Energy savings / air-sealing tips with Icynene®: Conditioned attic assemblies for hot/humid climates Rightsizing HVAC systems Green remodeling for improved Indoor Air Quality |
| Benefits of Conditioned (Unvented) Attics The benefits of locating ductwork & mechanical equipment inside the insulated building envelope are now being recognized as an integral part of energy efficient design. One of the most significant developments in this type of design practice addresses situations where space restrictions cause HVAC equipment to be located in the attic. In this situation, modifying the attic to create a conditioned attic system has been shown to generate significant reductions in energy consumption. Energy Efficiency Duct leakage factors of 10% to 15% can translate into equipment efficiency losses of 20% to 30%, according to early reports from a three-year research project being conducted by Natural Florida Retrofit (NFR), Inc. Enclosing ducts and equipment inside the conditioned space can generate substantial reduction in energy consumption. Conditioned Attic Construction The defining feature of a conditioned attic assembly is the location of the insulation, which is installed at the underside of the structural roof deck. By insulating the underside of the roof and sealing the soffits, the attic becomes part of the conditioned space, with temperature & humidity conditions reasonably close to the occupied interior of the house. |
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Icynene® Approved for Use One of the fundamental requirements of conditioned attic assemblies is the use of an air-impermeable insulation like Icynene®. The use of an air-impermeable barrier at the underside of the roof and sealing the soffits is an effective means of excluding exterior humidity from the attic, reducing latent air conditioning loads and providing further reductions in energy consumption. This air-impermeable barrier also supplies further benefits in reduced condensation potential within the attic space and reduced incidence of ice damming in cold climates. Icynene® is one of a handful of products qualified for installation on the underside of roofs without provision for ventilation. Icynene® is specially designed for this type of “conditioned attic” or “cathedralized” construction due to its air-sealing capabilities, and the fact that water can move through the foam if it is under pressure. In the event of a roof leak, water can drain straight through the insulation by gravity rather than being trapped against the roof sheathing where it could contribute to roof rot. Upon drying, Icynene® returns to its original state without warping or distortion, and the effectiveness of the insulation is fully restored. | |||||
| History The main source of support for conditioned attic systems comes from the US Department of Energy (DOE), as a means to reduce energy consumption. Research began in 1996 with computer modeling, and soon moved to full-scale testing. As a result of the DOE research work, conditioned attic systems have been constructed under special approval for more than 10 years, and a set of design recommendations has been developed for common use. This design guideline was adopted by International Code Council (ICC) in 2004. | |||||
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