Press Release, 01 January 2006
Not since the seventies has there been such concern about the upward spiral of home energy prices. The energy efficiency of new buildings is becoming one of the key considerations for builders and specifiers.
The introduction of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in 2007 will mean that superior energy performance in buildings now needs to be a standard feature in all new homes.
This legislation, coupled with the Government's drive to reduce C02 emissions, has moved the energy debate on so far that builders, specifiers and architects now need to build-in energy efficiency just to ensure their developments are competitive.
There are many options to improve energy efficiency to choose from during the design and construction phase that achieve better performances and reduce annual heating costs. One very popular option, which is scientifically proven to have a major impact on improving energy efficiency, is the DuPont™ Tyvek® non-ventilated pitched roof system.
With this system you can reduce the air leakage in a house up to 25% by simply keeping the warm air in. The system allows the potentially damaging moisture to disperse through the micro channels incorporated in the membrane and then disappear into the atmosphere.
When properly installed over the top of rafters or trusses, the DuPont™ Tyvek® non-ventilated pitched roof system helps provide a vapor-permeable air and water barrier that stops airflow while still allowing attic moisture to escape by diffusion. This simple roof system helps dissipate attic moisture in cold weather, and helps reduce heat build-up in warm weather, much more efficiently than traditional attic ventilation.
The cooling effect is further enhanced by the use of Tyvek® Enercor® Roof, the latest generation of low emissivity membranes with a metallised surface. When installed facing downwards (into the attic), this feature helps reduce the radiant heat build up that is normally emitted through the roofing materials. It also helps reflect radiant heat back into the living space in cold climates. This reduction in radiant heat flow cuts down the energy costs to condition the living space below.
DuPont has been awarded a BBA certificate (Certificate number 04/4101) and is the first to be given this accolade. This certificate guarantees that the type of roof covering and air permeability of the roof has no effect whatsoever on the moisture performance of a Tyvek® Supro non-ventilated, cold pitched roof system.
All the factors in the housing market are pointing to a major change in the way roofs are manufactured. With the significant environmental, financial and practical benefits of a non-ventilated roof system, it may well be time to ditch the traditional cold-pitched roof.
Tyvek® comes with a 30-year guarantee and is distributed throughout Ireland by Insulation Distributors Ltd. For further information, call Dublin 01 623 4541 or Omagh 028 8224 6220 or visit www.tyvekhome.com
For further information please contact:
Peggy Beicht - Media Relations
DuPont Building Innovations
L-2984 Luxembourg
Tel: (352) 3666 5945
Fax: (352) 3666 5021
Email: peggy.beicht@lux.dupont.com
