HEC Provides Solutions with AccuAudit!
Buildings are more complicated than ever before. Materials have scientifically advanced but are often misused or misapplied. Building Industry Standards for what is acceptable are less than optimal when it comes to achieving comprehensive building performance. Our goal since 1982 has been to produce healthy, efficient, comfortable environments where our clients live, work, worship and play. The AccuAudit is conducted by a specialist well versed in building science. It starts with questions about the building followed by a walk through. Conclusions are drawn based on knowledge of building science and construction technology. These conclusions are either confirmed or negated using a combination of visual inspection and other diagnostic tools such as infra red cameras, blower doors, moisture meters and smoke pencils. The AccuAudit ensures that system interaction and overall building performance are considered as a whole, thus perfecting a solution that addresses not only the obvious symptoms but underlying issues affecting performance, comfort, health, safety and durability of the structure and occupants. HEC Technologies designs a solution incorporating the most appropriate materials and methods for each job. The plan is communicated to a well trained staff of technicians who understand the importance of completing your project with unwavering attention to detail.
Sound
Reverberant noise can be a problem in churches, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, performing arts centers, restaurants, gun ranges, penal institution, swimming pools, factories and warehouses. Annoying sound transmission from room to room is another common complaint. Frequently these problems don't become apparent until the space is occupied. Like our AccuAudit, we use a similar analytical approach in solving reverberant noise problems as well as problems with sound transmission from space to space. HEC Technologies can do a computer generated acoustical analysis that calculates existing reverberation times and decibel levels. The analysis will predict reductions in reverb times and sound levels after the room is treated with a K13 spray applied acoustical finish. Most customers are amazed at how dramatic the results can be.
High Energy Costs
Each working system in a building affects energy costs individually. Optimal energy efficiency is dependent on all of the systems in a building working together as one environment. As energy costs increase and more people are considering Green Building measures, now is the best time to analyze all the systems in your building with AccuAudit. Now is the time to update your home or commercial building so you can prepare for the rapidly changing energy environment of the 21st century.
Building Design Flaws
Even if a customer verbalizes the desire for comfort, efficiency, health and durability for their new building, lack of understanding of building science principles on the part of builders, architects, and subcontractors may make it difficult to address all the issues needed to ensure maximum building performance. HEC Technologies can consult with building professionals and coordinate whole building concepts from the inception of the building plans for an optimal building environment. Within an existing building, AccuAudit becomes an invaluable tool to diagnose existing building flaws and recommend optimal and long term solutions.
Mold and Moisture
Excessive moisture in buildings can lead to mold growth creating potential health issues and building degradation. Extensive air sealing and use of sealed combustion appliances are important components in energy efficient construction. Unfortunately, these measures also lead to higher indoor relative humidity. Uninformed contractor sometimes mistakenly add humidifiers to these tight structures raising the indoor relative humidity even further. When warm moist air comes in contact with cold surfaces, it causes condensation, wetting, mold and subsequent damage to building components. Windows, roof/wall joints and other areas where there is missing insulation or air flow through insulation are typical cold spots where problems can occur. Warm, moist air can also leak into the attic through a variety of subtle air leakage paths. This moisture eventually condenses on roof sheathing causing problems. Putting extra effort into sealing the attic plane can produce a multitude of benefits. Placing furnaces and leaky duct work in the attic can also result in high energy bills, condensation and ice dams. The goal of every well planned energy efficient home is to build tight, insulate with a system that is monolithic while keeping all heating appliances and duct work out of unconditioned areas. Providing mechanical ventilation to control indoor relative humidity is the last piece of the puzzle. Mechanical ventilation is also needed to evacuate germs and other indoor pollutants. HEC Technologies understands these concepts and incorporates them into every project where they apply.
Frozen Pipes
A frozen pipe can create and astronomical amount of damage to a home or business. Many a couple has left for a weekend during a cold snap and come home to a house flooded with water. Solving frozen pipe problems can be very complicated. HEC Technologies has solved many re-occurring problems that were supposedly repaired by other contractors. Insulation contractors often focus on adding more insulation. Sometimes adding insulation makes the problem worse. Knowing what to do and how to do it is the key to success. On new construction projects, we are particularly careful to anticipate potential frozen pipe problems and take precautions to assure the problem never occurs.
Cold Rooms Over the Garage
Heating or air conditioning this type of room takes special consideration. Temperatures can vary by as much as 5 degrees during summer and winter when compared to the rest of the house. This temperature difference can make these rooms unusable. There are six reasons or oversights that result in comfort issues in these rooms:
- Increased Exterior Surface Ratio -There may be
four walls, a floor and a ceiling exposed to outside temperatures.
This results in very high conductive losses.
- Air Leakage - Air flow through the floor assembly is a common problem which can result in cold floors and frozen pipes. We use a variety of methods to address this problem.
- Wind Washing - Air blowing through fiberglass insulation on un-sheathed knee walls can render the insulation almost useless. We change the insulation methodology.
- Poorly Sealed Scuttle Entrances to Unconditioned Attics
- HVAC - Supplies are often undersized, returns are inadequate or non- existent and leaky duct runs through unconditioned attics are too long. Recommend revisions that take into account increased heat loss.
- Sensor Problems - Thermostat is located in a room that is losing heat at a much slower rate. There is a need to slow the rate of loss or increase the amount of supply.
Thermal Comfort
Our experience tells us that comfort is far more important than efficiency. The good news is that you can have both if things are done correctly. Properly designed homes with good insulation systems, well thought out HVAC systems and mechanical ventilation are comfortable, economical, healthy, safe and durable. The key is to seek out professionals who understand Building Science Concepts and are committed to a "Systems Approach" to building.