Diagnostics and Solutions

Our team of building scientists prioritizes corrective measures to maximize cost effectiveness, comfort and energy-efficiency. We focus on the home performance fundamentals: air sealing and insulation. As we progress from basic to advanced air sealing measures, we increasingly make the home envelope airtight and fortify the thermal barrier of the home.

II. Attic floor air sealing and insulation. Urethane foam spray, caulk, and other materials are used to seal penetrations in the attic floor. Holes at the attic hatch, as well as wall intersections, recessed lighting, and vents in the attic floor. Once sealed, attic insulation then is added to fortify the thermal blanket at the ceiling.

III. Basement perimeter air sealing. Cold air penetrates the basement through the sill plate and where floor joists rest upon the foundation wall. The perimeter of the sill plate is sealed with spray foam. Rim joist leakage is solved by first spraying foam into the cavity and then installing fiberglass insulation into each bay. For health reasons, we strongly advocate sealing holes around plumbing, wires, chimney chase, and miscellaneous cracks that run into your living space from the basement. Sealing these holes limits intrusion of bad air associated with heating fuel, furnace combustion, and dampness.

IIII. Sealing penetrations in the living space. Foam is sprayed into holes where plumbing enters walls and floors, and caulk is applied to window and door framing, baseboards and crown moulding. Weatherstripping windows and doors and installing thin foam sheets behind electrical outlet and switch plates further prevent infiltration of cold air.

IIV. Exterior wall insulation. Blowing high-density cellulose, which is 85% recycled newsprint, into wall cavities achieves both air sealing and insulation objectives. The densely packed material resists the passage of air and conduction that fluffy fiberglass insulation permits. Insertion involves lifting exterior siding, drilling small holes, inserting a tube, blowing materials into walls, plugging holes, and replacing siding. Interior insertion is similar, but holes in walls and ceilings are filled with compound, painted, and restored. Strategic placement of cellulose at exterior walls, where floor joists rest upon wall plates, blocks the leakage that degrades wall insulation and makes floors and ceilings cold.