Energy-efficiency is more than just a buzz word, this is the standard for an Ironwood Home. Whether building with wood or metal framing every home is designed to reduce energy usage and provide its own clean energy.
Insulating a home is one of the most cost effective way to reduce energy use. Each Ironwood Home includes an exterior continuous layer of foam board insulation and wall cavity insulation. Not just any foam board, it must be the right Polyisocyanurate material.
The material was chosen for its fire resistance qualities but it also has an energy-efficient benefit. Polyiso carries a higher R value per inch than Polystyrene board. The 1-1/2″ layer in typical construction adds an R 9.5 to the R13 fiberglass wall cavity insulation. That R 9.5 provides a better insulation than the wall cavity does because it covers 100% of the exterior walls.
In a metal-frame home, the exterior insulation is required to prevent heat and cold transfer through the metal wall studs, (thermal bridging). In the Ironwood Design this is described by the location of metal studs as “inside metal” or “outside metal
Inside metal is all framing normally exposed to indoor temperatures. This framing is insulated from the exterior with special considerations given to prevent thermal bridging to these framing members. Typical indoor metal consists of all wall framing and the floor trusses.
Outside metal is the framing which is exposed to the ever-changing outside temperatures. The roof framing, patio and walkway coverings are considered outside metal. All measures must be taken to prevent thermal bridging between the outside metal and inside metal yet be able to attach these framing members to each other. This is where wood is used. Yes, wood is not a great insulator but it is a great building material and performs no worse than in a wood-frame home. When placed properly, wood is and incredibly cost-effective material to use in an Ironwood Home.
Wall insulation and wood elements detail at window or door opening.
Wood framing around exterior openings.
Besides great wall and attic insulation The Ironwood Home uses insulated concrete foundations and slabs. This insulation layer is beneficial when installing radiant floors.
The Ironwood home uses green energy everywhere possible. Solar Power + Batteries is always included in the home design, not an afterthought. An Ironwood Home INCLUDES Solar, not just “solar ready”. By including the solar and / or wind power when the home is designed we can eliminate the need for leased or “Power Agreement” solar systems. You also have a solar system designed with the roof style and orientation.
Solar water heating is also included for most areas of the country. This is paired with electric or heat pump water heaters to ensure hot water is always available. Water heating is responsible for much of the home’s energy usage so it just makes sense to spend a little more up front to get an energy-efficient water heating system.
Because of the structural frame design, the home can have large exterior openings on all sides. This allows us to design passive solar into our home. Large exterior windows and patio doors allows the homeowner to open up the house for good cross-ventilation, reducing cooling needs as well.
The most important feature of the Ironwood Home’s energy efficiencies is simplicity. There are many products out there and more being developed all the time but the standard products in use today performs just as well and they are available to everyone at lower costs. A home needs to be built right to be good. Specialty products and systems should be an option, not a requirement.
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