Did you know that energy costs are usually one of the top three expenses for any building? As a result, energy efficiency improvements can be important money-saving investments, as long as the work is completed responsibly and correctly. One of the most effective ways to ensure that your commercial property is energy efficient is by creating and maintaining a proper air barrier.
Accurate-Airtight Exteriors is the sister company of Accurate-Airtight Enclosures. Between these two brands, we’re your go-to team for commercial building envelope improvements in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Once we’ve tested and gotten to the bottom of the issues you’re experiencing, our commercial air sealing services will improve the efficiency of your property so you can avoid wasting money on lost energy. Learn why this service is so important, what the process entails, and how you can get started today.
What Is Commercial Air Sealing and Why Is it So Important for Your Midwest Building?
Air barrier sealing is the process of filling small gaps, cracks, and holes in the interior and exterior of your building to prevent your heated or air conditioned air from leaking outside.
It’s a common misconception that insulation is a property’s only barrier against the outdoors. The truth is, commercial and residential insulation only prevents heat exchange; it can’t block the flow of air. Unfortunately, many existing buildings were built with little attention to sealing wall assemblies or attic features, even if the insulation installed met building code at time of construction. Also, over time a building will develop gaps in its structure, some of which are so minor they can be difficult to even see.
But even small gaps can contribute to an uncomfortable environment. They can let in unconditioned, polluted outdoor air, forcing your expensive heating and cooling systems to work harder than they should to keep your air comfortable and fresh. This excessive effort can shorten the lifespan of your HVAC systems, adding unnecessary expense. When properly performed, commercial building air sealing benefits include comfortable and healthy interiors, as well as an efficiently-running heating and cooling system.
How Does Accurate-Airtight Exteriors Perform Commercial Air Sealing?
The Accurate-Airtight Exteriors team applies low-porosity materials (such as caulks and foams) to the holes and miscellaneous penetrations of the building. Weak points in any commercial building can be air sealed as long as it is done in accordance with the latest standards, practices, and building codes. When on site for an air sealing project, we inspect all of these areas and address them to ensure a tight seal for long-lasting efficiency, comfort, and safety. Common vulnerable areas include:
- Junctures between the roof and adjoining walls
- Penetrations through the exterior walls for electrical or HVAC purposes
- Rooftop unit penetrations
- Entryway vestibules and exterior doors
We feel so passionately about commercial air sealing because a faulty air barrier can harm the building and its occupants. Problems can include:
Ice Damming: Leaks, structural damage, and other roof-related damage can be caused by excessive wintertime heat loss from a poor air barrier.
Building Integrity Issues: Mold growth and structural damage from humidity and moisture intrusion.
Occupant Discomfort: Drafts, cold floors, humidity, and temperature inconsistencies can all negatively impact productivity.
Contamination: Outside air, pests, and air from industrial spaces can leak into office or clean-room environments.
Commercial Blower Door Testing in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois & Iowa
Blower doors measure the air tightness and air leakage rate of your building’s air barrier. During commercial air seal testing, Accurate-Airtight Enclosures pressurizes and/or depressurizes your building to quantify the amount of air and energy being lost. We then use infrared imaging to examine and document the building’s thermal barriers and air barriers and determine how they are performing.
Because the integrity of a building’s air barrier is so important, our services include air leakage rate tests before and after upgrades are made to prove the results of our work.
Ready to Get Started With Commercial Air Sealing?
With many years of experience, Accurate-Airtight Enclosures is your trusted local contractor for commercial energy conservation testing and consulting projects. Our building envelope consultants approach each project with the determination to do the job right by delivering long-lasting energy savings for the life of your building. Then, our sister company, Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, a residential and commercial building envelope specialist in Wisconsin, is standing by to complete the actual building upgrades. By following the latest and best industry practices, we are able to provide both commercial buildings and homes with superior solutions.
Learn more about commercial air sealing and barrier repair. Call the Accurate-Airtight Exteriors pros at 866.582.4320 or contact online today.
FAQs
The most obvious signs of a poor air barrier are moisture damage, cracks on wall panels, drafts and inconsistent temperatures throughout the building. Less obvious signs include excessive humidity, mold growth, or abnormally high or increasing energy bills.
State air barrier requirements generally require a “continuous thermal barrier” for code compliance. Compliance is most commonly verified with a blower door test that measures air leakage rates. If the air leakage rate test returns acceptable levels, the building passes.
Commercial blower door tests utilize multiple fans and zones to isolate and measure air tightness to a particular standard required test. The fans are significantly larger and may roll on wheels into position. Commercial blower door testing usually measures air leakage by CFM per square foot of envelope, rather than ACH for residential.
Accurate-Airtight Enclosures provides consulting services throughout the entire United States. Our sister company, Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, provides air barrier repair work in a 250-mile radius of Madison, Wisconsin, and commonly serves commercial buildings in cities like Chicago, Dubuque, Madison, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and more.
