A guest post by Lisa Petsko who is a product manager at Sto Corp.
The homes we are building today have a large impact on the environment and on the occupants. It is key to maintain the value of old and new homes and buildings by researching, developing, producing and marketing product systems and services that improve its energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Waterproofing/Air Barriers
One key factor to ensuring the durability of the building is to protect against moisture and water intrusion into the wall system, which can cause decay, corrosion, loss of insulation value and mold growth. By incorporating a spray-on waterproofing/air barrier, water is prevented from penetrating and saturating the sheathing, while still allowing water vapor to pass through.
Several design factors contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a building. One significant factor is the overall air-tightness of the building enclosure. When looking for an air and moisture barrier, think of it as part of the structure, or a structural air barrier, that prevents air leakage through the wall assembly, resulting in improved thermal efficiency of the wall system, decreased energy costs and improved occupant comfort.
A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) determined that air barriers are a cost effective measure to be installed in buildings. Most notably, the study showed that the energy savings ranged from 30 – 40 percent for heating climates and 10 – 15 percent for cooling climates. The Department of Energy similarly reports that up to 40 percent of the energy used to heat and cool buildings results from heat transfer caused by uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope.
Indoor Environmental Quality
The quality of the indoor air of a building can be affected by many factors, including the effectiveness of the ventilation system, off-gassing of materials used in construction, and development and spread of indoor contaminants such as mold.
A spray on waterproofing/air barrier helps a building design meet its indoor environmental quality goals in several ways:
- Improves Ventilation System Effectiveness – The proper operation of an HVAC system can be undermined by the uncontrolled leakage of air through the building envelope. By using a structural air barrier, it protects against uncontrolled airflow, allowing for improved operation of the ventilation system, and preventing introduction of airborne contaminants from the outside.
- Low VOC Content –Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) means a limited amount of volatiles are in the materials and a very limited amount of carbon-based material is emitted into the air as the materials are applied and dry. Low VOCs not only improve air quality, particularly in confined spaces, but benefits the environment by virtue of the low carbon-based emissions, both important attributes of sustainable design. Look for a waterproofing/air barrier with components that are water-based with low VOC, protecting both installers and future building occupants from exposure to these harmful compounds.
- Protects against the development and spread of indoor contaminants – Water intrusion into the wall assembly during of after construction can be a significant source of mold and mildew.
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About Sto Corp.
Sto Corp., based in Atlanta, Georgia, is an innovative world leader and producer of a broad range of versatile cladding and coating systems for building construction, maintenance and restoration. Sto Corp. is ISO 14001:2004 (environmental management) as well as ISO 9001:2000 certified and operates production plants strategically located to serve more than 200 distributor shipping locations across North America. At research and development laboratories in the U.S. and Europe, Sto continues to revolutionize the industry with the highest quality products and application technology.
For more information, visit www.stocorp.com or call toll free (800) 221-2397 or (404) 346-0755.
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Lisa Petsko is a product manager at Sto Corp. She is a member of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). Petsko graduated from Virginia Tech University and has an MBA from Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
I thought you’d mention the Energy Star Indoor Air Package standards as part of your discussion on Indoor Air Quality.