Alternatives to air sealing around windows & doors

draperson | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on December 22, 2017 05:58am

Happy Holidays, everyone.

In the new year I’ll be replacing all door and trim. Before installing the new trim, I’d like to air seal around the doors/windows. I’ve read that spray foam works well for this. But I’m wondering if there are alternatives to spray foam for this application. My reasoning is indoor air quality / exposure to chemicals. I don’t have anything to site to show that canned spray foam is bad, but ideally I’d find a non-toxic solution.

Thanks!
Matt

Answer

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Replies

Expert Member

Michael Maines | Dec 22, 2017 10:15pm | #1
Matt, I don't have first hand experience with it but from what I've heard this is a decent alternative to spray foam: http://www.smallplanetsupply.us/hannoband-3e-sealant-tape-64-6-15-23ft-per-roll/. Or if you tape both the interior and exterior so they're airtight, you could stuff mineral wool or other fibrous insulation in the construction gap.
Expert Member

MALCOLM TAYLOR | Dec 22, 2017 10:50pm | #2
Matt,

As Michael said, tape works well - or caulking if the space between the jambs and the rough framing isn't too wide. Either of these provide a very good air-seal. You may want to re-think your use of spray foam and use it to fill the space behind the tape or caulking. With a good air-seal there isn't much chance of any of the chemicals you are worried about off-gassing into the interior.
GBA Editor

Martin Holladay | Dec 23, 2017 05:35am | #3
Matt,
I agree with Michael and Malcolm. (What is this, a convention of people whose names begin with M?)

Another source of supply for high-quality tapes is 475 High-Performance Building Supply.
Expert Member

Michael Maines | Dec 23, 2017 03:00pm | #4
To be clear, the tape I linked to comes compressed and expands to fill the cavity after installation. This is 475's version: https://foursevenfive.com/product/contega-fiden-exo/.
draperson | Dec 23, 2017 03:17pm | #5
thank you everyone! You (and this site) have been unbelievable resources.
Jon_R | Dec 23, 2017 05:21pm | #6
As far as I know, the movement capability of canned spray foam is near zero. So when that 1/16" gap later opens up to 1/8", you have an air leak.