Commercial Insulation & Air Barrier Repair
One of the most effective ways to ensure your facility is efficiently cooling and heating is to install commercial-grade air barriers. An effective air barrier prevents air and vapor from leaking uncontrolled in and out of your building, improving energy efficiency as well as the comfort of employees and tenants.
The Cornerstone Restoration team is well-equipped to assess your building’s envelope needs and provide air barrier repair and installation services that adhere to industry best practices. There are a variety of products out there, trust in a team of experts to provide the right solution for you.
Benefits of Commercial Air Barriers
Improved Energy Efficiency
Commercial buildings (retail, offices, and apartment complexes) with an effective air barrier system save an average of 32% on HVAC cooling & heating costs according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. When the average commercial building’s energy costs are roughly $17,000 a year – more for those in the midwest that experience dramatic warm and cool months – you’re looking at substantial energy efficiency improvements with an investment in your building’s air barrier.
Waterproof Sealing
A properly installed air barrier can prevent the unwanted movement of water into your building, effectively sealing your building off from humidity that causes damages ranging from mold and mildew to corroded structures and rust.
Cost-Effective Insulation Option
Traditional insulation may not be enough for your facility’s climate conditions. Commercial air barriers are a single-source option for sealing and protecting your building from external environments while also maintaining consistent internal conditions all year round.
A Team You Can Trust
At Cornerstone Restoration, we understand the importance of longevity in commercial buildings, which is why we value providing quality repair and new installation services that not only fix the immediate need but also improve the quality of your building long-term. We assess your building’s air barrier system to identify all causes of failures to draft repair or replacement solutions designed specifically for your building’s needs.
Our experienced staff understands the environmental factors that affect the integrity of commercial or industrial structures throughout Milwaukee and Madison, and can provide turnkey solutions on site at competitive per-foot-pricing.
Peel-and-Stick vs Continuous Fluid Spray
Building construction, climate conditions, and other environmental factors will determine what air barrier solution is right for your structure. We have experience with commercial-grade air barrier systems that are popular in the midwest due to fluctuating climate conditions along the lakefront and inland, including:
- Continuous fluid sprayed air barriers – ideal for walls constructed out of permeable materials like concrete masonry units (CMUs), these fluid-applied air barriers are most commonly installed in buildings’ sheathing to provide an airtight seal.
- Peel-and-stick air barriers – these self-adhering air barriers are impermeable to moisture vapor and are generally installed around window & door perimeters. However, they are also utilized for whole buildings given the right conditions.
Air Barrier Maintenance & Repair
Cracks, gaps, and holes in your air barrier system will cause energy loss, along with the build-up of mold and mildew. Routine maintenance of caulk and sealants in your building can prevent minor cracks in the concrete exterior facing walls and structures from turning into serious damages to air barrier systems that come with costly repairs.
Signs Your Building’s Air Barrier or Insulation Needs Repair
Mold or Mildew Buildup
Cracks and gaps in air barrier systems cause the movement of water into your building which can present as mild cases of humidity in the summer that turn into large deposits of mold and mildew in hidden spaces.
Drafts or Cold Floors
Similar to feeling a draft from an open window, gaps in your building’s envelope will allow external air into your facility presenting as drafty rooms or cold warehouse floors.
Increased Energy Costs
Conditioned air is escaping through gaps, cracks, or holes in your building’s exterior walls causing your HVAC to work overtime to compensate for the loss and you to pay the higher costs.
Free Commercial Repair Estimates
We’re committed to providing turnkey repair services for commercial buildings throughout the Midwest. So, whether your building is currently experiencing any failures mentioned above or you’re concerned that the integrity of your building’s air barrier will be at risk, give our team a call. We’ll send out a specialist to review all common areas of failures and assess damages (like cracks, or gaps) to provide a solution that’s right for you.