1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Dense-Pack Sidewall Insulation WEATHERIZATION INSTALLER/TECHNICIAN FUNDAMENTALS WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012

2 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov By attending this session, participants will be able to: Explain the importance of achieving uniform density at the targeted R-value throughout the cavity. Name typical tools for the job, including safety equipment. Identify basic equipment maintenance protocols. Use the proper order of operations for blowing in dense-pack sidewall insulation. Learning Objectives DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

3 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov It Works “It is not unusual to reduce overall house leakage by 30% to 50% by dense-packing walls and other closed-in cavities.” - Home Energy Magazine, Nov/Dec 1995 DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

4 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Proper (cost-effective) R-value Uniform density throughout cavity Pack to 3.5 – 4.5 lbs/ft 3 It Works If… DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

5 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov 1.Siding remover 2.Eye protection and dust mask 3.Hose cut at 45 degree angle 4.Drill bit 5.Plugs 6.Mister (for LSW) 7.Corded, 1/2” drill 8.Cellulose Typical Tools Used DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photo courtesy of US Dept. of Energy

6 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Maintain equipment. Inspect walls. Determine fill strategy (attic or wall, interior or exterior). Remove siding (if exterior). Drill. Fill. Replace/repair. Order of Operations DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

7 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Insulation Blowers and Generators Photos courtesy of NRCERT

8 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Check belts and other moving parts. Add graphite to the first batch of cellulose at the beginning of each day to help prevent clogging. Check filters with every use. Check static pressure (2.9 psi at takeoff and end of hose). Ensure there is enough hose for the job, no leaks. Check seals. Maintain Equipment DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

9 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Insulation Blowing Tips Initially adjust your blowing machine settings at “high-air” and “low-material feed.” Gradually increase material feed to maximize production while minimizing clogs. Hose transitions should be gradual. Use at least 200 feet of hose for good maneuverability while working. Have someone on the crew continually check inside and underneath the home for spills. Photos courtesy of WV GOEO DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

10 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Open the product gate for optimal material feed. Adjust the air pressure to optimal flow. Insulation Machine Settings Photos courtesy of WV GOEO DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

11 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Hose Pressure Gauge Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

12 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Hoses Insulation Hoses and Hose Reel 3” hoseWall tube Hose reel Photos courtesy of various manufacturers

13 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Sidewall Drills and Bits Photos courtesy of various manufacturers

14 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Drill Shroud Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

15 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Holes or weaknesses in interior walls Location of pocket doors Wiring Ducts and pipes Electrical fixtures Pre-1978 home? Lead-safe work practices Inspect Before You Start DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

16 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Blow in from attic if possible. Interior Exterior Drill at top, bottom, middle? Determine Fill Strategy DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

17 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Remove Siding AluminumVinyl WoodAsbestos DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

18 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Aluminum Siding Pry and slide. You may need a metal cutter. DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

19 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Vinyl Siding Easier to work with than metal DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy

20 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Wood Siding Remove clapboards and pressed board. Remove enough shingles to re-cover holes. DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy

21 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Tips for an efficient job: Properly sized bit Drill at angle Get blower busy Probe Division of labor Drill DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photos courtesy of the US Department of Energy 2.5” self-feed “wood hog” drill bit

22 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Probe cavities for blocks and request holes where needed. If holes are drilled in the middle of the wall, fill top to bottom. Feed hose to furthest point from hole, then pull back 12”. Cellulose-only blower: pull hose out 1’ at a time (faster blower: pull out 2’). Adjust air gate: 8’ cavity should fill in minutes. Assure 100% coverage with no voids. Verify adequate coverage with IR imager or through accurate verifiable bag counts compared to wall arch at 3.5 lbs/ft 3. Fill DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION

23 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Check fill holes You should not be able to stick your finger in. Check material-to-volume ratio: One 30-lb. bag should almost fill three 8’ cavities with 2x4 16” O.C. framing. Proper Density DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy

24 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov If you’ve blown for more than four minutes without reaching proper density, find out where cellulose is going! Trouble-Shooting or Shooting Trouble? DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy

25 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Replace and Repair The job isn’t done until the house is put back together. DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION Photo courtesy of the US Department of Energy

26 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – July 2012eere.energy.gov Dense-pack sidewall insulation is effective when installed correctly. Target = 3.5 to 4.5 pounds/cubic foot. Aim for uniform density throughout the wall cavity. Maintain equipment; inspect walls; and drill, fill, and repair. Avoid accidents; check the house frequently. Summary DENSE-PACK SIDEWALL INSULATION