New American Home
Innovative Insulation Used in Notorious Showhome
by Aaron Davenport, Director of Building Science, Enverge Spray Foam
Billed as the flagship exhibit of the Annual International Builders’ Show, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) New American Home has long been a showcase for the latest in innovative building materials. The NAHB, along with award-winning homebuilder Sun West Custom Homes, has once again pushed the boundaries of residential construction with the unveiling of the 2024 New American Home.
This groundbreaking project serves as a testament to the latest advancements in home design, technology, and sustainability. Among the many innovative features incorporated into this year’s home is the use of Enverge EasySeal .5® open cell spray foam insulation, which was chosen due to the importance of achieving maximum energy efficiency in this new home.
Battle Born Specialties, the largest independent insulation contractor in Las Vegas, was chosen to install Enverge EasySeal .5 on the project. “Enverge EasySeal is a product I’ve used since I started in spray foam,” said Isac Torres, Owner of Battle Born Specialties. “It works well with our equipment and our guys enjoy using it.”
Battle Born installed eight inches of Enverge EasySeal .5 in the roof deck and full cavity in the walls. “The home performed really well at .5 air changes per hour,” added Torres, “The house is so tight, the energy efficiency performance came in at a phenomenal number.”
The benefits of Enverge EasySeal .5 spray foam insulation are multifaceted. First and foremost, it creates an airtight envelope around the home, preventing unwanted air leakage and drafts. This not only enhances the overall comfort of the living spaces but also significantly reduces energy consumption. By minimizing the need to heat and cool the home, the home’s HVAC system can operate more efficiently, leading to lower monthly energy costs.
In addition to its energy efficiency and comfort benefits, the use of EasySeal .5 in the 2024 New American Home also contributes to the project’s sustainability goals. By reducing energy consumption and minimizing the home’s environmental impact, this innovative insulation choice aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly building practices. EasySeal .5 also is formulated for long-term building performance. It won’t settle or sag over time like traditional insulation.
The collaboration between NAHB, Sun West Custom Homes, Enverge, and Battle Born Specialties in the 2024 New American Home project demonstrates the importance of selecting the right insulation materials and partnering with experienced professionals.
“This was a rewarding and challenging home to build. Our Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating came in at a -54,” said Mark Schlachter, Superintendent for Sun West. “That’s surpassing anything on the market. We actually set a record with a blower door test of .35. You’re not going to achieve that with anything other than spray foam.” For reference, the HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. It’s also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.
As the 2024 NAHB New American Home continues to inspire and educate homebuilders, architects, and consumers alike, the future of residential construction lies in the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. The use of Enverge EasySeal .5 spray foam insulation, as installed by Battleborn Specialties, serves as a shining example of how innovative, sustainability-focused materials, and skilled craftsmanship can elevate the performance and comfort of a home.
The 2024 New American Home set a new standard for residential construction, showcasing the potential for energy efficiency, sustainability, and indoor comfort. As the industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this remarkable project will undoubtedly shape the homes of tomorrow, ensuring a greener and more comfortable future for generations to come.
