After thinking about the exterior walls I feel like the ICF's are my best bet. I really want a natural stone exterior and I think this would be the best framing to get that stone. Plus, with ICF's I don't have to worry about insulation! When I do build I would like to check into using recycled concrete to decrease the amount of CO2 produced.
So after a lot of researching (webbing) and pondering I have my framing (ICF's), insulation (part of ICF's), and siding (stone) decisions made. WOOHOO-it wasn't as difficult as I thought. Now, I need to figure out about heating and cooling (HVAC) and solar panels.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Webbing continued again
I found a new website--goodtobegreen.com. There is so much information on this website. I really like the list that shows the "green" exterior wall options. Please see below.
1. Advanced Framing (I have never heard of this before, but I want to check into this later because I also want to build a barn that is like the ones that were built a long time ago, you know made from wood and painted red with a little hay loft. I know I am a dreamer, there is no telling what that would cost, but maybe we could build a small one ; )
a. eliminates the use of wood by 30% in walls
b. more area for insulation
c. improved energy performance
d. negative--advanced framing still puts a strain on our forest resources.
2. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
a. forms that are blocks or panels that interlock
b. these forms are filled with concrete
c. forms provide insulation and sound barrier
d. forms also provide a backing for interior drywall and exterior sides, bricks, or stucco.
e. high thermal mass which protect the interior from extreme exterior conditions (hot or cold)
f. 25%-50% energy savings
g. little or no maintenance
h. recycled concrete is available for use
i. negative--additions and expansions can be difficult with ICF's
j. negative--the production of cement produces CO2
3. Engineered Wood
a. Engineered wood is made from chippings of small dimension fast growing timber(I'm thinking of particle board)
b. this fast growing timber, Aspen and Poplar, reduces the need for old growth timber
c. flawed wood can also be recycled into engineered wood
d. negative--glue used to hold the chippings together could pose health risks
e. negative--difficult to recycle
4. Steel
a. typically 25% recycled content in steel framing, but 100% recycled product is available
b. can be recycled
c. negative--major heat loss through steel studs
d. negative--cannot be used for the exterior walls without insulated foam sheeting
5. Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
a. panels have a foam insulation core surrounded by oriented strand board (OSB), or agriculture fiber cores like wheat straw
b. very little air leakage
c. SIP are efficient and strong
d. negative--non-formaldehyde polyurethane binders must be used to prevent off gassing
e. negative--petrochemical-based cores should be avoided (I don't think I want e or d in my house!)
Okay, I have a lot to think about. I guess webbing will continue again soon.
1. Advanced Framing (I have never heard of this before, but I want to check into this later because I also want to build a barn that is like the ones that were built a long time ago, you know made from wood and painted red with a little hay loft. I know I am a dreamer, there is no telling what that would cost, but maybe we could build a small one ; )
a. eliminates the use of wood by 30% in walls
b. more area for insulation
c. improved energy performance
d. negative--advanced framing still puts a strain on our forest resources.
2. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
a. forms that are blocks or panels that interlock
b. these forms are filled with concrete
c. forms provide insulation and sound barrier
d. forms also provide a backing for interior drywall and exterior sides, bricks, or stucco.
e. high thermal mass which protect the interior from extreme exterior conditions (hot or cold)
f. 25%-50% energy savings
g. little or no maintenance
h. recycled concrete is available for use
i. negative--additions and expansions can be difficult with ICF's
j. negative--the production of cement produces CO2
3. Engineered Wood
a. Engineered wood is made from chippings of small dimension fast growing timber(I'm thinking of particle board)
b. this fast growing timber, Aspen and Poplar, reduces the need for old growth timber
c. flawed wood can also be recycled into engineered wood
d. negative--glue used to hold the chippings together could pose health risks
e. negative--difficult to recycle
4. Steel
a. typically 25% recycled content in steel framing, but 100% recycled product is available
b. can be recycled
c. negative--major heat loss through steel studs
d. negative--cannot be used for the exterior walls without insulated foam sheeting
5. Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
a. panels have a foam insulation core surrounded by oriented strand board (OSB), or agriculture fiber cores like wheat straw
b. very little air leakage
c. SIP are efficient and strong
d. negative--non-formaldehyde polyurethane binders must be used to prevent off gassing
e. negative--petrochemical-based cores should be avoided (I don't think I want e or d in my house!)
Okay, I have a lot to think about. I guess webbing will continue again soon.
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