Although many gba articles address aspects of attic air sealing no single article provides an overview of the topic.
Air seal attic plane.
I ll try to explain how you can seal air leaks in a conventional vented unconditioned attic.
The step of air sealing the attic plane has been a building code requirement for new construction homes for almost 20 years.
Pray that the installer used finish nails and not say ring shank nails.
It s easy to overlook electrical wires ducts pipes and vents in the attic but the openings around these are holes can compromise the air sealing of your attic.
Carefully pull down the finish trim.
By air sealing in your attic you can stop many major air leaks and help to maintain the desired temperature throughout your home.
This article is an attempt to provide that missing overview.
The air barrier used to isolate the living space from the attic is usually the taped drywall while the thermal barrier is the insulation placed on top of the drywall.
Scope air seal drywall to top plates at all attic wall interfaces to minimize air leakage.
Seal fireplace and furnace holes.
Equally important is the need to air seal the attic plane after the vermiculite is removed and before the new insulation is blown in.
The attic is usually where you can find some of the largest opportunities to save energy in your home.
Air seal drywall to top plates at all attic wall interfaces to minimize air leakage.
Air sealing vented attic in new construction during an energy audit of my home the auditor suggested to create a good attic plane seal by removing all of the existing insulation put down a 1 2 layer of spray foam insulation and go back with blow in insulation to the preferred r value.
Combined with attic insulation air sealing can help to alleviate the formation of dangerous ice dams in the winter.
Typically the ceiling is not a single horizontal plane but a series of horizontal planes vertical planes knee walls and sloped planes all intersecting to create the ceiling.
How to insulate and air seal an attic access hatch.
For larger holes filler material may be needed.
To seal these openings use caulk or spray foam.
If your house has cathedral ceilings that is insulated sloped roof.