If you’ve spent any time researching insulation, you’ve probably heard about air sealing or super sealing. Both are correct. While the specific term doesn’t matter, increased comfort, greater efficiency, lower energy bills, and better air quality do. Some inexperienced contractors try to shortcut the process, throwing some insulation up in the attic and calling it good. Unfortunately, insulation without air sealing isn’t nearly as effective as the two combined.
THE PURPOSE OF AIR SEALING
The purpose of air sealing is to eliminate air leaks. These leaks allow air to travel between conditioned and unconditioned areas, or to enter and escape via the exterior walls. Air sealing is especially important in the attic because without it, air can travel freely from a home’s conditioned living spaces up into the attic and then escape through the gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior. In other words, without proper air sealing, that valuable indoor air you’re paying to heat is rising and escaping straight through your roof.
AIR SEALING BEFORE YOU INSULATE
Insulation does not stop air flow in the way that air sealing does. Its purpose is to control heat flow throughout your home. When you install insulation in your attic without air sealing first, air can still travel freely into your attic and through your home’s exterior. Pre-insulation is the best time to address air leakage, as any leaks that need to be sealed will still be visible and accessible. If you want to make your home more comfortable and efficient the right way, make sure you have air sealing done first, followed by insulation installation. In fact, the best course of action for many attics, where the insulation has settled over time, is to have the insulation removed. Again, this allows a thorough inspection and sealing of all visible gaps and penetrations.
AIR SEALING FOCAL POINTS
During retrofit insulation all ceiling penetrations including recessed lighting, air returns, supply vents, plumbing penetrations, wiring holes, and electric outlets need sealing with silicone or acrylic latex caulk or expanding spray foam to prevent infiltration of unconditioned air or the leakage of indoor air. For new construction we seal all windows, doors, top plates, knee walls, interior attic hatches, recessed lights, air returns, supply vents, wiring holes, electric outlets, and plumbing vents. By doing so, we will maximize the energy efficiency of the home or building.
What is Super Seal Insulation?
Super Seal insulation is the process of combining advanced air sealing techniques with high-performance insulation to create a thermal barrier that virtually eliminates energy loss. By addressing both heat flow and air leakage, it ensures maximum efficiency and comfort for your home. This comprehensive approach improves on traditional insulation methods by targeting areas often overlooked, such as small gaps and cracks that allow conditioned air to escape.
Why Super Seal Insulation Matters
- Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
Super Seal insulation reduces the infiltration of allergens, pollutants, and moisture by sealing air leaks before installing insulation. This keeps your indoor air cleaner and healthier year-round. - Optimal Energy Savings
By eliminating drafts and minimizing air exchange, Super Seal insulation works harder to maintain your desired indoor temperature. This reduces the strain on your HVAC system and lowers energy bills. - Comfort Without Compromise
Whether it’s a scorching summer or a chilly winter, Super Seal insulation ensures even temperatures throughout your home, eliminating hot and cold spots often caused by unsealed gaps.
How Super Seal Insulation Works
- Inspection and Diagnosis
1907 Insulation begins by inspecting your home for common sources of air leaks, including recessed lighting, ductwork penetrations, and attic hatches. - Precision Air Sealing
Using high-quality materials like silicone caulk and expanding spray foam, we seal gaps in critical areas such as top plates, wiring holes, plumbing penetrations, and vents. - Insulation Installation
After sealing, we install premium insulation—whether fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam—tailored to your home’s unique needs, ensuring an airtight thermal envelope.
The Science Behind Super Seal Insulation
Super Seal Insulation isn’t just a home improvement—it’s a scientifically backed method designed to optimize energy efficiency and indoor comfort. By addressing both thermal transfer and air leakage, it eliminates two major culprits of energy loss.
Understanding Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging occurs when heat travels through materials with higher conductivity, like wood studs or metal framing, bypassing the insulation layer. Super Seal Insulation minimizes this effect by creating a continuous thermal barrier that eliminates weak points in your home’s thermal envelope.
The Role of Vapor Control in Super Seal Insulation
Air leaks often carry moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage. Super Seal Insulation incorporates vapor control strategies to ensure moisture doesn’t get trapped within walls or attics. This not only protects your home’s structure but also enhances the longevity of your insulation materials.
Energy Modeling for Precision Sealing
At 1907 Insulation, we utilize energy modeling tools to identify the most significant sources of air leakage and prioritize sealing them. This data-driven approach allows us to maximize the impact of Super Seal Insulation on your energy bills and indoor comfort.
Why Super Seal Insulation is Perfect for Oklahoma Homes
Oklahoma experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with hot summers and chilly winters. Super Seal Insulation excels in such climates by:
- Preventing conditioned air from escaping during intense summer heat.
- Keeping warm air trapped inside during freezing winter months.
- Adapting to seasonal humidity changes with superior vapor management.
With its ability to address both air leaks and heat flow, Super Seal Insulation ensures homes in Oklahoma City remain comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.
Why Choose 1907 Insulation for Super Seal Insulation?
At 1907 Insulation, we combine years of expertise with the latest building science to deliver solutions that exceed expectations. Whether you’re upgrading your attic insulation or preparing a new construction project, our Super Seal service guarantees results that stand the test of time. We also specialize in integrating air sealing with advanced insulation types like spray foam for unparalleled performance.
TAKE THE RIGHT APPROACH WITH 1907 INSULATION
You want increased home comfort, greater energy efficiency, and lower energy bills. Make sure you work with the right contractor. 1907 Insulation can diagnose your home to determine exactly what it needs — and then implement solutions that truly work. Whether you want air sealing and upgraded insulation, a full removal, or desire to upgrade to spray foam, we can help!
Ready to see what air sealing and insulation can do for your home? Quotes are always free. We offer convenient online scheduling!