High, stable thermal performance
Considering the project’s high altitude and geographical location, the Summit House at Pikes Peak will experience some of the world’s most extreme weather conditions. To withstand below freezing temperatures, snow, hail, and high winds, the new structure requires heavy insulation across the building envelope. Employed within precast concrete sandwich panels, EPS’ high, stable thermal performance will play an integral role in optimizing the facility’s energy consumption amid the volatile conditions that inevitably domineer a Colorado fourteener.
R-value, based on the mathematical term commonly known as R-factor, was developed to represent the ability of an insulation product to restrict heat flow. Simply put, the greater the R-value, the better and more effective the insulation. Those who specify or purchase an insulation material typically pay for a designated amount of R-value per inch according to project requirements. EPS delivers R-values ranging from 3.6 to 4.2 per 25 mm (1 in.). With this level of thermal efficiency, it is possible to achieve the desired R-value without the added material or labor costs that are typically associated with building up multiple layers of insulation. In this case, Summit House project designers were able to achieve the R-40 designation in a single layer of material that measures 216 mm (8.5 in.) thick.
Certain types of insulation employ blowing agents during the manufacturing process to achieve an abnormally high R-value. These blowing agents will diffuse from the cellular structure of the material over the course of its lifetime, steadily releasing a host of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and losing much of its thermal efficiency. EPS does not utilize blowing agents and, therefore, does not experience off-gassing. Consequently, the material’s R-value will remain stable over its lifetime.
Customizable, lightweight EPS eases logistical challenges
In addition to its constant R-value, EPS also exhibits a customizable, lightweight composition, which proved to ease some of the project design team’s more prominent logistical challenges of literally summiting a mountain peak. For example, the weight restrictions for traveling up the mountain’s drastic climbs and switchbacks limited crews to 13,608 kg (30,000 lb) of material per truck. Ultra-lightweight EPS, cut to precise length and width to fit within precast wall panels, ensured loads would not surpass the designated weight restrictions. This tailor-made solution made it possible for trucks to scale the mountain every morning before the summit opened to the public, which helped keep narrow construction timelines on schedule.
EPS to provide long-term ‘peak’ performance
With considerable construction progress made, the Summit House at Pikes Peak will be a testimony of environmental stewardship thanks to the commitment made by responsible manufacturers, building designers, and project stakeholders.
“The project is the perfect embodiment of what it means to change the current,” said Laura Rinker, communications director at GE Johnson Construction Company. “This is a good example of agencies and businesses in Colorado Springs that take the time and invest resources in projects that will have long-term, positive impact.”
With its ability to address a variety of daunting project challenges, including compliance with LBC requirements, EPS is an essential part of this epic project. In application, the product’s clean composition paired with its high thermal performance will help relieve the facility’s footprint on its surrounding environment. Equipped with such building materials, the Summit House aims to be a beacon of sustainability and beauty for decades to come.
Tom Savoy is the technical director for Insulfoam, a division of Carlisle Construction Materials. He has worked in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry for 34 years and in construction materials (manufacturing and testing) for 40 years. Savoy actively participates in many trade organizations including ASTM, Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI), and EPS Industry Alliance (EPS IA). He can be reached via email at tom.savoy@insulfoam.com.
