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Building Energy-Efficient Bridges in Pittsburgh

As one terribly clever energy professional pointed out – a city with 446 bridges couldn’t possibly be intimidated by hundreds of pages of building codes.

“Bridges to the Future” was the theme of the 2017 National Energy Code Conference, which took place July 18th – 20th in Pittsburgh, PA.  The third city to become part of the 2030 District, and commonly known as “The City of Bridges,” Pittsburgh proved a fitting venue in which to focus on the future of energy-efficiency through the impact of codes and initiatives across the U.S.

The conference kicked off with “Energy Codes Bootcamp,” a great session for professionals new to the industry. It covered code basics, compliance software training for REScheck and COMcheck, and a brief overview of what’s coming in the 2018 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Overall there is a focus on improved efforts to understand the different performance paths, and proving performance measures for buildings.

Next on the agenda, “Tours of the Tower” at PNC Plaza, which was designed to exceed LEED Platinum certification, and is known as the “greenest office building in the world.” The Tower is truly the crown jewel in Pittsburgh’s green building community, and no one could be more appreciate of it than the group of energy professionals in attendance.

The final tour of the day showcased The Energy Innovation Center, a not-for-profit organization whose purpose includes community engagement, workforce education and training, and support for businesses in the clean energy market.

Educational Sessions 

“If you work in building codes, it is essential to consider the future”
– Ian Finlayson, Massachusetts Dept. of Energy Resources 

One of the best educational sessions of day two was presented by Ian Finlayson of the Massachusetts Dept. of Energy Resources, “Developing and Promoting a Stretch Energy Code.” Massachusetts has mandatory requirements to adopt the latest ASHRAE and IECC codes every 3 years. But rapid gains in energy-efficient building are also being achieved across the state through educating and encouraging stretch codes. The keys to success include seeking expert input, keeping the message simple, and tracking adoption across municipalities.

“It’s all about ROI – how you consume and how you build must align.”
– Timothy McDonald, Onion Flats, LLC

Timothy McDonald, President of Onion Flats, LLC, kicked off the final day with the impressive gains his development company is achieving in the affordable housing market in Pennsylvania. Building on that knowledge, he has focused extensive efforts on including passive house building standards in the point system used by state housing finance agencies in awarding contracts. Once again education is a key component, emphasizing the fact that net-zero and passive house standards can be met cost-effectively. He added competition to the strategy, as the motivation tool for getting more builders to utilize energy-efficient building standards.

Some of the unique features of his own multi-family developments include facades that communicate energy use of the building, and making inexpensive design strategies essential, not traditionally key considerations in affordable housing.

 

Awards 

A final highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Jeffrey A. Johnson Award to the 2017 winner, Shaunna Mozingo, of Colorado Code Consulting. Jeffrey was remembered by his colleagues for his passionate work in energy-efficiency building. It was evident throughout the conference, and through the recognition of her colleagues, that Shaunna has embodied that same spirit throughout her career.

The conference was a great place to connect with a wide range of professionals focused on advancing the energy-efficiency initiatives at all levels – not just regulation. The architects, consultants, builders, manufacturers, and code officials in attendance all shared the same common goal: planning for the future by improving how we build today.

Considering attending an energy code conference in the future? Next up on the calendar is the 2017 International Code Council Conference, to be held September 10-13th in Columbus, OH. Take a look at the complete lineup of exhibitors and the education agenda here. Year-round, one of the best resources for both the residential and commercial building industries is the US Department of Energy website energy.gov. If you haven’t visited the site yet, take the time to look around – it has an absolute wealth of information for most any topic relating to energy-efficiency. 

 

ThermalBuck Performs at the 2017 PCBC

The biggest builder’s show on the west coast lived up to the hype – we had an amazing experience in San Diego at the 2017 PCBC. ThermalBuck was fortunate to head into the show a Parade of Products award winner (featured in the May 2017 issue of Professional Builder Magazine) and a presenter in the High-Performance Home Theater. But the real excitement started when we hit the tradeshow floor.

High Performance Wall & Attic Display

ThermalBuck was a featured product in the High Performance Wall & Attic display, designed to show homebuilders a variety of innovative building envelope products & methods they could use to comply with the 2016 Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards.

