Weatherizing High-Performance Homes Requires a Systems Approach
Matt Whitbeck demonstrates the latest in air sealing technology at IBSx Show
As part of the High-Performance Building Zone at the IBSx Show, Matt Whitbeck demonstrated some of the latest technologies and techniques being used to air seal and ventilate homes for improved energy performance.
Whitbeck, one of the construction industry’s top custom builders, focused on how to build a home that meets thermal resistance requirements and limits air changes per hour (ACH50) while still allowing air movement where it’s needed.
All Homes Need to Breathe
Some contractors object to air sealing lower than 3 ACH50, quickly noting “a home needs to breathe.” Homes do need to breathe. But as Whitbeck shows through his demonstrations, mechanical ventilation systems ensure proper airflow through the home.
Relying on inconsistent, small cracks, holes, and gaps not only impacts proper ventilation, but it also wastes energy, and introduces moisture into the walls of the home. To combat these leaks, Whitbeck demonstrated the AeroBarrier Connect air sealing system.
“Once the drywall is hung, we can lean on AeroBarrier,” said Whitbeck. “It finds all the tiny gaps and cracks we can’t access or haven’t seen. It’s a great system approach to air sealing.”
The technology pressurizes the building using a blower door and high-powered, centrifugal fan. Its smart nozzle stations inject a fog of safe, non-toxic sealant particles. The sealant is drawn to the holes, cracks, and leaks. And with its award-winning software platform, AeroBarrier allows contractors to dial in airtightness to exact specifications. This eliminates the unreliable, inconsistent results from manual air sealing. And it records results in real-time.
“Once the drywall is hung, we can lean on AeroBarrier to find all the tiny gaps and cracks we can’t access or see. It’s a great system approach to air sealing.”
— Matt Whitbeck, Whitbeck Construction
Air Sealing Stops Air Leaks, Not Home Ventilation
AeroBarrier is a critical part of a home’s weatherization system, which includes exterior building wrap, spray foam, and insulation. It allows insulation to perform properly and avoids condensation issues caused by the varying temperatures of air flowing back and forth between the wall cavity.
And if a home is designed with a low ACH, the proper mechanical ventilation system will ensure proper airflow through the home.
Click here to see Whitback’s demonstration as part of “Air Sealing & Venting for Improved Energy Performance.”