by Charles Hendricks | Jul 4, 2018 | architecture, Indoor Air Quality
Duct work is a key to a healthy building. While there is not any one single thing that can be done in a building to achieve healthy indoor air quality, duct work is a critical element in the system. On one of our current projects at a local church, we are in the construction process to mitigate indoor air quality and water intrusion issues. Facilities of this scale are difficult to manage without a full-time building maintenance team. In this case, issues arose which further complicating things; decisions during a construction job 25+ years ago to cut construction costs have ended up causing indoor air quality challenges. The elimination of a fresh air distribution system as a cost cutting factor increased the potential for indoor air quality challenges for instance.
Added complications
At the time, it was acceptable to use fiberglass insulation inside of duct work to control noise from the mechanical system in the sanctuary. This fiberglass insulation captured dust and dirt that flowed through the duct work. The dust and dirt provided food for mold growth, and multiple water leaks throughout the structure have added to the complications in this building. The lack of fresh air ventilation, technology available for HVAC at the time, lack of regular preventive maintenance, no dehumidification systems, and high humidity levels have led to this need for a major renovation.
Duct work storage and protection
During the renovation process, it is critical to protect the HVAC duct work that is being installed. A construction site is messy and dusty on a good day. This one already had indoor air quality issues prior to construction. The mechanical contractor, Excel HVAC is sealing all the duct work that is being installed until it is sealed in place. They are also storing duct work that is not currently needed off site to keep it away from the dust and dirt on site. These simple steps protect the ducts to keep them clean and free of damage.
Installation of Duct Work
Once the duct work is installed, all the joints need to be sealed. The vents should be covered until the system is activated, which only happens after all the dirt and dust of construction has ended. Sealing joints in duct work is done with mastic glue and mastic tape. These strategies are geared towards keeping dust and dirt out of the ducts during construction and operation of the system.
These key elements focused on duct work are only one part of the solution. We are also addressing roofing, flashing, and gutter issues. Materials that are impacted by mold are being removed and replaced. This is a complicated project with many moving parts. Working with an integrated team approach using Suter Engineering to design the appropriate HVAC system, and a qualified general contractor, Herr and Company, to manage all the team members is the best strategy overall to achieve the best final solution for this project. Stay tuned for more information as the project continues.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 30, 2018 | architecture, Building Science, Indoor Air Quality
Air leaks at light switches are a big cause of comfort issues in your home. There is an old saying in the construction industry that “you don’t want to build to tight.” So what window do you want to leave out of your home? The reality is leaks around light switches, electrical outlets, doors, windows, recessed lights, water pipes… and on and on are how we achieve “not too tight.” The unfortunate part is air leaks hurt the comfort in your home and impacts your monthly energy usage. It also impacts your indoor air quality.
Sealing up all the leaks is difficult to achieve in an existing home. These pictures show the drastic impact air can have around one light switch on an exterior wall. Read this post to see what fixes you can make, but if you want to save money and improve the comfort in you home – schedule an energy audit today. Give us a call at 540-437-0012 to start the process.
by Charles Hendricks | Sep 22, 2016 | Building Science, Indoor Air Quality
It keeps coming back to me time and time again – the best value is found in higher quality solutions and not in low price. It seems to be true in every aspect of life – the best quality solution is almost never the lowest price. I am certainly not advocating for the highest price solution, as there is a balance to everything. Sometimes things cost more simply because they are new inventions, have more features, or because they have a particular brand name. That is not higher quality. Higher quality comes from long-term sustainability, durability, and functionality. Higher quality in the built environment is something that is energy-efficient, healthy, and durable. Higher quality reduces long-term costs and provides better solutions that are durable and comfortable.
The problems that occur with low price and low quality is often not evident on the surface. It might literally be below the floor surface. For instance, a floor vent’s supply run should be sealed to the sub-floor for the best quality solution, much like how a low-cost door handle will not be durable: It will need repeated maintenance and adjustment to allow it to function properly. A low-cost HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling system) solution is likely to impact indoor air quality, short cycle, and not keep the humidity at a comfortable level. A low-cost insulation strategy will increase energy usage. A low-cost flooring will not last and will require regular maintenance and probably replacement.The low-cost solution in almost every case increases long-term costs through maintenance and replacement costs.
So how do you determine the best value? It takes careful evaluation of the products used in buildings. An architect does continuous research to evaluate materials and to determine the best value solutions. An architect sets the performance standard for the construction.
When making decisions for your next building project, be sure to ask as many questions about quality of the solution as the price of the solution. The long-term costs (as little as 4-5 years) will almost always be less with the higher quality solution.
by Charles Hendricks | Sep 20, 2016 | Building Science, Indoor Air Quality
- Insulate and air seal the attic / roof – There should be a minimum of 12″ of insulation in your attic and all penetrations should be sealed to the conditioned space in your home
- Air Seal walls – stop losing energy through your walls and ducts, seal all cracks and material intersections
- Insulate the Basement walls and band boards not the floor above – gravity works against insulation in the floor above and defeats the purpose of the product
- Insulate walls and around all penetrations – any hole or penetration for wires, pipes, and vents should be sealed
- Replace and / or air seal around old windows – or simply add storm windows
- Replace HVAC systems that are outdated or failing – 15 years old and you will probably see a fairly fast payback on investment
- Replace appliances that are not energy star with energy star rated appliances
- Add renewable energy sources – solar thermal / solar PV
Why have an Energy Audit
An energy audit will allow you to better understand where to spend money to get the best return on investment. An energy audit is a test that can determine whether you house is air tight and if not where the holes are in the thermal envelope. For years we have heard, don’t make your house too tight – so tell me, why did you install all the windows, how big of a hole do you want left in your wall. Making a house air tight is not a negative; it will then allow you to control the fresh air intake of your home rather than filtering your makeup air through your attic insulation, your vented crawl space, or through your walls. An energy audit will give you the information to determine if you should replace your HVAC system, windows, and / or appliances. This is a test that every home owner should have in order to better understand their home and how they spend their money.
