The first step in
reaching these objectives is to determine the current condition
of the home.
There are three major components to building efficiency:
- The building enclosure (especially the conditioned/heated
and cooled part).
- Heating, cooling and ventilation equipment (HVAC).
- The means of conveying energy and air to the conditioned
areas (ducting).
Our class will focus on the first of these items, the
building enclosure.
The more “holes” there are in the enclosure, the
more readily energy and moisture are lost and gained. If the
number and size of the holes are reduced efficiency is increased
and pathways for insects/rodents and fire are decreased.
The primary means of testing/locating holes is the
BLOWER DOOR TEST
This test mimics the effect of 20 mph of wind pushing
against the walls of the home .This method allows us to locate
significant air leakage into the home.
See the Southface Energy Institute handout
for more information about blower door testing.
The term used for sealing openings in the building,
especially those between Conditioned and Un-conditioned spaces,
is known as draftstopping. Firestopping is similar in principle
but requires the use of fire-resistant materials.
Draftstopping and firestopping control three types of
movement:
-
The vertical movement of fire.
-
The movement of air, heat and moisture between conditioned
and unconditioned spaces.
-
The movement of insects and rodents.
The “smart” part of draftstopping is that it uses easily
applied, inexpensive materials and controls all three types of
movement within the home.
The key to draftstopping is to use RIGID materials, not
insulation. These include plywood, foam sheathing, expandable
foam, sheet metal and 2x4 blocking
When you have finished this field demonstration, you will
have the knowledge to apply the principles of draftstopping to
your home. It REALLY makes a difference.
