Make the Most Out of Air Sealing

Air sealing is becoming more important as energy codes throughout the country change and requirements become more stringent. The 2012 IECC requires blower door testing and a visual inspection of all new homes to make sure that it meets the air leakage requirements. Currently, Maryland and Illinois are the only two states that have fully adopted IECC 2012, but in 2014 it will become effective in California, Massachusetts, and Washington as well.  North Carolina also has taken parts of the 2012 IECC code and implemented it into their own state energy code. Many other states are set to adopt the 2012 IECC requirements by 2015.

A recent article from Builder Magazine, provides some insight on what areas of a home should be sealed in order to get the biggest return on your air sealing investment. According to the article, Dave Wolf, a senior research and development project leader for Owens Corning Science and Technology has identified the 5 leaks in a house that will have the biggest effect on air infiltration.  

Wolf's research determined that sealing these 5 areas will have the biggest impact: 

1. Recessed lights
2. Duct boots
3. Top plate to drywall at attic
4. Garage wall
5. Band joists

A blower door test and visual inspection will determine if in fact these areas are properly sealed, and if they aren't the builder can correct the issue(s) to comply with 2012 IECC requirements or simply to make the home more comfortable and efficient for the occupant.

Air Barriers: The What, the Why and the How

With stringent energy codes being enacted throughout many states, and the desire for more efficient, and cost-effective commercial and residential buildings, the use of air barriers is becoming more important.

What is an air barrier? Air barrier systems are made up of a number of materials assembled to provide a barrier to air leakage throughout the building enclosure. Basically, an air barrier prevents the infiltration of outside air into a building and the escape of inside air to the outdoors. 

Why should you install an air barrier? Air barrier systems:

• Reduce air leakage in commercial buildings by an estimated  83%, save on gas bills by more than 40%, and cut down on electrical use by 25% or more. (According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology).
• Prevent conditioned air from escaping the building and helping to reduce energy costs by keeping the conditioned air in and the unconditioned air out.
• Help to keep pollutants from infiltrating the indoor environment, improving the overall indoor air quality.  They also help prevent water vapor which in turn helps to prevent condensation problems and mold growth.

So, how do you know that the air barrier system will meet the specifications for performance, design, materials, and assembly, included in the ASHRAE guidelines and in multiple ASTM Standards and Test Methods? SkyeTec offers air barrier testing for homes, large buildings, and commercial properties to provide assurance that the air barrier system is in fact functioning properly and that the property is sealed tight. 

SkyeTec begins the air barrier testing with an infrared imaging scan of the interior in order to locate any possible areas of air infiltration. Next, a Bower Door test is conducted to determine the air leakage. If any areas of significant infiltration are found, a digital photo and thermal image of that area are taken. 

When functioning correctly, air barrier systems are a very effective and beneficial addition to a building's construction. 

Survey Shows Energy Efficient Homes Gaining Popularity

A survey conducted by Green Builder Media shows what we have seen first hand over the past couple of years, consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of owning an energy efficient home. The Consumer Green Preferences Survey was conducted in March with a sample size of 582 adults from around the country. The goal of the survey was to understand what people want when it comes to sustainability, energy efficiency, purchasing patterns, etc.

The results are good news for builders who have implemented an energy efficiency program , whether it be ENERGY STAR® Certification or the HERS Index Program. Of those polled, 79.8%  said they would look for a green rating (i.e a HERS rating) when buying a new home, 85% of those people said that they believe an energy efficient home would sell faster.  Also, when asked what comes to mind when they think of green living, 4 out of 10 people ranked energy efficiency as the first thing.

For builders that haven't started building energy efficient homes yet, the survey results are a good indication of where consumers are headed.

* Image courtesy of Green Builder Media

SkyeTec Recognized with a 2013 Leadership in Housing Award from the EPA

SkyeTec is pleased to announce that we have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a 2013 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes the important contribution we've made to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by verifying 3,126 ENERGY STAR® certified homes last year. Collectively, these homes will save our customers approximately $1,256,652 on utility bills and reduce 14,517,144 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. 

To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. EPA. ENERGY STAR certified homes are more than 30% more efficient than a standard new home.

