ACI Northwest 2007

TEVE - Northwest Vented Crawl Spaces on Trial

Tuesday, February 20, 2007 · 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Vented crawl spaces with R30 floor insulation (VCR30) have played an important role in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) to improve residential energy codes and utility conservation programs. As a result, there are millions of PNW vented crawl space homes, and are generally accepted within the region as working well.

Current Washington and Oregon energy codes usually require VCR30. Many building scientists from outside the PNW region have been encouraging the use of sealed perimeter insulated crawl space systems as an improved alternative to vented crawl spaces from a moisture, IAQ, and energy efficiency perspective.

Attendees will act as the jury. All the technical arguments will be made for both sides in this discussion and you will determine whether VCR30 is guilty or innocent of these charges of inadequate performance.

Get a new perspective on this contentious issue in building science.

By attending this session, attendees will

Gain a better understanding of differing opinions related to the thermal, moisture, and IAQ issues of vented crawl spaces in Pacific NW marine and cold climates
Increase their appreciation for the challenges facing those working with state energy codes and regional utility residential programs
Join in the fun with regional and national experts

Keyword(s):

crawl spaces, durability, energy efficiency, IAQ, moisture

Convenor: Mike Lubliner, Washington State University Energy Program, Olympia, WA

Defense Attorney: Jeff Harris, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Portland, OR

Prosecuting Attorney: Joe Lstiburek, Building Science Corporation, Westford, MA

Judge: Ken Eklund, Idaho Energy Division, Boise, ID

Expert Witnesses Include:

Dave Baylon, Ecotope, Inc., Seattle, WA

Chuck Murray, Washington State University Energy Program, Olympia, WA

Gary Nordeen, Washington State University Energy Program, Olympia, WA

Type: Workshop
Track: Tuesday Afternoon / Tuesday Evening
CEU: Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

Course Presenter(s):

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