A beautiful home gets lots of attention but one that is also well built endures over time, is energy efficient, and these days environmentally friendly. A well-constructed home can be difficult to detect because it is often what is on the inside that matters.
One of the best investments you can make on the guts of your home is spray foam insulation which also requires the installation of a HRV or Heat Recovery Ventilator. Spray foam insulation is developed from two types of composite materials, polyurethane and isocyanate. When combined, these two materials chemically react to each other and cause their combined substance to expand and harden. During the installation process, both materials are simultaneously sprayed from the tip of a spray foam gun, allowing them to expand and form a protective layer of spray foam insulation over the desired area. HRVs are mechanical devices that exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Heat is transferred from the outgoing air to the incoming air by passing the two air streams through a heat-exchange core. The two air streams are kept separated, and only the heat is transferred to the incoming air, which is then circulated throughout the house.
HRV
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation provides these benefits:
- Saves energy operating costs by making the home airtight. Estimates are 30 – 50% savings per year.
- Reduces air and moisture infiltration-resulting in a more consistent temperature
- Reduces dust and pollen infiltration
- Adds structural strength to the building
- Reduces the likelihood of mold
- Reduces noise
- Reduces ice damages
- Reduces HVAC capacity requirements
- R-values remain stable over time
- It has the highest performance of all insulation
- It is permanent and will not sag or settle
An HRV provides these benefits
- Reduces ventilation costs by using heat in outgoing exhaust air to warm incoming fresh air in the winter.
- Ensures delivery, distribution and circulation of fresh outdoor air throughout the house.
- Controls indoor air humidity levels to prevent moisture problems such as condensation on windows and mold growth.
- Helps control odours and humidity levels in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Dilutes indoor air contaminants.
- Provides better comfort by warming incoming ventilation air.
- Filters incoming air.
- Reduces energy consumption-related greenhouse gas emissions due to heat recovery that offsets energy otherwise used to heat ventilation air.
Given all the benefits you may wonder why spray foam insulation is not standard in all homes. Well the truth is, it costs more. It is estimated that the payback period is 2 – 5 years from the savings created on the heating and cooling of the home. With budget considerations every homeowner has to decide how much what’s on the inside matters for them.
Our two-storey and bungalow-loft plans currently available for development offer spray foam insulation. Contact Dalzotto Homes at 905 335 8799 or info@dalzottohomes.com to discuss the “insides” of your new custom luxury home in Burlington, Oakville or surrounding community.