Preservation League Names Consultant for Insulation Demonstration Project

ALBANY, NY (03/09/2012)(readMedia)-- The Preservation League of New York State has selected a consultant to identify insulation strategies for two historic buildings located in Washington and Greene Counties in New York.

EYP Architecture & Engineering, based in Albany, will complete the study in three phases: engineering and analysis; installation of selected insulation material; and a final report outlining results observed.

The project team will consist of Bob Kennedy as Director of Energy Services, Mark Thaler as Principal and Historic Preservation Specialist, Scott Janssen and Kristin Gustafson as Energy Analysts.

"EYP is uniquely positioned to provide these services due to our ability to take a project from a feasibility concept straight to construction," said Kennedy. "EYP's combination of in house Preservation architects, Engineers, Energy specialists and Construction Administration personnel will allow the Preservation League of New York the ability to benefit from a full range of expertise in a single contract."

The goals of the project are to identify insulation strategies appropriate to historic buildings that adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, minimize the impact on the historic character of the subject buildings, and address the issue of condensation.

Funding for this project is provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) Energy Code Training Program and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT).

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, many older and historic homes were not designed with insulation, so great care must be taken to select compatible insulating systems and materials. Older buildings, or those built before modern HVAC systems existed, were actually built to deal with the movement of air naturally through special design features. If a building was constructed before 1950, careful consideration must be given to the addition of insulation.

"One of the most common problems arising in appropriate insulation is condensation, which can lead to peeling paint and dangerous mold and mildew," said Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League. "Issues like these are becoming more prevalent as older buildings are insulated to enhance energy efficiency. As a result of this study, the League hopes to provide specific guidance to building owners and contribute to New York State policy associated with energy upgrades of existing buildings."