Air Sealing Attic New Construction

New standards for air sealing require a range of new materials and methods.

Air sealing attic new construction.

In new construction you have many choices of insulation material to chose from. Climate specific construction details are available through building america. One solution install and seal blocking in floor joist bays below kneewall seal bottom edge of sheetrock on kneewall with minimally expanding foam or caulk rigid sheathing on backside of kneewall air dam at end of joist bay diagram from field guide residential new construction csg 2000. The insulation doesn t typically stop all of the air infiltration george del valle an insulation contractor said.

Proper air sealing not only conserves energy and saves you money but also makes home improvements like new windows and insulation more effective. Watch and see how to air seal attic penetrations to improve energy efficiency and prevent warm air rising inside a home from entering the attic space. As a construction contractor you want to offer your clients the very best. The attic is prone to holes and cracks at its access points.

Insulation sealing and insulation in new construction larry janesky from dr. One option for super tight construction without factory framing is a perfect wall house. Our air sealing solutions help you reduce energy loss and meet increasingly stringent energy codes. New construction csg 2000 54 cape kneewall.

So you want to do everything you can to stop that air from coming in and it s vital to do the extra measure of air sealing before the house is built not after because it becomes too difficult and costly due to access issues. Spray foam rigid foam board fiberglass cellulose or a combination of. Controlling air leakage is also critical to moisture control. From the basement to the attic effective underfloor insulation helps keep every floor more comfortable.

But air sealing a new home under construction should only take a few hours. Why insulation is mandatory for new construction. If you are not a do it yourself type of person there are plenty of contractors who are able to seal your attic. It s always best to use techniques and materials identified as best practices for your site and climate.

Here are some general air sealing techniques and materials for new homes. Home comfort problems often start in the attic where poor insulation and numerous air leaks create problems for your heating and cooling system and make your home uncomfortable. Let s look at the low hanging fruit the simple approaches that will help you hit 3 ach50 the first time out.