Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating.
If your attic is accessible and you like home improvement projects, you can do-It-yourself; however, D. Silvestri Sons Inc. will use special diagnostic tools to pinpoint and professionally seal the hidden air leaks in your home.
Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel — like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a great impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills. Click on the house diagram to see common air leak locations that may need to be sealed.
After any home sealing project, D. Silvestri Sons, Inc will make sure that your combustion appliances (gas- or oil-fired furnace, water heater, and dryer) are venting properly.
Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several common types of insulation — fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam.
When correctly installed with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year.
Insulation performance is measured by R-value — its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean more insulating power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces, depending on your area of the country. Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. So it is very important that air leaks be sealed before installing insulation to ensure that you get the best performance from the insulation.
D. Silvestri Sons, Inc. knows what level of insulation is best for indoor temperature comfort and most cost-effective for your home.