Construction to begin April 2009.

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This document serves to demonstrate the understanding of The Lane Group Inc. of PLASTIC FOAM INSULATION SYSTEMS and its application as it pertains to commercial and residential building projects and the requirements for THERMAL and IGNITION BARRIERS as they are written in the 2004 and 2007 edition of the Florida Building Codes.

On March 5, 2009, The Lane Group Inc. met with Mr. James R. Schock, Building Inspection Manager with The City of Jacksonville to discuss the City of Jacksonville Building Department’s interpretation of Plastic Foam Insulation, the requirements for their application with THERMAL and IGNITION BARRIERS.

· The 2004 Florida Building Code Sections 2603.4 and R314.1.2 specifically require a THERMAL BARRIER.

The THERMAL BARRIER is described as 0.5-inch gypsum wallboard or equivalent thermal barrier material that will limit the average temperature rise of the unexposed surface to not more than 250°F(120°C) after 15 minutes of fire exposure, complying with the standard time-temperature curve of ASTM E 119.

Section 2603.4 .1 and Section R314.2 describes conditions in which THERMAL BARRIERS are not required. One of these conditions that are described is Section 2603.4.1.6 and R314.2.3 ATTIC and CRAWL SPACES. In these conditions, an approved ignition barrier is installed as protective covering.

The IGNITION BARRIER is described as 1.5-inch-thick (38mm) mineral fiber insulation: 0.25-inch-thick (6.4mm) wood structural panel, particle board or hardboard: 0.375-inch (9.5mm)gypsum wallboard, corrosive resistant steel having a base metal thickness of 0.016 inch (0.4mm) or other approved material installed in such a manner such that the foam plastic insulation is not exposed.

· The 2007 Florida Building Code Sections 2603.4 and R314.4 specifically require a THERMAL BARRIER.

Section 2603.4.1 and Section R314.5 describes conditions in which THERMAL BARRIERS are not required. These conditions are described in Sections 2603.4.1.6 ATTICS and CRAWL SPACES, Section R314.5.3 ATTICS and Section R314.5.4 CRAWL SPACES. In these conditions, an approved ignition barrier is installed as a protective covering. Sections R314.5.3 and R314.5.4 have exceptions for ignition barriers, which states that “The ignition barrier is not required where foam plastic insulation has been tested in accordance with Section R314.6.”.

· Also, it is stated in the ICC-ES Report from May 1, 2008 Section 4.4.2 Application without a prescriptive Ignition Barrier: Where the Icynene Insulation System is installed in an attic or crawl space without a prescriptive ignition barrier, in accordance with Sections 4.4.2.1 through 4.4.2.5, the following conditions apply:

1. Entry to the attic or crawl space is only for the service of utilities.

2. There are no interconnected attic or basement areas.

3. Air in the attic or crawl spaces is not circulated to other parts of the building.

4. Combustion air is provided in accordance with Section 701.4.2 of the International Mechanical Code.

Presently, industry standards and performance data for foam plastic insulation are not yet adequate for the City of Jacksonville to make a conclusive opinion on these products, thus exceptions in the 2007 FBC Sections R314.5.3 and R314.5.4 will not be accepted. The City of Jacksonville is considering the requirement for spray foam product installers to be certified and licensed in Duval County. Additionally, a separate permit for installation is also being considered.

In conclusion, the understanding of The Lane Group is that THERMAL and IGNITION BARRIERS will be required in the application of plastic foam insulation as required in FBC 2004 and 2007. However, the City of Jacksonville Building Department will not accept sections that exclude the application of ignition barriers. We will conform to the City of Jacksonville Building Department’s position regarding this issue in the production of all our construction documents that incorporate plastic foam insulation in the design.

For many of us, our God and family are the most important parts of our lives. Our homes become the tangible built environment that our vision of life is created in day by day. Ours and our family’s dreams, aspirations and stories become inseparable from our homes. Sometimes these homes, or at least the property, have been in the family for years. Other times they are recently acquired but have the potential to stay in the family due to their desirable location, architectural character, etc. These are the homes that people put their hearts, resources and efforts into. These are the projects that the clients’ dedication to must be matched by our own. These clients appreciate attention to detail and have respect for classic architectural styles. They typically are more conservative and traditional in style than “modern,” but want new technology and conveniences to meld seamlessly into their classic homes. These are the clients that designing a “Heritage Home” is a privilege and a responsibility that we take very seriously.

Timeless architecture does not have to draw attention to itself. Timeless architecture ages gracefully because it is comfortable, balanced and elegant regardless of its style. Highly refined details, scale and proportion bring beauty to not only our built environment but to the people who appreciate its enrichment of their lives. When we combine the best of the old with the fine restraint of the modern, we can create comfortable sanctuaries of hospitality for ourselves and our families. Timeless architecture is not dated; good taste, warmth and simplicity are its characteristics. Timeless architecture is aesthetically durable.

We enjoy the team approach because we respect the unique set of skills and talents that each member brings to the project. We believe cooperation, collaboration and rational participation by all members of the team benefits our clients. We do not work well with people who are egotist, obstructionist or suffer from self-importance. We prefer these people work with someone else.

We believe you must strike a balance between established structures and new technologies. How do we introduce new building science systems into existing buildings without destroying or dominating the very character that attracted us to begin with. This practice becomes an art and craft by itself. It is only with well thought out solutions that incorporate the latest environmentally responsible concepts while maintaining or designing new authentic detailing can these projects be successful long term.

Thoughtfully crafting a home around our clients needs results in strong appealing work, which naturally draws people. We think about and study how each material is appropriate for that design; how it will respond to the material next to itself, how it reinforces or contrasts the original concepts. This is a robust and massive effort to reach this level of refinement on everyone’s part, but commitment is aptly rewarding.

Our firm is dedicated to efficient and sustainable design. We study how to provide the most comfort at the most affordable ongoing cost and minimize our impact on the environment. Green decisions need not compromise our clients’ reasonable level of comfort nor reduce the durability of the buildings. Selection of longer lasting products preferably with low levels of expansion, although perhaps not cheaper initially, will result in more serviceability over their lifetime. These decisions enable our clients to maintain their family’s homes from each generation without unnecessary expenditures of financial or environmental resources.

We have designed several contemporary projects for clients with success, but the research, study and design exploration required to successfully combine how we live today within the language of tradition or classical architecture is the most gratifying. To strive to bring balance, order and beauty to the lives of our clients is our passion, regardless of the architectural style. Each time we take on this challenge, we have the opportunity to provide a fresh, comfortable and appropriate solution for our clients.