Zonda - Resource Library

Building science is an integral part of what builders use today as tools to achieve a better performance building. To achieve a better performance building, builders understand the value of building science and understand that building science will help them achieve building code targets.

Air sealing is now an important part of achieving energy efficiency, and choosing the right insulation is key to achieving air tightness and performance. To reduce air infiltration and achieve an energy-efficient building, the gaps in the building’s thermal enclosure must be sealed properly.

In today’s residential marketplace, air sealing has become a fundamental part of the home building equation, so knowing where and how to air seal will save you money, time and resources on a job. Recent data from a comprehensive industry study has yielded new insights into the role of air sealing in high performance building that can equate to savings for builders and homeowners.

Expectations for better building performance underscore the importance of air barriers for commercial-building envelopes and code compliance. Use of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) as a key material in air barrier assemblies can help architects, engineers, contractors and owners/developers meet air barrier requirements more easily. CcSPF provides excellent performance characteristics and construction advantages.

A focus on green building standards and more stringent code requirements have led to the adoption of best practices in construction materials and methods. Among those is the use of more efficient insulation systems, air barriers and seamless monolithic roofing systems. Use of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) can help meet the stringent requirements of modern, sustainable building design. ccSPF provides excellent performance and environmental benefits. Read more today.

Icynene ProSeal Eco is the world's first fully water-blown spray foam insulation. With no synthetic blowing agent, Icynene ProSeal Eco has significantly expanded the possibilities of commercial wall assembly applications. Watch this video now.

Howard Deck, President of ICYNENE, discusses the benefits of using high performance ICYNENE spray foam insulation in buildings and homes. Watch the video now.

In the design process few decisions have as many long-term implications for the performance and durability of a building as the choice of insulation. For the designer, builder and owner, insulation can and should play a multifaceted role that extends far beyond those noticeable or expected benefits, such as energy savings, comfort and enhanced indoor air quality. Insulation, in combination with good detailing and quality control, can play a preventive role by minimizing the chances that things could go wrong.

A unique opportunity is at hand for commercial architects to shape a healthier and more energy efficient future of commercial building design and construction. Commercial buildings account for 18% of the nation’s energy use and nearly 18% of our greenhouse gas emissions. Improving their performance is a key priority for building owners and operators. Low-density spray foam insulation like ICYNENE can play a major role in this effort, offering compelling reasons to go beyond the code to create buildings that exceed expectations for comfort, performance and functionality.

This guide will help contractors and homeowners identify ways to make their homes more comfortable, more energy efficient, and healthier to live in. Contractors are encouraged to use this document, prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy Building America Program, to explain the value of insulation options and measures to their customers.