- 927 Lee Road 268, Valley, AL
- (706) 773-9274
Air Sealing
Air Sealing alone in your home doesn’t eliminate the need for proper insulation to reduce heat flow through the building envelope.
Air Sealing alone in your home doesn’t eliminate the need for proper insulation to reduce heat flow through the building envelope.
Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment. Caulking and weatherstripping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less. Caulk is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components such as around door and window frames, and weatherstripping is used to seal components that move, such as doors and operable windows.
Air leakage occurs when outside air enters and conditioned air leaves your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. It is unwise to rely on air leakage for ventilation. During cold or windy weather, too much air may enter the house. When it’s warmer and less windy, not enough air may enter, which can result in poor indoor air quality. Air leakage also contributes to moisture problems that can affect occupants’ health and the structure’s durability. An added benefit is that sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots, improving comfort.
- The recommended strategy is to reduce air leakage as much as possible and to provide controlled ventilation as needed. Before air sealing, you should first:
- Detect air leaks
- Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality
You can then apply air sealing techniques and materials, including caulk and weatherstripping. If you’re planning an extensive remodel of your home that will include some construction, review some of the techniques used for air sealing in new home construction and consider a home energy audit to identify all the ways your home wastes energy and money.
- Areas that could benefit from air sealing include:
- Attic
- Exterior Walls
- Box Sills
- Bump Outs
- Crawl Spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is air sealing important for my home?
Air sealing helps reduce the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home, cutting heating and cooling costs, improving indoor comfort, and enhancing the durability of your home. It also contributes to a healthier indoor environment by preventing moisture-related issues.
Does air sealing eliminate the need for insulation?
No, air sealing alone does not replace proper insulation. While air sealing reduces drafts and air leaks, insulation helps minimize heat flow through the building envelope. Both are necessary for maximum energy efficiency.
What are the most effective air-sealing techniques?
Caulking and weatherstripping are two simple and cost-effective methods. Caulk is used to seal cracks and openings between stationary components like window frames, while weatherstripping is used for movable parts like doors and operable windows.
Can I rely on air leakage for ventilation?
No, relying on air leaks for ventilation is not recommended. Uncontrolled air leakage can lead to excessive air entry during cold, windy weather and inadequate ventilation in warmer conditions, affecting indoor air quality and comfort. A controlled ventilation system is the best approach.
How does air sealing impact energy costs?
By reducing air leaks, air sealing helps lower heating and cooling costs, making your home more energy-efficient. Many air-sealing improvements offer a quick return on investment, often within a year.
Make the jump to energy efficiency today!
Spray foam insulation is the best choice for energy efficient insulation in your new or existing home.