The process of removing old siding and replacing with new is the perfect time to add exterior continuous insulation and air seal. One inch or more of rigid insulative sheathing, taped and detailed to act as the air and water barrier. This typically increases occupant comfort (temperature and noise reduced, saves on utility bills, improves thermal & moisture performance of walls, allows for the use of off-the-shelf trim and moldings and maintains most siding warranties.

The U.S. Department of Energy has funded Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to study a handful of promising retrofits that can boost the thermal and air performance of building envelopes to meet DOE’s ambitious carbon and energy goals for existing housing stock in the United States. Major improvements must be made to the existing housing stock in order for the US to meet challenging carbon and energy targets. But this upgrade is just good common sense! Learn how to determine if you should offer AIRS to your customers and also see if they might qualify for a nearly free ($5000 value) AIRS energy upgrade in exchange for sharing research data!

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects – AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place
• AIBD
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)

Speaker

Patti Gunderson joined PNNL in 2021 and supports several projects in the Building Systems Group. A particular strength is collaborating with manufacturers, designers, builders, and trades people to understand and overcome barriers to adoption of optimized building technologies. Recent focus has been on wall retrofits to boost the thermal and air performance of envelopes to meet DOE’s ambitious carbon and energy goals for existing housing stock in the United States.

Patti most recently spent nearly six years at an independent research testing and certification lab in the Building Science division where she proposed, designed, and led research projects to study constructability, functionality, energy efficiency and durability of buildings.

Prior to HI, Patti worked as a mechanical engineer at an international AE firm on numerous high-profile projects including embassies, medical centers, university law schools and the flagship Net Zero Brock Environmental Center for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Patti is a big fan of collaboration and has benefitted from relationships with research partners and clients representing several national labs, the National Association of Home Builders, the Leading Builders of America, and numerous international manufacturers, as well as staff from DOE, FPL, HUD, and VA.

Lessons Learned

1. Understand the major health, safety and welfare benefits of an AIRS energy upgrade

2. Understand the degree of health, safety and welfare improvements available with AIRS, depending on CZ and starting conditions

3. Identify the opportunities to improve existing conditions in older houses that may have experienced water damage or have drafts that may affect health, safety and welfare of occupants.

4. Understand the costs and investment opportunities associated with combining an AIRS energy upgrade with an already planned and budgeted re-siding project, how missing that window of opportunity may negatively affect future comfort and household expenses.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: