Keeping the Colorado Climate at Bay With Proper Insulation and Air Sealing

Air Sealing and Insulation: Creating Comfortable and Energy-Efficient Homes in Colorado

Colorado’s climate can be beautiful and challenging, with hot summers and cold winters. However proper insulation and air-sealing will increase year-round comfort and reduce energy consumption.

Let’s explore the importance of these practices in Colorado’s challenging climate. Understanding the benefits of insulation and air sealing will help Denver and Fort Collins homeowners create energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable living spaces.

Energy Efficiency: Lowering Costs and Environmental Impact

Any Colorado resident knows temperatures fluctuate drastically, so maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can be challenging. But, proper insulation and air sealing can significantly impact energy efficiency.

As a homeowner, you can lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the heating and cooling required to maintain a consistent temperature.

But shopping for insulation can be challenging with so many options like fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. The key is maximizing your R-value. If you are insulating wall cavities with a defined depth, you want to look for insulation that has a high R-value per inch. If you are insulating an attic, you probably have enough room to maximize the R-value by simply adding more insulation (if the chosen insulation has a lower R-value per inch, you can simply add more.)

And, air sealing complements insulation by preventing leaks that can undermine its effectiveness. The insulation material itself has very little, if any, R-value. The insulative value comes from the insulation material trapping air between its fibers. Conductive heat has a difficult time moving through air. If air is allowed to move through the insulation, its effectiveness can be greatly reduced, maybe even over 50%. R-39 attic insulation can perform like R-19 when you have air moving through it.

For this reason, it is always very important to seal up any air leaks before adding insulation. Otherwise, you are wasting money on adding ineffective insulation.

The most common spots for air leaks are windows, doors, electrical outlets, and gaps around pipes and wires. By sealing these gaps, homeowners can prevent drafts, increase energy efficiency, and improve overall comfort.

Aeroseal Envelope

Innovative solutions like Aeroseal Envelope (formerly known as AeroBarrier) offer a revolutionary approach to air sealing. Aeroseal technology uses a water-based acrylic sealant that is pressurized and distributed throughout the building, effectively sealing even the tiniest leaks.

This process provides measurable results, ensures compliance with energy efficiency standards, and saves time and money on retesting and rework.

How to Air Seal and Insulate Colorado Homes

Air Sealing and Insulation for Comfort: Eliminating Drafts and Temperature Variations

Proper insulation and air sealing contribute to energy efficiency and enhance comfort in your home by reducing drafts and temperature variations.

And with Colorado’s sometimes bitterly cold winters and hot summers, insulation and air sealing are crucial to maintaining comfortable temperatures year-round.

By sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas, homeowners can eliminate unwanted airflow and ensure a more comfortable living space.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Health and Well-being

The good news! When you combine air sealing with a proper ventilation strategy, indoor air dramatically improves, and there is less risk of health problems associated with poor indoor air quality.

In Denver and Fort Collins, as well as other Colorado cities, proper insulation and air sealing offer numerous benefits, including a significant improvement in indoor air quality.

In homes with poor insulation and air leaks, outdoor pollutants, allergens, and contaminants can easily infiltrate, compromising the air quality and potentially impacting the health of occupants.

Fortunately, by properly insulating and sealing the home, homeowners can minimize the infiltration of these harmful substances and achieve a noticeable enhancement of indoor air quality.

And, it’s important to implement effective ventilation strategies to remove stagnant indoor air while facilitating the entry of fresh outdoor air for a healthier living environment.

By combining proper insulation, air sealing, and ventilation systems, homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and beyond can ensure optimal indoor air quality, even in Colorado’s challenging climate.

An excellent solution that improves air sealing and indoor air quality is Aeroseal Envelope. This innovative product not only seals leaks to prevent the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, allergens, and dust but also actively promotes a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

Air Seal and Insulate Colorado Homes for Durability: Protecting Your Home from Moisture and Damage

How to Air Seal and Insulate Colorado Homes

If you get your insulation and air sealing right, they impact energy efficiency and comfort AND contribute to a home’s durability. Colorado’s well-known temperature fluctuations and winter moisture can pose significant challenges to a home’s structural integrity.

Meaning when a home is not adequately insulated or has air leaks, moisture can enter through these gaps and cause damage over time. Not good! 

Moisture can lead to mold growth and compromised structural integrity. Air leakage in cold weather can lead to ice damming. By properly insulating and air sealing the home, homeowners can safeguard their investment.

Are you a Colorado homeowner? If so, consider its challenges, including snowfall, high-altitude conditions, and temperature differentials.

