Question:

we built a ICF home should the electrical outlet boxes be foamed? Is there a way to measure heat loss around door and window opennings? I question if they were done adequately? If the answer is yes, is the corrective measure a big or expensive job?

Answer:

You should not foam inside the electrical boxes as this could cause a malfunction or short or worse. There will always be some heat loss around window and door openings. Todays construction should include expansion foam and insulation around the opening prior to closing/capping the exterior of the window/door as well as caulking and sealing around the interior of the window/door prior to the finished trim or moulding being secured in place. A blower door test will determine if there is air loss in these areas however we do not measure the actual heat loss in these areas. The easiest way for you to identify if you have heat loss here is to hold a match or incense stick close to the areas you suspect during a particularly windy day (winds in excess of 15 km/h). Watch for the smoke movement around the trim/wall areas to see if it moves dramatically or not at all. The easiest solution for you would be to caulk/seal around all interior window and door trim and ensure that the weatherstripping has been installed properly. If not replace the weatherstripping around the doors. Regards, Robert Hill AmeriSpec Inspection Services

Answered By: Robert Hill

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