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Problem = Solutions

Excessive Heating and Cooling Costs

Infrared photgraph of thermal bridging and air infiltration

This is an infrared image taken from the inside of the building. The dark areas are cold, indicating air infiltration.

Symptoms

  • Drafty buildings

  • Buildings too hot or too cold

  • Excessive heat loss causing increased fuel consumption and higher energy bills

Causes

  • Inadequate R-value in existing insulation.

  • Air infiltration caused by holes in the building envelope.

  • Air exfiltration caused by wind pressure, mechanical systems, the stack effect, and holes in the air barrier.

Side effects

  • Infiltration allowing moisture laden air to infiltrate the building envelope, which leads to mold, mildew, rot, and insect problems.

  • Discomfort for building occupants due to drafts and temperature outside of the comfort range.

  • Higher building operating costs.

  • Increased risk of plumbing and equipment freeze-ups.

Related Theory

Case Studies

FOAM-TECH Solutions

  • FOAM-TECH diagnoese the building in order to accurately identify the problem. Common causes for excessive heat and cooling costs are:

    • Inadequate R-value.

    • Damaged insulation.

    • Improperly installed insulation.

    • Wind washed insulation.

    • Infiltration in the building envelope that allows outside air into the building envelope.

    • Exfiltration that allows inside conditioned air to escape to the outside.

  • Once FOAM-TECH’s non-destructive diagnostics testing has revealed the problems, we can prioritize them and make a repair plan.

  • FOAM-TECH would follow-up with quality assurance testing to confirm the repairs have been effective.