The Challenge

Built in 1842, this Connecticut farmhouse had a charming sense of history and a desperate need for weatherization. A wood cladding exterior and complete lack of insulation or weather-resistive barrier had been costing the previous owners $5,200 a year in utilities. When it was time for renovation, the new owners wanted to preserve the home’s charm but upgrade its energy efficiency.

The Solution

According to Jarett Kravits of Advantage Contracting, “We needed to meet Connecticut’s blower door test requirements, and we knew the best way to do it would be with a self-adhesive air barrier and a full complement of weatherization components.” Advantage Contracting chose Henry® Blueskin® VP100 as the primary system component. They also used Henry window flashing and sealant and installed Blueskin® RF200 Ice and Water Shield on the roof. These components created a complete system providing comprehensive weather protection along with an unmatched warranty. Kravits adds that “our Henry rep gave us on-site training to help us make sure that all the details were completed properly.”

The Results

Advantage Contracting maintained the home’s details and oldworld charm while dramatically improving its energy efficiency – Kravits and his team outperformed and achieved 1.1 air changes per hour (ACH), beating the required goal of 3 ACHs or less. The homeowners are pleased on both counts, as they are now enjoying a beautifully restored home and an annual energy bill of less than $1400 — a reduction of nearly 75%!