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Abstract
Insulating foundations can serve many purposes with very different energy efficiency impacts, economic benefits, and potential market penetration. Some of the purposes of foundation insulation on residential buildings include: control of energy efficiency, control of comfort, control of condensation and other secondary effects (i.e., ghosting), protection against ground freeze and thaw. A common concern when using insulation on foundations is its longevity and performance in a moist, below ground environment. A loss of thermal performance can result in unexpected future energy costs to the owner, loww of comfort, and even building damage -- depending on the use of the insulation. Home construction is very sensitive to first cost and this impact should be closely considered. The costs of super insulations may be offset by implementing cost effective changes (initial or short term economics) in the overall building design. Some examples include the use of a down sized HVAC systems (smaller ductwork, airflow, and equipment) and integration with the initial cost savings of frost protected shallow foundations.
Insulating foundations can serve many purposes with very different energy efficiency impacts, economic benefits, and potential market penetration. Some of the purposes of foundation insulation on residential buildings include: control of energy efficiency, control of comfort, control of condensation and other secondary effects (i.e., ghosting), protection against ground freeze and thaw. A common concern when using insulation on foundations is its longevity and performance in a moist, below ground environment. A loss of thermal performance can result in unexpected future energy costs to the owner, loww of comfort, and even building damage -- depending on the use of the insulation. Home construction is very sensitive to first cost and this impact should be closely considered. The costs of super insulations may be offset by implementing cost effective changes (initial or short term economics) in the overall building design. Some examples include the use of a down sized HVAC systems (smaller ductwork, airflow, and equipment) and integration with the initial cost savings of frost protected shallow foundations.
Date
11/1995
11/1995
Author(s)
Jay Crandell
Jay Crandell
Page(s)
105-110
105-110
Source
Oak Ridge National Lab
Oak Ridge National Lab
Keyword(s)
superinsulation; residential foundation; foundation insulation; energy efficiency; condensation; ghosting; ground freeze
superinsulation; residential foundation; foundation insulation; energy efficiency; condensation; ghosting; ground freeze