Watch as energy-efficient building consultant Nick Brown of Build Smart Group walks us through the exterior of the High Performance Wall & Attic display, built by Reliable Lumber of Huntingdon Beach.

WATCH: High Performance Walls & Attics – California Title 24 PCBC 2017

Other products featured in the display included Sierra Pacific windows, DuPont Flashing, RMax insulation, Parex One-Coat Stucco, Sun Power solar panels, and more. The display & home-theater presentations were the result of a collaboration between the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF), California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Workforce Instruction for Standards and Efficiency (WISE) program. The WISE program brings high performance building training to residential builders in California, and plays a significant role in the success of energy-efficient code adaptation in the state. To learn more about upcoming WISE events & initiatives, visit wisewarehouse.org.

“On the House” Radio Spot with The Carey Brothers

Next up was a quick-spot on The Carey Brothers “On the House” radio show, which featured ThermalBuck as one of the “latest and best products” from the PCBC show.  We were in great company with Ply Gem, OXX, Air King, and Boral Roofing to name just a few. The Carey Brothers were very knowledgeable, and great fun – we really appreciated the opportunity to connect with their listeners.

“You need to look for builders who are using products like this – because this is one of the most common leak spots in the home.”

-The Carey Brothers, PCBC 2017

 

READ:  onthehouse.com 

ThermalBuck Named “Innovative Product of PCBC” by Products Magazine

Products Magazine for Residential Construction Professionals

When we said that we had an amazing experience in San Diego, we weren’t kidding!

Last but not least of our highlights from the show was our visit from Nigel Maynard, Editor of Products Magazine, for residential construction professionals. Nigel wrote about the top 8 products that “caught his eye” at the show, and we were proud to have gotten notice as one of the standouts from the show. The list featured a mix of interior and exterior products, including PURewall by Covestro, Stretto door hardware by Emteck, and the new Smart All-in-One Care Washer & Dryer by Whirlpool. Take a look at the complete list here.

The Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference (PCBC) is the largest homebuilding trade show on the West coast. Over 10,000 homebuilders, architects, contractors, remodelers, engineers, and manufacturers will converge in San Diego June 27th-29th, 2017 for this year’s event. Originally known as the “Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference”, the PCBC show has grown since 1959 to attract attendees from all over the world. 

PCBC Photo Gallery

Here’s more of what was happening at PCBC 2017 – don’t miss the show in San Francisco in 2018!

Close-Up of Sierra Pacific window mounted with ThermalBuck
Universal Product Display
PRODUCTS magazine editor Nigel Maynard discovers ThermalBuck
ThermalBuck with stucco cladding
ThermalBuck booth
Did we mention we won a POP award???
We definitely see the benefits!

 

 

Professional Builder Names ThermalBuck “Best of 2017 PCBC: Parade of Products”

ThermalBuck is proud to announce our selection as one of the “Best of PCBC: 2017 Parade of Products” by Professional Builder Magazine.

Each year, exhibitors for the PCBC are invited to submit new products to a distinguished panel of judges for consideration as one of the 15 winners of the Parade of Products. Awards are based on innovation, practical application, and design. Panel members represent a variety of backgrounds in homebuilding: engineers, designers, architects, and product curators.  

ThermalBuck, the high-performance window buck, made the cut along with an innovative roof deck insulation by Knauf made from sand, a rollable furring strip recently launched by Keene Building Products, and several wi-fi connected products, all designed to reduce energy usage. POP winners will receive highlighted media coverage in advance of the show, as well as on the exhibit floor.

View the complete listing of winners from the Professional Builder Best of PCBC 2017 Parade of Products here.  

PCBC – The Art, Science + Business of Housing

Professional Builder is the official media sponsor of the PCBC, the largest homebuilding trade show on the West coast. Over 10,000 homebuilders, architects, contractors, remodelers, engineers, and manufacturers will converge in San Diego June 27th-29th, 2017 for this year’s event. Originally known as the “Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference“, the PCBC show has grown since 1959 to attract attendees from all over the world. 

 

Professional Builder magazine has been a staple of the home building community for over 75 years. 100% of the home building professionals who value Professional Builder as a resource have authority to specify and/or purchase building materials, products, and equipment.  Product submissions for the POP awards must have been launched within the last 18 months, or be available the upcoming fall.

