- Author
- Weidt, J. L. | Saxler, R. J. | Rossiter, W. J., Jr.
- Title
- Field Investigation of the Performance of Residential Retrofit Insulation. Final Report.
- Coporate
- Weidt (John) Associates, Inc., Chaska, MN National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- Department of Energy, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBS TN 1131, September 1980, 67 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- conservation | energy | insulation | moisture | thermal resistivity
- Abstract
- A study was conducted to obtain information on the performance of in-service insulations of the type commonly used in the United States to retrofit sidewalls of housing: urea-formaldehyde based foam., loose-fill cellulose, and loose-fill mineral fiber. In the field phase of the study, observations were made on performance-related factors such as; the completeness of filling the cavity, the condition of the insulation and wall components, and evidence of moisture accumulation such as water stains on sheathing, studs and other wall components. Shrinkage was observed to have occurred for all urea-formaldehyde based foam specimens. Where measurable, it was found to be within a range of 4 to 9 percent. For the six test houses containing loose-fill insulation which were opened at the top of the wall cavity, only one with cellulose contained a void of undetermined origin at the location. Insulation specimens removed from the walls were tested to determine their density, thermal resistivity and moisture content. The pH and moisture absorption of the urea-formaldehyde based foam specimens were also determined. Results of the laboratory measurements are discussed and compared with data from other studies. Relationships between the mositure contents of the samples and their thermal resistivities were not found. Results indicated that the retrofitting of the inspected sidewalls was for the ost part accomplished without adverse effect upon them.