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Indoor Air Quality in Homes

Remodeling Your Home? Have You Considered Indoor Air Quality?

IAQ and Attics

Adding an Addition Converting or remodeling a Basement Remodeling a Bathroom Remodeling a Kitchen Remodeling an Attic Ventilation Converting or remodeling a Basement or crawlspace

Click on the area of the house where you plan to remodel.  Regardless of which room or rooms you will be remodeling, you should review our discussion on "Addressing Indoor Environmental Concerns During Remodeling," specifically our recommendations on good work practices.

Air-sealing and the Thermal Boundary

Good air-sealing where the ceiling meets the attic is important not only to save energy and reduce fuel bills, but also to prevent moisture problems and even help reduce radon entry (as discussed below). Warm air has a tendency to rise, and this can increase pressure on the upper floor of a home. Thus, air leaks here can be especially problematic. In cold climates, for example, the warm, moist air leaving living space can enter the attic where is can condense in the colder attic possibly leading to water damage and mold growth. Frequent air leakage sites in the attic include staircases, the chimney chase, recessed light fixtures, plumbing and electrical penetrations, and some framing details. There are a variety of techniques for, and approaches to, sealing the ceiling of the top floor.

Insulation issues, including how much, where you put it, and it's relation to air and vapor barriers are also concerns for energy-use, comfort, and moisture control. Improper use of insulation can lead not only to energy problems but also to condensation and mold growth.

Attic Conversions

Converting attic space to living space is popular and can be very economical. However, as you bring an attic into your living space, you should use care to ensure the attic is brought all the way into the living space to avoid comfort problems (too hot/too cold) and to prevent other conditions which could impact your health or the structure of your home. These include the air-sealing and insulation issues discussed above, as well as other considerations mentioned below. No-Regrets Remodeling provides a good overview of the issues.

Ventilation

Good ventilation protects both your health and your home. If it will be living space, the attic should be included your home's ventilation strategy. If your home currently has no mechanical ventilation this may be an opportunity to install a system. Read more about ventilation.

Windows

Converting your attic to living space may present a good opportunity to replace old windows with new ENERGY STAR® windows. While costs do not always justify the change from purely an energy savings perspective, there may be other benefits of new windows. More efficient windows may be less prone to condensation and related mold growth. Painted window sashes and frames in homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint; this is a special concern because the friction of opening and closing windows can release lead dust into the home; new windows can solve this problem. Read more on Lead-based paint.

General Recommendations

You should also review the general recommendations for all remodeling and renovation projects.

Asthma Mold Radon Indoor airPLUS Program IAQ Tools for Schools IAQ Design Tools for Schools Smoke-free Homes and Cars IAQ Tribal Partners Program Cookstoves An Introduction to IAQ IAQ and Climate Readiness IAQ in Homes IAQ in Large Buildings IAQ in Schools IAQ Publications CIAQ Air Cleaners Frequent Questions Español Flood Cleanup

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Disclaimer: The information provided in these pages is based upon current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution and other indoor environmental contaminants. Mention of any trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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