Techniques for Control of Air Infiltration in Buildings.

Materials and systems for reducing or eliminating air infiltration through almost all identified leakage sources have been found. Most of these materials are inexpensive, effective, and relatively easy to install or apply. These materials are generally designed to seal or close up small cracks or large openings in residential buildings. They encompass a very broad range of different methods such as caulking, adhesiveglass mat, weatherstripping, vent dampers, and many more. Those items having suitable effectiveness have been incorporated into a recommended procedure for treating existing and new construction. This procedure relies on the use of a special fan assembly and test procedures for locating air leaks in existing buildings and for measuring induced air infiltration in all buildings. The effectiveness of the different materials and systems is quite variable. Cost effectiveness has not been reliably measured however, existing evidence strongly points to many air infiltration reduction materials as being highly cost effective with the exception of storm doors and, in some instances, storm windows. Author