Healthier Buildings with SIPs
Healthier Buildings with SIPs
For good reason, there is much talk about healthy buildings recently. According to the EPA, Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Even if this is true, feels like it is closer to 99.9% of the time these days.
As we continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we are urged to wear masks when we step out for groceries or a walk. However, maybe we should also be wearing masks in our homes. Why? The EPA states that some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher indoors than typical outdoor concentrations.
A group of scientists at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health have found concrete proof that there is a connection between air pollution and COVID-19 severity. This early study focused on 3,080 different counties in the United States, and set out to explore links between air pollution trends over the last 15-17 years, and COVID-19 outcomes across different areas. They found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter was significantly linked to COVID-19 likelihood of death. In other words, those living in highly polluted areas were significantly more at risk of dying from the deadly disease.
It is more important now than ever to manage our individual air pollution exposure as emphasized by this new study. Managing our exposure begins with minimizing the accumulation or seeping of dangerous pollutants into our buildings, especially fine particulate matter more common in urban areas. Furthermore, we believe indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical component to making safer, healthier buildings.
To dramatically improve IAQ, while still maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient building envelope, we are utilizing structural insulated panels (SIPs) in the design of multifamily buildings.
How do structural insulated panels impact IAQ?
At their core, most SIPs consist of expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam insulation. The EPS is sandwiched between two oriented strand boards (OSB) and are laminated together using a structural adhesive. SIP buildings are significantly more airtight than stick-framed structures, thanks to the panels’ air-impermeable EPS rigid foam insulation core and OSB composition.
Airtight innately means that there are fewer gaps in the envelope, and far fewer places for pollutants to enter or exit a structure. On our recently completed 64-unit apartment building, 1943 Dot Ave, we chose to use SIPs in lieu of an air barrier for air tightness, and for the added energy performance. We were also able to speed up construction with the elimination of site-installed wall cavity insulation and continuous rigid exterior insulation. This greatly simplified the installation of the rainscreen exterior made of reconstituted stone cladding and aluminum composite panels.
A SIP envelope is so tight that proper mechanical ventilation must be considered. While providing restricted operable windows in 1943 Dot Ave, we relied on the VRF mechanical ventilation system for optimum energy efficiency and maximum IAQ. Airflow and air quality are much easier to control in SIP-built structures, benefiting occupant health and general well-being.
As we stay indoors and take precautions to avoid encountering COVID-19, keeping our minds and bodies safe is essential. Good indoor air quality is critical to our ability to fight viruses. SIPs are one of the most airtight prefabricated structural roof and wall systems available in the building product industry today. A near airtight building envelope results in healthier indoor environments for all.