Ellicott City, MD Home Comfort Transformation: Attic Insulation & Air Sealing
Project Snapshots:
- Location: Ellicott City, MD (Howard County)
- Core Issues: High bills and uncomfortable back second floor bedrooms
- Services: Attic Air Sealing, Attic Insulation, Knee Wall Treatment, Basement Wall Insulation and Rim Joist Insulation
- Result: 15% air leakage reduction
- Rebate Secured: $1,600 in rebates from BGE
Background
The Challenge This Ellicott City homeowner faced two major issues that are common in our area:
Financial Concerns: Winter bills were seemingly increasing every year and the customer wanted to stop it.
Comfort Issues: The back second floor bedrooms where the children sleep are much colder than the rest of the home.
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:
Air Seal: Seal gaps at the attic floor to stop conditioned air from leaking out.
Upgrade Insulation: Install high-performance Cellulose Insulation (R-49 and R-38) for maximum thermal protection.
The Financial Win: By following our audit recommendations, the customer qualified for over $1,600 in BGE rebates, significantly offsetting the cost of the project.
Step 1: Air Sealing
First, we used spray foam to seal the critical air leaks that create cold, uncomftable drafts:
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: Knee Wall Treatment
A knee wall is an interior wall that faces the attic on the other side. If the wall isn’t properly sealed, your conditioned air leaks right through the outlets and framing, while heat radiates into your bedroom in the summer. It’s like leaving a window cracked open year-round.
The Hidden Danger Found: If the wall isn’t properly sealed, your conditioned air leaks right through the outlets and framing, while heat radiates out of your bedroom in the winter. It’s like leaving a window cracked open year-round.
The Fix:
Air Sealing: We use spray foam or rigid foam board to seal the framing, stopping drafts dead in their tracks.
Insulation Upgrade: We install batted insulation that is secured properly to stop heat transfer.
Air Barrier: We install a tarp that goes across the insulation to stop air from flowing through it. This ensures the insulation acts as effectively as its supposed to.
Step 3: Basement Wall Insulation
Not only is the attic critical for air sealing and insulation but so is the basement.
Comfort Concern: The homeowner complained that the front entrance was noticeably cold. After further inspection the foundation wall and rim joist were not properly sealed or insulated. This allowed heat to constantly escape.
The Fix: A fiberglass wall jacket was installed across the foundation wall and the rim joist was sealed using spray foam and insulated to R19.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: R-49 Cellulose Insulation
Finally, we installed blown-in cellulose insulation to a depth of R-49. 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 15.0% 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 Ellicott City homeowner didn’t just fix a drafty house—they invested in a healthier, more efficient future.
Best of all, they secured over $1,600 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.