Since 2009, Ecotelligent Homes has been using industry-leading air seal techniques to eliminate drafts in homes throughout Metro Detroit. Our building science knowledge and hands-on experience allow us to identify the true cause of your drafts and install the necessary improvements to eliminate the air leak at its source. Your home’s energy efficiency improvement is not complete without air sealing; this service makes all of the other systems of your home, like insulation and heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, function more effectively.

Our team of certified energy auditors is among the best in Southeast Michigan at identifying the root cause of your drafts. You may be surprised to find exactly where they are coming from in your home--9 times out of 10, the majority of your drafts are not from your windows. Ecotelligent Homes goes beyond most insulation companies to air seal at the source, as our on-staff crews frequently do drywall and wood trim work, not just caulk.

WHAT IS AIR SEALING?

Air moves through your home’s perimeter (or "building envelope"), creating drafts and breezes in two different ways: through a direct path and an indirect path. While direct air leakage paths are typically more visible, like the daylight you can see around your door when you need to upgrade the weather stripping, these direct paths typically make up a very small percent of your home’s total air leakage.

The major source of your home’s drafts are hidden in chases and gaps in the construction of your home. At Ecotelligent Homes we use a combination of materials like caulk, single part expanding foam, and two part spray foam insulation to seal the indirect air leakage paths. Some common areas of a home that we air seal as part of a comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrade include:

• Top plates
• Drop ceiling soffits (above cabinets or showers)
• Recessed lights
• Window trim
• Basement rim joists

CAN HOMES BE SEALED TOO TIGHTLY?

There is a common misconception that your ‘home needs to breath’ or that it can be ‘sealed up too tight.’ The industry standard and proper way to air seal your home is to ‘seal tight and ventilate right.’

Air sealing without regard for indoor air quality is dangerous! That's why the Ecotelligent Homes team recommends beginning all home improvements with a comprehensive home energy audit and completing all projects with our Six Point Quality Assurance Check. The blower door tests and health and safety inspections will not only help to identify the root cause of your drafts, they will also measure the amount of fresh air in your home to ensure good indoor air quality.

If your home requires added ventilation for improved indoor air quality, Ecotelligent Homes can help to identify what type of ventilation is best for you and your family.

Call 248-291-7815 to learn about the benefits of air sealing your home!