Lead Performer: Home Innovation Research Labs Inc. – Upper Marlboro, MD
Partner: American Chemistry Council – Washington, DC
DOE Total Funding: $400,000
Cost Share: $100,000
Project Term: August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2018
Funding Opportunity: 2016 Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation
Project Objective
Continuous insulation (CI) is an uninterrupted layer of insulation that spans all structural support elements of a building (e.g. studs or beams) without thermal bridges. CI has been shown to be a highly effective insulation solution, but research is needed to overcome industry concerns and code restrictions around the installation of windows in walls using CI. Home Innovation Research Labs will establish performance criteria and conduct comprehensive testing to evaluate the structural performance of CI walls with windows of varying shapes and sizes, insulation thicknesses, and installation methods.
Project Impact
The results of the study will validate and demonstrate various window installation methods for walls with CI, and will provide data and justification to enable inclusion of these methods in applicable codes and standards. Evaluation of the structural performance of additional window installation methods will inform future industry guidance and energy codes, enabling wider adoption of continuous insulation in both new construction and retrofitted residential buildings.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Eric Werling
Principal Investigator: Vladimir Kochkin, Home Innovation Research Labs Inc.