New construction and remodels in Chicagoland must be below a strict air leakage rate to pass the Illinois Energy Conservation Code. To meet this requirement, builders must invest in air sealing to close gaps around light fixtures, vents, service ports, and other common air leakage locations.
Traditional air sealing with spray foam, caulk, and other sealants is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Plus, you’ll only know if it was effective when you perform your code-required blower door test. AeroBarrier is a more technical method that shows the building’s air leakage improving in real time. It’s the most effective way of sealing your new build’s envelope to meet energy codes.
How AeroBarrier Works
AeroBarrier is an advanced air sealing system used in residential and commercial new construction. An aerosol sealant is blown into the building, automatically identifying and sealing air gaps. One technician can perform the entire operation, usually completing it within one to three hours. The process involves:
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- Setup: AeroBarrier sticks to anything it touches, so we protect surfaces and objects with plastic sheeting.
- Pressurization: A blower door is set up to blow air into the home, creating positive pressure.
- Aerosol Sealing: Aerosolization equipment is set up in the home. Once the building is pressurized, the equipment sprays a fine mist of AeroBarrier into the air. The positive pressure sucks the airborne sealant into any air gaps present in the building structure. The sealant’s particles stick and coagulate, closing the gap. It’s effective on gaps up to half an inch wide.
- Real-Time Monitoring: The blower door is connected to a laptop and returns live ACH50 readings. This means you can see the air leakage being reduced in real time.
- Report: Once the desired level of airtightness is reached, a detailed report shows before-and-after air leakage readings. The air sealing timeline is also displayed.
- Cleanup: We remove the AeroBarrier equipment and the protective sheeting. AeroBarrier leaves no residue behind.
You can also use a product called Aeroseal to seal ductwork. Aeroseal duct sealing works similarly to AeroBarrier, helping you close air gaps in new ductwork or correct minor installation mistakes.
Features of AeroBarrier
AeroBarrier offers several unique features that make it ideal for new construction and remodeling projects:
Real-Time Monitoring
You can’t see live progress with traditional air sealing methods. Contractors must identify air leaks in advance and manually seal the area with spray foam, caulk, or another material.
AeroBarrier actively charts ACH50 readings. You’ll see air leakage gradually reduce as the sealant cures. This gives real-time feedback about how well the process is working. Contractors can quickly address issues without wasting time or material.
Verification Report
AeroBarrier produces a clear Envelope Sealing Report. It details the number of air changes per hour before and after, as well as the percent change. It also includes a timeline chart to show how sealing progressed throughout the application.
This report gives you independent confirmation that your new build meets energy code compliance and that you’re ready to proceed with an official blower door test.
Benefits of AeroBarrier for New Construction and Remodeling
AeroBarrier is ideal for custom homes, new construction (residential and commercial), full gut remodels, and retrofit applications. For Chicagoland builders, it offers many benefits, including:
- Highly Effective Results: Aerosol sealant does the work automatically, so AeroBarrier is more effective and accurate than traditional air sealing. There is little margin of error.
- Quick Process: AeroBarrier only takes a few hours for a single contractor or small team to complete. Manual air sealing can take an entire day. Leaks must first be identified, then sealed, and then verified with a test.
- Confidence in Energy Code Compliance: AeroBarrier ultimately gives contractors and builders peace of mind. Live data and detailed reports prove the building envelope has minimal air leakage and that it will pass the code-required blower door test.
ARC Insulation’s Expertise With AeroBarrier
Since 1993, we’ve been the top air sealing contractor near you in Chicagoland. We’re state-certified in air sealing and weatherization, and also hold multiple BPI certifications.
We are one of the few new construction insulation and air sealing companies focused on data-driven testing, making us experts in AeroBarrier and its real-time metrics. Our capabilities with this commercial-grade technology help you feel confident that your new construction or remodel is tightly sealed and fully ready for energy code compliance.
