Frequently Asked Questions
AeroSeal Envelope is a single-component, high performance, synthetic, permeable, sealant that performs as an air barrier around ceilings, walls, floors, doors, windows, and electrical and plumbing fixtures. It is UV-stable, seamless, monolithic, and can be applied over a wide range of temperatures. AeroBarrier offers a 10-year product warranty and certified results.
A blower door is used to pressurize the space to about 100 Pascals – about twice the pressure used for a standard blower door test. The higher pressure helps reduce the sealing time without damaging the house. In some cases, lower application pressure (~75 Pa) will be considered to prevent over pressurizing attic entrances or other large openings.
The sealing process for a 2,000 sq. ft. house typically takes one to two hours, depending on initial tightness. Additional time is required for setup and cleanup. What does the sealant look like after it is applied? The sealant looks like grey caulk. Once it dries it can be painted.
AeroSeal Envelope can meet whatever tightness requirements the space was designed to handle. The AeroSeal Envelope technology provides real-time air tightness readings and allows the process to be stopped at any time once the required tightness is reached.
Cost will depend on the construction phase, current airtightness, desired airtightness, time of year, location and quantity of seals. Once we have your project details we will provide a written quote. Call us at 902.576.3420 or email us at [email protected]
AeroSeal Envelope may be applied at any time between after framing inspection is complete and prior to occupancy. Although, the ideal time to apply AeroSeal Envelope is post-drywall. Other factors that effect install is build process and climate zone.
The AeroSeal Envelope sealant is based on a waterborne acrylic that has been used as a fluid-applied permeable air barrier for many years. The sealant is GREENGUARD Gold-certified and has been tested according to various ASTM standards and NFPA 285, for fire spread, smoke production, adhesion, antifungal properties, tensile strength, etc.
The sealant is low VOC and has no off-gassing.
The entire AeroSeal Envelope process, from setup to completion, takes approximately 4 – 6 hours for a typical single-family home. When targeting reduced envelope leakage levels of Passive House or ZERH, additional time may be required.
All new houses in Canada require a ventilation strategy in place to make sure fresh air is brought into the house so this won’t be an issue. In a majority of the cases, a Heat Recovery Ventilator (or HRV) is the mechanical appliance that is installed to exhaust stale air and draw in fresh outdoor air, providing for higher indoor air quality.
Third-party lab testing reveals AeroSeal Envelope withstands a simulated 50-year durability test, with little or no seal degradation.
The AeroSeal Envelope process will seal gaps up to 1/2″ wide and as small as a human hair. Aerosol sealing is very effective at sealing narrow gaps and extremely small holes that are typically not cost-effective or are missed when sealed manually. In general, the larger the leak the longer it will take to seal.
During rough-in stage, minimal preparation is required. Electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, bathroom/ kitchen vents, etc should be covered. The sealant will not stick to vertical surfaces, so there is no need to cover windows or walls. After rough-in, the sealing will produce a thin layer of sealant on horizontal surfaces that can be removed with everyday household cleaners. Any finished horizontal surfaces need to be covered and any large intentional openings (e.g. exhaust fan ducts) need to be covered manually.
Although the sealing equipment can heat the air used for pressurizing the space, there are practical limits to aerosol sealing when it comes to weather conditions. In very cold conditions, there is concern that the sealant may freeze during application. So, an outdoor temperature of 4.4˚C or higher is the most appropriate. Temperatures below 4.4˚C may require additional steps.
Yes, the AeroSeal Envelope system uses a commercially available sealant. The sealant is GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning that it meets the stricter certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities.
The space needs to be aired out for 30 minutes after sealing. This is done by opening windows and running the fan. Work in the space can continue as soon as the sealing equipment is removed.
The AeroSeal Envelope system uses a standard blower door device to measure envelope leakage in real-time during the process. The system tracks air leakage using three different metrics: Normalized Leakage Area (in square inches), Leakage Volume Rate (in cubic ft/min or CFM) and Air Change per Hour at 50 Pascals of pressure (or ACH50).