If you want to build an energy efficient home in Chilliwack, you need to think about energy efficient envelopes. Building codes continue to reduce the allowable energy consumption of homes in BC. So, there are a number of newer approaches to building homes to consider.
Building for Energy Efficiency
Building scientists agree that if you want to build an energy efficient home, the best approach is to construct the tightest building envelope possible at the time of construction. A building envelope includes the foundation, walls and roof of a home.
All of these elements make the greatest impact on energy savings and consumption. And, they’re trickier to upgrade later, after the home has already been built. (What’s easy to upgrade later? Mechanical equipment, windows, and appliances.)
So, how to build the best energy efficient envelope?
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Building with insulated concrete forms (ICF) is becoming a more common option for constructing foundations and even entire homes. At Alair Homes Chilliwack, we have been working with ICF for almost 20 years. We have completed numerous foundations and several complete homes with ICF.
ICF is essentially a foam Lego-like block that is filled with reinforced concrete. It offers excellent insulation value, premium air tightness, improved indoor air quality and an efficient building method.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)
SIPS are sandwich panels made of OSB sheathing ‘skins’ and an EPS foam core. They are manufactured in a factory where they custom-sized for the home. The custom sizing even includes all the window and door openings. The SIPS are then shipped to the site for assembly. They offer high insulation values, excellent air tightness and quick assembly time.
Panelized Wall Systems
There are a number of manufacturers offering panelized wall systems. One that we have worked with at Alair Chilliwack is Paradigm Panels.
These panels are usually similar to a standard stud framing system. But, they also have continuous exterior insulation, cellulose cavity insulation and an air-barrier preinstalled.
An added bonus is that we can get the panelized wall systems shipped to the site with windows and cladding preinstalled. They offer some of the fastest installation time: As soon we erect them, they’re ready for wiring, plumbing and mechanical. Insulation values are comparable to other high performing systems.
Exterior Insulation
One of the most cost-effective ways to improve the performance of your home is to install a layer of exterior insulation over the sheathing, behind the cladding. We are huge fans of Rockwool. It is a recycled product that allows water to drain freely and it’s naturally fire-resistant. It’s also easy to install over the sheathing layer. To learn more, check out this video on YouTube.
Triple Pane Windows
Windows are typically the weakest performing part of the building envelope due to their poor insulating value. Because we all love our views and natural light (especially in the rainy winter months), many homes have 30 – 40% of the wall area taken up by glass. Upgrading the windows to triple paned ones offers a great opportunity to improve the performance of the building envelope. Improving the window performance by 20% can have a huge impact on the overall performance and energy efficiency of your home.
If you’re looking to build an energy efficient home in Chilliwack, be sure to get in touch!