ZED has been working with the Taunton Housing Authority (THA) since 2020 to perform a comprehensive sustainable renovation of four scattered site low-rise developments with 24 units of multifamily affordable housing. Funded by DHCD Formula Funding and a Comprehensive Sustainability Initiative (CSI) grant, the goal was maximum energy conservation, emission reductions, and water use reduction. The result was significantly upgraded apartments with superior insulation, triple-glazed energy efficient windows, insulated doors, and optimized systems to improve the quality of life for THA’s residents.
Energy and Cost Reduction. Testing, site visits, analysis and cost estimating resulted in cost optimal improvements, including air sealing, extra attic insulation, new doors, continuous insulation, foundation insulation, high efficiency boilers, and toilet replacements. Air sealing and insulation was achieved by the installation of a Zip System R-Sheathing for 4 inches of total continuous insulation, taped air/water-resistive barrier, re-siding, and air sealing at vented attics. At the Martel Street development, the fieldstone foundation wall and rimboard was air sealed and insulated using low GWP closed cell spray insulation. This resulted in a 70.5% air tightness improvement between pre- and post-construction blower door testing.
Overcoming Challenges. Each of the four sites had unique conditions, however all shared the challenge of increased costs and elongated procurement due to COVID-19. Additionally, there was existing poor quality construction at two of the four developments, no access to crawl spaces under one development, and fully occupied residences during all renovations. At one development, Owner records showed that construction was completed in 1983, however closer observation indicated a far earlier vintage, such as balloon framing and heavy timber sill on fieldstone foundations. Re-siding and re-roofing were outside of the project scope, so ZED recommended 3” low VOC ccSPF insulation for the basement air sealing and insulation, allowing resident reentry within 6 hours; foam sealant plus blown cellulose insulation for the attic.
Zip system tape at flanged window creating positive drainage
Zip-R insulated panel over 2” foil faced insulation and self-adhered air barrier
Foil faced insulation over continuous air barrier
Cement board and stucco protection over foundation insulation board
Wall insulation inside porch roof
New low-maintenance, durable roofing and siding