Methods of Improving Building Performance

  • preparing to inject dense pack cellulose insulation into exterior walls

    Preparing to inject dense pack cellulose insulation into exterior walls.

  • removing an attic floorboard to access the chimney chase

    Removing an attic floorboard to access the chimney chase. This area needs work in most structures.

  • preparing to inject dense pack cellulose insulation into the roof peak

    Preparing to inject dense pack cellulose insulation into the roof peak.

There are a number of ways to improve building performance, and they vary depending on the type of issues discovered during the energy audit and the type of building. In general, building efficiency is a function of maintenance. Buildings deteriorate over time, and maintenance and upkeep are required just to slow the deterioration. Eventually, parts need to be completely replaced according to the lifespan of the material.

How Does this Play Out in Real Life?

You expect to repair or upgrade your roof and your furnace as they age. However, you may not have thought very much about the need for an insulation upgrade, which is a key factor in the security and efficiency of the building envelope.

Moisture, mold, drafts, warm and cold spots are all symptoms of poor building performance—and these are all problems that can be addressed through energy renovations.

Improvements to the Building Envelope

Energy efficient residential buildings are wrapped in a continuous “building envelope” that consists of two interconnected barriers, the air barrier and the thermal barrier:

  • Air Barrier: Seals air leaks that stop air under pressure from pushing through insulation, cracks, and holes in the building; the air barrier addresses convective heat loss
  • Thermal Barrier: Composed of good insulating materials that resist conductive heat loss

Moisture Control

Moisture needs to be controlled at the source.

Earthen or damp basements are the most significant sources of moisture that can cause problems in Vermont residential buildings. Bathroom moisture control may be managed with a simple sheet of polyethylene plastic; however, very wet basements may require more significant investment prior to tightening the structure.

Controlling moisture from bathrooms, showers, kitchens and garages is critical for good indoor air quality.

Managed Ventilation

Moisture, chemicals, and combustion gases can create health problems in any residential building, but relatively tight structures are at greatest risk. Preventing these problems at the source and maintaining adequate fresh air through mechanical ventilation is critical to healthy, safe, and properly functioning buildings.

A comprehensive improvement project involves air sealing, insulation, heating system improvements and tune-ups, moisture control, and managed ventilation.

Services to Improve Building Performance

We offer the full scope of services to help improve building performance, lower heating costs, and increase the comfort of interior spaces.

  • Energy Audits: We conduct a series of building diagnostic tests that help us understand the best ways to improve performance and make your house more comfortable.
  • Energy Renovations Services: After an energy audit, we can complete the contracting services that will make your residential building more efficient. Our contractors are qualified and certified, with experience in hundreds of Vermont residential buildings. We provide all materials and equipment, and usually we finish a job in 2-3 days.
  • Free Weatherization Services: For qualifying Vermonters, this often includes an energy audit, free lighting and appliance upgrades, and limited energy renovation services