MF 1.0—Introduction
All building shell measures in multifamily properties shall follow general Existing Homes weatherization specifications unless noted otherwise in Multifamily program information documents.
For further details, contact:
Multifamily Outreach Lead
Phone Number: 503.944.9826
Toll Free Hotline: 877.510.2130
multifamily@energytrust.org
MF 1.1 Definition of Multifamily Property
For Energy Trust purposes, a multifamily property is defined as a property with five or more contiguous dwelling units per structure in the predominant building type on the property. See Program Information sheet (320M) for a complete list of available weatherization incentives.
IN 1.0—Program Goals and Eligibility
The intent of Energy Trust’s weatherization program for Existing Homes is to help homeowners, small multifamily property owners and renters save energy and increase home comfort through the installation of cost-effective weatherization improvements. Only Oregon and qualifying Washington dwellings primarily heated with energy from Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas are eligible for Energy Trust services and incentives. To be considered a complete measure and qualify for an incentive, the installed measure must meet the installation specifications defined in this manual and the requirements detailed in the current program incentive brochure. The introduction of each section of this manual defines the requirements for achieving a complete measure.
IN 1.1—Code Compliance
In cases where a federal, state or local code or regulation exceeds the requirements herein, the code or regulation shall apply. If the federal, state or local code or regulation does not exceed the requirements herein, the requirements contained in this Weatherization Specifications Manual shall apply.
MF 1.2 Waivers for Unusual Conditions
When unusual conditions exist, a Multifamily program representative may waive certain provisions of the weatherization specifications or may substitute a different standard or method. The purpose of the waiver is to identify unusual conditions before work begins. Such waivers require pre-approval by the Multifamily program. Please contact a Multifamily program representative at multifamily@energytrust.org or 877.510.2130 with questions. When the waiver is approved, written documentation is provided to the contractor or participant.
MF 1.3 Phased Projects
A phased project does not address the entire property or entire building at one time. It is the responsibility of the participant or contractor to inform the Multifamily program of any phased project. Typically, these projects constitute unusual conditions and require advance approval.
Where earlier phases of the project do not meet program requirements or the specifications described herein, the Multifamily program may require upgrades to past work. This includes—but is not limited to—insulation in poor condition, incomplete venting and windows with ineffective moisture barriers.
MF 1.4 Insulation
The following Multifamily specifications are required, in addition to those listed for the attic and underfloor insulation sections of this manual.
Request an existing insulation level verification by calling a Multifamily representative at 1.877.510.2130.
Before insulating an attic where no insulation exists, attic penetrations should be sealed to prevent transmission of warm air and water vapor, and to support the effective R-value of the attic insulation. Areas to be sealed include plumbing, electrical penetrations and chimney chases. Please refer to AT 1.1 for more information.
Contractors must receive written permission from the property owner before covering attic hatches with loose-fill insulation.
Damaged interior attic or floor hatches which no longer provide an effective air barrier shall be replaced.
MF 1.5—Windows and Patio Doors: Requirements for Incentives
Replacement windows must possess a U-value of 0.30 or less to be eligible for incentives. Windows shall be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications and in compliance with local codes. Energy Trust assumes no liability for the improper installation of new windows.
Interior window trim should be replaced if signs of past moisture are present. The surrounding two-foot area around the exterior of a window shall have no unpainted wood. No louvered windows are allowed in the Multifamily program.
MF 1.6—Exterior Doors
Exterior doors shall have a minimum insulation value of R-5 and shall prevent air infiltration. The door-sill seal kit (also known as the corner weatherstripping pad) shall be installed. Upon completion of the job, all doors with new weatherstripping shall open and close without undue force and provide a weather-resistant seal. All four sides of the door shall be weatherstripped unless waived by the Multifamily program. Door latches and deadbolts shall work without undue force.
MF 1.7—Other Measures
All other measures (e.g. lighting, clothes washers, water heaters, boilers, etc.) must be installed according to the applicable code requirement and comply with IN 1.1.
MF 1.8—Multifamily Inspection Process
The Multifamily program requires an inspection of each measure for all projects to verify compliance with program requirements.
If the installed measures do not meet these specifications, the Multifamily program will notify the customer and the contractor immediately of the deficiencies and establish a schedule for the contractor to perform corrections. An additional inspection may be required, based on the severity of the required corrective action.
Energy Trust neither guarantees energy savings nor the performance of contractor installations under the Multifamily program. Nor does the Multifamily program assume responsibility for enforcing or determining compliance with codes and regulations, or their interpretation. Although the Multifamily program will work with the customer and the contractor, it is the customer’s responsibility to discuss discrepancies in the work performed and ensure incentive-qualifying corrective action has been made. The inspection is limited to measures or sections of measures which are reasonably visible from normal access locations. A reasonable effort will be made to see a representative section of the measure. An inspection is not a substitute for a customer's thorough quality check.