SkyeTec works hard throughout the year to make it easy for builders throughout the U.S. to build energy efficient homes, and we plan to verify even more homes for 2013.

For more information on  the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Program click here,  or for more information on SkyeTec's ENERGY STAR Certification services, click here.

The Importance of a Healthy Indoor Environment

Have you heard that each year, $3.5 billion is spent in the U.S. for asthma related illnesses due to dampness and mold issues in homes? Or that $50 billion is spent per year for lead poisoning in children? What about the fact that each year radon-related lung cancer takes the lives of over 22,000 people, more than drunk driving does? If you didn't know these things, you aren't alone.

The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is trying to bring attention to the importance of a healthy indoor environment with the new National Healthy Housing Standard.  The goal of the Standard is to reduce preventable diseases and improve the overall health of homes and neighborhoods by reducing the poor conditions that cause such illnesses.  The Standard is designed to complement the policies for the maintenance of existing homes, already in place by local, state and federal governments. However, it is not meant to guide new construction or housing rehabilitation.

NCHH wants to make sure that everyone has a safe haven to return to each day that is free of anything that could cause illness or injury. At SkyeTec, we want the same, and offer a variety of inspections to ensure that a home or building is free of mold or moisture, radon, asbestos, lead based paint, carbon monoxide, harmful Chinese drywall, and more.

To view the National Healthy Housing Standard, which is currently in the draft phase and open to public comment, click here.

Earn Rebates with Georgia Power's EarthCents® New Home Program

Thanks to the EarthCents® New Home Program from Georgia Power, Georgia builders and developers can  build energy efficient homes and earn money for doing so. This program is available for both single-family and multi-family homes and was designed as an incentive to build energy efficient properties.

Qualifying for the rebate is easy, simply implement a HERS program and work with an energy rater to ensure that the homes earn the required HERS Index score of 77 or less. The home must also be served by Georgia Power and have all electric heating and water systems.

• Single family homes-$600 per home. Plus an additional $250 rebate is available for homes with a heat pump water heater or a solar water heater.

• Multi-family properties- $150 per unit

Builders that implement a HERS program also receive valuable market differentiation by being able to market the home's HERS Index score. Plus, potential homebuyers are able to clearly see how their home performs and how much they could save on energy costs annually.

Builders can further boost their market differentiation by cost-effectively adding on a moisture prevention program to the HERS program. A moisture prevention program helps to reduce warranty costs, liability, and customer complaints by ensuring that the home is free of any mold or moisture issues throughout the construction process.  Homebuyers are given peace of mind knowing that their new home isn't hiding a costly mold or moisture problem.

With such a great rebate program and the valuable benefits of the HERS program,  there's no reason not to build energy efficient homes in Georgia.

Learn How to Qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Building Energy Efficient New Homes

Updates to the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficient New Homes from Skyetec2013

Prepare New Construction Sites Before A Hurricane

We are almost two weeks into Hurricane Season and NOAA is predicting another active season.  Here are some tips to help prevent moisture intrusion and reduce warranty and liability costs this storm season:

• Ensure any porous building materials are under cover
• Verify that all windows are closed and sealed prior to the end of construction that day (pending the stage of construction)
• Make sure all dumpsters are covered and closed securely to prevent any flying debris
• Protect all underground piping and underground drains to prevent sand from accumulating inside
• Disconnect power lines and any temporary connections to prevent electrical damage

 Should you run into any issues this hurricane season, contact us to have your problem quickly and cost effectively resolved.

Get Prepared BEFORE a Storm Hits-Homeowner Edition

It's June 12th and Hurricane Season is officially upon us so we wanted to share some tips for homeowners to use in preparation. It is always better to think about these things before a storm arrives.

Here are some helpful tips provided by FEMA:

• Have a Wind Mitigation inspection to find out if your home has any areas that need reinforcing or improvements to better withstand hurricane strength winds. This inspection can also possibly help you get discounts on your insurance policy (in the state of Florida).
• Have an emergency supply kit ready to go and be sure to include copies of all of your important documents and any prescriptions you and your family need.
• Learn the elevation of your property and whether or not it is in a flood prone area
• Familiarize yourself with hurricane evacuation routes
• Board up your windows
• Clean out debris from rain gutters 
• Reinforce your garage door
• Bring in all furniture from outside and secure it
• Install a generator

These are just a few tips to help you get ready for a hurricane ahead of time. Visit Ready.gov for more helpful tips and hurricane information.

