Energy Efficiency Category - LaBonte Construction

A home is only as efficient as its least efficient point. In many homes, windows and doors occupy a large percentage of the surface area of the home’s envelope. Having the right windows, installed correctly in your home remodeling project can lead to a more energy efficient home and improve your overall quality of life.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Performance Label

The NFRC is an organization that tests, certifies and labels windows and doors based on a series of performance ratings. You will find this label on all ENERGY STAR® qualified windows and doors. Each label has a few important numbers associated with the performance of the window or door, but what do these numbers mean?

The NRFC label found on every new window

U-Factor

The U-Factor, sometimes referred to as U-Value, is a measurement of a window’s rate of heat transfer. In short, this tells the buyer how well the window will provide insulation. U-Factor ratings range from 0.25 to 1.25. The lower U-Factor, the more efficient and insulated the window is.

Due to Wisconsin’s extreme climate, windows are a particularly important factor in the energy efficiency of a home. Wisconsin winters can be harsh, so we recommend selecting windows and doors with a U-Factor of 0.35 or lower in your next home remodeling project.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window blocks out the heat from sunlight. SHGC ratings range between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the less heat is transmitting into your home. When deciding what SHGC you want your windows to have, it’s important to note which direction the window will be facing.

For west-facing windows that receive direct sunlight throughout the afternoon, use a window with a lower SHGC. Conversely, on south-facing walls a window with a higher SHGC could help naturally warm your home during the cold Wisconsin winters.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

The visible transmittance (VT) number measures how well a window or door lets sunlight pass through. Typically, VT numbers range from 0.30 to 0.70. A higher VT means more natural light passes through the window, while potentially reducing the need for artificial lighting.

It is important to weigh the VT number against the other properties of the window. Generally, more efficient windows will have a lower VT number, meaning less natural light will pass into your home. For example, a triple-paned window is highly efficient, but sunlight must pass through three panes of glass before entering your home, which can decrease the natural light in your home.

When selecting a window or windows for your home remodeling project, it is important to take each of these numbers into account.

Window Panes

Window panes are broken down into three categories: single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane.

Single-Paned

Single-pane windows are a singular pane of glass held inside of a frame. First created in England in the early 17th century, single-pane windows were the first windows ever invented. They are the most cost-effective window pane however, they are the least energy efficient. This is because they only provide a single barrier between the interior of your home and the outdoors. Because of this, we typically only use single-pane windows in outdoor buildings like a greenhouse or garage.

Double-Paned

Double-pane windows are among the more common windows selected by our clients for a home remodeling project. These windows have two panes that traps air in between them, which increases the windows U-Factor. An increased U-Factor can result in your home’s HVAC system requiring less effort to operate. This lowers energy bills and increases efficiency.

Double-pane casement windows installed in a home remodeling project in Whitefish Bay, WI / LaBonte Construction

Triple-Paned

Triple-pane windows are by far the most energy efficient. When compared to double-pane windows, triple-pane windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency by as much as thirty percent. The improved insulation of a triple-pane window not only makes your home more energy efficient, but also adds soundproofing qualities.

Triple-pane windows also provide more security for your home, because they are much more difficult to break through than a single, or double pane window. Triple-pane windows are typically found in passive house construction and remodeling projects on busy streets.

The initial cost for double and triple-pane windows is higher than a single-pane window. However, you can recoup the cost with lower energy bills, along with an increase in your home’s property value.

Gases

In double and triple-pane windows, gas fills the space between the panes. These gases include krypton, xenon, nitrogen, oxygen or argon. These gases act as an excellent insulator for the window. The gas also helps to prevent condensation from building up between the panes.

Window Styles

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the design you and the architect agree upon. However, some of the most common window styles in our remodeling projects include casement, double-hung, tilt-turn and thermally broken windows.

Casement

Casement windows have long been a traditional window style in American home building. These windows swing in or out and attach to the frame by one or more hinges at the side. When locked, casement windows can have a tighter seal than double-hung windows. A tighter window seal leads to higher efficiency.

Double Hung

Double-hung windows are the most common windows we install in remodeling projects. A double-hung window has two sliding sashes. The bottom panel opens by sliding the sash up, while the top panel opens by sliding the sash down. The top and bottom sashes of double-hung windows fit snugly into the window frame, helping to limit air infiltration into your home.

Double-hung windows in a home addition / LaBonte Construction

Tilt-Turn Windows

Tilt-turn windows allow you to either tilt them outward or inward for ventilation, or turn them similar to a casement window. These windows are common in Europe, but have made their way into many Milwaukee home remodels. Tilt-turn windows fit snugly into the frame, and the vinyl the frame is typically made from acts as an excellent insulator. Due to their ability to be used as a vent, tilt-turn windows also allow you to leave your windows open more often, without sacrificing security, resulting in less need to run the air conditioning.

