03-13-2010, 07:46 AM
Not sure how to get around the new energy codes - haven't fully seen them yet.
But insulation does not necessarily have to be viewed as bad. Metal roofing is common here and metal, on a 85 degree day, can get up to 130 degrees in the sun. This heat moves into the building and (on most building designs) results in people investing in ceiling fans. Ceiling fans have electric motors which take energy to run. Therefore the thinking is that an insulated roof will reduce energy demands and lower your costs.
Insulation does not have to be the pink fluffy stuff either. There are rigid foam insulation that are very durable and don't shed fiberglas fibers since there is no fiberglas involved.
My company- Castleblock, has for years been selling structural insulated metal roofing panels that are cooler in the sun and quieter in the rain. These also can eliminate the need for rafters and have a prefinished white underside to serve as ceiling. Anytime you can accomplish four things at once you are becoming efficient. Most all our residential roofing is r-20. R-values are available up to r-50 but those are mostly for cold storage facilities. We have wall panels too.
Meanwhile I do have doubts about requiring double glazed windows (I do not know do a fact yet that they will be required). I probably haven't closed my own windows expect rarely over the years. I wonder about the need for windows at all. I could point out that single glazed windows may now be, or may soon be, more expensive than double glaze. The reason for this is that the world's manufacturers are making single glazing special order and double glazing standard.
You might be able to escape window energy codes by simply not specifying windows at all. I am not sure that windows are required by code. What is required is a minimum area for natural light and in some rooms emergency fire escape. Openings accomplish that, screens optional. But if you prefer a feeling of locking up a home then openings won't give you that feeling.
But insulation does not necessarily have to be viewed as bad. Metal roofing is common here and metal, on a 85 degree day, can get up to 130 degrees in the sun. This heat moves into the building and (on most building designs) results in people investing in ceiling fans. Ceiling fans have electric motors which take energy to run. Therefore the thinking is that an insulated roof will reduce energy demands and lower your costs.
Insulation does not have to be the pink fluffy stuff either. There are rigid foam insulation that are very durable and don't shed fiberglas fibers since there is no fiberglas involved.
My company- Castleblock, has for years been selling structural insulated metal roofing panels that are cooler in the sun and quieter in the rain. These also can eliminate the need for rafters and have a prefinished white underside to serve as ceiling. Anytime you can accomplish four things at once you are becoming efficient. Most all our residential roofing is r-20. R-values are available up to r-50 but those are mostly for cold storage facilities. We have wall panels too.
Meanwhile I do have doubts about requiring double glazed windows (I do not know do a fact yet that they will be required). I probably haven't closed my own windows expect rarely over the years. I wonder about the need for windows at all. I could point out that single glazed windows may now be, or may soon be, more expensive than double glaze. The reason for this is that the world's manufacturers are making single glazing special order and double glazing standard.
You might be able to escape window energy codes by simply not specifying windows at all. I am not sure that windows are required by code. What is required is a minimum area for natural light and in some rooms emergency fire escape. Openings accomplish that, screens optional. But if you prefer a feeling of locking up a home then openings won't give you that feeling.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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