The Future of Home Sealing: What It Means to 'Seal It' in 2024

Have you ever walked from one room to another in your Maine home and wondered why one room feels like a cozy blanket while the other feels like you've stepped into a freezer? That's a classic sign of an unsealed home. It's not just about the chill; it's about the comfort of your entire space being even and predictable. Figuring out if your home is sealed properly is about knowing what to look for and where to look.

Key Areas to Seal with Spray Foam Insulation: A Comprehensive Guide


1. Doors and Windows: The Frontline Defense

Doors and windows, while essential for ventilation and natural light, are also prime areas for energy loss in any home. Traditional weather stripping can wear out, and gaps can develop over time, particularly in older homes. Spray foam insulation offers a durable solution by expanding to fill cracks and crevices around these openings, creating an airtight seal that prevents air leakage, enhances energy efficiency, and reduces heating costs.


2. Wire Penetrations and Plumbing: Precision Sealing

The numerous small openings around wires and plumbing fixtures might seem insignificant but are crucial points for air leakage. Spray foam insulation is particularly suited for these areas because of its ability to expand and fill even the tiniest gaps. This ensures a comprehensive seal that blocks cold air from entering and warm air from escaping, addressing these overlooked details with precision and effectiveness.


3. Chimneys and Exterior Walls: Structural Integrity

Chimneys and exterior walls can present significant challenges for maintaining a warm and sealed home environment. Spray foam insulation not only seals gaps and cracks in these large areas but also adds structural integrity. For chimneys, especially, applying spray foam insulation around the base where it meets the roof can prevent warm air from escaping and stop drafts from entering. On exterior walls, spray foam can fill in the porous spaces in the masonry or between siding and the wall structure, blocking cold air penetration and improving thermal retention.


4. Electrical Outlets and Switches: The Unseen Leaks

Electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls are often ignored sources of heat loss. Spray foam insulation can be carefully applied around these fixtures to fill the spaces between the wall and the outlet boxes, effectively stopping cold drafts. This application is especially beneficial in preventing the unseen leaks that contribute to a cooler home environment, ensuring that warmth stays inside where it belongs.


5. Attics, Basements, Box Sills, and Rim Joists: Comprehensive Coverage

Attics and basements, along with box sills and rim joists, represent critical areas for heat retention and moisture control. Spray foam insulation provides a superior solution for these spaces by offering comprehensive coverage. In attics, it can be applied directly to the underside of the roof and floor to seal off air leaks and prevent heat from escaping. In basements, box sills, and rim joists, spray foam not only insulates but also creates a moisture barrier, protecting against dampness and mold, which traditional insulation methods cannot offer.


Spray foam insulation stands out as the most effective way to seal and insulate your home, addressing all the critical areas where heat loss occurs. By choosing spray foam, you're not just insulating; you're investing in an energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthier home environment. Ready to enhance your home with spray foam insulation? Contact us today for a consultation and see how you can benefit from this superior insulation solution.

Uncovering Hidden Leaks: Advanced Detection Techniques


In the quest for a fully sealed and efficient home, the combination of thermal imaging cameras and blower door tests stands as a formidable duo for identifying leaks that are invisible to the naked eye. Let’s dive deeper into how these tools work together to pinpoint the areas in your home that are most in need of spray foam insulation.


Thermal Imaging Cameras: Visualizing the Invisible


Thermal imaging cameras operate by detecting the temperature differences around your home, translating them into visual data. This technology allows you to "see" the cold spots - areas where cold air is infiltrating your home and warm air is escaping. During the inspection, these cameras highlight the problematic areas in distinct colors, with cooler areas typically shown in blue and warmer areas in red. This color-coded visual guide is invaluable in understanding how well your home is insulated and where improvements are necessary. It's especially effective around known problem areas such as windows, doors, and other notorious leak spots, providing a clear picture of where your home is losing energy.


Blower Door Tests: Creating a Controlled Environment


A blower door test takes the process of identifying leaks one step further by creating a controlled environment to enhance the accuracy of thermal imaging. This test involves fitting a powerful fan into the frame of an exterior door. Once activated, the fan pulls air out of your home, lowering the indoor air pressure. As a result, higher pressure air from outside rushes in through all unsealed cracks and openings.


Setting up a blower door test requires the home to be prepared adequately. All windows and doors must be closed, and any heating or cooling systems turned off to ensure accurate results. The setup includes sealing the fan into an exterior door frame using adjustable frames and tightly fitting cloth panels to ensure air is drawn solely through the fan, maximizing the change in interior air pressure.


