Today's topic: Insulation

Effectively insulating a home is one of the most important ways to increase its energy efficiency. Quality insulation keeps the heat inside during the winter and keeps it out during the summer, thus minimizing the energy needed for heating and cooling.

At Railyard Lofts, EcoBatt and blown-in cellulose are currently being installed in units 2 and 3. EcoBatt is made primarily of sand, one of the most abundant and renewable resources, and contains a minimum of 61.9% post-consumer recycled content. Blown-in cellulose is also primarily made of recycled materials, consisting of around 85% cardboard and paper. Both types far exceed the required 20% recycled material to be listed as an Environmentally Preferable Product under LEED standards. Quality insulation also reduces noise pollution – a necessary feature of a home walking distance from the railroad!

Blown-in in cellulose - cellulose is blown into the wall around the pipes and electrical so there are no air pockets for heat to transfer through. 

After the cellulose is blown in, the extra is sheared
off to make the cellulose and frame edges flush.

Unit 3 coming along beautifully with a
switchback staircase.

EcoBatt is the insulation on the left, and blown-in cellulose on the right. The
horizontal metal bars you see are Resilient Channels - the metal bars are placed horizontally
on the studs and the gypsum board is placed on top of those, so the metal bar creates a thin air
gap between insulation and gypsum. This allows outside sound to dissipate into the
gap before entering the room.