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New Jersey Homeowner Tips: Improve Attic Energy Efficiency

Some states have a year-long summer. Others are cold for 12 months.

In New Jersey and the Delaware Valley, homeowners experience all four seasons. Under these circumstances, there are specific actions homeowners can take to get the most out of their home.

One of these actions is improving the attic — specifically, the attic’s energy efficiency.

Keeping the attic energy efficient helps keep the home healthy during all four seasons.

Here are 4 of the best ways to improve your attic energy efficiency.

1. Improve Your Attic’s Access Point

The attic access point — you probably see it every day without thinking twice about it.

Your scuttle hole and/or attic door could be wasting your home’s energy.

If the attic access point is not optimized for energy efficiency, air will be leaking between your living area and your attic. Your conditioned air can escape through the attic access point, wasting energy and money on conditioning the lower levels of your home. It doesn’t matter what season it is either — whether you are trying to keep your home toasty in the winter of cool in the summer, your attic access point can contribute to energy loss.

The solution?

We recommend two things:

  1. Weatherstripping
  2. Attic access cover

Attic accesses often have gaps between the door and the ceiling/attic floor. When these gaps are present, weatherstripping is a simple do-it-yourself solution.

For homeowners looking to get the most out of their time and effort, installing an attic access cover could be the perfect remedy.

Attic access covers are a simple installation made for attic scuttle holes and latches. They insulate the attic access and prevent the air from escaping in the same way that weatherstripping does. Other benefits of attic access insulation covers include:

  • Prevents bugs from entering the living area
  • Saves money on monthly energy bills
  • The material is durable and built to last

Weatherstripping and attic access covers are both excellent options. However, for the strongest means of insulation and energy saving, attic access covers provide the best results.

2. Improve Your Attic’s Sealing

After you tackle your attic access, the next step to improving attic energy efficiency is to improve the attic itself.

The first part of that is sealing.

The main goal of improving sealing is to prevent air leakage from the attic.

As mentioned in part 1, air can leak out of gaps and cracks in the attic access. However, the concept of air leakage can be a problem elsewhere.

Polyurethane foam seals gaps in wooden frame construction conserving energy.

Air can leak in gaps in windows, walls, and the floor especially. Take a look around and examine if you have gaps around the following:

  • Wire holes
  • Can lights
  • Ducts or vents
  • Cracks in the floorboards
  • Spaces where walls/floors/ceilings meet

If you find spaces near these elements, materials such as sealant, caulk, and/or weatherstrips can often be good solutions. All three will help limit the amount of air leakage in the attic.

For those with duct-work in their attic, air sealing can be critical.

When your air is leaking from ducts, all of the air that would be funneled directly into your living room may not be leaking up from your attic access, but directly from the ducts themselves. Thanks to something know as the “stack effect” (rising heat in the house), air leakages from ducts happen constantly, even when your air is not running. The joints that hold the ducts together leak air, the space in between the ducts and walls leak air, and you end up paying for it (literally — in utility bills).

When it comes to sealing duct-work, a materials such as spray foam, duct mastic, or duct tape can be a homeowners best friend.

Homeowners should also consider the importance of insulating the ducts as well. This concept should actually be applied to the entirety of the attic.

3. Improve Your Attic Insulation

Thanks to infrared technology, we are able to further see where homes need insulation.

When our technicians go into homes, the attic is one of the usual suspects for under-insulation.

In the Delaware Valley, where recommended R-Value (resistance to heat) ranges from R38 to R60, having the right amount of insulation is a necessity if you want good whole-home health. R-Values vary by material, but to get a better sense of what kind of R-Values you may already have, check out this chart. For the most accurate measurements, it’s always best to have a healthy home professional inspect your attic and determine what R-Value will work best for your home.

So how do you insulate your attic?

First, consider R-Value.

Next, identify what kind of insulation and what amount of insulation you will need for optimal insulation.

