As building materials and methods become better at sealing air leaks, the question arises, “How tight is too tight?” In terms of energy efficiency, one cannot build too tightly. Reducing air leakage is critical to lowering heating and cooling energy consumption.
Q. On a recent project, we installed steel studs to the underside of the grid system for a suspended acoustical ceiling. I used screws to attach the runner track to the ceiling grid. I then installed my “kickers,” or permanent bracing to the structure above. I was then told to go back and remove all the temporary screws to allow the ceiling to float. Why?
