Many people go into a New Year by setting goals for themselves. The most popular resolutions are typically centered around improving one’s health and finances. To help your building’s occupants achieve their goals in these areas, property owners and facility managers must focus on sealing air leaks – which can improve energy efficiency – and improving indoor air quality (IAQ) to prevent health issues. A sealant contractor can help you achieve both these things by providing window sealing, weatherization, and waterproofing services.
The Concern with Indoor Air Quality
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. The concern here is that comparative risks studies conducted by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently shown that indoor air pollution ranks among the top five environmental risks to public health.
You’d be surprised to learn that various factors can affect indoor air quality and, consequently, an occupant’s comfort and health. These include but are not limited to humidity, temperature, and ventilation. Another issue is excess moisture, especially in areas where dampness is a concern, such as a kitchen and bathrooms and around inadequately sealed windows.
Unfortunately, if left unaddressed, moisture can lead to mold growth. The EPA says that should mold spores land on a damp spot like a moist windowpane; they can grow. From there, it can cause a host of allergic reactions – sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin irritation, especially in people sensitive to allergens. It can also aggravate asthma in people diagnosed with this respiratory disease.
One of the most common ways to mitigate moisture issues is hiring a local sealant contractor to address air leakage by applying high-quality and durable sealant all around the frame of each building’s windows. The contractor will inspect the windows, choose the most compatible products, and remove old materials before providing a clean install of the new sealant.
Additional potential benefits of hiring a sealant contractor to address air leakage include:
- Regulate temperatures
- Control humidity and moisture
- Reduce heating and cooling costs
- Improve the building occupant’s comfort
- Create a healthier indoor environment by improving IAQ
While the EPA encourages natural ventilation to help reduce pollutants indoors, the U.S Department of Energy discourages relying on air leakage. “During cold or windy weather, too much air may enter…,” whereas “not enough air may enter when it’s warmer and less windy. Air leakage also can contribute to moisture problems that affect occupants’ health and the structure’s durability” (Office of Energy Saver).
The best way to combat air leakage, ultimately helping to improve indoor air quality, is to hire a local sealant contractor to apply air sealing techniques and materials to ultimately weatherize the building.
Consult a Local Sealant Contractor Today
With years of experience as a silicone sealant contractor, you can be assured that Royalty Sealants will select the highest quality, most durable products compatible with your commercial or industrial project requirements. We can also help Valley homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes through our waterproofing and weatherization services. For more information about these or other services, or to receive a free estimate, contact us today at (602) 915-5624.
Resources:
“Air Sealing Your Home.” The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Saver.
EPA 402-F-13053. “Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction, and Maintenance.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Indoor Air Quality: What are the trends in indoor air quality and their effects on human health?” The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Mold and Health: How do molds affect people?” The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Why Indoor Air Quality is Important to Schools.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).