“One of the Coolest New Products” at JLC LIVE

The Journal of Light Construction Senior Editor Roe Osborn stopped by the ThermalBuck booth at the JLC LIVE show in Providence on day two, and the first thing he said was “I couldn’t even get near you guys yesterday!” Needless to say, we liked him right away.

The editorial team of JLC is passionate about sharing the latest in building material technology and installation techniques, and there is no better show in the Northeast to witness the latest innovations than the annual JLC LIVE show in Providence, RI.

 The 2017 show was the biggest to date, keeping JLC LIVE on track as one of the Top 250 Trade Shows in the U.S., with over 7,000 attendees.

JLC chose to feature ThermalBuck in “Seen and Heard at JLC LIVE”, published March 24th at jlconline.com.

“(ThermalBuck) might help solve some of the problems that builders face when adding insulation to the exterior of a home. It’s easy to incorporate into the thermal envelope of a house and thermally breaks the window’s connection.”

– The Journal of Light Construction

 

Take a look at the complete slideshow of innovative new products, where ThermalBuck shares the stage with products from ZipWall, Snap Power, and Zehnder.

Senior Editor Tim Healey stopped by as well to shoot a short video to introduce ThermalBuck to readers of JLC who might have missed the show.  WATCH:

We couldn’t have enjoyed the show more.  Great builders ready to learn and engage, retailers looking to provide the best in products and services to their customers – and valuable sharing of information and education.  Thank you to The Journal of Light Construction for the recognition of ThermalBuck – we couldn’t be prouder to be named “One of the Coolest New Products” @ JLC LIVE.  If you didn’t get to catch ThermalBuck in person, take a look at our installation examples from the show.

See you in 2018!

 

Tyvek WRB Exterior to CI
“One of the coolest new products I’ve seen at JLC Live” – JLC Magazine Editor, Roe Osborne
Tyvek WRB & Dow Rigid Foam
Screws penetrate through ThermalBuck into Sheathing
Head Flashing Detail

JLC LIVE presents multiple shows across the U.S.  The signature show is JLC Live New England, held every March on the east coast.  Out west, you’ll want to attend JLC LIVE Northwest, held in December in Portland. The Remodeling Show & Deck Expo features a more intimate format, and is scheduled for Nashville in October 2017.    The official media sponsors of JLC LIVE include The Journal of Light Construction (JLC),  Tools of the Trade, and Remodeling magazine.  

ThermalBuck Named “One to Watch” in LBM Journal

ThermalBuck is in great company with several leading manufacturers as one of the top “PRODUCT PICKS” in the February 2017 print and digital editions of the LBM Journal.

Out of the hundreds of new building material products introduced to the market each month, the LBM Journal reviews and selects their top choices for readers, noted as “Ones to Watch” in their popular “PRODUCT PICKS” feature.This recent edition also included Vinyl Single-Slide Windows from MI Windows & Doors, FlatWrap UV Housewrap from Benjamin Obdyke, and the MiraTec Smooth Select line from Jeld-Wen, to name a few.  

View the complete listing of the LBM Journal February 2017 Issue Product Picks here.

February 2017 Issue of LBM Journal 

The highlight of the February issue is a feature about family-owned R.P. Lumber.  Over the past 40 years, they’ve grown from a $5,000 investment in a single store without a restroom, to 65 lumberyards servicing the Midwest region. Their motto “Best Service, Best Value” has served them well in building a loyal customer base with significant growth, and retaining exceptional employees. To learn more about this entrepreneurial family, view the February issue of the LBM Journal.

No matter what aspect of business you’re in, you’ll benefit from the excellent piece by Bob Heidenreich, “Teach Customers That Price Isn’t Everything.”  He reveals his strategies to educate customers about what they’re buying.  It’s important to promote the value of both the materials and service.  Bob’s piece is a great reminder to us all that retaining customers and increasing profits has everything to do with knowledge, and communication.

