One of the benefits of attic encapsulation is energy savings. Insulation is required between the attic space and the living space below, which keeps temperatures in the living quarters of a home regulated. However, insulation applied to an attic’s floor provides no temperature control in the attic itself. Conditioned air, therefore, running through ductwork that passes through the extreme temperatures found in attics must be re-conditioned over and over again.
However, applying open cell spray foam to the roof deck of a home, encapsulating the space, helps to keep temperatures in the attic consistent. That, in turn, reduces the amount of work that an HVAC system must perform, as air that has been conditioned once, stays conditioned.
But what happens when your HVAC ductwork runs beneath your home?
As in an attic without temperature regulation, ductwork beneath a home is subject to extremes, forcing an HVAC unit to work twice as hard to maintain normal temperatures. Furthermore, ductwork beneath a home is more vulnerable to moisture and damage from the elements and pests.
In the case of Baton Rouge homeowner Pete Roman’s New Orleans vacation home, the old-fashioned fiberglass insulation surrounding ductwork in the structure’s crawl space was torn in places, allowing air leaks as well as temperature fluctuations. Whereas in an attic, open cell spray foam is the preferred air sealant and insulation, below a home, closed cell spray foam insulation works best.
Closed cell spray foam was applied around Roman’s ductwork, sealing it as well as insulating it. This heavy duty spray foam also seals out moisture and prevents infiltration by insects and rodents.
In addition to spraying the ductwork, we applied closed cell spray foam to the underside of the New Orleans home’s floorboards. In an old home like Roman’s, floorboards often allow the passage of air between the interior and exterior. Long ago, this benefitted homeowners who had no central air or heat. Leaky floorboards actually helped to prevent temperatures from becoming stifling.
However, in modern times, air passage allows the escape of conditioned air, and conditioned air is too costly to give up without a fight. By sealing both crawlspace and attic, Roman can prevent the escape of conditioned air as well as the infiltration of extreme outdoor temperatures. His monthly heating and cooling costs will therefore be reduced.
Furthermore, his home will be sealed against moisture and moisture-related problems like mildew and mold. The home’s structural integrity will be improved by the rigid texture of the spray foam, and pests like termites and mice will be prevented from making their way indoors as well.
If you’re a Baton Rouge or New Orleans homeowner interested in saving money on heating and cooling costs while protecting your home from moisture and pest damage, contact the BBB and BPI accredited contractors at Sunlight Contractors, LLC. Take a look at the reviews our clients leave at Angie’s List and Rate-A-Biz to learn how we’re helping Louisiana save money and energy through better insulation.
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No other energy solutions provider can offer the savings and services that Sunlight Contractor does. From evaluations and estimates to energy conservation and production, we’re your one stop shop for energy efficiency. Call or email Sunlight Contractors today to learn more about energy solutions that will save your business money while conserving energy.
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Main Office: Sunlight Contractors, LLC 2323 Bainbridge St #110, Kenner, LA 70062 (504) 919-9993
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We provide service to the following areas: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Metairie, Slidell, Kenner, and surrounding areas including Marrero, Harvey, Mandeville, LaPlace, Covington, Gretna, Destrehan, Lacombe, Saint Rose, Madisonville, Norco, and more.