BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

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Wrong – No air barrier installed between the walls and a larger gap between the walls that needs sealing

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After all holes through the ceiling are air-sealed and the baffles have been installed, then the insulation can be installed.

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Air-seal and insulate the rim and band joists of walls separating an attached garage from the home’s conditioned space.

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Air seal and insulate double-walls that are half-height or full-height walls used as architectural features in homes.

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Wrong – If the insulated sheathing will serve as an air barrier and drainage plane, any cuts and seams must be taped or sealed.

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Infrared thermography during depressurization testing reveals air leakage at corner of spray foam-insulated room where wood-to-wood seams in framing were not air sealed

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Air seal the floor above an unconditioned basement or crawlspace and make sure floor insulation is in full contact with the underside of the subfloor.

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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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Air seal the top, bottom, and sides of a cantilevered floor cavity and ensure that insulation is in full contact with all sides without voids.

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Right-- IR photo shows how effectively spray foam insulated/air sealed attic kneewall and the floor cavities under kneewall

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Right – The rim joists above the pre-insulated basement walls are sealed and insulated with spray foam to prevent air leakage at this juncture in the building envelope.

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Rigid insulation and air-sealing can be used to thermally isolate garages from interior occupied space in multifamily row houses/townhouses.

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Air-seal the floor above a garage when there is living space above the garage and make sure floor insulation is in full contact with the underside of the subfloor.

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Construct exterior walls with insulated concrete forms (ICFs) that provide insulation without thermal bridging, as well as air sealing, a drainage plane, and high structural strength.

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Rigid insulation and air-sealing can be used to thermally isolate garages from multifamily row houses/town houses with basement foundations in IECC Climate Zones 3 or higher.

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Wrong – Cars should never be left running in a closed garage. Air seal walls, install a garage fan, and inform home owners of the dangers of running a vehicle with the garage door shut

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Right – Structural insulated sheathing can provide racking strength (lateral load resistance), and serve as an air barrier and thermal barrier if installed according to manufacturer’s specifications with taped, sealed seams

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Why Seal and Insulate?

Reference

Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Aerosol Envelope Sealing of New Residences

Reference

Technical report describing the research behind a new aerosol-based sealing method, utilizing pressurization and a dispersed sealant fog, facilitated by a standard blower door, to automatically measure, locate, and seal air leaks in new homes in the United States, providing an efficient solution to...

Aerosol Envelope Sealing of Existing Residences

Reference

Report examining the effectiveness of an aerosolized acrylic technique for air sealing existing homes to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency.

Right – Neatly cut and sealed penetration

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Wrong – Vent sleeve not completely sealed

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Right - Seal the sill plate to the rim joist with caulk.

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Aerosol-Based Method Seals the Deal for Tighter New Homes

Reference

Fact sheet describing an innovative aerosol-based sealing technique for tightening building envelopes in new homes, involving pressurizing the structure and dispersing an aerosol sealant "fog" to autonomously identify and seal leaks, with real-time feedback through a standard blower door and laptop...

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (1)

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Video describing how to apply a fully sealed continuous weather barrier.

Wrong - Common wall sheathing not properly fastened or sealed

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