Love the Home You’re In: LaDuke Residence Remodel

What do you get when you cross a sustainably-minded contractor with a home in deep need of an energy overhaul? You get the LaDuke Residence remodel, and the final product is truly something to admire. Jonathan LaDuke has a passion for green building, and as a contractor by trade, he oversaw this remodel on his own home to help bring it up to a higher energy standard. If you are in the Gunnison area, look Jonathan up if you need assistance with your home or building. 

The house was originally built in 1982 as an all-electric envelope house. The ceiling’s radiant heat was starting to fail and not operating efficiently. However, the house had potential! And Jonathan knew it. The passive solar gain gave the house amazing potential to operate more efficiently, so Jonathan moved to pursue a net zero energy house. 

With Jonathan’s experience as a contractor and extensive knowledge in energy efficiency, he knew he could get the house to where it needed to be. He’s a founding member of an insulation and air sealing company, as well as a certified thermographer. He uses an infrared camera in energy auditing and troubleshooting building science issues. Jonathan definitely knows about energy efficiency! 

As a contractor, working largely in energy efficiency, it felt natural to put his money where his passion lies. Pursuing net zero energy on this house felt like the right thing to do, and an effective use of budget with the long-term in his sights. 

Project Features

Jonathan focused on some key areas of the home to make it function well and reduce energy loss throughout the home. The quantitative analysis was important data to guide his decisions but ultimately the way he wanted to “feel” living in the house was a considerable driving force as well. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Wall Assemblies: All wall assemblies have thermal breaks built into the design by way of Zip-R Panels or double interior walls. R- values range from R-42 – R-60 in the walls with hybrid closed-cell foam and dense-pack cellulose. The roof thermal envelope is an R-70 with loose-fill cellulose.
  • Air Infiltration Mitigation Techniques:  All two or more sistered framing members were caulked for air sealing measures and all windows were extensively air sealed with window foam and/or caulk, as well as any thermal envelope penetrations.
  • High-Efficiency Windows: Alpen Tyrol 625, with the help of AE Building Systems, were used throughout the project, offering higher efficiency and lower thermal loss than the previous builder-grade windows. 

We all want visually beautiful homes, but it is equally important to have a highly functional house that is energy efficient and has healthy indoor air quality. These details are often overlooked and the fashion of our homes eclipses the healthy function of our homes. Always consult professionals in energy efficiency when making building decisions. At AE Building Systems, we’re always available to help consult on the top products to use on your next project. The LaDuke Residence Project is a great example of remodeling and retrofitting a home to increase energy efficiency, and still loving the home you’re already in. 

Love the Home You’re In: LaDuke Residence Remodel

What do you get when you cross a sustainably-minded contractor with a home in deep need of an energy overhaul? You get the LaDuke Residence remodel, and the final product is truly something to admire. Jonathan LaDuke has a passion for green building, and as a contractor by trade, he oversaw this remodel on his own home to help bring it up to a higher energy standard. If you are in the Gunnison area, look Jonathan up if you need assistance with your home or building. 

The house was originally built in 1982 as an all-electric envelope house. The ceiling’s radiant heat was starting to fail and not operating efficiently. However, the house had potential! And Jonathan knew it. The passive solar gain gave the house amazing potential to operate more efficiently, so Jonathan moved to pursue a net zero energy house. 

With Jonathan’s experience as a contractor and extensive knowledge in energy efficiency, he knew he could get the house to where it needed to be. He’s a founding member of an insulation and air sealing company, as well as a certified thermographer. He uses an infrared camera in energy auditing and troubleshooting building science issues. Jonathan definitely knows about energy efficiency! 

As a contractor, working largely in energy efficiency, it felt natural to put his money where his passion lies. Pursuing net zero energy on this house felt like the right thing to do, and an effective use of budget with the long-term in his sights. 

Project Features

Jonathan focused on some key areas of the home to make it function well and reduce energy loss throughout the home. The quantitative analysis was important data to guide his decisions but ultimately the way he wanted to “feel” living in the house was a considerable driving force as well. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Wall Assemblies: All wall assemblies have thermal breaks built into the design by way of Zip-R Panels or double interior walls. R- values range from R-42 – R-60 in the walls with hybrid closed-cell foam and dense-pack cellulose. The roof thermal envelope is an R-70 with loose-fill cellulose.
  • Air Infiltration Mitigation Techniques:  All two or more sistered framing members were caulked for air sealing measures and all windows were extensively air sealed with window foam and/or caulk, as well as any thermal envelope penetrations.
  • High-Efficiency Windows: Alpen Tyrol 625, with the help of AE Building Systems, were used throughout the project, offering higher efficiency and lower thermal loss than the previous builder-grade windows. 

We all want visually beautiful homes, but it is equally important to have a highly functional house that is energy efficient and has healthy indoor air quality. These details are often overlooked and the fashion of our homes eclipses the healthy function of our homes. Always consult professionals in energy efficiency when making building decisions. At AE Building Systems, we’re always available to help consult on the top products to use on your next project. The LaDuke Residence Project is a great example of remodeling and retrofitting a home to increase energy efficiency, and still loving the home you’re already in. 

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