08 Aug Hybrid Insulation Systems
Part of our job as a custom home builder is to strike a balance between a new home’s performance, elegance, and expense. The hybrid insulation system we are currently installing in the Egeland Residence is a perfect example of this.
This mountain lodge will be a large home (6,800 sf) with vaulted ceilings and large windows. It’s the essence of refined living, but it’s a challenge when it comes to energy efficiency and comfort. In selecting the insulation system, we knew that an all spray-foam system would cost almost twice as much as a blow-in blanket system, yet an all blow-in system would not reach the higher R-values the homeowners wanted. Energy Conservation Insulation (ECI) helped us find the balance between performance and expense, and we didn’t have to alter the size or design of the home.
A Hybrid Insulation System
ECI is installing a hybrid insulation system which includes spray foam (spraytite 178 made by BASF), a blow-in blanket system (Climate Pro by Johns Manville), and batts (Eco Batts made by Knauf). First, a 2 inch layer of foam is sprayed between each stud and against the outer sheeting of the walls. Then, a lightweight cloth is attached to the interior side of the studs to hold the blow-in blanket in place. Batts are used several interior walls to help reduce noise, and in the exterior walls of the garages.
The spray foam is a closed-cell foam. It allows us to reach a higher R value, makes the home more air tight, creates an air and moister barrier, and prevents energy loss. It also increases the tensile strength of wall and roof systems while reducing noise and dust. The blow-in blanket is a fiberglass system allows us to fill the cavities knowing that there are no gaps in the insulation system. It provides excellent sound control and has higher R values than batts.
