What We Do:
When Accurate-Airtight Enclosures examines a building, we focus on a building’s air barrier. Where are the hidden drafty areas in the structure? What building flaws are there to be found concealed above drop ceilings and in attics and crawlspaces? The repair of unintended cracks, gaps, and holes is one the most cost-effective ways to increase comfort and upgrade the energy performance of buildings of any type and age.
What Needed To Be Fixed:
The attic sections of the Fellowship Hall, which is connected to the Church had ineffective fiberglass insulation in both the ceiling and wall. Besides being only R11, the attic insulation was installed incorrectly during original construction. It was stapled to the bottom of the ceiling joists, leaving about an 8” space between the insulation and the roof decking. In addition, the ceiling insulation was falling down
in several places. The wall insulation had several flaws; it was torn in places, electrical conduit and other penetrations created air leaks, and a general lack of precision during installation made for a flawed air barrier. In both the Church and the Fellowship Hall air leaks were found at wall/ceiling junctures. In the front of the Church our infra-red camera indicated gaps where the stone walls abut sheetrock walls.
How We Fixed It:
Two part closed cell spray foam was used to seal and insulate over the existing fiberglass wall insulation.
The spray foaming made for an effective and airtight wall assembly. Incorrectly installed ceiling insulation was removed and fiberglass insulation to a R30 level was installed to completely fill the ceiling cavity. Air leaks in the Church and Fellowship Hall were sealed by using caulk to fill the cracks and holes we found.
Outcome:
The outcome was cost-effective energy improvements for Zion Lutheran Church. Church Treasurer Janice Thompson was pleased with the results. “I can see the crew takes pride in their work. They were neat, courteous and on time. You cleaned up!”.
Finally, we sealed all air leaks in the church and fellowship hall with either silicone or acrylic caulk, depending on the material of the cracked surface.
What Did the Client Think of the Result?
About Accurate-Airtight Enclosures: Accurate-Airtight Enclosures specializes in building diagnostics, energy audits, air sealing, and insulation. The company is noted for its’ expertise in blower-door testing, especially testing large commercial or multi-family structures. “Our company has traveled all over the U.S. doing building envelope testing. We have tested a lot of Army Corps of Engineers buildings for example” said Accurate-Airtight President Torrance Kramer.
