“At what phase of construction do you install AeroBarrier?” Aside from inquires related to cost of an AeroBarrier installation, this is the most common question asked by architects and builders who are considering including air sealing with AeroBarrier in their design/construction process. The answer is straightforward…for the most part.
I like to break AeroBarrier sequencing into two categories:
- Post rough-in
- Post drywall + first coat of mud
Let’s dive into a post rough-in installation first. We can seal after the rough-in of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC has been completed IF the attic space is conditioned. In other words, if the attic is within the conditioned building envelope. I should point out that there is a way to install post rough-in even if the attic is not conditioned; however, it will require the drywallers to show up to install the drywall lid (top floor ceiling) and slap on a coat of mud, leave the site for a day or two, and then return to hang the rest of the drywall, tape, mud, sand, etc.
As most builders know, it’s hard enough to get your subtrades to show up on schedule, and asking them to start, stop, then start again can determine if this sequencing option is even possible with an unconditioned attic. Installing post rough-in has a greater impact on the construction schedule as well. More to come on that when we cover the post drywall installation.
Now we can’t close this loop without discussing the insulation type and the locations of the different types of insulation:
- Spray foam specified?
- Install the spray foam before the AeroBarrier installation.
- Flash coat of spray foam WITH batt insulation specified?
- Install the spray foam, but not the batt insulation.
- Mineral wool, fiberglass, or cellulose specified for the wall system?
- Do not install prior to the AeroBarrier installation.
- Vented attic with mineral wool, fiberglass, or cellulose specified in the attic floor or roof system?
- If the drywall lid is installed, this does not impact our air sealing process what-so-ever. Any insulation type is free game above the drywall lid, and sequencing this detail is the builder’s choice!
To sum this all up, we need a continuous rigid substrate to seal to such as plywood, spray foam, or rigid foam, but all other insulation types cannot be installed before an AeroBarrier installation IF the insulation is exposed. Capped with drywall, now that’s a different story!
Most builders ask us to air seal with AeroBarrier after the drywall and first coat of mud has been installed for several reasons:
- Minimal to no impact on the construction schedule. The first coat of mud needs a day or two to dry. That’s when LBS installs AeroBarrier.
- All building envelope penetrations have been cut, and thus will be sealed tight with AeroBarrier.
- Insulation has been installed in full.
- Sequencing concerns related to sub-trades do not exist when installing post drywall.
What if your drywall finisher is a one-person crew, and doesn’t leave the site until their process is completed? All good! We’ll air seal to the drywall plane once the drywaller is all sanded out and ready to hand his substrate off to the painter. The atomized sealant does not stick to ceilings or walls; therefore our process will have no negative impact on the final wall and ceiling finish.
Lastly, we can air seal a finished building with AeroBarrier, but the cost DOUBLES. This is due to the protection measured required before we seal, and the additional clean up after the seal. All finished, horizontal surfaces need to be protected, such as finished floors, counter tops, cabinets, vanities, and appliances.
Sorta straightforward, right? With proper sequencing during a new construction or major renovation project, AeroBarrier is the most cost effective and fastest way to meet your targeted ACH50. Pencil LBS into your construction schedule by filling out a REQUEST A QUOTE form today. Proper sequencing is paramount. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
