BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Right – Flex duct register is mastic sealed to framing

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Seal the crack between the sill plate and the foundation wall

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These ducts are sealed with Underwriter Laboratories-approved metal tape.

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Wrong - Seams and holes in duct boot need to be sealed.

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Wrong - Seams at duct elbow are not fully sealed with mastic.

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Wrong - This tape product is not code approved for duct sealing.

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A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star

Reference

Guide for homeowners describing how to find and seal basement and attic air leaks, determine if attic insulation is adequate, make improvements safely, and reduce energy bills.

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...

Wrong – the interior seam of the branch duct to trunk duct juncture is sealed with mastic but there are gaps around the exterior seam that should also be sealed with mastic or metal tape.

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Seal bottom layer of rigid insulation with adhesive, tape and nails

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Caluk may be used to seal the cracks in the band joist area

Caulk may be used to seal the cracks in the band joist area

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Right: The plenum liner is well sealed to the filter-backed grille

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Technology Solutions Case Study: Apartment Compartmentalization with an Aerosol-Based Sealing Process

Case Study

Case study describing air sealing building enclosures using aerosolized sealant.

Right – Flex duct connection to trunk duct is properly sealed

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Right: Refrigerant piping is sealed where it exits the return plenum

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Wrong – Electrical wiring hole in top plate is not sealed with caulk.

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Right – All wood-to-wood joints are sealed with caulk.

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Right - The seams in the OSB sheathing are sealed with a sprayer-applied sealant.

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Right – All seams in the sheathing are sealed with liquid-applied sealant.

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Wrong - Common wall sheathing not properly fastened or sealed

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Wrong – Penetration hole is larger than duct and not sealed

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Air Leakage Testing Garage to House Air Barrier

Guide

Guide describing how to properly test the air barrier between the garage and house, and how to ensure the air barrier is tight enough to prevent garage air from entering the home.