How Homes Are Built: Connecting Walls (Ep.4) - Parade of Homes Wisconsin

Welcome back to the Parade of Homes series, where we offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the construction process of award-winning homes. In the previous episode, we talked about foundation walls and the 4 control layers. In Episode 4, we delve into how we connect cement walls to the walls that essentially become your house, a process involving a critical component known as the 'mud sill.'

The Old Way vs. Building Better

What is a Mud Sill?

A mud sill (also known as a 'sill') is a component in home construction that forms the connection point between your cement walls and the walls that build your house. It's usually accompanied by a 'sill sealer,' a foam-like substance that runs under the mud sill along the entire bottom green treated plate.

Historically, builders would simply lay down the sill sealer under the mud sill. However, at Sanctified Homes & Construction, we strive for improved building practices. We incorporate innovative methods to create airtight and durable homes, ensuring that no air can infiltrate your houses.

Introducing the Acoustical Sealant

Our updated method involves an acoustical sealant, a material that has transformed our approach to connecting walls in home construction.

The acoustical sealant is a special type of sealant that remains malleable even after application, a significant upgrade over traditional materials that often harden and crack over time. These cracks can provide pathways for air to infiltrate into your homes, undermining energy efficiency and compromising comfort. The malleability of the acoustical sealant ensures that it provides a long-lasting, airtight seal, protecting against air leaks for an extended period.

Our application process is meticulously designed for maximum effectiveness. First, a thick bead of this acoustical sealant is run along the mud sill. This forms the primary line of defense against potential air infiltration. Following the initial sealant application, insulation is put in place. This isn't merely for thermal purposes, but it also serves as a capillary break, helping prevent moisture from wicking upwards into the two-by-six plate. This capillary action can be a primary cause of unwanted dampness in homes, and by halting it at this stage, we significantly reduce potential moisture-related issues.

Once the insulation is in place, another layer of the acoustical sealant is applied on top of the sill seal. This 'sandwiching' technique creates a doubly secure seal, ensuring that the seal remains airtight and effective for longer.

Our detailed, considered approach to utilizing acoustical sealant exemplifies our commitment to building better homes. By prioritizing materials that offer superior performance and durability, we ensure that the homes we build are not only of exceptional quality but also provide lasting comfort and efficiency for their inhabitants.

Future Steps: Wall Detailing

In the coming episodes, we will show you another detailed method to enhance this seal when the walls are up, bringing you closer to the vision of your dream home. By incorporating these advanced practices, we elevate our construction standards, contributing to the creation of better, more energy-efficient homes.

The 2023 Parade Home in Stoughton

This enhanced building process forms a part of our Parade Home for 2023 in Stoughton, and we're excited to share more with you soon. Stay tuned to learn more about how we're pushing the boundaries in home construction.

See the full series here on YouTube.

We at Sanctified Homes & Construction are honored to be a part of the Parade of Homes. This platform allows us to showcase our dedication to quality and innovation in the homebuilding industry.

If you want to learn more about Sanctified Homes & Construction, checkout our homepage at WisconsinHomeBuild.com, or book a call directly on my calendar here