Through quality control inspections, energy audits, and by training our peers,
we coach people to understand nature's laws - so everyone can live the lives they want.
      

Most of you know, or know of, Larry Armanda, owner of Therma-View Infrared and Energy Consultants.
Larry is a pioneer in the Weatherization and Home Performance industry, having trained thousands of technicians nationwide and in Puerto Rico.  
His photo appears countless times in the WAP Standardized Curriculum, where he is often shown with a blower door, manometer, and thermal imager. He and I worked together for more than 5 years.  
Larry has been diagnosed  by his oncologist with bile duct cancer. He is home and receiving palliative care. 
I know you would like to join me in sending him cards of gratitude and friendship, supporting the thought that ALL IS WELL IN HIS WORLD. His address is Larry Armanda, 2877 Euclid Ave., South Williamsport, PA 17702.  Thank you


Lead Paint Abatement
BEFORE

Tamasin's house was built in 1954.  The exterior brick was painted with white lead-based paint. Over the last 25 years, the paint has been peeling. It was attractive in a shabby chic way, but was flaking so much that a stiff wind would make flakes airborne. Being a responsible earth tenant, Tamasin decided it was time to have the lead paint abated.  
DURING

It took a year to find, negotiate, and schedule the contractor. The removal process took 6 weeks and cost more than her first job's annual salary!
AFTER
But now, no more worries.  Although the process is loud, the neighbors are owed thank you dinners, and the house looked like a horror movie while the paint was removed, there is peace of mind having it done the right way.
Check out the website for National Lead Paint Removal Rules.
Air Sealing Attached Garages - Challenges
Air sealing existing attached garages from living spaces is difficult. It is easier in new construction.  This is how we interpret the IRC and IECC requirements for drywall use in garages when doing weatherization retrofits:
Dwelling/Garage Separation:  Not less than 5/8" Type X gypsum board or equivalent required to separate all habitable rooms above the garage. Programs require air sealing between garages and living spaces. Programs also require zone pressure tests to be taken between the garage and the living spaces. This is how, aside from visual inspections,contractors identify air leaks. We explain that if the contractor uses foam products (rigid or spray) to air seal the garage from the living space, the foam must be covered by 5/8" drywall (or greater).  In other words, if they are foaming the band joist between floors, or the penetrations between the garage and the house are foamed, or if foam is used to seal ductwork or registers, then the drywall must be applied. And, we believe this drywall is a health and safety product, not an air sealing product in these situations.   
 
We hear of situations where contractors walk from weatherization jobs because they can't get a 100% air seal between the garage and living spaces. In the dozens of conversations we've had with contractors about this topic, Pure Energy encourages contractors to air seal homes just like they would in a home without attached garages (start in the attic, and so on), seal ductwork, and then do a garage zone test to find out if the air sealing they did was successful in separating the garage from the living space. Often it is because houses are systems. If the garage is still not fully air sealed from the living space, we ask them to keep looking for air sealing opportunities.  And, remember that there is a ratio of pressure to leakage.  If the garage is "tight" to the outdoors, even if the zone pressure test doesn't indicate a full air barrier, the remaining air leakage is likely to be small.

We find that some contractors are unfamiliar with ways they can air seal garages from living spaces. Dense packing the band joist/garage ceiling/house wall location has proven to be very successful for air sealing. Also, if ducts run in the garage, air sealing the ductwork often solves the air leakage problem.  If the ducts are in soffited boxes, dense packing the whole box works. Sometimes, air sealing must be done before the zone pressure test between the garage and the attic shows air sealing was successful. We never encourage contractors to walk before they air seal the high priority areas such as attics.
 
We'd love to hear about your success stories air sealing garages from living spaces, as well as what requirements you follow when using foam products in garages. Thank you.
Thanks for reading,

 
A. Tamasin Sterner
President and Chief Coach
In This Issue
RANCH AND RETREAT CENTER FOR SALE
We have been so blessed to develop a beautiful 212 working ranch and retreat center in beautiful rural Montana. 
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TO ENLARGE
The project is complete, and is ready to be joyfully owned and loved by whoever we did all this work for!  It is move in ready for a family or business or cooperative group who want to live in beauty, peace, and health.
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Please visit the VIDEO TOURS and sale details.
Thank you.
Pure Energy Coach LLC | 717-293-8990
10 North Bausman Drive | Lancaster, PA 17603