Frequently Asked Questions
At what stage of construction is AeroBarrier applied?
AeroBarrier may be applied at any time between after framing inspection is complete and prior to occupancy. Although, the ideal time to apply AeroBarrier is post-drywall. Other factors that effect install are build process and climate zone.
Is it safe to breathe during application?
What is in the stuff being sprayed?
The AeroBarrier sealant is based on a waterborne acrylic that has been used as a fluid-applied permeable air barrier for many years. The sealant is GreenGuard Gold Certified and has been tested according to various ASTM standards and NFPA 285, for fire spread, smoke production, adhesion, antifungal properties, tensile strength, etc.
The sealant is low VOC and has no off-gassing.
How long does it take to apply?
The entire AeroBarrier process, from setup to completion, takes approximately 4 – 6 hours for a typical single-family home. When targeting reduced envelope leakage levels of Passive House or ZERH, additional time may be required.
How much does AeroBarrier cost?
Cost will depend on the construction phase and targeted air tightness levels. Once we have your job specifications (size of home, existing airtightness level, etc), we provide a written quote within 24 hours. Call us at 250-864-8727 or email us at info@okaerobarrier.com to talk about your project.
Isn't it bad to completely seal a house?
All new houses in BC require a ventilation strategy in place to make sure fresh air is brought into the house so this won’t be an issue. In a majority of the cases, a Heat Recovery Ventilator (or HRV) is the mechanical appliance that is installed to exhaust stale air and draw in fresh outdoor air, providing for higher indoor air quality.
What is the lifecycle of the product? How long does the tight seal last?
Third-party lab testing reveals AeroBarrier withstands a simulated 50-year durability test, with little or no seal degradation.
Don't homes need to breathe? Shouldn't we build a leakier house?
We like to ask, how many holes would you like in your home or attic? Well zero holes. But you want your homes to be ventilated. We have great ventilators in homes, windows. If we make the envelope real tight, now you control the source of fresh air with windows, or now with Mechanical Ventilation that’s been required for over a decade in every home. You now know where your fresh air is coming from either your HRV or Windows, and we can keep out pollution, smoke, bugs, odours from outside, and conserve energy.
What sized leaks can be sealed?
AeroBarrier seals holes as large as ½”, and as tiny as a human hair. Aerosol sealing is extremely effective at sealing narrow gaps and extremely small holes that are typically not cost-effective or are missed during manual sealing.
Which surfaces need to be protected?
If AeroBarrier is applied at rough-in or right after drywall is installed, there in very minimal preparation required. Vertical surfaces like walls and windows require no covering. All designed openings, such as ducts, electrical and plumbing, need to be covered prior to sealing. All finished horizontal surfaces need to be covered.
Can the sealing be performed in cold weather?
The AeroBarrier process requires temperature control and pressurizing the areas to be sealed. Ideal conditions are an outdoor temperature of ≥ 5˚C. Sealing can be done below 5˚C but may require additional steps for the preparation.
Is the sealant safe to use inside the home?
Yes, the AeroBarrier sealant is GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning that it is both safe to be used inside a home, and also meets the stricter certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities as well.
How long after the sealing process can work resume in the space?
The area needs to be aired out for 30 minutes after the sealing is complete. This is done by opening doors and windows while running the fan. But work can resume in the space as soon as the sealing equipment is removed and 30 min has passed.
How is air leakage measured?
The AeroBarrier system uses a standard blower door device to measure envelope leakage in real-time during the process. The system tracks air leakage using three different metrics: Normalized Leakage Area (in square inches), Leakage Volume Rate (in cubic ft/min or CFM) and Air Change per Hour at 50 Pascals of pressure (or ACH50).
The blower door device is calibrated to meet ASTM Standard E779, E1554, CGSB-149.10-M86, EN 13829, ATTMA Technical Standard 1, NFPA 2001, RESNET and USACE.
What surfaces need to be protected?
Which cities do you service?
We service Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Merritt.
Contact us at 250-864-8727 or email us at info@okaerobarrier.com for more info.