Valley Forge, Pa. – To create healthy, energy-efficient homes for 19 low-income families, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland insulated the new Maple Hill townhome development in Gaithersburg, Md. with several high-performance products from CertainTeed, including SMARTBATT™ with MoistureSense™ Technology, the industry’s first kraft-faced fiberglass batt insulation that intelligently manages moisture in the wall cavity.
These new homeowners were presented keys during a dedication ceremony Sept. 13 that included tours of the homes and a neighborhood block party.
“Our mission is to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families who simply seek a hand up and not a hand out in their efforts to become homeowners. We strive to set people on the right path with a stable, healthy home; and energy efficiency and helping protect against mold and moisture problems are a big part of that,” said Jeff Dee, development director for Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland. “The more efficient a home, the lower the energy bills and more likely a family will be able to manage expenses. CertainTeed provided a significant contribution of materials and expertise for this project. They really stepped up to the plate by providing us with their most innovative insulation solutions, which will provide a lifetime impact for these 19 families.”
The development used CertainTeed’s new SMARTBATT with MoistureSense Technology. SMARTBATT features a smart vapor retarder facing that adapts based on moisture levels in the wall cavity, blocking moisture from entering when humidity is low and allowing the wall to breathe when it senses high humidity that needs to be released, helping reduce the potential for mold and mildew growth.
SMARTBATT is easily installed in one step, and it can save considerable time and labor compared to installing vapor retarder film over unfaced fiberglass batts in conjunction with a proper caulk and sealing package.
Additionally, InsulSafe SP® premium blowing wool insulation was installed in the townhomes’ attics for maintenance-free thermal performance. InsulSafe SP is made from renewable and recycled glass, is noncombustible, noncorrosive and odor free, and won’t settle or cause mildew and fungus growth. Also, it contains no formaldehyde and is GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality performance.
“We’re very pleased we had the opportunity to help Habitat for Humanity realize its goals for the Maple Hill development,” said Greg Silvestri, President of CertainTeed Insulation. “Their mission of providing affordable and efficient homes lines up perfectly with CertainTeed’s position as a leading innovator in holistic insulation systems that combine thermal performance, air tightness, moisture management and acoustics for complete comfort.”
CertainTeed is the only manufacturer with a truly comprehensive line of insulation products and equipment, including time-tested and trusted fiberglass insulation batts and rolls, fiberglass blow-in insulation, polyurethane spray foam, innovative vapor retarder technology, and highly regarded HVAC products as well as insulation blowing and foam application equipment. All of CertainTeed’s insulation products can help building professionals qualify toward credits for both the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Building Standard supported by the National Association of Home Builders.
