Cathedral Ceiling Insulation Retrofit
Product Comparison: Icynene vs Fiberglass
Synopsis:
- Icynene® lowered heating energy costs by 24% in a 12% colder climate period
- Icynene® provided a more consistent temperature
- Icynene® corrected a mold and mildew problem
The Problem
Mr. Johann Eyolfson of Grindstone Point, Manitoba (approximately 90 miles north of Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada) was unhappy with his high electric heating bills and inability to maintain a consistent comfortable
temperature.
The home was 2,236 square feet and utilized forced air electric heat with heat recovery ventilator, and
mechanical ventilation. The house was only occupied on weekends and holidays. When not occupied during
the week, all thermostats were set at 10 degrees Celsius (50º F.)
The structure had a web truss roof and R50 fiberglass insulation that had been in place for 3 years.The walls
featured 2' x 6' construction with 6' fiberglass batt insulation. Both the walls and ceiling included 2 layers of
6 millimeter polyethylene which had been caulked and taped. Post and pad foundation was present and there
was an insulated pony wall around a heated crawl space.
The Solution - Retrofit with Icynene®
The R50 fiberglass insulation was removed from the cathedral great room and two adjacent wings
(1660 sq.ft.) The home owner wanted to insulate and seal the ceiling so that the warm moist interior air
remained contained in the living space of the home.
The remaining portion of the attic floor space, approximately 576 sq. ft., was left intact with the original
R40 fiberglass batt insulation.
The time period in which the electricity consumption was measured for The Icynene Insulation System®
was approximately 12% colder than the time period for the R-50 fiberglass insulation.
Electricity consumption was reduced by 24% due to the retrofit with Icynene®.The reduction in electricity
consumption due to Icynene® would have been even lower if the heating degree days were the same
between the two measurement periods.
The electricity consumption would have been reduced further if the fiberglass had been removed from the
remaining portions of the attic and walls.The homeowner was aware of the potential added benefit of
completing the project but did not want to be involved in further renovations.
The Icynene® Insulation Retrofit:
- Saved money with lower energy costs. A 24% savings in this case.
- Maintained a more consistent temperature throughout the house.
- Eliminated the mold and mildew problem in the cathedral ceiling.
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