Ogres Are Like Onions
Emily Fisher, R & E Brooklyn
Layers: that’s the word of the day on this blog. “Ogres are like onions,” as Shrek tells us, “They have layers.” So do buildings. Each layer will serve its own purpose, and together they work to keep 93 Nevins and 453 Pacific Street at a comfortable climate and water tight.
Right now, the metal stud framing is up and the roof is going up as the weather permits. Covering the frame is a DensGlass fiberglass and gypsum waterproof panel, which today was wrapped in GreenGuard® Ultra Wrap, an additional mold-resistant, water-resistant layer. Padding that out will be exterior insulation – an extruded polystyrene. Next comes air. That’s right, air. The air space which will allow for convected flow of air, and increase the insulation value of the home. It works the same as way gas-filled double-paned windows – the air space keeps the colder or hotter outside layer from touching the inside layers. And finally, the outside layer will go on: limestone.
Working our way from the metal stud framing in the other direction, into the interior, first there will be spray foam insulation made of soy. As this foam insulation expands to fill every crevice between the metal studs, it’s very efficient in creating an air-tight barrier. And it’s made of soy – an easily renewable resource. Over the spray foam comes drywall, on top of which will be the finish: paint. We will use a no-VOC paint here. That means it will contain no volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which make most people feel queasy when they inhale – typically what’s identified as that “fresh paint smell” or “new carpet smell” (with carpet, it’s also typically the adhesives that make people feel ill) and which aggravate allergies and asthma.