Some of the most popular attic insulation materials include:

  • Fiberglass (comes as batt)
  • Cellulose (comes blown)
  • Mineral wool (comes batt or blown)

Your walls, joists, and attic floors may all need better insulation. You may be able to judge this with the naked eye, but we recommend having an expert take a look. Experienced technicians will be able to give you more insight into R-Values, identify every spot that needs insulation, and offer actionable advice on the best way to handle any under-insulation.

Bonus Tip: Use Multi-Layer Reflective Insulation.

Multi-Layer Reflective Insulation (MLI) is the hidden gem of insulation materials.

MLI reflects radiant heat from the sun that permeates through the roof to keep R-Value consistent, and the temperature in the living area contained.

While most MLI installations take place in the attic, we can apply our reflective insulation products anywhere in your home to better insulate your home. Attics, crawl spaces, garage doors, below your floors—we even have wraps for old hot water heaters. MLI can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency levels and enjoy increased savings and comfort.

4. Improve Your Attic Ventilation

Ventilation, often thought of as “airflow”, tends to be overlooked.

Unlike other parts of the country like the southern and western states where it is hot year-round and attics can reach deathly high temperatures, the northeast only experiences high-heat for about two months. Likewise, the importance of airflow in the attic can easily escape the minds of homeowners.

Plus, most people aren’t really hanging out in their attic. So why does your attic need ventilation?

The truth is, ventilation is needed during every month of the year.

If you don’t have a healthy stream of air in your attic in the summer, you could be looking at moisture damage and mold.

And if you don’t have that healthy airflow in the winter, you could be looking at different yet similar issues. The potential for mold growth will be there, and excess moisture could cause warped joists, unsafe ice damming on the roof, and rotting wood.

The solution?

We recommend using a solar attic fan in New Jersey.

Solar attic fans — as the name implies — run solely on the power of the sun. That means less electricity is needed and more energy efficiency is earned.

They regulate your attic by expelling hot air and circulating fresh outside air to maintain healthy, consistent air quality.

To learn more about the benefits of installing a solar attic fan, click here.

Take Action — Improve Your Attic

If you want to improve your attic, we recommend seeking out the advice of an expert. Our technicians offer free attic inspections and can give you personalized advice based on the condition of your house and the climates that your house will be going through. To get an expert’s perspective, contact us today for a free inspection.

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3 Best Caulk Products for Air Sealing Your Home

Air sealing is one of the most effective ways to keep cool or warm air in your home throughout the year. It’s also an effective way to keep bugs and water runoff out.

Regarding air sealing, caulk is one of the most popular ways to do it. But what differentiates caulk from other strategies? And which caulk products should you get to air seal your home?

In this article, we’ll look at the three best caulk for air sealing and how they can improve your home.

 

Best Caulk for Air Sealing

Our picks for the best caulk for air sealing are:

There are three types of caulk that’s best suited for air sealing: latex, expandable foam, and butyl-rubber. Let’s take a look at the best product for each of these categories to find the best caulk for you.

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Latex

Dap Alex Painter’s Acrylic Latex Caulk

Best Latex Caulk for Air Sealing

When it comes to caulking, latex caulk is a popular choice because it’s versatile and easy to use. Acrylic latex caulk is perfect for filling gaps in drywall, wood, and masonry and can also be used for crown molding and baseboards.

One of the best options on the market is the DAP Alex Painter’s Acrylic Latex Caulk. This caulk is known for its excellent adhesion, the quick drying time of 2 hours, and long-lasting performance of up to 10 to 15 years. It’s ideal for setting door frames and sealing subfloors at the bottom of a door frame.

Using this caulk, you can quickly and easily fill any gaps between drywall, doors, or windows, providing an airtight seal that can save you energy costs and prevent moisture from seeping through.

When selecting the right caulk for your home improvement project, it’s essential to consider factors such as adhesion, drying time, and longevity. The DAP Alex Painter’s Acrylic Latex Caulk checks all the boxes and provides a reliable and long-lasting solution for your caulking needs.

Expandable Foam

DAPtex Plus Foam

Best Expandable Foam Caulk for Air Sealin

As attic insulation and ventilation experts, we can speak from first-hand experience: expandable foam caulk is essential for sealing up gaps and holes around your home.

