ABSTRACT OUTLINE

This is far from finished but here is what I have to date on my abstract outline. I know it is a bit jumbled but I will continue to revise and add to it as time goes on.


ABSTRACT OUTLINE

By researching different wall assemblies, is it possible to determine which type used in residential construction is best at preventing heat loss in a climate such as Kamloops? It is hard to tell at this point but hopefully this research will lead to a definite answer. However, exploring a topic such as this is a lot more difficult than just going to a table and looking up R-Values for various materials. There are many variables that should be considered before coming to a conclusion. Such variables could include providing restrictions as to how wide the wall can be. For example, a 4’-0” wide wall of straight insulation may be great in terms of thermal resistance, but is it really practical? Not only would this cost a fortune for an entire building to be constructed, but it would also be a great habitat for mould growth. As the research comes closer to a conclusion, there will be clear guidelines as to which types of walls are practical for this investigation, and which types aren’t.

By knowing which type of wall is going to provide the best thermal resistance, it will be simple to significantly reduce the amount of energy that is being used by residential homes in this modern day and age. This report is only going to examine the thermal resistances of varying wall assemblies in the local construction industry. Statistics show that an average of 35% of the heat lost in a home comes through the walls. Even if the research could reduce that number to 20%, homeowners would save bundles on their heat bills throughout each year. By designing green, there is a great opportunity to decrease the carbon footprint that is being caused by residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The intention of sustainable design is to "eliminate negative environmental impact completely through skillful, sensitive design”. Although it may not be possible it entirely eliminate the negative impacts, everything that can be done to help reduce them should be considered. This research will hopefully serve as a stepping stone towards greener design in the future of the construction industry.

DOUBLE STUD WALL

Today I decided to draw a double stud wall as an original graphic since many people do not know what one is. Take a look! The offset of the 2 x 4 studs helps reduce the amount of thermal breaks throughout a wall assembly. The only downside is an increase in cost, but you always get what you pay for!

INFRARED HOUSE

I thought it would be neat to see post a picture of an infrared house. Many of you have probably seen these before. For those who haven't, the infrared shows where most of the heat is being lost (green=least, yellow=medium, and red=worst). As predicted, windows are the worst. However, it is quite apparent that the studs provide very little thermal resistance. That is just one more reason for me to consider doing more reasearch on a double stud wall!

STEEL THERMAL EFFICIENT PANEL

While researching materials and products available to help create a thermally efficient building envelope, I happened to stumble across a product called Steel Thermal Efficient Panels (S.T.E.P.'s). This innovative technology virtually eliminates the transfer of temperature from one side of the framing component to the other side. The result is a thermally efficient, high-performance building technology that is strong, lightweight, energy efficient and economical. As far as I know, it is state of the art and only available from a company called Accelerated Building Technologies. I don't know exactly how practical it would be to use this technology in residential construction but I plan on finding out. A video of this product and how it is made can be found at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEqXFrxM1-E . Check it out!

LOOKING AHEAD

This post is just to serve purely as an update to my followers as to what they can expect from my research and my blog in the near future. First, my next post will likely contain which types of walls I plan on comparing in terms of thermal resistance. Hopefully I will have original graphics to go with them. Next, I plan on posting my abstract and more graphics. After that, I will most likely keep doing research up to the point of the Green Building Conference in Vancouver during the summer which I hope to attend. I hope that helps! I would also like to thank those who have given me input and commented on my blog. Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

THESIS

After much thought I believe I have finally found a thesis statement worth posting on my blog. I know it is not perfect, nor will it probably be the last attempt I make at a thesis for this applied research project. Well, here it goes:

"How can we determine which type of practical wall assembly used in residential construction is the best at preventing loss of heat in a climate such as Kamloops?"

It probably needs a little fine tuning so comments are welcome!