Glossary

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Batts
The same material as is used in blanket insulation but formed into sheets, often sized to fit easily between studs. See also: Blankets
BIBS
A patented application process (Blow In Blanket System) that combines loose-fill and mineral wool fiber glass insulation with a fine adhesive mist, then blows it into a home's cavities behind netting.
Blankets
A material used for insulation (usually fiberglass) which may be faced or unfaced, comes in rolls, and is flexible so that it can be fit in a wide variety of spaces. There may be a vapor barrier on one side. See also: Batts
Duct Work
The structural elements used to deliver and remove air and for HVAC functions within a building. Thermal comfort, energy costs, and air quality can be significantly affected by the planning, methods and materials used for the ductwork system.
Energy Heels
Traditionally the point where the roof meets the side walls has created hard-to-insulate "cold spots" resulting in wasted energy. An energy heel is a truss which extends the wall allowing for full insulation while also adding more structural stability.
FSC Certified
The Forest Stewardship Council offers certification of lumber addressing both the aspect of the management of the forest of origin and overseeing the chain of custody for best practices as the product moves through all stages of processing and distribution.
Icynene
A renewable-based material made from castor oil used for water blown foam insulation. It is nontoxic, won't lose R-valueA unit used to measure thermal resistance, derived from the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux through it; the ability of the structure to hold internal temperature. The larger the number, the more effective the insulation. over time, shrink or sag, provides acoustic insulation, and will stick to many construction materials, allowing less use of petroleum-based products for these purposes.
Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulation
A method of installing loose insulation in wall cavities, using a powerful blower and a fabric containment screen, which is particularly effective for situations with small or unusually shaped areas to insulate.
Oriented Strand Board
Small chips of wood are pressed together and embedded in phenolic glue to make a strong material that can replace plywood and is used for structural sheathing and subflooring.
R-value
A unit used to measure thermal resistance, derived from the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator and the heat flux through it; the ability of the structure to hold internal temperature. The larger the number, the more effective the insulation.
Rigid Board Insulation
Lightweight thermal insulation, such as polystyrene, manufactured in a rigid or semi-rigid form, for use where structural strength is not an issue. May have a finish side or be used under a finish material.
Sill Sealer
A material used to close any gaps between the foundation and the sill plate; some types are foam and rolls of solid fiberglass sized for this purpose.
Sprayed Foam
A liquid containing a foaming agent and a polymer is sprayed through a nozzle into wall, ceiling and floor cavities where it expands to fill the space. It does not settle or biodegrade and acts as a wind and air barrier, aiding in the efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Two sheets of oriented strand boardSmall chips of wood are pressed together and embedded in phenolic glue to make a strong material that can replace plywood and is used for structural sheathing and subflooring. with solid foam insulation sandwiched between them, used for roof, wall or floor structures and providing high insulation values while using less facilitating the use of less wood.
Wet Blown Insulation
A mixture of water, adhesive and insulating material such as cellulose, rockwool or fiberglass is blown into wall and ceiling cavities. It sticks to all surfaces, forms an air seal between electrical and plumbing elements and other obstructions, does not settle, and can provide R-values of 3.5 per inch when applied at the correct density.