Skip to content

Columbia, MD Home Comfort Transformation: Attic Insulation & Air Sealing

Project Snapshots:

Client Feedback

“Brian Leonard provided outstanding service, highly recommended.”

– Deepal Gamage Homeowner in Columbia, MD | Project: Attic Air Sealing & Insulation

5-star Google review from Deepal Gamage for Leonard Home Performance attic insulation services in Columbia MD
5-star Google review from Deepal Gamage for Leonard Home Performance attic insulation services in Columbia MD

Background

The Challenge This Columbia homeowner faced two major issues that are common in our area:

  • Safety Concerns: A tree had damaged the roof years prior, leading to potential mold growth in the old insulation.

  • Comfort Issues: The home suffered from significant temperature differences—freezing downstairs while the upstairs was too hot.

The Solution We started with a comprehensive BPI-Certified Energy Audit to identify the root causes and build a roadmap for the repairs.

The Plan: Our diagnostic testing revealed exactly what needed to be done:

  1. Remove & Sanitize: Safely extract all old, potentially moldy insulation.

  2. Air Seal: Seal gaps in the attic floor to stop conditioned air from leaking out.

  3. Upgrade Insulation: Install high-performance Cellulose Insulation (R-60) for maximum thermal protection.

The Financial Win: By following our audit recommendations, the customer qualified for over $1,800 in BGE rebates, significantly offsetting the cost of the project.

Existing and insufficient insulation in Columbia, MD
Existing and insufficient insulation in Columbia, MD
Before and After Top Plate Air Sealing
Before and After Top Plate Air Sealing

Step 1: Sanitation & Air Sealing

First, we removed the old insulation and sanitized the attic deck to eliminate any mold risks. Once the attic was clear, we used spray foam to seal the critical air leaks that most builders miss:

  • Top Plates: The gaps where walls meet the attic floor.

  • Plumbing Penetrations: Holes cut for pipes and wires.

  • Bath Fans: Gaps around exhaust fan housings.

The Result: This process tightens the home’s “envelope,” stopping drafts at the source and keeping conditioned air exactly where it belongs—inside your living space

Step 2: Ventilation & Moisture Control

Proper airflow is critical for a healthy home. We installed baffles at the soffits to ensure fresh air circulates under the roof deck.

The Hidden Danger Found: During our inspection, we discovered the second-floor bathroom fans were venting directly into the attic. This dumps warm, moist air into a cool space—a perfect recipe for mold and roof rot.

The Fix: We rerouted these fans to vent directly outside through the attic wall, ensuring moisture is safely removed from the home.

Bathroom exhaust fans venting to the outside through the attic wall.
Bathroom exhaust fans venting to the outside through the attic wall.
Columbia, MD attic insulated to R60 using cellulose.
Columbia, MD attic insulated to R60 using cellulose.

Step 3: R-60 Cellulose Insulation

 Finally, we installed blown-in cellulose insulation to a depth of R-60. Unlike fiberglass batts, cellulose fills every nook and cranny, creating a thick thermal blanket that slows down heat transfer year-round.

Proof of Performance: We don’t just guess; we test. A final Blower Door Test confirmed a 23.5% reduction in air leakage compared to the home’s pre-work condition. This massive improvement means fewer drafts, lower bills, and a more consistent temperature on every floor.

Project Summary By utilizing the Home Performance with Energy Star program, this Columbia homeowner didn’t just fix a drafty house—they invested in a healthier, more efficient future.

Best of all, they secured over $1,800 in rebates to offset the cost.

Ready to fix your cold rooms and high bills? Click below to schedule your audit or call us at 443-690-8233.

Schedule An Energy Audit