Volume Homebuilder Utilizes Bayer MaterialScience Spray Polyurethane Foam Materials And EnergyWise System To Build Affordable, Energy-Efficient Homes

Pittsburgh, PA - For four generations, History Maker Homes has focused on keeping purchase prices affordable for homebuyers. In recognition of its 60th anniversary in 2009, the Dallas/Fort Worth area homebuilder is offering 60 new homes that include the EnergyWise guaranteed energy-cost saving system. These energy-efficient features are typically found only in more expensive custom homes or as an upgrade. The EnergyWise system includes BaySystems spray polyurethane foam insulation as standard in the promotional homes. Thermacote Systems is a certified Energywise contractor and is applying the foam.

The Energywise program uses a "systems" approach to residential insulation applications. It was developed out of collaboration between BaySystems' spray polyurethane foam insulation business, and EnergyWise Structures, one of the nation's leading thermal engineering firms.

"To History Maker Homes, energy efficiency and affordability go hand in hand," said Nelson Mitchell, president, History Maker Homes. "We were looking for a vendor that could provide a product for our homes that would make them affordable over the long run. Thermacote's guaranteed energy-cost savings really got our attention."

While polyurethane foam insulation systems are more expensive to install than traditional insulation materials, Thermacote offers the Energywise guarantee that homeowners will have monthly energy bills that will not exceed a specified amount for two years.

"Our job is to educate homebuilders about the benefits of spray polyurethane foam insulation and correct building science techniques so that they can educate buyers about why paying more upfront can mean more savings in the end," said Trent Blakey, president, Thermacote Systems. "By using the superior insulation from BaySystems, along with expert EnergyWise engineering, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs significantly, experience better indoor air quality, and lower their home's life-cycle cost."

"First and foremost, we want to offer our customers homes that they can afford," said Mitchell. "Our homes are priced under $200,000, and we're the only builder to offer polyurethane foam insulation within that price range. Offering the EnergyWise system from Thermacote using Bayseal™ spray foam insulation gives us quite a competitive advantage."

"We are pleased that a large homebuilder like History Maker Homes recognizes the advantages of spray polyurethane foam insulation," said Renee Zierden, general manager, BaySystems. "Homeowners will undoubtedly see the savings in their monthly bills through the Energywise ‘systems approach' used by Thermacote. Bayer MaterialScience is proud to offer products like Bayseal™ that increase energy efficiency in residential structures, supporting our strong commitment to sustainable development."

Spray polyurethane foam offers several advantages over traditional fiberglass batt insulation, including:

• Ability to expand and fill all cracks when applied, thereby virtually sealing a home from moisture and air leakage.
• Ability to cure within seconds, forming the foundation of a structurally strong, virtually airtight, thermal, sound and condensation barrier.
• Adding structural strength to the building. Independent tests showed spray polyurethane foam provides resistance to shearing and racking events such as hurricanes and other strong wind situations.
• Reducing the chance of mold growth.

The Energywise systems approach that Thermacote utilizes in its installation involves proper engineering of the entire building package: the mechanical systems, doors and windows, insulation and air infiltration mitigation to work in harmony with the structure's thermal envelope and local climate conditions. Using proprietary software to create a detailed energy analysis report from each building plan, The EnergyWise program accurately projects the annual heating and cooling consumption, comparative savings, and optimal heating and cooling system sizing.

SOURCE: Bayer MaterialScience LLC