Article # 1- Page 4

ICA Offers Energy Efficient Insulation Systems

The Tube System is designed to fit, between the main beams and cover the existing purlins. If the building design requires, both systems may be easily adapted to accommodate wall insulation. The versatility of attaching both systems to virtually any type of structure is one of the key elements that make these systems unique. These systems can be placed under existing insulation without modifying the building structure, pulling off the roof or insulating above the purlins. ICA has installed millions of square feet in buildings such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, hangars, movie theaters, tennis facilities, garages and temperature controlled environment warehouses. A typical over-the-purlin insulation application can be very cost effective to the owner upon initial construction of his building. Depending on the R-value he will also save some on his utility bills, but compressing the insulation at the purlins does result in loss of R- value. The Energy Miser® and Tube System® insulation systems take the savings a couple of more steps. The R-values that can be obtained with these systems are much greater than the over-the-purlin method. These systems are both installed so all purlins are completely insulated, thereby creating an integral vapor barrier across the roof and walls. The thermal performance achieved by these systems is 30% greater than conventional over-the-purlin installations. In areas that will be air conditioned or heated this thermal performance maximize savings on utility bills.

Dismal lighting creates a less than optimal working environment, which can result in lower productivity. The faced metal building insulation has a light reflectance of 85.5%. Covering all the structural steel with the Energy Miser System will increase the light reflectivity 20% - 25% using direct lighting. When using indirect lighting the increase can be as high as 50%. Using fewer fixtures to maintain the same light level in a retro-fit application equates to increased savings on utility bills. If the amount of fixtures is not reduced, the light levels generated will result in a more enjoyable working atmosphere. The hardware components used to install the Energy Miser® and Tube System® insulation systems are unmatched. This is where the attachment to virtually any structure comes into effect. The tubes used are 6' in length and connected together using 18"-long galvanized connectors. These connectors insure that the tubes will not separate and add additional strength to the overall system. The roof system includes white enameled (or galvanized for high moisture areas) roller tubes for faced insulation. Rollers are secured to purlins by means of clips: Z clips for zee purlins, C clips for cee purlins, B clips for flat flanged bar joists. Termination bar and self-drilling screws secure the insulation at eaves, and at ridge purlin where necessary. Nylon bushings at the ends of the tubes make sure the hardware will not puncture the vapor barrier.

There are some factors to consider in determining which system is right for each building application. Ceiling height, eave height, building use and mechanical systems (HVAC) are a few of these factors. if the building is experiencing condensation problems, then the Energy Miser® System would be right for you. Using this system in conjunction with proper ventilation will eliminate the problem. Anyone who has painted the main beams in a building can tell you how much time and money can be expended doing this. The square foot of these beams is deceiving and usually much greater than one anticipates, If the building is to have all the main beams painted and ceiling height is not a concern, then using the Energy Miser® System to cover all the steel would keep the owner from incurring the painting charges. in addition, structural steel will absorb some of the cooled air in the building. Covering it will prevent this from occurring. The Tube System® can be used in situations where high R-values are needed and ventilation is not a concern. The use of forklifts or stationary machinery can also restrict the height in which a ceiling can be placed. if this is your situation, then the Tube System® would be appropriate. Every building is designed around budget constraints and the insulation system is typically one of the first items to be reduced. This generally is executed without any consideration to the long-term monetary benefits a properly insulated and well-lit building can provide.