Working with experienced professionals who understand the local climate can help ensure the insulation and air sealing strategies address these unique challenges and maximize durability.

Building Codes: Complying with Energy Efficiency Standards

Colorado has adopted building codes that require proper insulation and air sealing in new construction and major renovations. These codes help ensure that homes are built to high standards of energy efficiency and comfort. Because Colorado is a home-rule state, you will need to check with your local building department.

However, it is important for homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and other Colorado cities to be aware of these building codes and work with contractors who understand and comply with them.

By adhering to these standards, homeowners can be confident that their homes meet energy-efficient standards.

Not to mention that these codes contribute to a home’s value! Energy-efficient homes are in high demand, and compliance with building codes can enhance marketability and attract buyers.

Creating Sustainable and Comfortable Homes in Colorado

Proper insulation and air sealing are essential for Colorado homeowners.

By investing in high-quality insulation, sealing air leaks, and complying with building codes, homeowners can create energy-efficient, comfortable, and durable homes.

These improvements translate to lower energy bills, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact. It is widely considered by green builders as the most important improvements you can make to a home.

Want optimal results? Work with experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of Colorado’s climate.

And enjoy the benefits of a well-insulated and airtight Colorado home, reducing energy consumption, increasing comfort, and contributing to a greener future.

Need Help with Insulation and Air Sealing?

For more information and guidance on creating energy-efficient homes in Colorado, contact Green Insight today.

Together, we can create a sustainable and comfortable future for homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and beyond!

5 Techniques for Achieving Green Building Success in Colorado

Green building practices have gained significant popularity in cities like Denver and Fort Collins, contributing to the overall green building success in Colorado.

However, implementing these practices can be challenging for builders. In this article, we will explore five techniques that Colorado builders can utilize to achieve green building success in their new construction projects.

Colorado is Building Green

As the demand for sustainable buildings increases, Colorado builders need to adopt green building practices. However, implementing these practices can be challenging.

These practices not only reduce the environmental impact of new construction but also offer long-term economic benefits. By incorporating energy-efficient systems, optimizing the building envelope, using sustainable materials, promoting water conservation, and exploring green building certifications, builders can achieve green building success.

So without delay, here are your five tips for building green in Colorado.

1. Want Green Building Success in Colorado: Start by Optimizing the Building Envelope

With new construction, one of the most critical aspects of building performance is proper insulation and air sealing. These elements are not only low-cost but also exceptionally durable, making them attractive to builders.

By optimizing the building envelope, heating and cooling loads can be significantly reduced, which often leads to the use of smaller, more affordable HVAC equipment. Plus, a well-sealed building combined with the appropriate ventilation strategy results in better indoor air quality for all occupants. All good!

The building envelope comprises various components, such as exterior walls, the roof, windows, and doors. Proper insulation and air sealing are crucial as they enhance building performance, reduce heating and cooling loads, and improve indoor air quality.

To achieve air sealing excellence, builders can utilize innovative solutions offered by Aeroseal Envelope (formerly known as AeroBarrier). With the employment of a water-based, pressurized acrylic sealant, even the tiniest leaks can be sealed, ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards and saving time and money on retesting and rework. Aeroseal Envelope supplies measurable results, all while helping builders maintain optimal building performance.

2. Incorporate Energy-Efficient Systems

Incorporating energy-efficient systems is another way to achieve green building success. Builders can focus on implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting systems, and appliances to reduce energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.

Bonus: Using advanced technologies such as smart thermostats, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances can significantly contribute to energy savings and lower operating costs for the building.

3. Use Sustainable Materials

Denver and Fort Collins builders should prioritize the use of sustainable materials in their new construction projects. Incorporating recycled content materials and locally sourced materials helps reduce the environmental impact of the building.

There’s a long list of sustainable materials – here are a few: Salvage materials, precast concrete, and recycled steel are examples of sustainable building materials. These materials contribute to environmental preservation AND enhance the overall quality and durability of the building.

4. Promote Water Conservation for Green Building Success in Colorado

Water conservation plays a vital role in green building practices. Builders can promote water conservation by using low-flow fixtures and incorporating water-saving landscaping practices, things that will also save more energy for water heating!

What else? Installing water-efficient faucets, toilets, and appliances can significantly reduce water consumption and protect our water resources in Colorado. And, capturing and using rainwater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation, can further enhance your water conservation efforts.

5. Explore Options for Green Building Certifications

Builders can seek green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Energy Star, to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable building practices. These certifications provide recognition for environmentally responsible construction and can enhance the marketability and value of the building.

Working with experienced green building consultants can help navigate the certification process and identify additional incentives available for green building projects.

