[papercreters] Re: Insulation Value

I haven't got time to go through this right now.  Nag me and I'll dig out my stuff and make my case.  It has to do with more than just the insulative value using the current measuring/calculating method.  And to the best of my recollection, it has absolutely nothing to do with the cost of oil other than how it effects the cost of producing the insulation.  It has MUCH more to do with how well the structure's sealed and where the thermal mass is placed.

 

No time.

 

ElfN

----- Original Message -----

From: slurryguy

To: papercreters@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:48 AM

Subject: [papercreters] Re: Insulation Value

It isn't so simple as one dependent variable and one independent
variable. There are multiple independent and multiple dependent
variables. In in the most simplified form there are multiple curves
and it is important to be looking at the correct curve for each
particular situation.

The price of crude oil has doubled in the past few years. Other
fuels, (natual gas, lp) have had significant increases as well, but
perhaps not doubling. Has this been factored in to MD's analysis?

My point is that the break point varies depending upon a variety of
circumstances. Climate is critical. Janaoah is in Alaska. The
break point there is going to be drastically different than the break
point in Italy Texas.

I'm certainly no expert in MD's construction techniques. Is there a
engineering factor involved where creating an insulation envelope
greater than 4" increses the complexity of their techniques? The
very little I understand about what they are doing leads me to
suspect this is the case, but I'm not sure.

In stick framing, the thickness of a wall stud is a major factor. Go
thicker than that and costs skyrocket. While this doesn't apply to
what MD is doing, it does illustrate how a construction technique can
impact the cost structure.

Simple rules of thumb that say x-number inches of insulation are
optimal are narrow sighted. I'm pulling together research off the
web to make my point. I'll do my best to explain the math. I think
I can make this easy to understand.

I'll be posting later about this and provide documentation, maybe
tomorrow, more likely this weekend.

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