The Green Cocoon (TGC) is a member of the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). This organization is committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through LEED, the leading program for green buildings and communities worldwide. The USGBC’s vision is that buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.
Education and Resources
“USGBC offers a wide-variety of courses and certifications,” said James Materkowski, president of TGC. “I love that they are helping to advance the knowledge of green building and sustainability concepts and practices.”
The Green Cocoon, LLC has purchased a new Cellulose Machine. This machine is ideal for installation of loose fill cellulose insulation throughout any area of the home. The machine has wheels for easier maneuverability and transport and comes with 100 feet of hose (two 50′ sections with connector) to achieve optimum coverage.
The new Krendl 800-G processes 77 bags of cellulose per hour, thus allowing us to become faster and more efficient. That means we are in and out of your home in less time!
Moreover, the 800-G is the only dual power source insulation blowing equipment capable of switching from electric to gas, to assure TGC is NEVER without power. Krendl Machine designed the 800-G for the insulation contractor who may not always have a readily available power source.
If you’re ready to start that insulation project you’ve been putting off, now is the perfect time. Contact us and one of us will get back to you right away!
There is a lot of confusion when it comes to thermal barriers regarding what they are and when they are needed with spray foam application. Luckily, we understand this subject and will explain the thermal barrier and the International Residential Code (IRC) in a way that you can understand.
What is a thermal barrier?
A thermal barrier is a material that is applied between spray foam insulation and the interior living space. Moreover, the IRC says that all foam plastic insulations have to be separated from the interior of the building by a 15-minute thermal barrier. One such barrier is half-inch gypsum board (drywall). Because any type of spray foam is combustible, along with most other building materials, we need to protect the wall from the foam. By installing gypsum board over the foam, we have protection on the inside of the building for a life-saving purpose.
The IRC is trying to provide enough time for occupants to get out of the house in case of fire. A thermal barrier will give an occupant about 15 minutes to escape.
Not every area of your home has to have a thermal barrier. So, what needs to be covered and what can be exposed?
Can spray foam be left exposed?
The quick answer is yes and no, because spray foam can be left exposed in some areas of the home with other areas requiring a thermal barrier, according to the code.
If the area of the home that has been sprayed with foam is directly connected to the living space or used for storage, then it has to be separated by a thermal barrier. This would be your exterior walls and ceilings.
There are exceptions to the rule, which are the crawl space, attic, and basement rim joists. Rim joists never require thermal barriers, and attics and crawl spaces that are not used for storage or living space do not need a thermal barrier. They’re already treated with an ignition barrier. The only time a crawl space or attic needs a thermal barrier is when the space is used as an auxiliary living space or storage.
There are a couple of ways to omit or provide an alternate to the thermal barrier. One of those is large scale test using something like a cementitious-based product. If it passes the test, it can be used as a stand-alone thermal barrier.
You could also use an intumescent coating (swells up when heated). It has been tested over a specific spray foam to provide an interior finish system that acts like a thermal barrier. For example, if you’re going to install spray foam on the underside of a roof deck in an open roof assembly like in a restaurant, you would put the spray foam on the underside. You can’t leave it exposed to the inside of the building, so you’ll need to use a thermal barrier to go over it, such as drywall or thermal barrier paint. What do we do?
If you have an intumescent coating that has been approved, then you apply that over the spray foam. The coating is now an interior finish that we can leave exposed inside the restaurant, which meets interior standards.
Learn more about insulation code
In conclusion, you now have a grasp of thermal barriers, but you might have more questions about meeting insulation code in your area.
If you want to make sure your new home or remodeling project meets code, please contact us.
The Green Cocoon recently completed a project in Massachusetts and had the privilege to work with Gorman Homes. “We work with these guys quite often and they’re great,” said Jim Materkowski, The Green Cocoon President. “We used Gaco Profill in the walls to eliminate open cell shaving waste.”