The Combined Effect: A Comprehensive Leak Detection System


When used in conjunction, thermal imaging during a blower door test becomes even more effective. The lowered pressure inside the home accentuates the entry of cold air through leaks, making them more detectable by the thermal camera. This process not only reveals the obvious leaks around doors and windows but also uncovers the less apparent ones, such as those around electrical outlets, light fixtures, and in attic or basement areas that are rarely inspected.


By visualizing these leaks, homeowners can create a targeted plan for applying spray foam insulation, focusing on the areas that will provide the most significant improvement in energy efficiency and comfort. This approach ensures that every dollar spent on insulation delivers maximum value, making your home warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and more energy-efficient year-round.


In summary, utilizing thermal imaging cameras and blower door tests offers a scientifically advanced, yet surprisingly straightforward method to identify where your home needs sealing. This process ensures that spray foam insulation can be applied in the most effective way, sealing off the drafts and leaks that lead to energy loss and discomfort, paving the way for a sealed, more energy-efficient home.

Sealing the Deal with Savings

Efficiency Maine Rebate Program


Here's some good news for Maine residents: the Efficiency Maine program offers rebates that cut the cost of insulating your home by 40-80%. These funds aren't endless, though, so the time to act is now. Making your home snug and saving money? It’s a win-win.

Insulation Area Approx. Cost Before Rebate Estimated Rebate (%) Cost After Rebate
Attics $2,500 40-80% $500 - $1,500
Basements $2,000 40-80% $400 - $1,200
Exterior Walls $3,000 40-80% $600 - $1,800
Rim Joists $1,000 40-80% $200 - $600
Total Home Seal $8,500 40-80% $1,700 - $5,100

Take Action Today


Ready to stop the drafts and start saving? Fill out our get-started form or call us at 207-777-6020 for a free estimate and to see if you’re eligible for the Efficiency Maine rebates. Don’t wait until the cold hits - make your home cozy and efficient for 2024 now.

Get Started

Blower Door Test

By Mattra Inc • April 3, 2025
Is Your Home Under-Insulated and Leaky? A Blower Door Test Can Tell You Many Maine homeowners don’t realize just how much money is flying out the window—literally. Drafty rooms, cold floors, and rising energy bills are often signs of poor insulation and hidden air leaks. But how do you know where your home is losing heat? A blower door test is one of the most effective tools to identify under-insulated and under-sealed areas in your home. Let’s explore how it works, why it matters, and what steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency—and unlock valuable Efficiency Maine rebates in the process. What Is a Blower Door Test? A blower door test uses a powerful fan, mounted into an exterior doorway, to pull air out of your home and lower the indoor air pressure. This forces outside air in through any cracks or gaps in the building envelope. The result? A clear picture of where your home is leaking air. This test measures air changes per hour (ACH) and identifies weak points in insulation and air sealing. It helps assess how well your home keeps conditioned air in—and the outdoor elements out. An experienced technician can use this data to recommend targeted upgrades, saving you money on heating and cooling costs. How to Pass a Blower Door Test: Key Air Sealing Tips Passing a blower door test doesn’t require a full renovation—it’s about sealing the right places effectively. Here are the most common areas to focus on: 🪟 Windows and Doors Install weather stripping Use caulk or foam sealant around frames Check for gaps in thresholds or broken seals 🧱 Attics and Ceilings Seal around light fixtures and access hatches Insulate attic floors and rafters Use foam board or spray foam in hard-to-reach corners 🧰 Basements and Crawlspaces Seal rim joists with spray foam Insulate basement walls and floors Cover and seal crawlspace vents and doors 🧹 Floors and Walls Fill gaps around pipes, wiring, and ducts Seal baseboards and floor edges Add insulation in wall cavities if accessible By addressing these common problem areas, you can drastically improve your blower door test results and the overall comfort of your home. Why Blower Door Testing Matters Blower door tests aren’t just for code compliance—they’re a diagnostic tool to understand your home's efficiency. When performed by professionals, these tests: Reveal hidden air leaks Provide data for insulation and air sealing improvements Help reduce energy bills Improve indoor comfort and air quality Support home energy audit documentation During the test, technicians record the building's air leakage rate using calibrated gauges. Smoke pencils or infrared cameras may also be used to visualize the leaks. This ensures your energy upgrade dollars go exactly where they’re needed most. Mattra Handles It All—Testing, Air Sealing, and Insulation Ready to make your home more energy-efficient? Mattra offers professional blower door tests. At Mattra, we don’t just tell you what needs to be fixed—we do the work for you. As a licensed insulation and air sealing contractor, we can take your blower door test results and turn them into real improvements. From sealing drafty basements to upgrading attic insulation, our team handles every step in-house. That means fewer headaches for you—and faster results. Plus, we’ll help you navigate the Efficiency Maine rebate process , so you can maximize your savings without lifting a finger. One test. One team. One solution. Let Mattra make your home warmer, tighter, and more energy efficient—starting today.

