Architectual Information

• As an architect, you are constantly searching for products that increase design flexibility and minimize building liabilities.
• Open Cell is a Class 1, semi-rigid, open celled air barrier that is spray applied using water as the blowing agent. It performs well in a variety of applications, has low VOCs in the finished foam and no CFCs or HCFCs. It has an R-value of 13 at 3.5 inches.
• Spray foam Insulation has products that satisfy green building design initiatives, addressing our nation's environmental health. The spray foam we use is Greenguard certified.
• Spray foam insulation leads safety and performance code development
• Spray foam insulation is committed to delivering the product evaluation, testing, and engineering necessary to satisfy the most discriminating architect or code official. Open Cell Insulation is currently working with industry consultants and ICC engineering staff to develop extensive, accredited testing in all arenas of regional building system spray foam insulation, design, and application. The varying climate regions in the United States and abroad require system design approaches that address extreme climate challenges. Non-vented roof system design, thermal performance  comparisons, vapor barrier elimination and fire issues are successful building design paths unique to the new generation of microcellular, semi-open celled, air barrier insulation systems.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

 

Spray Foam Insulation & LEED Certification

The following are suggestions of how Spray Foam Insulation might be incorporated into a project in order to achieve LEED credits. This list is by no means exhaustive. Please consult with the LEED Accredited Professional on your project to determine if Spray Foam Insulation can be used to gain additional LEED credits.

LEED Credit Category – Energy & Atmosphere

Prerequisite 2 – Minimum Energy Performance

Requires the building to comply with ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 or the local energy code, whichever is more stringent.

When Spray Foam Insulation is installed into a structure, the insulating and air sealing properties of the foam will provide an envelope that will facilitate the design of an efficient system.

Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance

Requires a reduction in design energy cost compared to the energy cost budget.

When Spray Foam Insulation is installed into your structure, it provides the building with a sealed envelope, allowing the designer to downsize HVAC systems and supply the required ventilation. Spray Foam Insulation, when used with a whole building concept, can help achieve the 10 possible points.

LEED Credit Category – Materials & Resources

Credit 2 – Construction Waste Management

Requires recycling and/or salvaging construction, demolition and land clearing waste.

Since Spray Foam Insulation is installed exclusively by certified dealers who can apply exactly what is needed in each area, there is very minimal waste. Spray Foam Insulation contributes a significantly lower amount of waste materials by weight, tremendously helping the project reach the 50% to 75% target for diverting waste from the landfill.

Credit 5.1–5.2 – Regional Materials

Requires use of building materials and products that are manufactured regionally within a radius of 500 miles of the project site.

Our product is manufactured in Rogers, AR.

Credit 6 – Rapidly Renewable Materials

Requires use of rapidly renewable products and materials (made from plants harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter) for 2.5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project.

Since Spray Foam Insulation is manufactured with annually renewable soybean oil it is classified as a rapidly renewable product. Depending on the size, cost, and amount of the project insulated, Spray Foam Insulation can contribute a significant portion of the required 2.5% of rapidly renewable products and materials.

LEED Credit Category – Indoor Environmental Quality

Credit 4.1 – Low Emitting Materials: Adhesives & Sealants

Reduce the concentration of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.

Open Cell Insulation utilizes water as its blowing agent, therefore falls below the 50 VOC g/L less water limit that is set for plastic foams, and can be incorporated into a variety of substrate types and specific applications.

Credit 6.1 Controlling of Systems – Thermal Comfort
Credit 7.1 – Thermal Comfort

Requires a thermally comfortable environment and supports the productivity and well being of building occupants.

Spray Foam Insulation can help a building comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 by insulating and air sealing the building, which allows for controlled ventilation strategies that enhance uniform temperatures, humidity control and pollutant reduction.

LEED Credit Category – Innovation & Design Process

Credit 1 – Innovation in Design

Provides design teams and projects with an opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED Green Building Rating System.

Spray Foam Insulation’s superior performance characteristics and installation flexibility contribute to this credit in two ways. First, Spray Foam Insulation allows easy installation in areas that do not allow simple installation of conventional insulation products. Second, Spray Foam Insulation is guaranteed to perform to the stated specifications for the life of the structure.

The above are suggestions only. It is recommended that a complete review of the LEED Green Building Rating System be made prior to applying for the listed prerequisites and credits. The LEED System can be reviewed at www.usgbc.org.

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