Can AeroBarrier Be Used in Cold Weather?

AeroBarrier is a revolutionary air sealing strategy to improve a building’s energy efficiency. It works by creating an airtight barrier that prevents heat from escaping through cracks and gaps in the home’s envelope.

The idea is to reduce heating and cooling costs and make the home more comfortable by eliminating drafts.

Innovative Air Sealing

We’ve learned and relied on traditional sealing methods like caulk and weatherstripping to keep homes snug. But these products only address the problem at the surface, and they don’t work well or last long in many cases.

AeroBarrier takes a different approach. It’s a spray-on product that forms a durable, airtight sealant inside your walls. It uses an acrylic resin that expands and contracts with the building, so it can withstand extreme temperatures and won’t shrink or crack over time.

AeroBarrier can be applied to any type of home, including brick, stone, or stucco exteriors. It can also be used in both new construction and retrofit projects, making it the most versatile air sealing solution on the market today.

Quick Turnaround Time

AeroBarrier is quick and easy to apply, so you won’t have to wait weeks or even days for it to dry. The entire process can be completed in a single day in most cases.

The job requires no more than two professionals: one is tasked with applying the product and the other with operating the equipment. The former does the seal preparation and cleanup, while the latter will monitor and operate the computer from which the ideal pressure and temp variables are set. This means that you can start enjoying the benefits of an energy-efficient home almost immediately.

It is important to note that AeroBarrier should not be confused with traditional insulation products like fibreglass or cellulose. Rather, it’s designed to work with these materials to create a complete air sealing solution.

AeroBarrier is also a much cleaner solution than traditional sealing methods. There’s no need for messy caulk or time-consuming taping, and there’s very little cleanup required afterwards.

The only time it becomes a complication is the preparation stage, where all the windows and doors in the home need to be sealed off with plastic sheets. This is necessary to prevent the product from seeping into these areas and causing problems.

The need to come up with the ideal building pressure also means that a blower door test will be required prior to application. But this is a relatively simple and painless process that only takes a few minutes.

Applying AeroBarrier in Cold Weather

One question that often comes up about AeroBarrier is whether it can be applied in cold weather. Ideally, the process needs temperature control for it to be effectively sprayed onto a surface. The way to do this is by pressurizing the building to be sealed. In this sense, the term “ideal” means an outdoor temperature of ≥ 40˚F.

Generally, sealing is still possible even if temperatures outside fall below 40˚F. But for that to work out, the professional installer will have to incorporate additional steps, specifically in prepping the site.

First, there’s a need for an enclosed space where the temperature can be raised to the required level. This step is crucial because the sealant won’t adhere to the surface as intended if the curing process isn’t done right. Remember, it should be ≥ 40˚F for the product to cure properly.

Another thing that needs to be considered is the dew point. If it’s too close to the temperature inside the building, moisture will condense on the surfaces being sealed. That will cause the sealant to fail and won’t produce the desired results.

It’s equally important that the surface to be sealed is warm enough before application. If it’s not, the sealant will have difficulty adhering to the surface and won’t form an effective barrier.

Another factor is the time it’ll take for the sealant to cure. That process can be retarded by low temperatures, so it might take longer than usual for the AeroBarrier to reach its full potential.

Will It Cost More to Install in Cold Weather?

Yes, it’ll cost more to have AeroBarrier installed in cold weather. But the investment is worth it, especially if you want to make your home as energy-efficient as possible.

The installation cost varies, with several things factored in, i.e., the size of the home, the number of stories, the type of exterior, and course, the weather conditions.

Likewise, the targeted airtightness level and construction phase contribute to the cost. For example, it’s more expensive to achieve a higher airtightness level in an existing house than in a new one. So, if you’re looking to retrofit your home, be prepared to spend a little more.

But even with the additional cost, installing AeroBarrier is still more affordable than other air sealing solutions when you look at it in the long run.

The bottom line is this: preparation is key when applying AeroBarrier in cold weather. But with the right precautions in place, the process can be just as effective as in warmer conditions.

Conclusion

AeroBarrier is a powerful air sealing solution that can make homes more comfortable and energy-efficient. And while it’s designed to be used in all types of weather, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning to have it applied in cold weather.

By working with a professional installer and taking the necessary steps to prep the site, you get the guarantee that AeroBarrier is applied correctly and will perform as intended.