As we build the Skinny Project, we are taking care with all of our air sealing details and making notes on possible changes to reduce labor and complexity in all future homes. One of the key notes I picked up at last year’s Passive House Conference was that those who had been actually building these homes for a number of years were all stressing multiple layers of defense against pesky air infiltration. I thought I’d throw out a quick post to give the basics of our current multi-layer approach at sealing the movement of that crafty air thing that is so prevalent on our planet from sucking the heat out of or into our homes:
- ZIP System sheathing with all seams taped with butyl tape.
- Combination of gaskets and sealant sealing all critical rough framing connections.
- Dense Packed cellulose insulation.
- Drywall gaskets or continuous sealant along all corners, top/bottom plates and window/door openings.
- Locate outlets in the floors and use wireless light switches to eliminate all drywall penetrations in the walls.
More details and diagrams to come as we improve our construction docs for Awesome Town.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hey Chad,
I like your idea of a tight house, but wonder about the practicality of floor-mounted electrical boxes. I’m thinking dirt and crud getting in the sockets, weird issues with things that need to be plugged in all the time, etc.
Maybe I’m missing something?
Thanks!
Shawn