Department of Energy statistics show that residential buildings use more than 20 percent of the energy
consumed annually in the U.S., however National Association of Home Builders research demonstrates that insulation generally
accounts for less than one percent of the total sales price of the home. Concerns about energy consumption combined with escalating
electric and gas bills, are driving consumer demand for better-insulated homes and encouraging their willingness to invest
a bit more to reap savings and increased comfort that they notice immediately.
The use of SEALECTION 500 can help homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 50 percent
and HVAC tonnage by as much as 40 percent without the loss of efficiency or comfort. Return on investment averages two to
four years, depending on the size of the home. NORTHWEST FOAM HOME will provide a free estimate so builders and
their customers can compare SEALECTION 500 with other types of insulation.
As a spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation system made up of millions of microscopic cells, SEALECTION
500 applies as a liquid and expands 120 times its volume into a simi-rigid mass. It simultaneously insulates and air-seals
baseboards, headers, sill plates, and around windows, doors, electrical outlets and pipes to make homes more energy efficient,
comfortable, quiet and less dusty. SEALECTION 500 meets the intent of all the latest North American Building Codes in the
U.S. and Canada, including the 2006 IECC, IRC and IBC.
INCENTIVE TO CHANGE:
The Energy policy Act of 2005 became effective January 1, 2006. This Act ushers in a
new opportunity for builders to receive a tax credit based on the improved energy efficiency of the homes they build. Using
a house built to the 2004 IECC as the base, a builder building a residential home 30 percent more efficient in terms of cooling
and heating can receive a $1,000 tax credit. With 50 percent more energy efficiency based on cooling and heating costs, the
tax credit is raised to $2,000. In order to earn the maximum credit, building envelope improvements must account for 20 percent
of the 50 percent improvement. As the new information becomes available, NORTHWEST FOAM HOME is working diligently to help
their builder customers effectively increase their profit on each home by $2,000 by reaping the maximum credit and attaining
documentation from Resnet raters to file and claim credits.
INDOOR AIR-QUALITY
Indoor air quality generally refers to the quality of the air in a home or
building.
Why does indoor
air quality matter?
The air quality of our indoor environment affects our health and often contributes to
the structural degradation and building failures within our homes and buildings.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental
threat to our country. Every year poor indoor air quality costs businesses more than one billion dollars in medical costs
and 6 billion dollars in employee sick leave and lost production. Homeowners and workers are becoming more educated on the
long-term effects of their environment on their health.
The American Lung Association estimates that 85% of people don't realize the air indoors may be a health
hazard. Research indicates that people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Thus for many people, the risk to health
may be greater than that of outdoors.
What is indoor
air pollution?
Indoor air pollution consists of toxic gases, or particles that can harm your health.
These pollutants can build up rapidly outdoors to levels much higher than those found indoors. The construction of tighter
homes without fresh air supply can allow the indoor air quality to deteriorate to harmful leads. It is not easy to identify
a single reason for the indoor air quality, because of the number and variety of possible sources, causes and varying individual
sensitivities. A few of these factors are contaminants, bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses. These contaminants may breed
in stagnant water accumlated in places like humidifiers and drains. Chemical contaminants can be from indoor or outdoor sources,
cleaning substances, gasses, tobacco smoke, etc. Houses constructed with leaky building envelope can allow particles of dust,
dirt and other air born chemicals to enter, substances such as pesticides, smog, etc., may be drawn into the home or building
from outdoors.
Moisture and Humidity
Moisture and dirt can cause the presence or biological contamination such as mold. High humidity levels
contribute to the proliferation of molds. Extremes in humidity levels can lead to discomfort. Extreme air temperatures and
inadequate air circulation can significantly affect comfort levels.
Common problems or failures that occur include: musty odors, mold growth, window condensation, structural
rot, back drafting appliances, damp basements or build up of ice on roof edges, and high utility costs. Pollutants can also
enter through air leaks in the structure.
Building Materials
Many asbestos products containing formaldehyde can be found in the home or buildings, including roofing
and flooring materials, as well as wall and attic insulation. Plywood and carpets are contributors of pollutants that can
have a negative impact on indoor air quality.
Insulation is one of the major building products that has a long term affect on the air you breathe.
SEALECTION 500 insulation will allow you to insulate your home or building, without harmful emissions, which improves
the indoor air quality.
All of us face a variety of risks, to our health as we go about our day-to-day lives. Health effects from
indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure, or possibly years later. Indoor air pollution is one risk that
we can do something about.
Inspect potential sources of pollution such as:
* Air intakes
* Air Filtration
* Duct Work
* Ceilings
* Crawl Spaces and Surfaces
* Insulation, Water Damage - Wet
or Damp Ceilings or Walls
Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases such
as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In addition, it can cause nausea and fatigue. People who already have respiratory
diseases are at greater risk.
Building a new Home
or Building
This provides you an opportunity for preventing indoor air problems. Express your concerns about air quality
to your architect or builders. Insulation is one of the major building materials that has a term affect on the air you breath.
SEALECTION 500 insulation will allow you to insulate your home or building without any harmful emissions, which improves the
air quality. It provides a relatively dust free environment, with very little air leakage for new consruction.