The Gaco ProFill System is the first complete spray foam system to offer a consistent cavity fill and a smooth surface with no trimming needed. The self-compressing characteristic of this tough, true polyurethane based spray foam is the reason Gaco ProFill can be quickly and easily installed behind a membrane (either Gaco ProFilm or Gaco ProWeb) as part of the Gaco ProFill System. (gaco.com)
There is hardly any waste, which means the Gaco ProFill System provides higher yields than most open cell foams. Consequently, scrap disposal expenses are greatly reduced or eliminated.
If you have an insulation project coming up, please contact us for a quote.
The Green Cocoon was fortunate to work with Red Hammer Builders from Georgetown, Massachusetts on this project. The house, which is located on the northshore of Massachusetts, was built in the early 1900s.
The project is a full gut rehab, and closed cell spray foam was applied throughout the building.
As you can see, everyone is wearing protective equipment to protect you and themselves from Covid-19 AND the insulation!
Even though many of us at The Green Cocoon are working from home just like you amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we can still do our part on Earth Day 2020 (EARTHRISE).
Alejandro Alvarez / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
From the 2020 NCAA Basketball Tournament in the U.S. to the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in Europe to the Grand Prix in Australia, just about every big spring event this year has been cancelled or postponed. But the annual event coming up on April 22, Earth Day, will be held rain or shine. You don’t want to miss it!
Earth Day History
This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which began as a “youthquake” in 1970 with former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson leading the charge.
Here’s a little history: On April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development. In the U.S. and around the world, smog was becoming deadly and evidence was growing that pollution led to developmental delays in children. Biodiversity was in decline as a result of the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants. The global ecological awareness was growing, and the U.S. Congress and President Nixon responded quickly. In July of the same year, they created the Environmental Protection Agenc. They also created robust environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, among many. Earth Day is now a global event each year, and more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
EARTHRISE: Earth Day Goes Digital
The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Climate Action. Earthday.org states, “Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.” With the coronavirus wreaking havoc on us all and limiting our activities, Earth Day organizers had to get creative.
In a recent press release, Earth Day Network noted that they are shifting their actions from massive worldwide cleanups to a strictly online campaign. The title of their movement is EARTHRISE, which is a “global, digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and planet.” Over the course of 24 hours, EARTHRISE will fill the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins, and more. Learn more.
Some people have already started recruiting others to do their part by hosting Facebook events. For example, Amanda Merlino from Florida is hosting a “Get Trashed for Earth Day” event on April 19th. She is encouraging people to grab “a plastic bag, wear some gloves, and pick up all of the discarded trash that you see. Post pictures or video of your efforts to encourage others to get involved.”
How to Celebrate Earth Day at Home
While none of us are sure how long this pandemic will last, each of us can take steps to ensure we don’t turn one crisis into another. Strive for sufficiency over efficiency, avoid the urge to panic-buy and learn how to cook for a few days with what you have in the house, rather than run to the store for one item.
Take a walk and pick up trash
Whether you walk by yourself and pick up trash or you recruit others to do it, seeing a clean street shows pride for one’s town or city. Join an event like Amanda is holding or hold one yourself. Doing something with others increases one’s motivation.
Cut way back on water
Since you’re not going out, consider cutting back on showering to save water and energy (but keep washing your hands!). Unless you’re in direct contact with medical professionals or constantly out in the world, try showering several times a week instead of every day.
Embrace frugality
Try eating the same breakfast every day for a week. Keep your pantry stocked with humble ingredients that are also delicious. Now is a great time to pass your frugal life skills onto your kids. Breakfast is important!
Let your yard go wild
Treehugger.com says to “Turn your lawn back into a productive plant community. Plant clover. Stop raking your damn leaves and use them as a home compost pile instead. Grow vegetables in your yard. Plant a wildlife hedge instead of building a fence.”
Stay healthy
Help overworked healthcare professionals and hospitals by keeping your own immune system strong. Go on a walk for both a mental and physical break. If you’re unable to go outside, try one of these “visual soundscape” videos to relax. Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy.