This type of caulk can expand and fill up larger spaces using polyurethane spray foam insulation, making it perfect for areas around leaky electrical outlets, pipes, and window jambs.

The best expandable foam caulk on the market based on our testing is DAPtex Plus Foam. It is one of the most affordable options and offers exceptional sealing properties that can keep pests out of your home indefinitely.

One of the best things about DAPtex Plus Foam is that it’s paintable, making it easy to match your home’s decor. Additionally, this foam caulk can help dampen the sound, providing a little extra soundproofing inside your home.

Whether you need to seal gaps around your home’s exterior or interior, the DAPtex Plus Foam is a reliable and easy-to-use solution that can help keep your home energy-efficient and pest-free for years.

Butyl-Rubber

Flex Shot Rubber Adhesive Sealant Caulk

Best Rubber Caulk for Air Sealing

Caulk is a versatile tool that can be used both indoors and outdoors. When it comes to outdoor projects, butyl-rubber caulk is an excellent choice for sealing up gaps and holes in materials such as aluminum, metal, concrete, mortar, plastics, or rubber.

One of the best butyl-rubber caulk products on the market is the Flex Shot Rubber Adhesive Sealant Caulk. It is affordable and reliable, making it an excellent choice for home improvement projects where small holes may leak air into the home.

This caulk can expand and fill larger cracks and holes, making it an excellent choice for outdoor projects. Additionally, the Flex Shot comes with its own tube, meaning you don’t need a caulk gun to apply it, making it convenient and easy to use.

Whether you need to seal up gaps in your roof, windows, or siding, the Flex Shot Rubber Adhesive Sealant Caulk is an excellent choice for all outdoor caulk needs.

Why You Should Air Seal

But why should you even bother air sealing? If you have proper insulation and ventilation installed, isn’t that enough?

Not necessarily. Think of your house like a boat. If you have a dozen small holes, the water will add up, and your boat will sink.

Similarly, your home might have proper insulation or ventilation installed, but small pockets of air will leak out all that cold or warm air your HVAC system is producing. This means wasted energy and higher utility costs.

Research shows that air leaks in your home can add up to one-third of your home’s total energy loss throughout the year. You’ll save a tremendous amount of money by air-sealing your home, especially if you combine that with other insulation measures. For more information on cost savings, check out our guide: Is Air Sealing the Attic Worth It?

Whether it’s your attic, windows, electrical outlets, fireplaces, or floor holes, proper air sealing will help you considerably reduce your energy costs.

Caulk vs. Sealants

Caulk and sealants are terms often used interchangeably.

While they share some similarities, we should address a few differences between these two products to make sure everything is clear.

Caulk describes waterproof material that fills and seals joints between building materials. They’re typically made out of flexible polymers like latex or rubber.

Caulk can expand with temperature changes and absorb vibrations. Caulk can’t crack, so it’s often used to connect materials on two different planes.

When compared to sealants, the biggest difference is elasticity. When dry, caulk is much more rigid than sealants, which are more suited for filling spaces prone to expansion or contraction.

When choosing between the two, consider the amount of stress in the sealed area.

How to Seal Air Leaks With Caulk

Are you interested in air-sealing your home with caulk? Great!

Air sealing is a relatively inexpensive and easy DIY project you can complete quickly if you have the right equipment and know the proper steps. Let’s go over some of that here.

Before You Start…

Make sure you have everything you need to get this project done. Here’s a basic shopping list for a successful air sealing project:

  • Caulk
  • Caulk gun if the caulk you purchase doesn’t come with a nozzle
  • Putty knife or large screwdriver to remove old caulk
  • Paper towels and rags for cleanup

Step-By-Step on Air Sealing

Start by removing any old caulk in the area you want to seal using your knife or screwdriver. Ensure it’s nice and dry, so you don’t caulk in moisture.

If you’re using a caulking gun, cut the tip of the cartridge of the caulk at a 45-degree angle and insert the tube in the gun. Take time to do a “test caulking” on a newspaper or paper towel. This will give you a good sense of what to expect, so you don’t over-caulk a window or floor.

