Know the Difference Part III: The Sealed Air Barrier
Every other month or so, Collier lets you know what makes green homes different. It’s part of our Know the Difference newsletter series which brings you information on homes, homeownership, homeowner tips and sustainable building practices. From selecting materials to putting the finishing touches on your next project, there is a lot to know about the construction process and homeownership. Last time, we brought you Why Insulate Your Crawl Space and Attic.
Today, we’d like to explain how the sealed air barrier contributes to a home’s energy efficiency. It’s an important part of our Whole Systems Approach to construction which helps reduce a home’s energy consumption while improving home quality and longevity.
The Sealed Air Barrier
A Whole Systems Approach means building a home with a tightly sealed air barrier that protects the inside of walls from air infiltration and condensation. Using traditional building materials, we are able to stop air leakage and reduce a home's energy consumption.
How To Seal the Air Barrier:
Between a home’s interior walls and its exterior sheathing, there are many opportunities for air leakage. And air moving through walls is always bad. It not only causes energy loss, it causes condensation to set on framing materials. A sealed air barrier is a simple framing technique that prevents air flow through walls.
We simply glue the exterior sheathing to the home’s framing. We also use a continuous sealant, adhesive or gasket to attach the interior wall finish to the framing. And around ducts, pipes, wires and other small openings, we spray open-cell expanding foam to completely eliminate air flow. The sealed air barrier creates a tight building envelope and a stronger wall structure. Resulting in a green home that consumes one-third less energy than a home built with conventional methods.
Make a Difference!
If you know the difference, it’s time to make a difference. Lower your energy bills, reduce CO2 emissions, and increase the value and life-expectancy of your home. Seal your home from air infiltration and eliminate energy loss and condensation.
For now, here are some helpful links:
US Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
If you have any questions about air sealing, give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you out.
