Showing posts with label Midwest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Midwest. Show all posts

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Importance of the Climate Zone Map

In order to provide the insulation material for your building, the BASF educates contractors to reference the the U.S. Department of Energy's climate zone map. The map breaks the United States up into two main areas: dry and moist, and further breaks it down into eight zones.


Each zone has specific requirements for how spray polyurethane foam should be applied. To spare you with all the technical jargon, SPF is applied differently from one zone to the next, depending upon climates.

"Both open-cell and closed-cell spray foam are air impermeable and can help to reduce energy losses and avoid condensation by increasing the airtightness of the enclosure if the enclosure is properly designed and the spray foam is properly installed. Open-cell foam is vapor permeable so care must be taken in colder climates to minimize the risk of vapor diffusion wetting of the exterior sheathing. Hybrid applications, known as “flashand- batt” or “flash-and-fill” or “combo systems” consist of spray foam against the exterior sheathing covered with a layer of fibrous insulation. Spraying foam directly against exterior foam insulation is also possible as a hybrid approach but care must be given during the foam application process." Spray Foam Guide, Building Science Corporation 2011.

As a performance-based mid-western spray polyurethane roofing and air barrier company we take understanding the reasons behind the different applications very seriously. We are committed to providing our clients with nothing less than an exception final product so continual staff education in SPF design and installation is a priority.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Up On the Roof Top

We have been "up on the roof top" now for over 35 years and have never been mistaken for Ol' St. Nick, albeit we would find it to be a complimentary identity mishap. The jolly man himself may have a bigger service area and a larger target audience but our mid-western clientele is pretty extensive with places in Texas, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa and of course, Kansas.

We have met some fantastic people along the way, and they are all pretty satisfied with their polyurethane spray foam roof systems or their air barrier systems for their commercial buildings.  This last year has been quite a ride. We became Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) accredited to install Air Barrier systems and, along with many others, are currently working with the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity House at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

But aside from all of that, we want to wish everyone happy holidays and the best for the 2012 new year. We are looking forward to being "up on the roof top" for many more years to come.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Benefits of Cool Roofs

The term "cool roof" refers to how much it reflects and emits the sun's heat back to the sky instead of transferring it to the building. According to the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), "Coolness" is measured by solar reflectance and thermal emittance. The higher the value, the "cooler" the roof.

A cool roof is either white or is another "cool" color which use darker-colored pigments that are highly reflective in the near infrared portion of the solar spectrum. It is like wearing a light shirt versus a dark shirt out in the sunshine: the light shirt keeps you cooler.

Benefits of a Cool Roof are numerous and include:
  • Energy savings and global warming mitigation
  • Reduction in urban heat island effect and smog
  • Improved occupant comfort
  • Comply with codes and green building programs
Washington Roofing & Insulation provides free on site consultation to help you determine which cool roof product is right for you.

Source: Cool Roof Rating Council