Hold the caulk gun or nozzle at a 45-degree angle against the surface you’re trying to seal. Using a “pulling” motion, keep the angle as you slide the tube along the open joint while pulling the trigger. Try to keep a consistent stream as you go along.

Once you’ve made a nice line of caulk or filled a single spot, use your finger or a spoon/paintbrush to dampen the caulk into the filling. This will force it deeper into the spot and help it expand.

Clean up any excess caulk with a rag, and let it sit undisturbed for about a day. How long the drying process takes depends on your product and the humidity and air temperature.

FAQs

Will caulking keep cold air out?

Yes, caulking can help keep cold air out of your home. Caulking is a sealing material applied around gaps and cracks in doors, windows, walls, and other areas where air can enter or escape your home. By sealing these gaps, caulking can help prevent cold air from entering your home and warm air from escaping, which can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your heating costs.

It’s important to note that while caulking can effectively reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency, it’s not a substitute for proper insulation. If your home is poorly insulated, it may still be susceptible to cold air infiltration even if you’ve caulked all the gaps and cracks. Consider adding insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep cold air out.

Is silicone caulk airtight?

Silicone caulk is generally considered airtight, but its effectiveness in creating an airtight seal can depend on several factors, such as the quality of the caulk, the surface it is applied to, and the conditions under which it is applied.

Silicone caulk is a popular choice for sealing gaps and cracks because it is flexible, waterproof, and has excellent adhesion properties. It can be used on various surfaces, including glass, metal, plastic, and paint. Applying it correctly can create an airtight seal that helps prevent air infiltration and heat loss.

However, it’s important to note that no caulk can be completely airtight in all situations. Factors such as temperature changes, movement of the surfaces being sealed, and the age of the caulk can all affect its effectiveness over time. Additionally, some types of silicone caulk may shrink or crack over time, compromising their airtight seal.

In summary, silicone caulk can effectively create an airtight seal. Still, choosing a high-quality product, applying it properly, and monitoring it over time are essential to ensure its effectiveness.

Which is better latex or silicone caulk?

The choice between latex and silicone caulk depends on the specific application and the conditions to which the caulk will be exposed.

Latex caulk is a water-based product that is easy to apply, dries quickly, and can be painted over. It is typically less expensive than silicone caulk and can be used for various indoor applications, such as sealing gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and trim. Latex caulk is best used for non-porous surfaces not exposed to high moisture levels or extreme temperature changes.

On the other hand, Silicone caulk is a more versatile product that can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. It is a waterproof product that can withstand exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation. It also has excellent adhesion properties and remains flexible over time. This makes it ideal for sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other areas exposed to water, heat, or cold.

In summary, latex caulk is a good choice if you’re looking for a caulk that is easy to apply and will work for most indoor applications. However, if you need a caulk that will withstand exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation, then silicone caulk is a better choice.

Summary

Air sealing has clear benefits, and choosing the right caulk is one of the most important steps to taking advantage of them. Use this article to find the right air sealing caulk and make your home more energy-efficient today!

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When Your Happy Place Becomes Your Workspace

Most people tend to think of their homes as their happy place, like a warm embrace when entering your home after being outside in the cold. Even the walk from the car to the front door makes you long for the warmth of your home and the comfort that lies within.

Thanks to COVID, things have changed a bit, and in the face of a post-COVID world, things will continue to be different. Many of us who work from home due to COVID will continue to do so in some form. With the horrors of the pandemic came a new way of working and living.

I frequently get calls from customers who are setting up shop at home, and they aren’t physically comfortable in that space. Areas of the home that were once designated for cars, guest bedrooms, walk-in attic storage, or basement storage are now little carved out nooks for many remote workers to find a quiet place to get their work done. With so many of us re-locating within our abode and spending a large quantity of time there, we realize that these areas are suffering in the “warm and cozy” department. If you are feeling that way now, just wait until summer — if that area is not insulated or under-insulated, you will be roasting.