Also of note in the February issue, is an in-depth look into the latest developments in Moulding & Trimboard.  With the increasing importance of high-performing products that resist moisture, the stronghold of wood on the market is shifting to new materials. PVC, polyurethane and fly-ash trim are now making their mark. This article is a great reference on how to compare and understand the cost and benefits of each.

View the complete digital versions of current and archived issues of the print magazine, available at lbmjournal.com. 

Since it’s launch in 2003, LBM Journal has been highly regarded as the leading media outlet for the residential lumber building material (LBM) distribution channel.  The LBM Journal provides its readership with the latest in industry news, product trends and business insights through multiple channels. For information about obtaining a digital or print subscription, or to sign up for their informative newsletter visit lbmjournal.com.  Join one of the 40,000 industry professionals who rely on LBM Journal as a leading source of information and subscribe now.

Planning is Key to Net Zero Deep Energy Retrofit

You’d have to live under a rock (completely sustainable housing) if you didn’t realize that climate change, and rapidly increasing energy prices are a hot topic in today’s world. But why is the focus on the building industry?

Buildings consume nearly half of all the energy produced in the United States.

Globally, the percentages are even higher. Which explains why much of Europe is paving the way in both commercial and residential energy-efficient building.

It’s important to understand that energy-efficient building is about more than energy-efficient materials. A great deal of planning is needed to ensure the proper integration of materials and design, to achieve the best possible outcome.

Energy-Efficient Building

Passive Design, and Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) are the two primary concepts for energy-efficient building. Passive Design uses a combination of climate-based passive and active design strategies to minimize the usage of energy, materials, and water.

Passive homes focus on the absolute minimal amount of energy use possible to heat and cool the building.

In 2015, the Passive House Institute of the US released the only passive building standard based upon climate-specific comfort and performance. The goal was to find the right balance between the up-front investment in a passive build, and the long-term payback, to achieve the most comfortable and cost effective building possible. Learn more at phius.org.

The basic premise of a Net Zero Energy Building is that they generate as much energy as they consume.

Designed to minimize the amount of energy they need to operate, and with renewable energy systems that meet their energy needs. Solar, wind, and geothermal are examples of renewable energy systems.  Design considerations to achieve net zero energy include passive solar design, triple pane or triple glazed windows, and high performance building envelopes. The US Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program has been working to promote Net Zero building since 2008. Learn more at energy.gov.

Both Passive Home and Net Zero Energy Home certifications are generally based on the HERS Home Energy Rating Score, and certified by third parties, such as the Living Building Challenge.  To learn more about the certification process, click here.

The Deep Energy Retrofit

Most of the discussion about passive or net zero design centers around new construction.  It just makes good sense to plan ahead for the future. However, considering that the majority of the building inventory in the US was built prior to 1990, there is even more opportunity for energy savings in renovating and retrofitting existing buildings.

As the experts at Green Building Advisor explain, the process usually begins with a home energy audit and building analysis. Energy usage reductions are achieved through a whole-building approach, including insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting, appliances, and water usage. A typical simple energy retrofit focuses only on individual upgrades, like heating and cooling.

Deep Energy Retrofits are a whole-building approach to maximizing energy efficiency.

The key to success in a deep energy retrofit, is utilizing skilled building science professionals who have the experience planning the integration of these systems into existing structures. Look to organizations such as the Building Performance Institute to direct you to certified professionals in the industry. That’s how we found Bill McKnight, CEO, Energy Conservation Specialists.

 

WATCH:  Net Zero Deep Energy Retrofit with ECS and ThermalBuck  

 

With over 20 years in the field of deep energy retrofits, Bill has achieved both BPI Accreditation and Energy Star Certification, teaches building science at Ulster University in NY, and has been featured in Home Energy Magazine. To learn more about the historic renovation project we worked on with Energy Conservation Specialists, and see how ThermalBuck was used to create a thermally efficient building envelope, read the full installation story here.

The Poplar Network features a clear-cut piece by Rob Freeman that explains the difference between Passive and Net Zero. For a more detailed reference, an excellent resource is Net Zero Energy Buildings, by Steven Winters Associates, Inc., a respected authority on building science and efficiency. It was featured in 2016 in the The Whole Building Design Guide, a program of the National Institute of Building Sciences which focuses on the latest technology and “whole building” design techniques. Data was also sourced from architecture2030, whose mission is to address climate change problems with design solutions of the built environment.      

