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Air-seal exterior doors to minimize air leakage.

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Air Sealing Window and Door Rough Openings

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal the rough openings around doors and windows.

Air Sealing Doors Adjacent to Unconditioned Space

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.

Wrong – Fibrous insulation is not an air barrier and cannot be used to air-seal openings.

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Air-seal the rough opening around doors and windows to minimize air leakage.

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Air Sealing Attic Access Panels/Doors/Stairs

Guide

Guide describing how to air-seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.

Wrong – The rough opening around window is not air sealed.

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Air seal door and window rough openings with backer rod, caulk, or nonexpanding foam

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Closed-cell backer rod is installed for air-sealing window and door rough openings.

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Right – The rough opening around window has been filled with backer-rod to air seal.

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Right – The rough opening around the window has been filled with low-expansion foam to air seal.

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Right – Backer-rod is a foam product available in various diameters that can be used to air-seal openings around doors and windows.

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Caulk applied against the backer rod to seal a window rough opening

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Install an ENERGY STAR labeled insulated door with an automatic closer. Weather strip the door frame

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Application of window and door nonexpanding foam sealant

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New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Nelson Construction: Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT

Case Study

Case study describing the design and testing of 10 high-performance homes in Farmington, Connecticut.

Right – Weatherstripping has been installed and remains in contact when the door is closed.

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Wrong – There is visible light around the door because no weather stripping has been installed.

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Exterior Doors Are Insulated, Impact Rated, and Fire Rated

Guide

Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires, and thermal losses.