There is so much we can do for you at Attics and More, and we are only a phone call away. One complimentary, no-pressure visit from our friendly Attic Inspector, and you’re this close to finding comfort again. We can add blown-in insulation to finished walls, ceilings, and floors; we can install batted and unbatted insulation on open walls’ we can place blown-in insulation in the attic. Gaps in the attic? We air seal them.

Hot air and cold air are in a constant contest to see who can reach the other following the shortest path. We will send out a friendly Attic Inspector with his infrared camera at the ready and take pictures to show you where the air is escaping. ( We will email the images to you as well.) We wrap ductwork, create an insulating barrier for bedrooms that live above your garage and are colder than the other rooms on a second floor. We hunt down all the little places where air escapes and burdens your furnace in winter and air conditioning in summer by making them work overtime. I always explain it this way: “It’s simply science.” And science doesn’t lie.

home-energy-loss

Give our super-friendly Customer Experience Team a call today to get the ball rolling and make your new workspace worthy of its own “Welcome” mat.

 

 

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Spring Home Improvement Projects

As we enter March and April, we can finally start to put the frigid winter behind us. For many homeowners, this is the time of the year when home improvement projects take center stage.

The warmer temperatures make it much more comfortable for homeowners to climb up a ladder and stay outside for longer periods of time. The pleasant weather also gives homeowners a new lease on life, uplifting their mood and giving them more motivation.

This article will discuss spring home improvement projects ranging from simple tricks to more involved projects.

Why Take on Home Improvement Projects in the Spring?

But why is spring a good time to take on home projects?

Many homeowners feel the need to make adjustments to their homes after the harsh winter months. Snow and freezing temperatures can do a number on your roof, decks, porches, and windows.

Springtime is a great time to make those fixes since there is a much lower risk of snow or cold weather past March or April.

Starting home improvement projects in the spring will likely be done by the summer. This is perfect if you want family and friends over during the warmer months.

Spring home improvements aren’t just about the exterior of your home either. There are plenty of easier home improvement projects that you can do inside your home that are less labor-intensive but equally important.

Attics and More is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Easy Spring Home Improvement Projects

Easy Spring Home Improvement Projects

1. Donate or Recycle

With the winter gone, it’s time to decide what you want to keep in your home and what you can live without.

Unwanted electronics, clothes, furniture, and hardware can all be donated to charities or recycled. Not only will this make your home feel lighter and make space, but you’ll also contribute to a positive cause by donating to charity or practicing sustainability by recycling.

2. Deep Clean

After you’ve gotten some unwanted junk out of your home, you might look to do a little spring cleaning. Wiping down windows, walls, and floors, polishing wood furniture, cleaning out bathrooms – whatever it might be, spring is a great time to get on it.

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3. Inspect Cushion Covers

If you’ve been stuck inside the whole winter, your couch cushions probably saw some wear and tear. Look over each one to make sure they’re in good condition. You might have to replace them or give them a good wash.

4. Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture

You probably kept a cover over your outdoor furniture or kept them in the garage. Before setting them out for some relaxing spring outdoor parties, wipe them down to get any gunk or dust off these chairs and tables.

5. Switch Ceiling Fan Directions

Most ceiling fans allow you to change the direction of the blades. In the spring and summer months, the blades should turn counterclockwise to move more air down, which causes a breezy effect.

DIY Spring Home Improvement Ideas

DIY Spring Home Improvement Projects

6. Interior Painting

If stuck inside all winter, you might be sick of seeing the same-colored walls all day. What better time than now to get a new coat of paint in your bedroom or living room? Remember when you’re looking for a new color that most paint dries darker or brighter than the swatches. Test the paint on a piece of cardboard before applying it and invest in a high-quality primer to ensure the best product.

Bonus: Consider adding a reflective coating to your walls to help improve your home’s energy efficiency.

7. Exterior Painting

Harsh winds, snow, sleet, or other elements might affect your home exterior. Maybe your house is due for a new paint job regardless. Either way, the warm spring weather means you can finally start repairing the outside of your home. Even a little paint touch-up on your siding and trim can make a difference.

