Project Overview

Our team at Zavza Seal completed a full air sealing and insulation improvement project for a residential home in Jamaica, NY. The goal was to stop drafts, reduce energy loss, and improve indoor comfort throughout the house.

The Problem

The homeowner was facing multiple issues that were affecting comfort and energy bills.

There were noticeable drafts coming from windows and exterior doors. The house had 20 windows on the first and second floors, 1 window in the attic, 5 windows in the basement, and 2 exterior doors. Air leakage from these areas was causing heat loss in winter and making it harder to keep the home cool in summer.

There were also small gaps around plumbing lines, vents, and other openings. These gaps allowed outside air, moisture, and even noise to enter the home.

Because of these problems, the home felt uncomfortable, energy bills were higher than expected, and outside noise was clearly noticeable inside.

The Solution

Our team designed a complete air sealing plan to fix all problem areas and improve the home’s overall energy performance.

1. Sealing Windows and Exterior Doors

We carefully sealed all windows and exterior doors across the entire house. This included:

• 20 windows on the main floors
• 1 attic window
• 5 basement windows
• 2 exterior doors

Our goal was to fully block drafts and stop energy loss. After sealing, the airflow was controlled and indoor temperatures became more stable.

2. Sealing Plumbing, Vents, and Hidden Gaps

Next, we sealed all visible and hidden gaps around:

• Plumbing lines
• Vent openings
• Utility penetrations

This step is very important because even small gaps can lead to major energy loss over time. By closing these openings, we reduced air leakage and improved overall insulation performance.

3. Optional Exterior Wall Insulation Upgrade

As an optional upgrade, we offered full exterior wall insulation for the entire house, including the basement area, covering approximately 2,300 square feet.

This process included:

• Removing sections of siding where needed
• Creating access points in the wall structure
• Blowing in dense packed cellulose insulation
• Achieving an R-value of 21 for better thermal performance
• Sealing and patching all access points
• Reinstalling the siding for a clean finish

The Materials We Used

We used environmentally friendly insulation that is designed for long-term performance and safety.

• Fire resistant with a Class 1 fire rating
• Strong sound absorption to reduce outside noise
• Water and moisture resistant
• Helps improve indoor air quality
• Gold Certified for healthier living environments

This type of insulation not only improves comfort but also supports better energy efficiency and a healthier home.

The Results

After completing the project, the homeowner noticed immediate improvements.

• No more drafts from windows and doors
• Better temperature control throughout the home
• Reduced outside noise
• Lower energy usage over time
• Improved indoor comfort in every room

The home is now more energy efficient, quieter, and much more comfortable to live in.

Why This Project Matters

Air sealing and insulation are some of the most effective ways to improve a home’s performance. Even small gaps can lead to large energy losses. Fixing these issues helps homeowners save money and enjoy a better living space.

Zavza Seal specializes in air sealing and insulation services across New York. If your home feels drafty or your energy bills are too high, we can help you fix the problem the right way.