Allow us to introduce the power of air sealing. Air sealing offers multiple benefits to homeowners. For instance, it’s a cost-effective solution to cut winter heating costs. Learn about air leakage, the problems it causes, and how air sealing can help.
How Air Sealing Offers Multiple Benefits to Homeowners
What is Air Leakage?
Air leakage describes the process of outside air entering, and conditioned air leaving a home. In poorly sealed homes, this process unknowingly takes place through cracks and openings. If you’re wondering why your home still feels chilly and uncomfortable even with the heating on, you’re probably suffering from air leaks.
What Problems Does Air Leakages Cause?
Air leakage doesn’t just mean your heating system has to run longer and more often, resulting in unnecessarily high heating costs. Additionally, air leakage contributes to moisture problems. When moisture is carried into framing cavities, it causes mould and rot. This doesn’t simply affect occupants’ health but destabilizes a property’s structure too.
How Can Air Sealing Help?
Air sealing offers multiple benefits to homeowners, including:
- Reducing drafts and cold spots
- Cutting heating (and cooling) costs
- Improving indoor comfort
- Creating a healthier indoor environment
- Acting as a barrier against rot and mould too, the best part of all is that it’s cost-effective. Homeowners often experience a speedy return on investment, often one year or sooner.
What Types of Air Sealing Exist?
The most common and effective types of air sealing are both caulking and weatherstripping. Knowing which type to use is key.
- Caulking involves the use of caulk, a flexible material often made of silicone, polyurethane or latex. Caulk is used for cracks and gaps between stationary building sections.
- Weatherstripping is appropriate for things that move; like windows and doors. This is commonly made of felt, rubber, vinyl, and reinforced foam.
Common Areas of Air Leakage
Ultimately, areas of air leakage are unique to your own space. However, common areas include:
- Doors and Windows
- Attic hatches
- Plumbing vents
- Foundation sills
Hire a Professional to Identify Air Leakage
So, the best way to identify problem areas in your home is to book a professional home inspection. You can depend on a certified home inspector to detect air leakage areas so you can rest comfortably this winter and beyond.
Visit the home inspection experts at AmeriSpec of Canada for more tips and valuable home improvement information.
Connect with Bonded by eRenovate™ Pros by using the eRenovate Post My Project tool. Enjoy Peace of Mind with the eRenovate Guarantee which offers $25,000 Deposit Payment protection and 88 Day Workmanship Guarantee.
