By Bill Hoy, Project Manager
The first day of spring in Bozeman brought seven inches of fresh snow, slowing progress of the REHAU MONTANA ecosmart house project. The installation of the second floor truss joists is to be completed this week and hopefully, installation of the second floor structural insulated panels (SIPs) will begin in the next 10 days. If warmer spring weather begins as it should, the SIPs for the roof should be installed during the week of April 11.
The first day of spring in Bozeman brought seven inches of fresh snow, slowing progress of the REHAU MONTANA ecosmart house project. The installation of the second floor truss joists is to be completed this week and hopefully, installation of the second floor structural insulated panels (SIPs) will begin in the next 10 days. If warmer spring weather begins as it should, the SIPs for the roof should be installed during the week of April 11.
SIPs are a strong structural system consisting of foam-control expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation laminated between sheets of structural sheathing, and are one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available. The EPS core contains no CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs (fluorocarbons) or formaldehyde. Compared to stick framing, an SIP building envelope provides superior insulation and is extremely airtight, reducing the amount of energy used to heat and cool a home by up to 50 percent.
A team meeting is scheduled on April 8 to finalize and discuss the design, equipment, controls and data acquisition placement to be used in the research phase of the project that will take place over the next 4 years.
The wells for the geothermal system, which will be the primary energy source for the radiant heating and cooling systems in the house, are scheduled to be drilled in May.
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| Fresh spring snow stalls progress. Roof panel installation is slated for the week of April 11. |
