Page 20 - Green Builder Sept-Oct 2016
P. 20
Though buildingmonitoring the performance
of high-R walls in high-
envelopes areperformance homes in
different climate zones. The
team uses sensors to monitor designed to keep
temperatures, ambient
conditions, moisture levels of moisture out, they
consequently domaterials, and relative humidity
levels inside the home and
assemblies. not allow moisture
Home Innovation Research
CREDIT: HOME INNOVATION RESEARCH LABS
CREDIT: CREATIVE COMMONS
Labs also is studying an extended to escape. The
result can be mold,plate and beam system as way to
overcome some of those issues.
mildew and overallThe system contains the best
performance characteristics
of continuous and deep cavity unhealthy indoor
insulation methods.
Successful testing. McIntyre Builders agreed to test the extended Home Innovation Research air quality.
plate and beam system on a home under construction. The builder
was so happy with the results, it decided to use the system on a Labs’ proposed system includes
second home.
wood structural panels on the exterior, which allow for better drying
HIGH-R WALL SOLUTIONS
Home Innovation Research Labs is measuring how moisture moves and provides transportation of prefabricated walls. It includes rigid
in a home by studying how much moisture movement occurs in
highly insulated walls and roofs. Though building envelopes are foam between the framing and sheathing to add insulation and
designed to keep moisture out, they consequently do not allow
moisture to escape. The result can be mold, mildew and overall protect the cavity from condensation. The system also includes
unhealthy indoor air quality (IAQ).
a standard, maintained drainage plane location and a nail-based
To determine a solution, Home Innovation Research Labs is
surface.
Testing is being conducted to ensure compliance with code
provisions and proper wall bracing. In the meantime, two houses
are being built in Michigan by McIntyre Builders using the extended
plate and beam system.
Thermal conduction. Walls with cavity insulation
can still have low R-values if studs are not
isolated. They act as thermal conductors. A gap
filled with insulation can mitigate this problem.
