EarthCraft:
Insulating Strategies
Energy Efficient Insulation
Systems by
Church Hill Homes
What is an EarthCraft House?
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Green Building Certification Program
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Based on a point system
3rd party certification
Gives builder’s flexibility
Adopted by HBAV
Local/National marketing support
Brand recognition
Heavy emphasis on Energy Efficiency
150 points: 75 min, 85 max on Energy Efficiency
Your Home Loses and Gains Heat
In 3 Ways
Convection- The transfer of heat by
moving air
 Conduction- The transfer of heat
through a solid material
 Radiation- The transfer of heat in the
form of electromagnetic waves
R-value is a laboratory measurement of only
one heat transfer mechanism (conduction)
and does not effectively measure all 3 of
the above methods, therefore R-value
alone will not tell you how well the
insulation will perform in your home.
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Heat Gain / Loss (cont.)
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+50% of a homes energy loss is due to random air leakage
(convection)
+50% of a homes energy loss occurs in overhead areas (ceilings,
vaults, overhangs, etc…)
Batts come in a handful of standard sizes while only 30% of
framing cavities are standard. Batts (whether made from
fiberglass, cotton, blue jeans, etc…) are not effective in controlling
random air leakage (convection)
CONCLUSIONS
1. Control random air leakage (convection) w/ use of a custom fit,
spray applied insulation (open or closed cell foam, cellulose, or
fiberglass)
2. Address ceilings FIRST! This is the most critical component of the
building envelope.
3. Control radiant heat loss w/ use of unvented attic assembly.
Unvented Attics
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Air-impermeable insulation
required
Insulation applied to
underside of roof deck w/ no
insulation separating attic
from living area
ICC-ES Legacy report
required for exposed
insulation in roof deck
Eliminate all passive
ventilation (gable, soffit, and
ridge vents)
Mechanical ventilation is
required
Reduce HVAC equipment
sizing
Brings HVAC equipment and
duct work into conditioned
space
Improved indoor air quality
Eliminate condensing surfaces
Section 806.4 of 2006 IRC
Conditioned Crawl Spaces
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Brings HVAC equipment, Air
Handler, and Ducts into
conditioned space.
Duct leakage is lost into building
envelope.
Eliminate moisture intrusion and
control relative humidity.
Improved indoor air quality
Creating a mini basement,
insulating the foundation walls
instead of crawl ceiling
Supply air only (no return) to
pressurize crawl at 1cfm per 50
square feet.
ICC-ES Legacy report required for
exposure of foundation insulation.
Cellulose Wall-Spray
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Cavity filling
insulation system
Made from
recycled materials
Great sound and
air infiltration
performance
Cost effectiveminimal upgrade
expense
Open-Cell Foam
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Superior Air-seal
Total Project system- used
in roof decks, walls, crawl
spaces, overhangs, etc..
Low flame spread and
smoke development
ICC-ES Legacy Report
NER-420 for use in
unvented attics
Can be left exposed in
attics or crawl spaces
w/out use of
ignition/thermal barrier.
Open cell structure allows
bulk water intrusion w/
drying capability
Closed-Cell Foam
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Superior Air-seal
High R-value
Typically used in walls
as part of a “flash and
batt” system
Requires use of an
ignition/thermal
barrier (can NOT be
left exposed in
unvented attics or
crawl spaces)
Closed cell structure
does not allow bulk
water intrusion.
Hybrid Insulation System
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Open-Cell foam to condition attic areas. Includes garage ceilings,
overhangs, jebs.
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Cellulose Spray Wall System in exterior walls
Hybrid Insulation System
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Earns 63 of the 75 minimum EarthCraft points for Energy
Efficient features.
Including 35 points for Blower Door pressure test.
Addresses most critical envelope areas while controlling
cost.
EarthCraft mandatory
insulation/envelope requirements
(NO points)
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Conditioned attics eliminate the majority of theses requirements.
Examples:
-sealing/calking all interior drywall penetrations
(light fixtures, supply boots, can lights, etc…)
-insulating and weather stripping attic accesses
-Insulating knee walls to R-19 w/ minimum R-5
foam board sheathing
REM Design-Performance
Selling Features
and Benefits
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Up to 50% reduction in heating/cooling
costs
Reduces HVAC equipment sizing
Exceeds DOE Recommendations
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Improved Sound Control
Happy, Comfortable Homeowners (no callbacks)
Distinguishes you from competition
(most other builders don’t offer it!)
Questions and Comments
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