfaces
nozzles should be placed, at a minimum, in every bedroom and living area of the apartment
nozzles generate a spray jet that travels about 8 feet
Cleanable from surfaces
How is RH maintained?
Airflow is monitored and RH of incoming air and heat provided—to determine how much liquid should be injected. At commercialization—this will be automated.
Nozzle pressure 60 psi and 90 psi and liquid flow rates between 20 ml/min and 50 ml/min
Heating the air in the dwelling will increase the water carrying capacity of the air which allows for higher sealant injection rates and reduced sealing times.
Equipment: modified blowerdoor panel, with 2 holes for duct blaster and opening for cables (injection lines, power cords, etc) ductblaster on outside, connected to heater on inside. Protects duct blaster from getting sealant on it.
UC davis is looking for manufacturer to commercialize this.
Pre-sealing: 1 – 2 hrs; Unit Prep (coverings & temp seals): 3 – 7 hours; Seal: 6 – 7 hrs; removal: 1.5 – 3 hrs; post test: 0.5 hr; additional cleanup: 0 to 5 hours.
Total: 14 to 22 hours (by researchers who are learning)
How do you know when to stop? Monitor rate of sealing—looking into this to optimize the cost / benefit.
What’s the goal? If energy savings, then stop earlier. If goal is reducing sound transmission, or air transfer, then go longer.
Most took 2 hours, ones that went longer had some issues with heater, equipment.
How do you know when to stop? Monitor rate of sealing—looking into this to optimize the cost / benefit.
What’s the goal? If energy savings, then stop earlier. If goal is reducing sound transmission, or air transfer, then go longer.
Most took 2 hours, ones that went longer had some issues with heater, equipment.
Overall, the sealing worked very well. These bars show the pre and post total unit air leakage for the units in the new construction buildings. The solid bars are the pre value and the hashed bars the post. The percent reduction ranged from 67% to 94% with an average of 81% and average post ACH50 of 0.69.
The units were 54% to 95% tighter than new code requirement of 3.0 ACH50 (using the total leakage). The tightest unit was 25 cfm50.
The sealant worked very well, sealing the units 54% to 95% tighter than new code requirement of 3.0 ACH50.
Blower door fan was measuring between 25 cfm to 114 cfm at 50 pascals after sealing.
Approx 1,000ft2 apts
Before air-sealing tightness: 2.0-2.9 ACH50 (433 CFM50)
The sealing was also very effective for almost all of the existing units. The percent reduction ranged from 39% to 89% with an median of 75% and median post ACH50 of 3.15.
Efficiency units with an average floor area of 450sf. Before sealing they had an average leakage of 204 cfm50, 3.2 ACH50 and 0.12 cfm50/sf. We conducted guarded leakage tests before the sealing. For those tests we started with a compartmentalization test that measured the leakage of the entire unit – including exterior walls, interior walls and the floor and ceiling. Then we put a second blower door in the adjoining unit and pressurized it at the same time as the unit we were testing. We used the decrease in the leakage of the test unit as an estimate of the leakage to the adjoining unit. Then we repeated that for all of the adjoining units and the hallway or common area. This allowed us to split out the leakage between the adjoining units, the common space, and the exterior and unit below (the units below weren’t completed so we couldn’t pressurize those). We also divided the leakage to each of those spaces by the surface area to get the normalized leakage. This showed that the leakage per sf through the common wall was 5x greater than the leakage per sf to the adjoining units and to the exterior. So the common wall was relatively leaky. Overall, about a quarter of the total leakage was to the adjoining units and a third to the common area. A little less than half was to the outside and floor below.
This was the first building that we sealed. It was required to meet the EPA Energy Star for High Rise MF compartmentalization requirement of 0.3 cfm50/sf. We performed the pre-sealing tests before the gypcrete floor was poured. Over half of the leakage was to the common area or hallway.
Sound transmission was conducted for sealing that was performed in NY apartments. They found a 7 to 14dB reduction in higher frequencies – which is significant since a 10dB reduction means a 10 times reduction in the sound intensity.
Average exhaust flow rate for apartments on each of the six floors for four of the models simulated (CZ12)
For the leaky buildings with mechanical ventilation, about 20 – 25% of the air coming into the unit came from neighbors and the hallway. Tightening to 3 ACH50 drops that down to 3 – 5% and 0.6 ACH50 almost eliminates it.
For building w/no mechanical ventilation and leaky (9.5 ACH50), almost half of the air came from neighbors and hallway.
About a 20 – 30% savings for new construction w/balanced ventilation
Project existing building: Median pre-leakage of 14 ACH50 reduced to 3.2 ACH50
We’ve demonstrated that aerosol envelope sealing can produce much tighter envelopes than possible by conventional sealing methods. However, further work is necessary to determine the best application of this method. We will be working with two builders in MN and two in CA to determine the tradeoffs for when during the construction process the sealing is applied. In addition, we will be looking for current sealing methods that could be eliminated when the aerosol sealing is applied to offset some or all of the cost of the aerosol sealing. So there could be little or NO net cost for the aerosol sealing.
While previous projects have shown that aerosol envelope sealing can significantly reduce leakage, there is work left to be done to determine best methods for its application for SF new construction. For example, the sealing has always been applied after insulation and drywall is complete and there hasn’t been any work to see what manual sealing could be eliminated and still produce tight houses.
We are going to be working with two builders in MN and two in CA. We will be assessing their current air sealing strategies and provide them a demo of the aerosol sealing method. Then we’ll sit down with them to discuss options for when to seal in the construction process and what current sealing they’d be comfortable removing from their process. We will track costs and compare aerosol sealed houses to ones that go through their normal construction process. This will be done in an iterative fashion so that what we learn in the early portion of the project will be applied to later houses.
All of the builders were interested in applying the sealing BEFORE insulation and drywall. Sheathing and windows installed – need top on house to complete air barrier- either poly or drywall on ceiling. MN builders often do this in winter so that they can heat the house during construction.
Aerosol creates air barrier and use low Perm paint – might not need interior poly sheet.
May also allow different approach insulating rim joists than spray foam
Might be possible to use this process to seal ductwork. Seal when ductwork is still exposed. Seal registers and use ERV duct to open ducts to outside so that there is pressure across the ducts. The seal would be created on the OUTSIDE of the ducts.
Expect that building officials may have concerns with some of these approaches and our project team will work proactively with them
All builders expressed interest. None have committed yet. We had a meeting with another production builder yesterday and we should know by the end of the week whether they will participate.
Thank you for attending this CARD webinar.
You can download the final report on this project from the direct link on this slide.
The link for the CARD web page is also on this slide. The web page has various resources and information related to the CARD program and to CARD research projects, including links to this and other recorded CARD webinars and final reports. Use the quick links indicated to help you navigate to what you are looking for.
Thanks again for participating today!
Before we leave, I want to take this opportunity to mention a few upcoming CARD webinars that might also interest you:
June 22 – CEE will conduct a webinar on Improving the Effectiveness of Commercial Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems
July 12 – CEE and Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation will conduct a webinar on the Small Embedded Data Center Program Pilot
July 26 – Illume Advising will conduct a webinar on the Statewide Commercial Behavior Segmentation and Potential project
August 17 – The Weidt Group will conduct a webinar on a pilot program on Expanding New Construction Design Assistance Statewide
Please contact me if you want more information on how to sign up for any of these webinars or if you have questions or feedback on the CARD program.