Do You Have Questions About Ag-Tite Sealants?

Solving the Air Leakage Problem in Agricultural Buildings

Air leakage is a silent thief in poultry houses and grain bins. It drives up utility bills while making climate control nearly impossible for producers trying to maintain strict bird comfort levels. Most farmers attempt to fix this by adding more insulation, but insulation alone cannot stop moving air. You must seal the building envelope to see real results.

Ag-Tite provides a scalable solution for these leaks. We offer everything from professional spray applications to small cans for DIY maintenance. This flexibility allows you to address leaks based on your current budget and specific facility needs.

Understanding Product Chemistry and Pest Resistance

A common question involves the use of soy in our formulations. Because Soy Bio Sealant utilizes soy oil instead of petroleum oil, some worry about pests. We use a polyurethane blend that essentially turns into plastic once cured.

Pests are persistent. While rodents or insects might try to nest near the material to build a home, they cannot consume it. Our methods for preventing pest entry were validated in a University of Georgia newsletter from November 2005 regarding darkling beetle penetration. We focus on sealing the gaps that allow these pests to enter your facility in the first place.

Choosing Between Soy Sealant and Thermal Sealant

Not every job requires the same material. You must match the sealant to the specific application to avoid wasting money.

Ag-Tite Soy Sealant

This is our primary solution for large-scale air sealing. It uses a polyurethane soy-based chemistry that seals cracks while providing some thermal resistance. We recommend this product when you need to cover or fill large surface areas.

Ag-Tite Thermal Sealant

This is an elastomeric, water-based sealant designed for surface protection and maintenance. It does not provide insulation properties like the soy version does. Because it is simpler, the Thermal Sealant typically costs about half as much as the Soy Sealant. Use this for smaller maintenance projects rather than whole-house sealing.

Application Methods and Coverage Rates

We provide different ways to apply our chemistry depending on your scale of operation. Large integrators often prefer professional application, while individual farmers may prefer manual methods.

For large facilities, the SprayPod 2.0 allows for rapid, professional-grade coverage. If you are working on a smaller scale, our canned products are highly efficient. A single 24 oz can will cover approximately 3,000 linear feet when applied in a 1/4” bead. If you have a larger project, the 16 lb canister is the better value; it provides the equivalent coverage of ten 24 oz cans.

When using AireBarrier, keep in mind that it yields roughly 16 board-feet per gallon at a 1” thickness. Our goal is to ensure you use enough material to completely bridge the joint, crack, or opening. We are sealing air and water, not just adding bulk.

Calculating Your Return on Investment

The cost of an Ag-Tite installation depends entirely on your scope of work. Some producers choose to seal entire poultry houses for approximately $7,000 per house. Others prefer a “patchwork” approach using our 24 oz cans, which can address critical joints for as little as $20.

Every crack you seal contributes to better efficiency. While we have seen energy savings of 50% or more in projects where entire walls were sealed, any reduction in leakage will show a benefit. For a more precise look at your potential savings, use our ROI Calculator.

The Auburn University Study

Data supports the effectiveness of air sealing in broiler barns. An Auburn University study validated that sealing with AireBarrier resulted in 25% to 40% energy savings. This is a significant margin for any commercial operation.

Static Pressure and Energy Use

In poultry broiler houses, tighter buildings lead to higher static pressure. The exact amount depends on the age and size of your house. However, as a general rule, if you can double your static pressure through better sealing, you could see a 25% to 50% reduction in energy usage.

Financing Your Project with USDA REAP Grants

Upgrading your facility is expensive. You do not have to shoulder the entire cost alone. The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers significant support for these types of efficiency improvements.

You may be eligible for up to 50% cost-share through a REAP grant. These grants have specific application windows throughout the year: March 31, June 30, and September 30. We recommend checking your eligibility early to ensure you meet the deadlines. You can use our REAP Grant Estimator to begin planning your budget.

FAQ

Will bugs or rodents eat the Soy Bio Sealant?

No. Although we use soy oil instead of petroleum, the product is a polyurethane blend that cures into a plastic-like material. Pests may attempt to nest near it, but they cannot consume the sealant itself.

How much coverage do I get from one 24 oz can?

A 24 oz can covers approximately 3,000 linear feet if you apply it in a 1/4” bead. For larger jobs, use the 16 lb canister, which is equivalent to ten 24 oz cans.

Is Ag-Tite an insulator or a sealant?

Ag-Tite is primarily a sealant designed to stop air and water infiltration. While our Soy Bio Sealant provides some insulation properties, its main job is to seal cracks and joints.

Can I get help paying for these upgrades?

Yes. The USDA REAP grant program can provide up to 50% cost-share for energy efficiency projects. Be sure to apply during the March, June, or September windows.

What is the difference in price between Soy Sealant and Thermal Sealant?

The Ag-Tite Thermal Sealant is generally about half the cost of the Soy Bio Sealant because it is a water-based elastomeric product designed for maintenance rather than large-scale insulation/sealing.