5 Tips for Building Green in Colorado. (Are you ready?)

Are you a builder working in Denver, Fort Collins, or another Colorado city?

By implementing these five techniques, you can achieve green building success while enjoying the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable construction.

  1. Optimizing the building envelope
  2. Incorporating energy-efficient systems
  3. Using sustainable materials
  4. Promoting water conservation
  5. And exploring green building certifications

All five are key steps to create environmentally responsible buildings and achieve green building success.

Need Help With Your New Construction Project?

For expert guidance and assistance in achieving green building success, contact our Fort Collins office today and start your journey towards green building success.

Green Building Excellence in Fort Collins, CO: LEED Gold Certified Project

The city of Fort Collins is often recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative cities in everything from technology to target industries. One of the areas of innovation where Fort Collins is most committed is in green building and residential code compliance.

When it comes to green building in Fort Collins, the city is focused on designing and constructing buildings that have an eye on modern needs while keeping an eye on the future by reducing the environmental impact that every aspect of a building will have. According to the city of Fort Collins, “A well-designed building should create a healthy, productive environment for its occupants while lessening the demand for energy and resources.”

Fort Collins builders take their commitment to the environment seriously, and so do we. In this article, we will discuss a recent project we were involved in that created townhomes that were good for residents and good for the environment: Townhomes on Vine.

Project Details (successful green building in Fort Collins)

The Townhomes on Vine project consisted of building 49 market-rate townhomes that would provide all the modern amenities homeowners are looking for while still maintaining a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of building them.

These townhomes were the first of two phases of development for this property by developer Old Town Construction, Inc. The second phase will consist of detached single-family homes.

Green Insight worked with developers to make this project LEED® for Homes Gold. Our involvement included:

  • LEED for Homes credit verification
  • Testing during construction and QAD review
  • Energy efficiency recommendations
  • Building material assessments
  • Review of construction documents
  • Specifications and review of project submittals

By partnering with us, Old Town Construction, Inc. had assistance every step of the way to ensure their project qualified for LEED for Homes Gold.

Project Challenges

As with any Colorado construction project, there are challenges that need to be addressed along the way. Successful green building in Fort Collins is certainly not the exception.

For this project, one of our challenges (and a challenge we encounter in most developers’ and/or contractors’ first certification) is general unfamiliarity with the program requirements to become LEED for Homes certified.

One thing in this developer’s favor was that Fort Collins residential codes are so strict that following them gets a project pretty close to LEED for Homes Silver level certification on their own. For this project, a few modifications were made to help meet the LEED prerequisites at a low additional cost.

The learning curve when it comes to requirements is a common challenge with green building projects like this. This is especially true if the developer doesn’t provide product submittals or schedule extra inspections with a partner well-versed in LEED prerequisites.

Project Solutions

It took some initial inspections for all stakeholders to be comfortable with the LEED requirements, but our field staff was able to coach the developer through all of them. By the end of the construction, the LEED requirements were just part of regular procedures.

The developer’s team was also onboarded on the use of Green Insight’s online platform Project Insight™, an invaluable tool when it comes to documenting compliance with all the LEED prerequisites and credits.

With these regular inspections and use of Project Insight, the Townhomes on Vine project reached its goal of becoming LEED for Homes Gold Certified and all townhomes have already been pre-sold.

With the successful completion of Phase 1, we anticipate Phase 2 to be even more streamlined and successful.

The Finished Product

The Townhomes on Vine are not the drafty, energy-wasting townhomes that have been on the market for decades. These townhomes have an ENERGY STAR rating of over 80 and HERS scores in the low 50s. What do these scores mean, exactly? These townhomes are quite a bit more energy efficient than the average resale home on the market – they have an average annual utility savings of around $900 per townhome compared to the average home in the U.S.

How was this accomplished? For starters, the insulation and construction techniques used in these townhomes were vastly improved from techniques used only a decade ago. These techniques and their results not only create a more environmentally friendly construction process, but also save the homeowner money in the long run.

By being LEED Gold Certified, these townhomes not only boast the best in modern construction techniques, but the use of tankless hot water heaters, energy-efficient furnaces, and LED lighting just confirms our commitment to building modern homes with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact for the long run.

Partner with Green Insight for successful green building in Fort Collins, CO!

If you’re a developer or contractor, you have enough on your plate logistically without adding the robust requirements needed to earn any green building certification. Partnering with Green Insight gives you the know-how when it comes to codes in Fort Collins and beyond.

Green Insight can also help you develop practices that embed practices that will make the entire certification process streamlined.

If you’re ready to talk to one of our team about how we can help you build green, contact us today to discuss your project and your goals.