Insulation for VOBB
We have had numerous projects with different methods of insulation. Our goal is to provide alternatives based on experience. You should choose the method that works best for you.
Insulation
As the use of VOBB block is the same material
as regular CMU's (Concrete Masonry Unit), it is important to use the proper
insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs for an enclosed building.
Basically, there are two practices for insulation. Many buildings have
the insulation on the interior of the exterior walls. This practice is
done in thousands of homes in Florida, etc. This is so that only the air
on the inside of the building is heated or cooled.
Insulation on the exterior - The installation
can be on the exterior or on the interior of the exterior wall.
It makes no difference to the VOBB block. Some engineers think you
should just heat/cool the air space. Some engineers think you take
advantage of the thermal mass. |
Residential VOBB construction:
Interior view with the exterior walls being insulated on the inside
of the VOBB block
http://www.vobb.com/CP-LA-Labauve.htm
Insulation on the exterior of VOBB block
http://www.vobb.com/CP-LA-RCA-1.htm
Commercial VOBB construction:
The insulation is put up. 1" * 4" is nailed on a vertical basis.
(This helps to hang pictures.)
http://www.vobb.com/CP-LA-Westbrook-com.htm
However, there are many other people who say that the insulation should be on the exterior of the exterior walls. Some people believe that it is best to heat and cool the VOBB concrete block. This is suppose to take advantage of the weight mass and allow the temperature to stay more constant in the building.
Insulation being installed on the exterior of the walls
http://www.vobb.com/LA-Complete%20home.htm
VOBB blocks can be used with the insulation
on either the interior or the exterior of the wall. It is estimated that
the R-value of a six-inch wide VOBB block is .95. ( This estimate is based
on the average of a 4" and a 8" as per the ColoraradoEnergy.org
web page.)
In Lafayette, LA where the first VOBB home was built, the owners say several
things about their home. They are as follows:
1. "We love our home."
2. Their VOBB home saves about $100 per month on the utility cost, or
over $1,000 per year. This equates to over $30,000 for a typical 30-year
note period of time.
3. Their VOBB home is so quiet.
In addition, the VOBB home owners have a big smile when a hurricane or other big storm comes to town, as they know they have a quality built home.
Based on the Colorado Department of Energy, it is estimated a six-inch
wide VOBB block has a R-Value of .95. ( Per the CDE,
the R-Value of 4" Concrete Block is 0.80 and for
8" Concrete Block the R-Value is 1.11.)
While there are many good insulating materials, we suggest Polyisocyanurate (foil-faced) which has an R-Value 7.20 per inch.
Below are some table references for the insulating value with various
construction products.
R-Value Table
Insulation Values For Selected Materials
Use the R-value table to help you determine the R-value of your wall or
ceiling assemblies.
Colardo Energy R-Value Table Website
In addition, the following links are for additional detail on energy efficiency
http://www.concreteblockhomes.com/beauty_of_b
lock/energy_efficiency.htm
http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/radiant
floorheating/index.html
NOTE: There are a lot of people selling products with insulating materials attached or part of a concrete system (such as ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms). We strongly suggest you look at the cost of using such a product vs. VOBB. We have already had people do this price comparison. When they did their calculations, at first, it looked like ICF was cheaper, but after the total cost of material and labor was calculated, VOBB was proven to be cheaper. (This cost analysis was based on an actual customer's analysis, not our calculation.) In summary, the use of concrete block for structure is great. The use of insulating board, etc. is great. The mixture of the two as one product together is substandard (in our opinion) as compared to the use of VOBB. There are numerous insulating board products, etc. which are very easy to install and to tape so that there is no water or air penetration. This material is light and easy to install. On the other hand, concrete is a much heavier product and absorbs water. Likewise, VOBB can be used for interior walls where insulation is not needed and as such, it would be a waste of money.
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A lot of people want to compare a block-wall
to a poured-concrete-wall. A great article is as per the following by
Tim Carter:
http://www.askthebuilder.com/439_Poured_Concrete_vs_Block
_Walls.shtml
It should be noted that a poured-wall can be very expensive due to the necessity to build forms. As such, a block-wall in many situations is much more cost effective and much simpler to use, especially VOBB.
Z-Furring |
http://www.dietrichmetalframing.com/products/
http://www.dietrichmetalframing.com
Due
to numerous different soil conditions, building codes, etc., VOBB makes no guarantees and/or warranties (expressed or implied). Please contact a qualified engineer, architect or building inspector as needed. |
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