8. Caulk the Windows

There’s a good chance you did this during the winter to keep heat inside your home. If not, the summer heat will do a number on your AC units. To be a little more energy-efficient, consider caulking your windows to seal them up so cool air has a lower chance of escaping your home.

Check out our review on the best caulk products for air sealing.

9. Lawn Cleanup

As the snow melts away and the sun comes out, your lawn will be visible to you and your neighbors. Lawn maintenance is a challenging task, as it requires fertilization, trimming, and mowing. Cleaning up your lawn after the winter will set your front yard up for greener pastures in the spring and summer.

10. Check the Roof

Snow and frigid temperatures can cause some serious problems for your roof without you even knowing it. Poor insulation mixed with icy roofs can cause ice dams. Before you know it, your roof is damaged and causing many issues. The spring is an excellent time to get a ladder up there to assess any damages safely.

Big Spring Home Improvement Projects [ROI Areas]

Big Spring Home Improvement Projects

11. Fix the Roof

A snow-covered roof might’ve looked nice during the winter, but it might’ve seriously damaged your roof’s durability. Ice dams can also hamper your roof’s drainage and might leak some water into your attic. Your shingles might also be experiencing some wear and tear or rotting.

All of this should’ve been clear after you checked your roof or gotten it checked by a contractor.

If you need further roof maintenance, springtime is a perfect time to do it. The weather should hold up, making it safe and comfortable for you or your contractors. If you don’t care for your roof issues, it could make your home hotter and less energy efficient during the summer.

12. Replace Siding

Like snow and wind damage your roof, wintery elements can also harm your home’s siding. If your siding is older, winter moisture could have penetrated the exterior and started to cause some rot.

Once all the snow has melted, you must check all your exterior walls for any repairs. Summer storms might further compromise your siding if you don’t address damages in the spring.

13. New Windows

While the caulk above can improve your home energy efficiency, sometimes your windows are too far gone to make a difference. If you experience drafty rooms and heat loss during the winter, it might be time to install new windows.

You can conduct a smoke test or light incense next to your window to see how much air leaks. Investing in energy-efficient windows is the best way to keep cool air inside your home during the spring and summer.

14. Upgrade Your Deck

While you’ve been holed in your home during the winter, snow and other elements have damaged your deck for months. When you come back outside in the spring, it’s important to check for splinters, warped wood, and signs of rot.

If your wood is softer, darker in color, or has clear signs of mold, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Power-washing, replacing the wood, and repainting portions are ways to upgrade your deck.

Taking care of those things now will set you up for an aesthetically pleasing and relaxing deck for your summer hangouts.

15. Inspect Your Attic

Just as insulating your attic was a crucial winter energy-savings tactic, attic inspections let you address any underlying issues caused by winter storms and icy roofs. As we mentioned earlier, ice dams in your roof can cause roof leakage. This hurts the integrity of your attic insulation.

Schedule a free attic inspection and learn how to save energy and improve comfort in your home.

The only way to know if this is an issue is by inspecting your attic with a contractor. They can identify any underlying attic issues and the best course of action. Having a healthy and energy-efficient attic is crucial when the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer months.

Leverage Spring Home Improvements Today

With the dreary and cold winter behind you, taking on some home improvement projects is a perfect way to set you and your family up for a relaxing and comfortable spring. Use this article to find the perfect project for this upcoming spring.

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What is Building Envelope?

Building envelope is common terminology used in home improvement or insulation projects. Despite its ubiquity, not a lot of people understand what a building envelope is.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the definition of building envelope as well as other frequently asked questions regarding the subject.

Building Envelope Definition

Building Envelope Definition

A simple definition of building envelope is the separation of the interior and exterior of a building.

The envelope serves to protect the interior while facilitating climate control. Building envelope encompasses the entire exterior building system of your home. This includes your windows, doors, roof, floor, foundations, and insulation.

When people talk about energy efficiency solutions like LED bulbs or low-flow faucets, none of that will be of much use if your building envelope isn’t up to snuff. Let’s look at what function a building envelope serves in a home.

What is the Function of a Building Envelope?

What is the function of a building envelope?

As you might expect, building envelopes serve a variety of functions.