Continuous Insulation – Making the Right Choice

If you’ve made the decision to include continuous insulation on your building, it’s time to pat yourself on the back.

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has required continuous insulation since 2012. When the building envelope is insulated on the outside, it not only improves the energy efficiency, it also helps to reduce the possibility of moisture damage through thermal bridging.

WATCH:  ThermalBuck installation using polyiso CI  

Which type of continuous insulation should you choose? Good question.

Each type of insulation has different thermal properties, costs, features, and installation requirements, so you really need to consider what matters most in your application.

ThermalBuck is compatible with all types of continuous insulation, and will simplify the installation process.  It solves many of the common challenges builders find when installing windows with continuous insulation, and make the installation more energy-efficient by insulating the rough opening – typically a source of energy-loss in the building envelope. 

Types of Continuous Insulation

There are three main types of continuous insulation: rigid foam, mineral wool, and cork. The most widely used is rigid foam, which is split into three main categories: EPS, XPS, and Polyiso.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS):  R-4 per inch

EPS is the most commonly used rigid foam. While it has the lowest R-value, it’s also the least expensive around .31 cents per sq. ft., which makes it a favorite for code compliance within budget. EPS does absorb water, and has the lowest compressive strength of the rigid foams.

Structured Insulated Panels (SIPS) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFS) are comprised of EPS. Insulfoam, a division of Carlisle Construction Materials, is largest manufacturer of block-molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) in North America.

It is important to note that EPS should be used over housewrap, and supported by OSB or plywood when used as sheathing.  

 

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS):  R-5 per inch

Many green builders discount XPS right off the bat, because it is the least environmentally friendly option. It contains the flame retardant HBCD, and its blowing agents have high global-warming potential.

However, with it’s higher R-value and moderate pricing at .47 cents per sq. ft. it is widely used. It’s stronger than EPS, and more water resistant, making it a preferred choice for under-slab and below grade applications.

XPS is available faced or unfaced, which affects the vapor permeability. Owens Corning Foamular “pink board” is some of the most widely recognized XPS on the market.

 

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso or ISO):  R-6.5 per inch

Polyiso is the most expensive of the three types of rigid foam, as much as .70 cents per sq. ft. for a 1″ thick panel. However, the higher R-values often make the added expense worthwhile in the long run.  All polyiso is faced on both sides, most often with foil.

Polysio is considered the most-environmentally friendly of the three foams. It does absorb water, and generally cannot be used below grade. Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer of polyiso foams.  

One of the primary benefits of polyiso, is that it can often be used as a WRB behind your cladding. While it may cost more upfront than EPS or XPS, not installing a separate WRB component can save a considerable amount. It really depends on your climate, if this feature will be a long-term benefit, or present a building science challenge. 

 

Mineral Wool:  R-4 per inch

When you think mineral wool, you think of Roxul, easily the best known brand on the market. Mineral wool is also known as stone wool because it is made of basalt rock and steel slag, making it a favorite choice of green builders.  Easy to work with, fire-resistant, sound resistant, and water resistant. It’s the only insulation recognized by code as a firestop.

ComfortBoard is Roxul’s exterior insulation.  With an R-value of 4, it is lower than most rigid foams, however, there is no reduction in R-value over time, which will happen with foam insulation materials that rely on lower-conductivity blowing agents that slowly leak out or allow air to leak in.

Mineral wool is highly vapor-permeable and easy to install. Roxul is approximately .64 cents per board foot. 

 

Cork:  R-3.6 per inch

Thermacork, is the most widely recognized an all-natural rigid insulation material made from expanded cork. It offers excellent acoustic control, is highly durable, has high vapor permeability, and meets fire-safety requirements without flame retardants. It is labeled Red List Free for use in Living Building Challenge projects.

Cork is by far the greenest of the green in the insulation category, but it’s significantly higher cost and limited availability make it more of a niche product.

It’s important to take your specific climate into consideration when evaluating building materials.

EPS and XPS increase in R-value as the temperature drops.  A great thing if you’re in Wisconsin. However with Polyiso, the R-value actually decreases when the temperature drops. Not such a great thing when you’re in Wisconsin.

