Data is performance.
Energy Modeling
We utilize specialized computer software to model the long-term effects of heat and moisture within and through parts of a building components and wall assemblies.
All building envelope assemblies (roofs, exterior walls, and foundations) routinely have heat and moisture transfer over time. Understanding how energy and moisture moves through the building components provides the necessary data to accurate manage the control layers for higher performance.
In addition to computer modeling, we utilize field and diagnostic tools to validate and test design assumptions and existing conditions. This ensures your project is not only computer modeled but real world verified.
Hygrothermal Modeling
Hygrothermal is the combination of moisture and heat in building physics. Depending on your particular climate zone, many building assemblies will store or load up with moisture during certain seasons and dry out during other seasons throughout the year. Similarly, the same occurs throughout the day and night with heat energy.
Hygrothermal modeling allows us to analyze this cycling and predict if it will become an issue or acceptable, and what the best control layer design is to manage this cycling.
We utilize both WUFI and METr, both industry recognized as the best software to perform this modeling.
Thermal Bridge Modeling
Heat transfer alone through building components is called Thermal Bridging, and can be a major source of heat loss and gain, potentially compromising a buildings thermal envelope. Minimizing or eliminating thermal bridging throughout a buildings foundation, wall assembly, and roof assembly can materially impact its performance.
We utilize a program called THERM to model the effect of thermal bridging on specifics assemblies, junctions, details, and materials.
Simulations & Sensitivity Analysis
Both hygrothermal and thermal bridge modeling can be utilized to design a new project, measure and understand existing assemblies, and also used to compare various options and situations - what we call simulations and sensitivity analysis.
This provides the client with the ability obtain the data to cost optimize performance in comparing certain building materials, components, and assemblies. Scaled across an entire project, this can result in material savings and enable more informed decision making.