While weatherization may not be the first thing that comes to a homebuyer’s mind, it’s critical that a home’s building envelope is working effectively and efficiently, according to LBM Journal.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked yet critical components of weatherizing a home is its insulation and air sealing needs. A well-insulated and air sealed home not only keeps the entire structure comfortable, but also helps reduce energy usage, saving homeowners money on costly utility bills.
According to Christine Williamson, an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech School of Architecture and a new-construction consultant, homebuyers should look to weatherize their home, looking for solutions to better insulate and air seal their house, before buying new energy-efficient appliances. “When you’ve got a more airtight, better insulated house, you can then purchase more efficient mechanical systems. You’re more likely to be able to make a heat pump or water heater work well in a house that’s already been weatherized or has been built to a higher standard at the outset—versus my house which is not particularly airtight and quite leaky,” said Williamson.
Alex Barrego, product manager at PrimeSource Building Products, is noticing an uptick in innovative insulation and air sealing materials on the market, noting that “new insulation products (are) shifting away from fiberglass into other materials.”
The benefits of weatherizing a home are plenty, yet according to the Department of Energy (DOE)-backed Advanced Building Construction Collaboration, 75 million housing units, over half of the country’s housing stock, are under-weatherized and in need of sealing and insulation upgrades.
When it comes to insulating and air sealing, spray foam is the only product on the market that does both. Its innovative properties keep conditioned air inside where it belongs, keeping your home more comfortable and reducing energy prices.