Technical Papers

Air sealing to avoid dirty insulation and improve air quality.

Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 by Dan Bomar

Air sealing to avoid dirty insulation and improve air quality. - Image 1Air sealing to avoid dirty insulation and improve air quality. - Image 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air sealing to avoid dirty insulation and improve air quality. - Image 3Air sealing to avoid dirty insulation and improve air quality. - Image 4

Air Sealing is a system of techniques used to prevent uncontrolled air flow in a home. Air Sealing keeps warm or cold conditioned air from leaving the home during the winter or summer months. A properly air-sealed home is an energy-efficient home and can lead to reduced utility bills.

Uncontrolled airflow occurs when outside air enters, and conditioned air leaves the home through cracks and openings from the lights, vents, construction gaps, and electrical and HVAC vents.  When it is cold outside, too much air may enter the home, causing drafts and possibly causing warm air from inside the home to leak out.  When it is hot outside, cooler, conditioned air can leak out with the unconditioned hot air making its way into the home.  

This can all lead to discomfort in the home, high energy bills, humidity issues, and poor air quality with allergens entering the home.  

When dirty uncontrolled air is allowed to move freely in and out of an attic, the insulation can work as a filter and capture debris in the air including pollen, dust, and other allergens.  Dirty insulation is a clear sign of uncontrolled air flow in your attic or home.  

Humidity can also lead to moisture.  Moisture can have multiple adverse effects on a home. It can also eventually lead to mold, which can have an impact on your family’s health.

Controlling the air that moves in and out of your home is an easy, cost-effective way to reduce heating and cooling costs, improve your home’s durability, increase comfort all year round, and create a healthier indoor environment.

 

We use ZypFoam to seal up small cracks and air seal can lights and seams in the ceiling of a home.  Spray foam can also be used to seal up rim joists and HVAC ducts.   

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