In summary, all of us working together can save the planet. We just need to get along. Stay healthy and strong this Earth Day. Learn more about Earth Day.
The Governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire have asked all non-essential businesses to close. The Green Cocoon (TGC) is excited to be listed as an essential business, and thus will continue working on all projects as planned, unless other arrangements are made.
Employees Working From Home
All office employees are now working from home and only the installers are coming to the shop. They get the supplies they need and then head off to the project site.
Taking Extra Precautions
“We are a very small crew and are taking extra precautions in the office by deep cleaning surfaces frequently,” said Vice President Candace Lord. “By law our installers have to wear respirators while at the job site, so they are already better protected from the virus. Moreover, TGC uses mechanical ventilation while we work, which creates a negative pressure in the house. This actually prevents any of our air from getting into your house!”
If you have any questions about your current project or would like a consultation for something new, please contact us. Stay safe and healthy everyone.
The Green Cocoon (TGC) was invited to work with general contractor, Chad Eaton, on the creation of an art studio in Massachusetts. Chad’s client enjoys painting as a hobby and needed a place to paint. So, Eaton took the client’s garage and turned into an art studio.
Eaton hired TGC to insulate the walls of the garage. TGC used closed cell spray foam, which reduces excess waste and energy consumption in buildings by up to 50%. It also adds strength, R-value (7 per inch), and provides greater resistance to the leakage of air and water vapor.
You’ll see in the before and after photos how Chad and crew did all framework to finish, including making the tables!
According to PRNewWire.com, the global mineral wool insulation market is expected to reach an estimated $23.7 billion by 2023. Moreover, the CAGR (compound annual growth rate) is expected to be 3.8% between 2018 to 2023. The major growth drivers are increasing construction activities and tougher global government regulations. Additionally, stricter building codes for energy efficiency and fire safety regulations have added to mineral wool insulation growth.
Emerging Trends
Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the mineral wool insulation industry, include the shift towards eco-friendly insulation (“green”). Likewise, there is the growing focus on glass wool insulation recycling and the development of lightweight and highly fire-resistant insulation.
Mineral Wool Is Recyclable
The Green Cocoon uses mineral wool insulation and has been for quite some time in the New England area. Mineral wool is friendly to both people and the environment and is gaining in popularity. It is 100% recyclable, VOC-free, and formaldehyde-free.
ROXUL Now ROCKWOOL
ROCKWOOL (formerly ROXUL Inc.), North America’s largest producer of stone wool insulation, is the mineral wool we use. ROXUL rebranded itself to ROCKWOOL in early 2019. Furthermore, the ROCKWOOL brand has been marketed internationally for 80 years, and it will now be adopted in North America.
If you would like more information on mineral wool insulation or its application, please contact us.
On Thursday, December 11, Candace Lord and Joe Marino, vice president and salesperson for The Green Cocoon, attended The Green Alliance’s second annual holiday party. The jam-packed event was held at the Great Rhythm Brewing Company in Portsmouth. Over 100 members and guests attended.
Purpose of The Green Alliance
The Green Cocoon is a member of Green Alliance. Their purpose is to promote local business partners that make serious efforts to operate in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious manner. Furthermore, those business partners offer discounts to Green Alliance Community card-holders. Learn more at https://www.greenalliance.biz/about.
Sales of Artwork Help Fund Research Center
The event was sponsored by Sustainable Seacoast, Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, and the Great Bay Waterkeeper with Conservation Law Foundation. Local artist Ragko showcased his amazing artwork that connected us to water. Sales of his artwork went towards the creation of an independent Huilliche-Mapuche research center in southern Chile.
We stay involved with groups like The Green Alliance to help towards our goal of making little to no negative impact on the environment.
The new Krendl 800-G processes 77 bags of cellulose per hour, thus allowing us to become faster and more efficient. That means we are in and out of your home in less time!
