Continuous insulation construction strategy paying off

New construction homes almost always aim to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While some tout the importance of high performing appliances, Benchmark Foam believes true comfort and energy efficiency begins at ground level. Designing a home with adequate insulation for its environment plays a key role in saving homeowners energy and maintenance costs in the long run. Using expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation happens to provide the best R-Value per dollar spent – making wise use of overall spending.

Ensuring residential contractors are taking every advantage of maximum insulation is at the core of what Larry Mayer does every day. Mayer, who runs Solution Design of Fargo, N.D., is an Energy Engineer who has more than 20 years’ experience in the commercial and residential industry. Educating contractors to make affordable, energy efficient choices, Mayer has used Benchmark’s EPS insulation in many projects including subgrade, frost protected shallow foundations, and exterior wall cladding panels.

“Benchmark’s ability to make its product at any thickness and size is a huge labor savings,” said Mayer. “Reducing field cutting by over 80 percent and speeding up erection of the building shell.”

Mayer trains contractors on the importance of continuous insulation, which has gradually gained popularity since 2009 and is now a requirement in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Continuous insulation is an uninterrupted sheet of insulation that spans over structural framework, including wood studs. In a traditional wood stud wall, framed at 16 inches on center, 15 to 20 percent of that wall is wood, not insulation. The wood acts as a conductor (or “bridge”) passing heat out of the home, also called thermal bridging. Continuous insulation dramatically reduces heat loss in the framework of a home.

Mayer’s strategy of using Benchmark EPS as continuous insulation is proven successful when one of the 7,000 sq. ft. homes he designed is boasting an annual heating and cooling bill of $700. Having invested less than 5.5% total for continuous insulation, this homeowner can expect a payback in under 18 years.

To learn more about the insulating value of Benchmark Foam’s EPS, call our team at 800-658-3444 or 605-886-8084.

Benchmark Foam is a manufacturer of high quality, closed cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) and other specialty plastics. Located in Watertown, SD since 1988, Benchmark Foam strives to create opportunities for its employees, deliver industry-leading products and enhance the profits of its customers. For more information, visit www.BenchmarkFoam.com.

Solution Design, founded by Larry Mayer in 2001, engineers super energy efficiency designs for contractors and homeowners and provides on-site performance testing to assure quality results. Solution Design is based out of Fargo, N.D. and can be reached at 701-799-1758.