To choose the best continuous insulation for your project, analyze all of the variables: performance needs, climate, building codes, and budget.

No matter which continuous insulation you choose, proper installation is critical to achieving the desired performance.

Our energy-efficient homebuilders in Utah, Thomas & Melissa Griffiths, did extensive research on the features and benefits of the different types of exterior insulation, and decided on Atlas EnergyShield Polyiso for their dream home.

Thomas wanted the highest R-value his budget would permit, and appreciated the fact that he could use the continuous insulation as his WRB. To eliminate the thermal bridge around their Alpen 525 Series windows, they chose ThermalBuck. Take a look at their recent ThermalBuck installation below.

ThermalBuck simplifies the installation of windows with all types of continuous insulation, making a truly high-performance building envelope.  To see additional installation steps, strength and installation challenges, view the ThermalBuck Installation page.

For an in-depth conversation about rigid foam types, we recommend the experts at Green Building Advisor. For additional videos of polyiso installation, we recommend this one by Synergy Construction.  Of course we would recommend the use of ThermalBuck over the plywood bucks, to limit thermal bridging and improve the performance of the window installation.

While written in 2010, this piece from Green Building advisor about Using Rigid Foam as a WRB, still has merit.  Updated in January of 2016, ICC document AC71 Foam Plastic Sheathing Panels Used as Weather-resistive Barriers establishes guidelines for evaluation of foam plastic sheathing panels used as water-resistive barriers in combustible construction. See your rigid foam manufacturer specifications for more information.  

Austin builder Matt Risinger features ThermalBuck on an episode or Risinger Goes Rogue

ThermalBuck Goes Rogue with Austin Builder Matt Risinger

Texas has always been famous for cowboys, gunslingers, and rodeos (not to mention the best steaks and BBQ you’ll find anywhere). But you may not have realized that it’s also the home to one of the fastest growing construction industries in the U.S.

Led by multi-family housing starts, construction growth is fueled by an increasing population, a healthy housing market, and a strong environment for investment. Drive anywhere across this beautiful state and you’ll witness construction cranes, and rapid building progress in all shapes and sizes.

WATCH:  Risinger Goes Rogue featuring ThermalBuck   

Matt Risinger

Where construction is booming, you’ll find award-winning homebuilders.  At the recent Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) Conference in Dallas, TX, ThermalBuck had the good fortune to cross paths with the most famous builder to call the Lone Star State home, Matt Risinger. Not only a well-known builder, Matt is also a respected media personality in the building industry. Matt was the closing speaker for the 3 day event held at the end of September, 2016.  The close-knit and collaborative nature of this particular conference invites plenty of opportunities to interact with attendees, presenters and manufacturers alike.  Matt’s keen interest in emerging products and new technology brought him to ThermalBuck on the trade show floor, where he spent some time with our president, John Brooks.

Risinger Homes

To meet Matt in person, is to realize right away that he is the real deal. Smart, humble, hard-working and passionate about good building science, Matt has earned a considerable following of nearly 34,000 subscribers to his You Tube channel, Build with Matt Risinger.  Since it’s launch in 2008, Matt’s building videos have earned him nearly 10 million views. Pretty impressive for this full-time builder and owner of Risinger Homes, and part-time marketer.

Matt has earned his reputation for excellency the old-fashioned way, through years of hands-on construction work, and the innate desire to do things the right way.

“I build homes that are dramatically more energy efficient, durable, healthy, and comfortable than most new homes in America.”

Risinger Homes is doing just that – building some of the finest homes in Texas. Combining Matt’s work ethic with his passion for technology, easy manner and marketing savvy, Matt has crafted a great reputation as a building science expert.

Risinger Goes Rogue

Not only does Risinger Homes build multiple high-end homes a year, he also spends countless hours appearing at building events and trade shows, as well as creating videos for Risinger Goes Rogue. Matt maintains a strong presence on social media, building his audience through his natural presentation ability, straight-talk and credibility. His strong family values, faith, and outlook on life are a bonus to those who seek out his expertise. Followers of Matt’s social media accounts can watch day-to-day progress of the homes he is working on, and learn proper building techniques along the way.

matt-risinger-with-videographerRisinger Goes Rogue recently featured ThermalBuck, a smart, simple solution to the challenges builders face when installing windows with continuous insulation. 

