Common Building Flaws
HEC Technologies has indentified typical design flaws resulting in energy related problems:
- Leakage at rim joist, mud sill and sole plates
- Cold rooms over garages caused by:
- Air flow through floor insulation
- Unsheathed knees walls (wind washing)
- Long duct runs through unconditioned space
- Ductwork in outside walls and sloped ceiling
- Access panels leading to unconditioned space behind knee wall
- Air leakage through brick cantilevers & cantilevered floors assemblies
- Improper fire stopping and insulation of fireplace chases
- Incomplete air barrier behind shower/tub surrounds and whirlpools
- Interior soffits tied to attics
- Heated floors connected to cold attics
- Lack of fire blocking at changes in ceiling height
- Leakage at can lights
- Air leakage and water intrusion at windows.
- Poorly sealed flu chases and plumbing chases.
- Penetration in ceiling (disappearing stairwells and whole hose fans)
- Ductwork and furnaces in attic
- Main trunk lines located near ridge with long supply drops.
- Hi-lo make-up air in furnace rooms
- Use of humidifier in structures that already have excessive moisture levels
- Lack of provisions for mechanical ventilation systems
- Use of vapor retarders designed to keep moisture out that actually prevent drying.