Support

One such purpose is support. Building envelopes ensure strength and rigidity. Structural support is a key component of a good building envelope, as it determines how your home can handle external loads and forces.

Control

Another function is control. This is where building envelopes enter into conversations about energy efficiency and climate control. A good building envelope ensures better control over your home insulation or the ability to keep warm or cold air indoors. Facilitating the passage of water, heat, and condensation between the interior and exterior of the building is a crucial function of building envelopes.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics and looks are also important considerations for building envelopes. Proper envelopes help your building look more attractive, though it’s relatively secondary to its control and support functions.

Why is Building Envelope Important?

Building envelope plays an important role in protecting the occupants of a building from the elements and helping to regulate the indoor temperature.

In addition, the envelope plays a critical role in energy efficiency. By keeping heat inside during winter and outside during summer, the envelope helps to minimize the need for heating and cooling.

As a result, buildings with well-insulated envelopes can save a significant amount of energy. In today’s world, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, the building envelope is more important than ever.

What are Building Envelope Solutions?

What are building envelope solutions?

Before we discuss building envelope solutions, we first need to look at common issues. Identifying common problems with building envelopes will allow you to diagnose different solutions better.

Interior building envelope issues include:

  • Staining of interior walls and ceilings
  • Water-damaged insulation
  • Water-damaged soffits and sills
  • Peeling of wallpaper
  • Stains and dirt along window tracks
  • Mold
  • Stains alongside AC units

Exterior building envelope issues include:

  • Rust marks
  • Spalling brick
  • Cracks that go through the masonry and mortar
  • Discolored stone or masonry
  • Signs of condensation on grass
  • Roof seam splits

Many of these building envelope issues are signs of wear and tear or leak in your systems. Contacting your local contractors for an accurate quote on these symptoms will set you on the right track toward viable solutions.

These solutions might include replacing insulation, re-applying wallpaper, reconstructing walls and masonry, or replacing steel joints that’s beginning to rust.

How Can I Make a Building Envelope Better?

If you want to improve your building envelope, there are plenty of ways to go about it.

Which improvements you make depend on the issues your home might be having or your ultimate energy-efficiency goals. Here are a few ways you can improve your building envelope.

Insulation

Building envelopes can be drastically improved if you apply proper insulation. Because insulation gives you much more control over your home temperatures, it’s the go-to move for achieving greater energy efficiency.

Many older buildings either need more insulation as requirements have changed or older materials have deteriorated. Get a professional contractor to check out your current insulation and determine whether or not you need to add more.

Doors

Another spot in the home that routinely leaks air are doors. Whether it’s on the front porch or doors connecting your rooms, doors are prime areas for cold or warm air to escape.

Luckily, many modern doors are designed to keep warm or cold air inside and accommodate instances where people are going in and out of a building. They’re also less leaky, providing better home insulation and building envelope.

Windows

Likewise, modern energy-efficient windows help keep cold air from escaping in the summer while keeping similarly frigid air out of your home in the winter.

If you don’t have the money to invest in energy-efficient windows, window film might be your next best bet. Window film on your windows can block UV rays from entering your home by reflecting them to the sun. These films help retain warmth in your home while keeping heat out during the summer.

In any case, your windows can often be improved to boost your building envelope.

Roof Coatings

Your roof is a crucial part of keeping your home cool in the summer, but constant exposure to the sun can deteriorate it over time. This leads to more leaks and poorer climate control, decreasing your building envelope.

Roof coatings can help prevent that by reflecting solar radiation. This keeps your attic and the rest of your house much cooler in the summer. It elongates your roof’s life span and keeps your building envelope high even during the hottest months.

What is a Building Envelope Specialist?

What is a building envelope specialist?

A building envelope inspection is a survey conducted by a building envelope consultant or expert to look at different aspects of your building envelope to determine its integrity.

The main focus is ensuring all the components – the roof, windows, doors, walls, etc. – can keep exterior elements outside of the house. For example, a building envelope inspector might try to find vulnerabilities in your home if your interior is experiencing water leaks.

