Houses That Work - Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Houses That Work Training:

Insulation & Air Sealing - 8:30 to 12

"Attaining Optimal Insulation Effectiveness in High Performance Homes"

This workshop will help participants understand the key principles for ensuring they attain optimal insulation effectiveness in high performance homes. The session will review the basic physics of air, heat and moisture flow covered in the Houses That Work workshop and then will cover the essential questions related to creating an effective thermal barrier. Participants will learn the advantages and differences between each type of insulation and will be given valuable techniques and strategies to maximize the performance of each type. A thorough discussion of proper installation methods will be covered including the importance of air sealing and air sealing methods. This presentation will allow participants to discuss insulation issues and their experiences through the use of case studies and group exercises to ensure a wide variety of construction types and systems, relevant to the home building industry, are covered.

Airsealing: Remodeling for Energy Savings & Comfort - 1:00 to 4:30

This workshop will teach participants essential information about airsealing as it applies to single family residences. The house is a system and every component in it works together. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks can improve the energy efficiency of a home and improve the home’s comfort and durability. However, every change made to the building’s envelope (walls, floors, and ceiling) and components will affect how the home works to keep out the elements and keep the occupants safe and comfortable. Tightening the building envelope without providing appropriate ventilation can cause pressure imbalances or negative pressure in the house. This negative pressure can set up the conditions for backdrafting of fireplaces or fuel-burning (combustion) appliances and may draw pollutants into the home. A trained contractor understands how systems work together to keep the house operating as it should. Participants will learn the basics about air leakage and the details and techniques for airsealing. They will gain practical and affordable tools and strategies they can use to help their clients make better decisions. Participants will be equipped to avoid potential risks and identify new opportunities for marketing their services. The information presented in this session will build on the basics of building science covered in the popular EEBA full day Houses That Work session. Participants for this Airsealing session are encouraged to attend an HTW I session before taking this workshop.

An important element of the workshop will be to introduce the DOE’s Building America Best Practice Air Sealing Guide.