www.energystarhomesamerica.com

Issue 2 Volume 4

February 2006

Metal Roofing:
Benefits and Incentives
by Jennifer Boyle
   Listed among qualifying expenditures for the 2006 Federal Energy-Efficiency Tax Credit for builders are metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings. So what are appropriate pigmented coatings and how do metal roofs contribute to energy efficiency? Simply put - the less heat a roof absorbs and the more heat it reflects - the cooler it will be.
   ‘Cool roofing is measured by two primary standards - total solar reflectance (TSR) and infrared emittance. TSR is a material’s ability to reflect, not absorb, the sun’s radiant energy into the atmoshpere so solar energy never penetrates the building’s envelope. Emittance is defined as a material’s ability to give off heat.’ - Eco-Structure, February 2006.
   Unpainted metal, when left in the sun, is hotter to the touch than painted metal, which dissipates more heat instead of holding it in. Painted metal has high emittance, unpainted metal has high heat retention. That’s how the coating on a roof works. Traditionally, color has been a major factor - only light colors could adequately reflect heat. However, advancements in infrared-resistant pigments have greatly increased color options to include greens, reds, browns, grays and even black.
   Metal roofs are beneficial for other reasons as well. Metal is highly durable and recyclable. With durability comes lower life-cycle costs and the light weight may allow for structural savings. Metal is also inherently waterproof and fire-resistant.
   If you’ve never built with metal roofing, tax incentives are an excellent reason to try. The LEED for Homes Program also awards points for this feature, due to the recycled content, future recyclability and the energy savings. For more information on metal roofs, please visit: www.metalinitiative.com www.metalconstruction.org and www.metalroofing.com
Inspector’s Corner
To Face or Not to Face
by Derrence Freeman, City Manager
  Air pollution is one of the main concerns affecting indoor air quality. The main pollutants fall into two categories: dust and gases. Following is an overview of these pollutants and the effect they have on building occupants.

Asbestos, biological particles, and radon progeny are all in the dust pollutant category. Asbestos comes from cements, pipes, furnaces, boiler insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, shingles, siding and other building materials. The health effects of asbestos are lung and respiratory illnesses, asbestosis(disease caused by lung scarring from asbestos dust deposited in the lungs), mesothelioma (a tumor condition) and forms of cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency no level of exposure is safe to humans. These diseases are a result of exposure to very large amounts of asbestos dust. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of contracting illness from this pollutant.

Biological Particles come from plants, animals, humans, linens, household dust, damp materials, standing water, humidifiers, evaporative coolers, air conditioners, and water heaters. Dust mites, cockroaches, cats, and fungi put biological dust particles into the air and are responsible for most allergies and asthma. There are no established exposure limits, but it affects occupants who live in buildings with moisture problems. The symptoms are allergies, asthma, fevers, eye irritation, nose and throat irritation, and skin irritation.

Radon Progeny comes from soil and rocks, well water, and some building materials. This pollutant is colorless, odorless and can be detected only by specialized equipment. The Environmental Protection Agency considers 4 pico-Curies per liter and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers considers 2 pico-Curies per liter are high levels for humans to be exposed to for long periods of time and have been known to cause cancer.

Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Nitro Dioxide, and Volatile Organic Compounds are all in the gas category. Carbon Monoxide comes from gas cookstoves, unvented gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves, gas and oil furnaces, boilers, water heaters and tobacco smoke. The Environmental Protection Agency considers the following levels of exposure dangerous to humans: 9 parts per million for 8 hours, 35 parts per million for 1-hour, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration considers 200 parts per million instantaneous. The symptoms are headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and chest pain in cardio-pulmonary disease sufferers. It is colorless and odorless, but usually is accompanied by other combustion gases that have odors.

Formaldehyde comes from particle board, plywood, drywall, cabinetry, furniture, carpet, drapery fabrics, and tobacco smoke. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration considers 1 part per million every 8 hours - the limit for exposure. The symptoms are eye, nose, throat and respiratory irritation, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and skin rash. It effects new home and newly remodeled home occupants, and smokers.

Nitrogen Dioxide comes from gas cookstoves, gas or oil heaters and water heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, unvented gas and kerosene heaters, vehicle exhaust, and tobacco smoke. The Environmental Protection Agency and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers considers 0.08 part per million of continuous exposure the limit. The symptoms are drowsiness, headache, respiratory irritation, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and labored breathing. It affects occupants of buildings with combustion gases in indoor air.

Volatile Organic Compounds come from tobacco smoke, kerosene heaters, wood burning stoves and fireplaces, perfumes and hair sprays, furniture polishes, cleaning solvents, hobby and craft supplies, carpet, glues and adhesives, sealants, paints, varnishes, stains, wood preservatives, dry-cleaned clothes, moth repellants, air fresheners, automotive products, and plastics. The symptoms are eye, nose, and throat irritation, fatigue, weakness, skin rash, depression, irregular heartbeats, muscle twitching and convulsion, poor coordination, memory loss, headache, and nausea. It affects new home occupants, workers using solvents, wood stove users, and smokers.

The effects of all these pollutants can be managed with high performance home construction, ventilation, and occupant knowledge. There are numerous programs that work with the construction industry to help build healthy indoor environments. For more information concerning ways to achieve healthy indoor air quality contact Guaranteed Watt Saver at http://gwssi.com/.
Announcements:
Presentation on Warranty Claims and Comfort Complaints
in Dallas on Wednesday, March 29th, 2006 10:00am at the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas.
Admission is free, but room is limited, call Chris at 214-876-4417 for more information or to reserve a seat. 
We hope to see you there.


2006 RESNET Building Performance Conference
The 2006 RESNET Conference theme is “Embracing the Future”. The conference will review the changes in the rating industry, discuss their implications, and explore how to position a rating business to profit from the new opportunities.
 
Februaury 27th - March 1st, 2006
Plaza San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas

For more information, please visit www.natresnet.org