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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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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.

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.

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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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

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

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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Right – Neatly cut and sealed penetration

Right – Neatly cut and sealed penetration

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Wrong – Vent sleeve not completely sealed

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

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

Wrong – Top plate to drywall connection not sealed

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Retrofit Improvements - Improve Window & Door Flashing/Sealing

Reference

Fact sheet describing methods for flashing and air-sealing windows and doors.

Fully Sealed Continuous Weather Resistance Barrier (1)

Video

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

Wrong - Common wall sheathing not properly fastened or sealed

Wrong - Common wall sheathing not properly fastened or sealed

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Wrong – Penetration hole is larger than duct and not sealed

Wrong – Penetration hole is larger than duct and not sealed

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Continuous Air Barrier in Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing how to install continuous air barriers in exterior walls.

Use caulk, foam, or equivalent material to seal gap between common wall

Use caulk, foam, or equivalent material to seal gap between common wall

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Right – Wiring penetrations have been neatly sealed with foam.

Right – Wiring penetrations have been neatly sealed with foam.

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Wrong – Hole was not neatly cut with a saw, making it difficult to seal.

Wrong – Hole was not neatly cut with a saw, making it difficult to seal.

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Right – Wiring penetrations have been neatly sealed with foam.

Right – Wiring penetrations have been neatly sealed with foam.

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Right – Wiring penetrations have been neatly sealed with foam.

Right – Wiring penetrations have been neatly sealed with foam.

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