Maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home is a priority for many homeowners, especially where weather extremes are common, like here in Chicagoland. One critical aspect of achieving this goal is ensuring your home is properly sealed to prevent air leaks that can lead to higher energy bills and reduced comfort. AeroBarrier is an innovative solution designed to address these issues effectively. Let’s explore what AeroBarrier is, how it works, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.
Understanding AeroBarrier
AeroBarrier is an advanced air sealing technology that uses a water-based, non-toxic aerosol sealant to effectively seal gaps and cracks in a building’s envelope. This method is primarily used for new construction projects but can also benefit existing homes as it can target and seal leaks that are often difficult to access or even invisible to the naked eye. The process involves protecting, sealing, and pressurizing the home before releasing the aerosolized sealant, which then accumulates in openings up to ½ inch wide and seals them shut. The result is a significantly tighter building envelope, which leads to improved energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
The AeroBarrier Process for Existing Homes
Implementing AeroBarrier in existing homes requires meticulous preparation and execution:
- Site Preparation: All areas of the home, including furniture, floors, HVAC equipment, appliances, and vents, are protected to prevent the sealant from adhering to unintended surfaces.
- Pressurization: A blower door fan system is set up to pressurize the home, causing indoor air to escape through existing leaks and cracks.
- Application: The AeroBarrier equipment disperses the aerosolized sealant into the pressurized environment. The escaping air carries the sealant to the leaks, where it accumulates and seals them with high precision.
- Sealant Drying Time: The sealant particles continue to build up in the gaps and cracks, effectively sealing them. This phase typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the home’s size and initial air leakage rate.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Technicians monitor the air leakage rate throughout the process using specialized software connected to the blower door system. The installation is complete once the desired level of air tightness is achieved.
- Cleanup: After sealing, the equipment and protective coverings are removed. The sealant dries quickly, leaving no residue or odor behind.
Benefits of AeroBarrier for Homeowners
AeroBarrier is the most effective product when it comes to air sealing. However, if you still need convincing, opting for AeroBarrier offers several advantages:
- Superior Air Sealing: AeroBarrier can seal leaks up to ½ inch wide, including those in hard-to-reach areas or invisible to the naked eye, resulting in a more comfortable and efficient home.
- Time Efficiency: Most applications are completed in under a day, significantly faster than traditional air sealing methods.
- Guaranteed Results: Real-time monitoring ensures that the home is sealed to the highest standards, providing measurable improvements in air tightness.
- Eco-Friendly: The sealant is water-based, low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and safe for indoor use, making it a healthy and environmentally friendly choice.
AeroBarrier’s effectiveness and the resulting energy savings make it an attractive option for homeowners seeking a reliable and long-lasting solution to issues like drafty rooms, ice dams, and high energy bills.
Is AeroBarrier Right for Your Home?
AeroBarrier is particularly beneficial for homeowners experiencing:
- Drafty Rooms: Unwanted drafts can make living spaces uncomfortable and increase heating and cooling costs.
- High Energy Bills: Air leaks force HVAC systems to work harder, leading to higher utility bills.
- Uneven Temperatures: Inconsistent temperatures between rooms often indicate air leakage issues.
By addressing these problems, AeroBarrier enhances overall home performance, leading to improved comfort and reduced energy expenses.
ARC Insulation: Your Partner in Home Performance
With over 30 years of experience, ARC Insulation has provided comprehensive insulation and mold services to homeowners throughout Chicagoland. Our expertise in building science allows us to offer personalized solutions tailored to your home’s specific needs. As a participating contractor in local rebate programs, we can also help you access substantial savings on home improvements.
Every air sealing project begins with an in-home assessment to determine your home’s unique requirements. Our team ensures that the AeroBarrier installation process is executed with precision and care, delivering results that meet the highest industry standards.
AeroBarrier represents a significant advancement in air sealing technology, offering homeowners a reliable and efficient method to enhance their home’s comfort and energy efficiency. By choosing AeroBarrier, you invest in a solution that provides long-term benefits, including lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
