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| Should windows be completely sealed off with spray foam? http://www.hawthornevillager.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51766 |
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| Author: | Halton Home Inspector [ Thu Dec 06, 2012 6:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Should windows be completely sealed off with spray foam? |
The builder is probably talking about "make up air" not "ventilation". Problem with new homes today is that they are very well sealed. This creates an environment where exhaust fans can't perform well because no air is entering the home to replace the air going out. However, I have not heard of gaps left intentionally in the foam around windows to improve make up air in a home. In the winter, windows are considered cold zones and warm house air condenses on cold windows and window frames. This idea of leaving gaps in the insulation around the frames would only contribute to this problem. Make up Air is a complex problem that will need considerable thought and probably some experimentation to study and resolve. IMO this idea of leaving gaps around window frames is this builder attempt to improve the Make up Air dilemma but I don't think it's a good idea. Some may think an HRV would resolve the problem but it will NOT. HRV's do improve "ventilation" but they are a balanced system and they do not provide extra air into the home to "make up" for air sent out of the home via exhaust fans, water heater burners, and furnaces. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T_vP2l8LOU |
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| Author: | DRiFT_645 [ Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Should windows be completely sealed off with spray foam? |
Someone from Mattamy was over the other day. He mentioned I should crack a window when I'm cooking and running the exhaust fan. After doing so, I've noticed a tremendous improvement in the suction/performance of the range hood fan. |
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| Author: | Halton Home Inspector [ Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Should windows be completely sealed off with spray foam? |
Sandeep wrote: Someone from Mattamy was over the other day. He mentioned I should crack a window when I'm cooking and running the exhaust fan. After doing so, I've noticed a tremendous improvement in the suction/performance of the range hood fan. That works. I do the same. The good news with this is that we can close the window when the fan is turned off. This is much better than to have permanent voids in the insulation around the homes windows that essentially allow cold air into the home around the window frames. In fact, this method to provide "make up" air sounds stupid. OP, I would ask that they fill these voids unless they have some technical documentation suggesting that this is a good idea. |
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| Author: | HaltonPeelHomeInspection [ Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Should windows be completely sealed off with spray foam? |
Halton Home Inspector wrote: Sandeep wrote: Someone from Mattamy was over the other day. He mentioned I should crack a window when I'm cooking and running the exhaust fan. After doing so, I've noticed a tremendous improvement in the suction/performance of the range hood fan. That works. I do the same. The good news with this is that we can close the window when the fan is turned off. This is much better than to have permanent voids in the insulation around the homes windows that essentially allow cold air into the home around the window frames. In fact, this method to provide "make up" air sounds stupid. OP, I would ask that they fill these voids unless they have some technical documentation suggesting that this is a good idea. Agreed, and I've never heard of this practice before either. To go to great lengths to seal the home and then leave gaps in the window insulation sounds crazy. John Allingham, Professional Engineer Owner & Certified Home Inspector Halton-Peel Home Inspection (416) 254-5869 inspect@peelhomeinspection.com http://www.peelhomeinspection.com |
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