Meet Jamie and Armin, installers of “close cell” foam. I wanted 4 inches of foam, they suggested 3.3 inches and I think they ultimately sprayed 4.5 inches of this foam gives us an insulation value of R28. Add that to the exterior sheathing and the already installed three quarters of an inch of exterior Styrofoam Cladmate and we should be close to R32 or better on the wall insulation. The SIP, Structural Insulated Panel roof with 9.5 inches should be around R66 and add the ICF Insulating Concrete Foundation blocks with 5 inches of closed cell with an R35 and all I can say is that this house is now super insulated.
Closed cell spray foam is also referred to as 2 pound or medium density. This foam expands 20 to 30 times its liquid size, and seldom requires trimming with little to no waste. Closed Cell foam cures rigid and the millions of microscopic bubbles which form during the expansion reaction remain closed and intact. This traps the reaction gases, and as such the R-Value of Closed Cell foam is close to that of the reaction gas, around R 7 per inch. The Closed Cell structure is very strong; increasing shear and racking strength by 300%. Closed Cell foam is a Code Approved Vapour Barrier with a permeability rating of under 45 ng, as well as a Code Approved Air Barrier and Thermal Insulation. Closed Cell foam is spray applied as a liquid to create an air-tight seal as it expands as a foam to stop air leakage. But unlike Open Cell foam, Closed Cell foam stops both convection through and within the wall cavity. Conservation is always the best form of energy savings so I can now say that I am extremely happy with this part of the construction.
I have been working in the heating and ventilation industry and consulting to people building new homes for 30 years. Good stewardship of resources and concern for the environment have been my focus. In 1982, we built (and still live in) one of the most energy efficient R2000 homes in Canada. My other involvements relating to energy efficiency, comfort and health in the home include speaking on numerous radio talk shows, teaching workshops and appearing on 
If it costs more than your average house, it seems odd that you would refer to it as a cottage? Looks pretty expensive to me. Not to be picky but it’s only a cottage if it’s substandard from a normal dwelling. I can think of several ways to describe a place to live…. tent, hut, cabin, cottage, house, etc., but your place seems a bit grand to be a cottage don’t you think? I would however like to say that it looks very nice and hope it treats you well.
Comment by Darrick — September 14, 2009 @ 12:45 am