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Airtightness Results of Roof-Only Air Sealing Strategies on 1 1/2-Story Homes in Cold Climates

Reference

Research report describing study of interior and exterior air sealing techniques to stop ice dams in five 1.5-story retrofit homes conducted by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership team run by University of Minnesota.

Air Sealing Retrofits: Conducting an IR Camera Inspection of an Existing Home - Displaced Insulation in Ceiling

Video

Video describing how to use an infrared camera to detect missing insulation (indicated by blue areas) in a cathedral ceiling.

One way to air seal and insulate kneewalls – add insulation and a rigid air barrier along roof line of unconditioned attic space outside kneewall

One way to air seal and insulate kneewalls – add insulation and a rigid air barrier along roof line of unconditioned attic space outside kneewall

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Fully adhered membrane is used to seal the fire-rated gypsum to the top plates to air seal the party wall connection to the roof truss assembly in this multifamily building

Fully adhered membrane is used to seal the fire-rated gypsum to the top plates to air seal the party wall connection to the roof truss assembly in this multifamily building

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Frame, insulate, and air seal the walls of the skylight shaft as you would an exterior wall

Frame, insulate, and air seal the walls of the skylight shaft as you would an exterior wall

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Wrong - Two exhaust terminations are joined in a roughly cut, restrictive hole that is not air sealed.

Wrong - Two exhaust terminations are joined in a roughly cut, restrictive hole that is not air sealed.

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Wrong: The return plenum is not air sealed to separate it from the wall cavities and it should not be used for storage

Wrong: The return plenum is not air sealed to separate it from the wall cavities and it should not be used for storage

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Install a sealed enclosure over a non-IC rated recessed light fixture to air-seal the can and to prevent insulation from touching the recessed can light.

Install a sealed enclosure over a non-IC rated recessed light fixture to air-seal the can and to prevent insulation from touching the recessed can light.

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

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

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Right – Fan with a cleanly cut and properly sized hole has been air sealed to drywall

Right – Fan with a cleanly cut and properly sized hole has been air sealed to drywall

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Plan view of electric box installation in exterior wall showing flashing and air sealing details

Plan view of electric box installation in exterior wall showing flashing and air sealing details

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Section view of electric box installation in exterior wall showing flashing and air sealing details

Section view of electric box installation in exterior wall showing flashing and air sealing details

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After inserting pillows in the first garbage bag, squeeze out excess air before inserting it in the second bag and then into the fireplace to air seal the flue

After inserting pillows in the first garbage bag, squeeze out excess air before inserting it in the second bag and then into the fireplace to air seal the flue

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The rigid air barrier behind the tub is air sealed where the sheet good meets adjoining walls, on any seams in the air barrier sheathing, and between the drywall and framing on both sides of the tub

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Contractors will inspect the home and test HVAC equipment for safety concerns before air sealing begins.

Contractors will inspect the home and test HVAC equipment for safety concerns before air sealing begins.

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These floor joist bays have been properly air sealed with caulked rigid foam insulation

These floor joist bays have been properly air sealed with caulked rigid foam insulation

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Sheathing is removed from a flat roof to retrofit with air sealing, insulation, and water control layers

Sheathing is removed from a flat roof to retrofit with air sealing, insulation, and water control layers

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Air seal around all duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls, or flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.

Air seal around all duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls, or flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.

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Right – This sealed combustion gas furnace has a fresh air intake with an electronically controlled damper.

Right – This sealed combustion gas furnace has a fresh air intake with an electronically controlled damper.

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Right – Cantilever has been properly insulated, air sealed, and cavity has been blocked.

Right – Cantilever has been properly insulated, air sealed, and cavity has been blocked.

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Provide flashing and sealing integrated with the air and water control layers for vents and other roof penetrations

Provide flashing and sealing integrated with the air and water control layers for vents and other roof penetrations

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Wrong - Membrane or sealant air seal is missing at the intersection of the party wall with the exterior wall in this multifamily building

Wrong - Membrane or sealant air seal is missing at the intersection of the party wall with the exterior wall in this multifamily building

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Wrong: Open wall cavities in the un-air-sealed return plenum connect the plenum to attic spaces

Wrong: Open wall cavities in the un-air-sealed return plenum connect the plenum to attic spaces

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The tape is applied with even pressure to ensure the seams in the rigid foam sheathing are air sealed on this manufactured home.

The tape is applied with even pressure to ensure the seams in the rigid foam sheathing are air sealed on this manufactured home.

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Right – Tape and spray foam are used to air seal around pipes that extend through exterior walls.

Right – Tape and spray foam are used to air seal around pipes that extend through exterior walls.

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When wiring is installed in ICF walls, openings made for wire runs should be air-sealed with caulk.

When wiring is installed in ICF walls, openings made for wire runs should be air-sealed with caulk.

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Right – Interior wood-to-wood seams around a window are sealed with tape to prevent air leakage.

Right – Interior wood-to-wood seams around a window are sealed with tape to prevent air leakage.

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Right - Spray foam insulation air-seals the ceiling-to-drywall seams at the wall top plate.

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Right - Closed-cell spray foam covers the ceiling and joists to insulate and air-seal the ceiling deck.

Right - Closed-cell spray foam covers the ceiling and joists to insulate and air-seal the ceiling deck.

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Cost Analysis of Roof-Only Air Sealing and Insulation Strategies on 1 1/2-Story Homes in Cold Climates

Reference

Report exploring alternative methods to find long-term solutions to energy loss in 1 ½-story homes to save energy, improve comfort, prevent frost buildup on the underside of the roof deck, and reduce the risk of ice dam formation/reformation.

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