Thermally Broken Windows

Thermally broken is a term that references the type of frame used for a window. These frames are typically made of aluminum, a material that inhibits heat from escaping through the frame. These frames also create a barrier between the panes of glass, helping to prevent thermal bridging. Typically, thermally broken windows are double or tripled-paned. Adding a thermally broken aluminum frame to an already efficient assembly further increases the efficiency of the window.

View a complete list of window styles on the NRFC website.

Passive Solar

Passive solar construction is a method of building that uses the sun’s energy to increase the efficiency of a home. Based on the movements of the sun, a passive solar style build typically has numerous windows facing within 30 degrees of true south to collect the sun’s energy. This helps naturally heat the building, while causing less load on your heating system and saving on energy costs.

The heat from the sun is naturally stored in what is known as thermal mass. Thermal mass refers to materials used to build a home that naturally retain heat, such as concrete, brick, stone or tile. These materials naturally absorb the sun’s heat, acting like a battery to release the heat back into the home throughout the day.

Casement windows installed in a home addition in Whitefish Bay, WI / LaBonte Construction

In order to not overheat during the months when the heating system is on, passive solar homes rely on a system of shading. However, we typically only use passive solar designs in homes that do not have buildings or other obstructions blocking the windows. Because of this, the passive solar design is most typically seen in homes in the countryside. However, if your home has the right exposure, a passive solar addition or remodel can be a great way to maximize the sun’s natural heat and minimize your home’s energy use.

Which Energy-Efficient Windows Are Right for You?

Each year, the average American household spends $1,500-$2,500 on energy bills. Forty-five percent of that cost is for heating and cooling. Choosing energy efficient windows can save you money and keep your home comfortable. Please contact us at LaBonte Construction about incorporating high-performance windows into your next home remodeling project.

There are many different types of insulation to consider when remodeling your home. From the most common, to the most effective, we will take a look at some of the different types of insulation we use in the home remodeling process.

Remodeling With Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is the most common insulation material used today. It is the material LaBonte Construction uses most when insulating a home or home addition. Made from fine glass fibers, fiberglass insulation generally takes the form of batts, rolls and loose-fill. Fiberglass batts are also quickly installed, which provides our clients with a cost-effective option. Common fiberglass insulation brands include Owens Corning or Johns Manville. Fiberglass insulation meets code by having adequate thermal properties and can even provide some acoustic dampening.

Fiberglass insulation in a residential sport court in Whitefish Bay, WI

There are several benefits to using fiberglass insulation. It is the most cost-effective, most readily available, it meets code and it is easy to work with. Fiberglass insulation comes in all off the necessary joist spacing sizes, R-Values and facings which makes it easy to find the right option. Because it contains sand and recycled glass, fiberglass insulation is naturally noncombustible.

Remodeling With Spray Foam Insulation

The second most common type of insulation we use in the remodeling process is spray foam. Spray foam insulation is used to seal wall, floor and ceiling cavities against air movement. If applied correctly, spray foam never loses its shape over time. It will not compress, sag nor settle. The foam is made from organic chemical compounds derived from petroleum extracts. Although that may sound dangerous, it is considered environmentally safe and one of our favorite options for maximum efficiency.

Spray Foam Insulation used in a pool house in River Hills / LaBonte Construction / HB Designs / Peabody’s Interiors

Spray foam insulation can help reduce high energy bills because the foam prevents air leakage. It can also helps prevent ice dams, which can be an issue for some Wisconsinites. The reduced airflow that spray foam creates helps prevent drafts and cold floors. A tighter envelope can lead to a more energy-efficient home.

There are two main types of spray foam insulation: Closed Cell and Open Cell.

Closed Cell

Closed cell spray foam insulation creates an air seal within the home and provides continuous insulation. We use closed cell foam regularly at LaBonte Construction, and Johns Manville Corbond III^® is one of the most common closed cell options we use. It can be applied to open cavities of new homes, existing homes, pole barns and commercial buildings. Closed cell foam is durable, and can be left exposed without worrying about damage to the foam. It is unique in that it does not require a roof to be vented during the remodeling process, and the entire home envelope can be sealed which creates a tighter home.

Closed cell foam is waterproof and limits air leakage where it is installed. Closed cell foam’s higher R-Value per inch of thickness makes it a great option in older homes that have shallow joist cavities. This may not allow for traditional insulation to achieve code without additional furring and carpentry, which may be costly and reduce precious ceiling height.

Open Cell

Open cell spray foam insulation is generally applied to open cavities in any structure. Just like closed cell foam insulation it creates an air seal and provides continuous insulation. It is most commonly used in new homes, existing homes and pole barns. Open cell foam is light, pliable and can expand up to 100 times in volume to fill every crack and crevice where it is sprayed.

