lecture 13

Question 1

what is the typical goal within interior spaces? (heat)

Answer 1

BALANCE the dinurnal temperature swing

Question 2

how did we try to control heat historically?
what do we rely on now?

Answer 2

through passive methods

mechanical and heating and cooling

Question 3

what are aspect that we should be mindful about with our energy conservation?

Answer 3

building orientation
building shape
building envelope

Question 4

what are some elements about heat? and or cold?

Answer 4

heat always strives to achieve an equilibrium

COLD does NOT exist

Question 5

heat transfers in three ways:

Answer 5

conduction
convection
radiation

Question 6

WHY is the control of heat critical in architecture?

Answer 6

human comfort levels
energy conservation
- 22% of the energy produced in US is used for residential buildings

Question 7

r-value is what?

Answer 7

the thermal resistance of a material of a certain THICKNESS

the higher the # the better

Question 8

u-value is what?

Answer 8

measure of thermal TRANSMITTANCE of a building component or assembly

inverse of R-value

the lower the # the better

Question 9

materials that are specifically used as insulation they typically have what?

Answer 9

hgiher r-value

Question 10

how does r-value calculate in an assembly?

Answer 10

the r-value of the insulation does not set the r-value of the structure

Question 11

what is a thermal bridge?

Answer 11

a part of the assembly that allows heat to transfer more readily than in the majority of the assmebly

Question 12

how do we slow down radiant heat in an assembly?

Answer 12

reflective foil materials are typically used due to their high emissivity
- foil backed gwb
- foil backed batt insulation

Question 13

typical locations for insulations

Answer 13

exterior walls
roofs
dividers between conditioned and unconditioned spaces
floors above crawlspace
basement walls down to 10’ or so below grade
under floor slabs as required

Question 14

how much insulation is required in a single family residence? what is the first thing you need to establish?

Answer 14

you must first determine what climate zone you are in
- we are 4A
then the r-value of insulation areas is determined

Question 15

minimum r-value of roof/attic insulation

Answer 15

r- 30
r-38
r-49

Question 16

minimum r value of wall cavity insulation-

Answer 16

r- 13
r- 20
r-21

Question 17

minimum r-value of floor cavity insulation

Answer 17

r-13
r-19
r-30

Question 18

what basic types of insulation are there?

Answer 18

fibrous insulation
granular insulation
framed insulation

Question 19

how can we use insulation more sustainably?

Answer 19

insulation in itself is a green practice
lifecycle of the insulation material caused an environmental impact
proper installation
recycled content- materials- cellulose, cotton or wool

Question 20

how do we try to control air movement in architecture?

Answer 20

exfiltration- loss of conditioned air
infiltration- outside air getting in

air leakage is what we attempt to eliminate

Question 21

what causes air leakage and how can we control it? (3)

Answer 21

overall leakage area
air pressure from wind
air pressure from temperature differential

air wants to achieve equilibrium regards to pressure

Question 22

how to control air leakage? solution

Answer 22

seal all of the joints

an example is the weatherstripping
air diffusion
air retarder- allows water vapor to pass through

Question 23

what are the parts of a builving that require ventilation?

Answer 23

attic
- think eave or soffit vent, ridge vent
crawlspace

Question 24

how much ventilation does an attic need?

Answer 24

1 sf of ventilation for every 300 sf of attic space

Question 25

how much ventilation does a crawlspace require?

Answer 25

1 sf of ventilation for every 150 sf

Question 26

why is the control of air critical in architecture?

Answer 26

indoor air quality
energy savings