Did you know: The average new American home has a 28% duct leakage on a well installed and maintained heating and cooling system. That means you are probably wasting 28% of your money on each months electric bills.
Did you know: A vented crawl space or vented attic are not recommended in Virginia as it promotes bad indoor air quality and leads to higher energy bills?
Give us a call to schedule a basic energy audit today or call our friends at Building Knowledge for a complete energy audit assessment of all the systems in your home.
by Charles Hendricks | Mar 28, 2016 | Building Science, Green Building, green term defined, Indoor Air Quality
An energy audit is an inspection that looks at energy flow in a building. The objective of an audit is to identify things that can be modified to reduce energy usage and increase comfort and safety for the occupants of the building.
These audits usually involve a blower door that depressurizes a house or office and thermal imaging technology to see the thermal bridges and air leaks. The audit will also identify equipment, lights, and appliances that can be replaced or upgraded to reduce energy consumption.
There are common places that you can address without an audit to cut your energy loss.
- Caulk the gaps and cracks
- Seal the electrical outlets
- Seal your crawl space
- Add insulation in the attic
In Harrisonburg for homes that use electric heat, HEC provides free energy audits. This free audit is performed by me and is a very basic level audit that will identify a litany of items to improve. If you do not live in the city, or do not have electric heat ,or own a commercial project, or want a comprehensive audit, you should call Building Knowledge.
by Charles Hendricks | Mar 23, 2016 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality, project update, School architect
Working on designs for every client is a task that I take very seriously. I want all of our projects to be healthy places to live, work, and play. They should be energy-efficient and durable for the preservation of future generations. However, designing a project that primarily serves elementary school students raises the bar on all of these goals. So what should be incorporated into a design for an elementary school to enhance the learning experience? See our examples from our elementary school project for Eastern Mennonite School.
- School as the center of community – a modern school should be a place for gathering, it should be used 7 days a week, and it should be used by a wide range of community groups. Designing spaces that will allow for access to the building at appropriate times, appropriate levels of access, and flexibility of space is critical. A school as a gathering space helps build community around the school and the students. This provides opportunities for students to connect to community leaders, see leadership in action, and feel part of the larger community.
- Technology – Future proofing the school is critical as the tools available are changing at a rapid pace. Integrating current technologies into the design while providing for future upgrades allows the school to stay on the cutting edge of educational opportunities. Smart boards, flexible spaces, and diversity of spaces are critical to provide a platform for students to learn into the future.
- Flexibility in spaces – classrooms need to be flexible to accommodate the variety of strategies for teaching. Rooms that can expand or connect to other spaces provides abilities to team teach and blend age groups. The classroom must allow for expansion, but also feel comfortable for a small group. Classrooms must exist inside and outside the building. The building should be a classroom itself as a whole.
- Student-centered design – modern schools have to accommodate a variety of learning conditions. The days of sitting in desks and passively listening to a lecture no longer apply. Students learn by doings, working in groups, and working solo. They work in the classroom, outside in nature, and in large gathering spaces. The school needs to have a variety of learning environments. From classroom to kitchen, students need to have a wide variety of experiential learning environments.
- Sustainability – there is no question in my mind that we can build better buildings. This is a primary concern in educational facilities. It is a given that all new buildings should be energy-efficient for the amount of money needed to operate and to reduce the environmental impacts. However, it should not stop there. Indoor-air-quality, durability, and alternative energy sources have to be part of every elementary school.
- Buildings that enhance learning – The spaces created for learning can be made comfortable in order to allow students to better focus. They should also enhance learning through connections to nature, science, technology, and math. Colors, textures, sound, and light all play into the way the building will perform and students will thrive. Lessons about how the building itself works can be highlighted to open up imagination and understanding of the built environment.
- Safety – A school should not look like a fortress, but should be a fortress. Creating spaces that are safe for the users is critical.
- Making experiences – creating work spaces that can be used for students to explore their inner maker is the future of education. Students want and need spaces that can get dirty so they can fully explore educational opportunities. Durable and slip resistant flooring allows for spaces to get wet, dripped on, beat on, and will still be safe. Open cabinets allow for better organization and identification of what is available. A variety of work spaces allow for team work and individual exploration.
- Future Skills based on classic knowledge – we cannot abandon our lessons from the past – classrooms still need to be quiet, comfortable, and organized. There needs to be bookshelves and backpack storage.
- Connection to nature – Perhaps the most important design element for elementary school students is a connection to nature. Students need to be able to see trees, birds, and the sky. They need access to be outside, to experience the seasons, and to get wet, hot, cold. They need to be active, run, skip, build forts, and create stores. The need to play and the building and surrounding site can enhance these experiences.