Homes naturally shift and settle over time, and open cell insulation will move with the structure without cracking or pulling away from the studs. Unlike closed cell insulation, open cell foam allows moisture to move through it, but it does not soak up or retain the moisture. Because of its composition, open cell foam can dry if the building envelope is properly engineered.

Mineral Wool: A Favorite Of LaBonte Construction

Mineral wool, sometimes referred to as stone wool or ROCKWOOL^®, has been around for decades with a proven track record. First patented in the United States by John Player in 1870, mineral wool was first commercially produced in Germany in 1871. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that mineral wool became a common insulation option. Mineral wool is widely used in Canada and Europe, but saw a decline in its usage in the United States over the past thirty years. However, more recently, mineral wool has made a comeback in the U.S., and is now a favorite choice of ours.

Mineral wool is made by melting down basalt stone and recycled slag from steel mills, which is then spun into fiber and formed into batts or boards. It is a terrific option for damp spaces and exterior uses, and it also has greater health benefits when compared to other options.

Mineral wool is also denser than other types of insulation which makes it effective for soundproofing. It is fire resistant and is often used as fire stopping around holes and pipes between floors during remodeling projects. Like open cell foam, mineral wool does not absorb water which discourages the growth of mold and mildew. Containing up to seventy percent recycled materials, mineral wool is an eco-friendly option. Mineral wool also possesses a higher R-value per inch compared to that of traditional fiberglass insulation, making for a warmer home.

Denim Insulation

Denim insulation is not the most widely-used insulation but is one of the highest quality options. Made of scraps and clippings that come from the manufacturing of denim clothing, this insulation is extremely sustainable as it contains around eighty-five percent recycled materials. Its natural cotton fibers are also one hundred percent recyclable at the end of the insulation’s usable life. Manufacturing denim insulation requires much less energy than traditional fiberglass insulation, and is considered an efficient manufacturing process.

As well as being an eco-friendly alternative, denim insulation provides better acoustic dampening when compared to other insulations. Denim insulation can provide up to thirty percent better sound dampening than traditional insulation, making for a quieter home. It also contains no volatile organic compounds (VOC) or formaldehyde, which can contaminate a home’s indoor air. Denim insulation is treated with an EPA-registered fungal inhibitor which protects it from mold, mildew and pests. The insulation is also treated with an EPA-approved borate solution that makes it flame resistant.

AeroBarrier

If you’re looking to insulate your home without having to take apart walls, AeroBarrier is a great option. AeroBarrier can seal air leaks in your home up to ½” in size. Using a blower door, the space is pressurized. From there, a computer controls the rest, including the temperature, pressure, humidity and the distribution of the sealant. Another perk of AeroBarrier is that you can see the results in real time as the blower door test improves.

After the sealing process, work can resume within thirty minutes. The overall process (pre-sealing, preparation, setup/seal/breakdown, cover removal, post test and additional cleanup) takes anywhere from 14-22 hours, depending on the size of the space you are getting air sealed. AeroBarrier is best used in new construction and whole home remodeling projects.

Interior vs. Exterior Insulation

Interior

Interior insulation is required by code, therefore choosing the right option for your home is important. One of the perks in searching for the right interior insulation for your home is that there are many different kinds, so finding the right option shouldn’t be too difficult.

Insulating interior walls can reduce sound transfer from room to room. Interior insulation also helps prevent mold and mildew from building within the walls. Finding the right interior insulation for your home can also help you reduce your energy costs. If less heat escapes from your home you can expect your energy bills to drop.

Exterior

Having exterior insulation in your home is extremely helpful. At LaBonte Construction, we advocate the use of ZIP R-sheathing for your exterior insulation. ZIP R-sheathing is the easiest way a client can add exterior insulation during a remodeling project. The biggest benefit to ZIP R-Sheathing is that it is extremely effective at preventing thermal bridging. It is also handy if you live somewhere noisy, as a ZIP R-sheathing can help dampen some of the outside noise.

ZIP sheathing in a home in Whitefish Bay / LaBonte Construction

Whether building, remodeling or adding an addition to a home, look to use exterior insulation whenever possible. Installation can be tricky, and is best left to the professionals.

R-Value Requirements

Each type of insulation is assigned an R-value. An R-value is the measure of an insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating performance and resistance to heat loss. In the United States (and its territories) there are eight different zones that are used to determine the required R-value for insulation.

R-value map from the Department of Energy

Below are the R-value requirements from the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) for different parts of a structure in Zone Six (Milwaukee County’s Zone):

Attics: R49-R60
2×4 Walls: R13-R15
2×6 Walls: R19-R21
Floors and Crawl Spaces: R25-R30

Final Thoughts

Insulation is a key part of the building and remodeling process. Finding the right insulation for your home can make your home more comfortable. Please contact us at LaBonte Construction to discuss a remodeling project incorporating the best insulation practices.

Energy Efficient Windows