Building Envelope Program

Jane Conroe, NY
Christina Crabtree, OH
John Long, WV
William Walker, AL

Mentors: William Miller, Jeff Christian, Andre Desjarlais, Mike Gettings, Jan Kosny, Tom Petrie, Ben Rudolph, Jim Sand, Therese Stovall, John Tomlinson

Researchers in the ORNL Building Envelope Program are studying various building technologies and practices. Most of this research is cost shared with the industry manufacturers. ARC teachers have studied various roof materials, solar reflectivity, and emittance. These properties determine the amount of heat transfer through the roof. Another building concern is moisture. An ORNL web-based calculator, called WVFI, allows builders to simulate wall structures and determine their moisture content. A technology for removing moisture from buildings was developed at ORNL. The new process involves combining traditional air-cooling systems with the new air-drying system. Additionally, the ORNL web site has a calculator that specifies the most appropriate R-value ratings for new or existing walls. A cost saving feature is also available.

Building Envelope Photos