Air Barrier Installation in Pittsburgh & Morgantown

What's Included in Air Barrier Installation

• Energy audit and blower door test to identify air leakage points
• Removal of existing siding (when paired with siding replacement)
• Inspection of wall sheathing for damage or gaps
• Installation of continuous air barrier membrane over exterior sheathing
• Sealing of all seams with manufacturer-approved tape
• Detail work around windows, doors, and penetrations
• Coordination with insulation work if applicable
• Post-installation blower door test to verify results

An air barrier is a continuous membrane applied to the exterior sheathing of your home. It stops uncontrolled air movement through wall cavities. Without it, heated air leaks out in winter and hot humid air leaks in during summer. Your furnace and air conditioner work harder than they need to.

We install air barriers from DuPont (Tyvek), Henry, and VaproShield. The membrane wraps the entire house and every seam is taped with the manufacturer's approved tape system. Windows, doors, and penetrations get extra attention because those are the most common leak points.

The difference is noticeable. Homeowners tell us their homes feel warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and quieter year-round. Rooms that used to be drafty or hard to heat become comfortable.

Signs You Need an Air Barrier

• Drafty rooms even when windows and doors are closed
• Cold walls in winter that feel like the outside temperature
• Heating bills that are higher than similar homes in your neighborhood
• Rooms that are always too hot in summer or too cold in winter
• Ice dams forming along the eaves of your roof
• Dust or pollen getting into the house even with windows closed

Western PA and North-Central WV have cold winters. Pittsburgh averages about 28 degrees in January. Morgantown and the mountain communities often drop into the teens and single digits. Without a proper air barrier, your insulation cannot do its job because air flows right through it.

Many homes built before 2000 have no continuous air barrier at all. The builders relied on housewrap or tar paper that was installed with gaps, tears, and unsealed seams. These older installations let a lot of air through the walls.

If your home is uncomfortable despite having insulation, the problem is usually air leakage, not the insulation itself. Sealing the air leaks first is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your home's energy performance.

Our Air Barrier Installation Process

1. Consultation - We visit your home, discuss your comfort issues, and explain how an air barrier works.
2. Energy Audit - We perform a blower door test to measure how much air your home is leaking and identify the worst leak points.
3. Siding Removal - If paired with a siding replacement, the old siding comes off to expose the sheathing.
4. Sheathing Repair - We fix any gaps, cracks, or damage in the wall sheathing before the membrane goes on.
5. Membrane Installation - The air barrier is applied in overlapping courses with all seams taped according to manufacturer specifications.
6. Detail Sealing - Windows, doors, vents, and all penetrations are sealed with compatible flashing and tape.
7. Verification - A post-installation blower door test confirms the improvement in air tightness.

The best time to install an air barrier is during a siding replacement. The sheathing is already exposed so the extra labor and material cost is minimal compared to doing it as a standalone project. We strongly recommend combining the two for maximum value.

For homes where siding replacement is not planned, we can do partial air sealing from inside. This targets the biggest leak points like rim joists, attic access hatches, and electrical penetrations. It is not as comprehensive as a full exterior air barrier but still makes a noticeable difference.

Materials and Warranty Details

We install air barrier systems from DuPont (Tyvek CommercialWrap and HomeWrap), Henry Blueskin VP160, and VaproShield. These are proven products with long track records in our climate. Each manufacturer provides specific installation guidelines and approved tape systems that we follow exactly.

Product warranties vary by manufacturer but typically cover the membrane for 10 to 25 years. Our workmanship warranty covers the installation labor. If a seam or detail we installed fails, we come back and fix it. Proper installation is the most important factor in long-term air barrier performance, and we take it seriously.

Cost Factors for Air Barrier Installation in Western PA and North-Central WV

When paired with a siding replacement, an air barrier adds a modest amount to the total project cost. The sheathing is already exposed, so most of the extra expense is the membrane material and taping labor. The energy savings typically pay back the investment within a few years.

Standalone air barrier projects cost more because the siding must be removed and reinstalled. This is still worthwhile for homes with serious comfort or energy problems, but most homeowners choose to combine the work with a siding upgrade.

Partial interior air sealing is the most affordable option. We target the biggest leak points from inside the home without removing any siding. Call (412) 510-2666 for Pittsburgh or (304) 376-8832 for Morgantown to discuss which approach makes sense for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions — Air Barrier Installation

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