Air Sealing for Efficiency
We’ve long used insulation as a way to increase energy efficiency, but if air is leaking in and out, even the best insulation simply can’t do its job. That’s where air sealing comes into play. While it’s possible, and advisable, to air seal an existing structure, here we are creating an air tight seal during the construction process.
The first step in air sealing a home is to develop a strategy to seal what is basically a six-sided box, and there are tons of variables to consider. We start by looking at a cross-section of the plans and literally draw a red line where we think we can create an uninterrupted air tight boundary. It’s important to recognize and address the most challenging spots or transitions. These occur where the walls meet the floor, between the floor and underneath the house and where the walls join the roof at the eaves. Not only does a properly sealed home reduce energy consumption and related costs, it has the added benefits of improving indoor air quality, comfort and durability. Heat Recovery Ventilation is needed for an airtight building.