Specific tests and procedures standard in a building envelope inspection include:

  • Moisture and water analysis
  • Building forensics
  • Temperature testing

Overall, building envelope inspections illuminate specific building-related issues, which is crucial for improving their overall envelope and making home improvements.

More FAQs

What is another term used today for building envelope?

One term sometimes used today as a synonym for “building envelope” is “building enclosure.”

Both terms refer to the physical barrier that separates the interior of a building from the outdoor environment and includes the walls, roof, windows, doors, and foundation.

The building envelope or building enclosure plays an essential role in protecting the interior of a building from external elements such as weather, moisture, and pests and in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and air quality.

Other related terms include “thermal envelope” and “weather-resistant barrier.”

What does a building envelope consist of?

A building envelope, also known as a building enclosure, typically consists of the following components:

  1. Roof: The roof is the uppermost part of the building and provides protection against rain, snow, and other weather elements.
  2. Walls: The vertical surfaces surround the building and provide structural support and insulation.
  3. Windows and doors: These components provide access to the building and allow natural light to enter. They also play a critical role in regulating air flow in and out of the building.
  4. Foundation: The foundation supports the weight of the building and provides a stable base. It is typically made of concrete or masonry.
  5. Insulation: Insulation is installed within the walls, roof, and floors to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
  6. Vapor barrier: A vapor barrier is a material layer that helps prevent moisture from entering the building.
  7. Air barrier: An air barrier is a material layer that helps prevent air leakage in and out of the building.
  8. Cladding: Cladding refers to the exterior finish material that is installed over the walls and roof of the building. It protects against weather elements and also contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the building.

These components work together to create a continuous barrier that separates the interior of the building from the outdoor environment and helps to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

What typically contributes to building envelope failure?

Building envelope failure can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

  1. Poor design: Building envelope failure can occur if the envelope design needs to be more appropriate for the climate and weather conditions in which the building is located. For example, it may fail if the envelope is not designed to withstand high winds or heavy rain.
  2. Poor installation: The quality of installation is critical to the performance of the building envelope. If the envelope is not installed correctly, it may have gaps, leaks, or other defects that can compromise its ability to protect the building.
  3. Material deterioration: Over time, the materials that make up the building envelope can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements, such as sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This can lead to cracks, gaps, and other defects allowing water, air, and pests to enter the building.
  4. Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensuring the long-term performance of the building envelope. Failure to maintain the envelope, such as not repairing leaks or replacing damaged components, can result in the deterioration of the envelope and, ultimately, its failure.
  5. Physical damage: Building envelope failure can also occur due to physical damage, such as extreme weather events or accidents.

Building envelope failure can lead to various problems, including water damage, mold growth, reduced energy efficiency, and compromised indoor air quality. Regular inspection and maintenance of the building envelope can help to prevent failure and ensure the long-term performance of the building.

What are building envelope requirements?

Building envelope requirements can vary depending on the location of the building and the specific building code or applicable regulations. However, in general, building envelope requirements are designed to ensure that the building envelope provides adequate protection against weather elements and is energy-efficient.

Some standard building envelope requirements include:

  1. Thermal insulation: Building codes typically require a minimum level of thermal insulation to be installed in the building envelope’s walls, roof, and floors to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
  2. Air leakage control: Building codes also typically require measures to be taken to control air leakage through the building envelope, such as installing air barriers and sealing gaps and cracks.
  3. Water management: Building codes require the building envelope to be designed and constructed to manage water infiltration, including installing a water-resistive barrier, proper flashing, and adequate drainage.
  4. Structural integrity: The building envelope must be designed and constructed to provide adequate structural integrity to support the loads placed on it, including wind, snow, and seismic loads.
  5. Fire resistance: Building codes may also require the building envelope to meet specific fire resistance standards to limit the spread of fire and smoke.

Many resources are available to help understand building envelope requirements, including building codes, regulations, and standards. Some helpful references include:

  1. International Building Code (IBC)
  2. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except for Low-Rise Residential Buildings
  3. National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Whole Building Design Guide – Building Envelope Design Guide
  4. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Handbook – Fundamentals
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