CertainTeed insulation products, including Sustainable Insulation fiberglass batts, are contributing to the interior comfort and thermal efficiency of a new Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Mo. Occupant comfort and energy efficiency were guiding factors in the design of the 19,000 square-foot, 18-bedroom facility, which will provide a "home away from home" for families of University of Missouri Children's Hospital patients. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri chose CertainTeed fiberglass batt insulation as an effective way to achieve both design goals.

"With children in the hospital, it's important for our guests to be as relaxed as possible during their stay with us," says Terri Gray, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri. "We knew that having a well-insulated building is an excellent way to enhance acoustical comfort and cut down on heat loss, which helps keep our guests comfortable, increase our energy efficiency and reduce our heating bills. We knew the strong reputation of CertainTeed's insulation products, and they were very helpful to us in this project." 

CertainTeed supplied Sustainable Insulation to the project, as well as Landmark designer roofing shingles. Missouri Insulation & Supply Inc., of Ozark, Mo., installed 15,800 square feet of R-11 batts and 5,600 square feet of R-19 batts in the walls and ceilings of the Ronald McDonald House and put R-38 batts in the attic. 

"The installation went really well," says Guy Ford, owner of Missouri Insulation & Supply. "We work with CertainTeed insulation every day, and they're good products. Plus, CertainTeed is always there for us when we need support—they always follow through."

Manor Roofing & Restoration Inc., of Columbia, easily installed 160 squares of Landmark shingles in Weathered Wood on the facility’s roof. A regular installer of Landmark shingles, the contractor was pleased with the project’s outcome.

"It's always great working with Landmark shingles, and I think it says a lot about CertainTeed, that they would be willing to donate this much product to a project like this," say Nick Allen, owner of Manor Roofing & Restoration. "Ronald McDonald House is a charity that's near and dear to our hearts, and we felt privileged to be part of this project."

Sustainable Insulation is made from recycled and abundantly renewable content, including sand, pre- and post-consumer recycled glass and a sustainable, plant-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde, acrylics, dyes, or unnecessary fire retardants. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions. Sustainable Insulation's highly compressed packaging allows CertainTeed to transport more products on one truck from strategically located distribution centers, minimizing delivery time and the impact of road travel. All of these environmental performance features have been verified by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from accredited third-party testing agency UL Environment. The product is water resistant and will not lose R-value over time.

Landmark is a popular, durable line of asphalt architectural roofing shingles available in an industry-leading array of color blends that will complement any exterior cladding and trim. Designed for quick and easy installation, the shingles are manufactured with self-sealing adhesive strips and the widest nailing zone in the industry.

All of the contractors and manufacturers involved in the project donated at least a significant portion of their materials or labor. The Columbia Ronald McDonald house opened for occupancy on October 30, just in time for winter. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri is pleased with the finished product and thankful to all who stepped in to help make the new building a reality.

"We are very excited—the house looks fantastic," Gray says. "The color of the shingles is perfect and the insulation is going to help keep us warm and toasty this winter."

For more information, go to www.certainteed.com.