5 Summer Preparation Tips

By Mattra Inc • June 19, 2024
Introduction As summer approaches in Maine, homeowners often face challenges with under-insulated homes, skyrocketing air conditioning costs, and the lurking threat of mold growth. These issues not only impact comfort but can also lead to increased energy bills and health risks. Ensuring your home is properly prepped for the warmer months is essential for maintaining a comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient living environment. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies for insulating your home, understanding and mitigating the dangers of mold growth, and taking advantage of financial incentives to make your home summer-ready. How to Properly Insulate Your Home Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the hot summer months. Proper insulation not only reduces cooling costs but also helps to keep your home warm during the harsh Maine winters. Understanding Insulation Types There are several types of insulation available, each with its own advantages. The most common types include: Fiberglass Insulation: Made from fine glass fibers, this type is commonly used in attics and wall cavities. Spray Foam Insulation: A versatile option that expands to fill gaps, providing excellent air sealing and insulation. Blown-In Insulation: Often made of cellulose or fiberglass, it is blown into place using special equipment, ideal for adding insulation to existing structures. Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation Spray foam insulation is particularly effective for Maine homes due to its superior insulating properties and air sealing capabilities. It helps to prevent air leaks, reduces energy bills, and provides a barrier against moisture, which is crucial in preventing mold growth. Additionally, spray foam can reach areas that other insulation types might miss, ensuring comprehensive coverage. DIY Tips for Home Insulation For those who prefer a hands-on approach, here are some DIY tips to improve your home’s insulation : Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. Add Insulation to the Attic: Consider using blown-in insulation for an easy and effective way to enhance your attic’s insulation. Install Reflective Barriers: Reflective barriers can be added to attic spaces to reduce heat gain. Insulate Pipes and Ducts: Wrap pipes and ducts with insulation to prevent heat loss and improve efficiency. While these DIY methods can be effective, professional installation of spray foam or blown-in insulation offers a more thorough and long-lasting solution. Professional installers have the expertise and equipment to ensure your home is optimally insulated. The Dangers of Mold Growth and Its Effects on You and Your Pets Mold growth is a common problem in many homes, particularly in regions with high humidity like Maine. Mold not only damages property but also poses significant health risks to both humans and pets. How Mold Grows in Maine Homes Mold thrives in damp, humid environments, making under-insulated and poorly ventilated areas in your home prime targets. Common areas for mold growth include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and attics. During the summer, increased humidity levels can exacerbate mold problems, especially if there is poor air circulation or water leaks. Health Risks for Humans Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health issues, including: Allergic Reactions: Symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. Respiratory Problems: Mold spores can cause asthma attacks and other respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Toxic Effects: Certain types of mold, such as black mold, can produce mycotoxins that are harmful when inhaled, potentially leading to severe health problems. Health Risks for Pets Pets are also susceptible to mold-related health issues. Symptoms in pets can include: Respiratory Distress: Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Skin Irritations: Itchy skin, rashes, and fur loss. Digestive Problems: Vomiting and diarrhea if mold-contaminated food or water is ingested. Preventing mold growth is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. Ensuring proper insulation, ventilation, and addressing any water leaks promptly can help mitigate the risk of mold. Take Advantage of a Free Inspection and Estimate One of the best steps you can take to prep your home for summer is to get a professional inspection and estimate. This not only helps identify areas that need improvement but also ensures you are making informed decisions about home upgrades. Efficiency Maine’s Rebate Program Maine homeowners have access to fantastic financial incentives through Efficiency Maine’s rebate program . This program offers: Minimum 40% Rebate: On qualifying home insulation projects. Up to 100% Rebate: For income-eligible households, making energy efficiency upgrades accessible to everyone. By taking advantage of these rebates, you can significantly reduce the cost of insulating your home, making it more affordable to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Your Estimate and Rebate Ready to make your home summer-ready? Don’t wait! Fill out our Get Started form or call us at (207) 777-6020 to schedule your free inspection and estimate today. With Efficiency Maine’s rebates, you can save big while ensuring your home is comfortable, energy-efficient, and mold-free.