Comments on: How Can You Air Seal These Joists Over the Garage?

By: Jeremy Effing

Jeremy Effing — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 12:05:50 +0000

This is a framing mistake and
This is a framing mistake and "cheaping" out on numerous levels, it has nothing to do with air sealing. What you are seeing here is a contractor trying to cut costs, if you look closely they are running 14" and 16" joists and "blocking" the 14" joist up with and osb scrap and a 2x block to match the tops. A contractor worried about quality (either IAQ or overall job) would have used the 16" joists thru out and installed proper blocking between the joists.

By: abailes

abailes — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:21:25 +0000

In reply to Sean @ SLSCBS. Sean, it could certainly be

Sean, it could certainly be that someone didn't read the specs. I suspect they didn't have a complete framing plan and made a bad decision to break those joists across the garage wall. Whatever happened, it's now a mess. Pretty much the only way to seal it up at this point would be with spray foam.

By: abailes

abailes — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:18:58 +0000

In reply to Jim Butz.

Jim, yes, the BA Solutions

Jim, yes, the BA Solutions Center has a wealth of great information available. Our tax dollars have been well spent there.

Another option for relieving pressure in bedrooms is the Return Air Pathway from Tamarack Technologies. (Disclosure: They advertise here in our blog.) Here’s the link to the RAP page on their website.

http://www.tamtech.com/return-air-pathways

Regarding someone who can do testing for you, see Sean Lintow’s comment below. He’s in Chicagoland. Click on his name to go to his website.

By: abailes

abailes — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:14:32 +0000

In reply to dixie wong. Dixie, there are a lot of

Dixie, there are a lot of good sealants. See the list I mentioned in the article.

By: abailes

abailes — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:13:43 +0000

In reply to Tom Cross. Thanks, Tom. I'll do that.

Thanks, Tom. I'll do that. Stay tuned.

By: Sean @ SLSCBS

Sean @ SLSCBS — Wed, 03 May 2017 00:28:06 +0000

I got a feeling someone didn
I got a feeling someone didn’t review their specs (or tried cutting costs) as I have a sneaky feeling those webs should have been filled in thus allowing for a 2x or even I joist blocking to work properly

Hmmm Jim, Chicago area… that would be me for the western suburbs 🙂 — I also know a few guys that do work in the city

By: Jim Butz

Jim Butz — Tue, 02 May 2017 14:35:19 +0000

Building America Solutions
Building America Solutions Center. What a great resource. I actually came across it independently when I was researching jump ducts and transfer grills inspired after reading this article. A current client has two air handling systems for a 2800 sf house and complains of poor delivery from the 2nd floor. I noticed all the rooms had no undercut for the doors and their was a central return. This has to be evaluated by my HVAC contractor but may likely be a significant factor. Does anyone have a suggestion for sources of independent hvac testing providers in the Chicago area?

By: dixie wong

dixie wong — Tue, 02 May 2017 14:25:06 +0000

Yes, air sealing is needed!
Yes, air sealing is needed! Please let us know the best sealent to use in each situation. We don't want the sealent to dry out and leave gaps in the future.

By: Tom Cross

Tom Cross — Tue, 02 May 2017 12:50:41 +0000

These air sealing articles
These air sealing articles are so helpful. Getting ready to build a new home and had not thought of this air sealing detail. Please publish more on air sealing details that are commonly overlooked.