We appreciate Matt sharing ThermalBuck with his avid followers, and look forward to collaborating with Risinger Homes in the future. One thing we can be certain of, is that we will learn a thing (or two).

Risinger Homes started building exclusively for architects in 2005.  Matt’s building science expertise has been documented in Fine Homebuilding, The Journal of Light Construction, and Custom Home Magazine, to name a few.  He is also an award winning blogger, the two-time winner of the JDR Best Blogger Award.  Enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of Matt’s work through his instagram account, twitter, or facebook. The Texas building statistics sourced for this post were found at investopedia.com.  

BRINC BP Announces ICC-ES Approval for ThermalBuck

BRINC Building Products, Inc. is proud to announce the publication of the International Code Council Evaluation Services, LLC (ICC-ES) Evaluation Report ESR-3753 for ThermalBuck, Division: 07 00 00 – THERMAL and MOISTURE PROTECTION, Section: 07 21 00 – Thermal Insulation. The properties evaluated by the ICC-ES are as follows:

  • Thermal Resistance (R-value)
  • Surface-Burning Characteristics
  • Physical Properties

The completed evaluation report for BRINC BP confirms that ThermalBuck complies with the thermal insulation requirements of the following codes:

  • 2015, 2012 and 2009 International Building Code® (IBC)
  • 2015, 2012 and 2009 International Residential Code® (IRC)
  • 2015, 2012, and 2009 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC)

This confirmation, as evidenced in ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-3753, provides guidance and assurance to code officials, architects, builders, and energy consultants that ThermalBuck will perform effectively as thermal insulation under the applicable codes.

“ThermalBuck’s innovative design provides a simple, energy-efficient solution for the challenge of installing windows with continuous insulation, and limits thermal bridging in the building envelope.”

-John Brooks, President of BRINC BP

The ICC-ESR provides third-party verification that individual products meet the rigorous requirements of the International Codes.  The ICC-ESR Evaluation Report is confirmed evidence of a product’s code compliance, as well as a summary of relevant installation requirements and testing references. ICC-ES is an independent subsidiary of the ICC, which was developed in 2003 when four national building product evaluation services combined forces to provide consistent, professional evaluation of building components, products, methods, and materials.

ThermalBuck to Exhibit at EEBA in Dallas, Sept. 27th-29th

ThermalBuck will exhibit at the 2016 Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) Conference & Expo in Dallas, TX, on September 27th – 29th.

“Sustainable Building” may seem like a recent concept, but for over 30 years, EEBA has been a well-respected platform for collaboration and education across multiple fields in sustainable building.  EEBA members are committed to being “good stewards of the resources used in the construction of residential and light commercial buildings.”

The EEBA Conference & Expo isn’t a typical trade show, in that the expo hours are a small portion of the event.  Much like EEBA itself, the conference is truly all about collaboration, and education.  Over 90 presenters will offer informative sessions over three days, multiple networking opportunities, and because it’s Texas, a little bull-riding for good measure.

Notable presenters include Martin Holladay, Green Building Advisor, known for his weekly blog “Musings of an Energy Nerd”, and Achilles Karagiozis, Owens Corning, who developed some of the most advanced hygrothermal models worldwide – including WUFI.

The event wraps up with a closing presentation featuring well-known Texas builder Matt Risinger (originally a Pittsburgh native, extra points in our book). Matt is a nationally known and respected expert in building science for hot/humid climates.  With his successful blog “Build with Matt Risinger”, fast-growing You-Tube following, and marketing savvy, Matt truly emulates the ideal EEBA standard – a mix of responsible building practices in the design, marketing, and execution of the building process.

If you’re in the Dallas area next week, be sure and visit ThermalBuck at the EEBA show. For a schedule of the 2016 EEBA Conference program, click here.

Throughout the year, EEBA presents educational sessions across the U.S. Their courses often qualify for CEU credits for AIA, AIBD, BPI, RESNET, NAHB, and is approved by the USGBC for GBCI CE hours towards LEED credentialing.  To keep up-to-date with sessions in your area, visit eeba.org.