Devils Lake winners
Christen and Sandra Svedberg
| Attic bypass A combination of insulation and weather-stripping seal this plumbing chase to keep heated air from conditioned spaces in the home from leaking into the unconditioned attic space. |
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| Attic ventilation Proper attic ventilation will expel excess heat in the summer and moisture in the winter. Lack of ventilation can cause condensation and frost problems that can damage the home's structural framing. |
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| New windows Blower door tests in the home found excessive air infiltration, which Vinylite window replacements help reduce. |
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| Rim joist area Tests revealed air leaks through the rim joist area, where the home attaches to the basement foundation. New rigid insulation and urethane foam hold heat in and prevent cold air from leaking into the basement. |
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| Exterior foundation Insulating the foundation with two-inch rigid foam increased the R-value* to 12. An exposed concrete foundation has an R-value of about 2, which is similar to that of an average-quality window. |
 * R-value is resistance to heat transfer. Heat naturally transfers from a warmer area to a colder area. Conductors easily let heat through; insulators hold heat in. Insulation with higher R-value has a higher resistance to heat transfer. |
| Chimney bypass An old chimney cleanout door was a source for a major air leak that drafted warm, heated air out of the home. Contractors sealed the leak with clear silicone to eliminate this problem. |
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| Basement windows Blower door tests in the Trottier home found excessive air infiltration, which Vinylite window replacements in the basement help reduce. |
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