Energy & Green Building Week

It's the final week of the International Code Council's (ICC) Building Safety Month and this week's theme is Energy & Green Building. Building green and using energy efficient materials, supplies, appliances, etc. helps save money on energy costs, while also helping the environment.

In recent years, energy efficient new homes have begun to catch on with homebuyers and builders across the country. Many builders are now electing to build ENERGY STAR® Certified new homes or to follow the HERS Program to satisfy this growing demand of energy conscious homebuyers. 

Energy efficient homes offer reduced utility costs, improved indoor air quality, increased thermal comfort, and higher resale value than a standard home.

If you aren't in the market for a new energy efficient home, here are some tips to improve the efficiency of your current home:

• Seal any cracks around windows and doors 
• Make sure ducts are properly connected and sealed
• Install more insulation in the walls and attic
• Upgrade your windows to ENERGY STAR® qualified windows
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Clean HVAC systems 
• Use energy efficient lighting (CFLs)
• Choose energy efficient appliances
• Upgrade the water heater
• Add solar panels

So, whether you are looking to buy a new home or not, you can take steps to reduce your energy costs and become more energy efficient today!

New National Campaign to Prevent Occupational Respiratory Disease from Dampness Exposure in Schools, Office Buildings & Other Nonindustrial Facilities

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a new warning alert similar to what you would find on tobacco products which states: “Warning! Occupants within damp office buildings, schools, and other nonindustrial facilities may develop respiratory symptoms and diseases”.  

NIOSH defines “dampness” as “the presence of unwanted and excessive moisture in buildings”. It is widely known that excessive moisture and dampness can lead to mold growth, which can negatively impact the health of occupants by causing respiratory symptoms such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus infections, and other respiratory infections.

Dampness and moisture problems can often occur because of sub-optimal building design or lack of oversight during construction. 

Here are some tips from NIOSH to prevent a moisture problem from occurring:

• Prevent high levels of indoor humidity through proper use of HVAC systems
• Conduct regularly scheduled inspections of heating, ventilating, and A/C systems 
• Dry any porous surfaces that have become wet from leaks or flooding within the first 48 hours
• Clean and repair or replace any building materials that are moisture damaged or show evidence of mold growth
• Establish an Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) team to oversee implementation of an IEQ Program. 

SkyeTec also recommends implementing a moisture prevention program during construction to ensure that the building is being properly constructed and sealed to avoid defects that could lead to a moisture problem later in the building's life cycle.  It is much more cost-effective to take preventative action for moisture/dampness than it is to take remedial action.

With the amount of time that we all spend in the workplace or classroom, it makes sense for NIOSH to emphasize the importance of a quality indoor air environment and the resolution of dampness and moisture/mold problems.

Now Hiring

Loss Technology Services, Inc., a SkyeTec company, is looking for a qualified candidate to fill the Claims Analyst position. For details click here. 

Article Raises Awareness of a Growing Problem in Sandy Aftermath

An article from Wednesday’s Long Island Newsday titled “Hurricane Sandy Mold and Flood Cleanup is Affecting Health and Safety of Residents”, brings light to a serious problem now plaguing residents of New York and New Jersey: mold and flood remediation. The article discusses the slow cleanup due to improper remediation techniques, improper equipment, and lack of well trained/certified contractors.  Meanwhile, residents are potentially affecting their health with their compromised indoor air quality.

At SkyeTec, we are all too familiar with the problems that can arise from improper mold and flood remediation. Our licensed mold inspectors work to prevent these situations by providing detailed reports of the damage and clear recommendations for what should be done to resolve the issue. Residents are then able to present a concise plan of action to the remediation contractor to ensure timely, and effective cleanup.

We also provide oversight services for flood cleanup. Our Restoration Consulting (water mitigation oversight) service makes sure that remediation contractors are properly handling the flood cleanup. We ensure that they are using the right equipment, for the proper amount of time, and in the correct manner.  This service reduces overcharging and prevents people from being taken advantage of.

Always check that the mold & flood remediation contractor is licensed in that state.