There are many options when it comes to improving your home’s performance. New doors and windows, new insulation, a better HVAC system, and extensive ventilation and home remodeling. However, one of the most straightforward options is air sealing: the evaluation and sealing of air leaks in your home. By reducing air leaks, you reduce the amount of air lost, which in turn increases comfort and lowers energy costs. Learn what is home air sealing and whether it’s right for your house.
The Basics of Air Sealing
Your home leaks air. Some leaks form over time as your home ages, and due to lack of maintenance; some are there from day one or due to new projects and installations. Air sealing is the process of identifying and sealing to make sure air leaks aren’t a problem:
- Identifying Air Leaks: First, air leaks need to be discovered. This is typically done as part of a home evaluation, where a door blower is installed to create negative pressure, and the home exterior is then inspected for leaks by inspectors and equipment such as thermal imaging.
- Air Sealing with Caulking: For static areas with cracks, holes, and other small gaps, caulking is typically used. Common areas include the frames around doors and windows, as well as other installations in your siding.
- Air Sealing with Weatherstripping: For areas with moving components, such as doors, windows, garage doors, and the link, weatherstripping is used instead. For windows that don’t open, caulking is generally used.
Dealing with Bigger Leaks
Sometimes, a particular installation (such as a door, window, or vent) will be leaky enough to warrant a full replacement. Sometimes that can just be for the frame part of the installation, but other times the entire component, and even the surrounding siding and insulation, may be required.
Common Places That Need Air Sealing
In the graphic below, courtesy of the US Department of Energy as part of their Energy Saver program, you can see the most common places for air leaks in a home. This particular home has a basement, crawlspace, second story, and attic, but many homes share these issues regardless of the number of floors.
Air Sealing Services in St. Louis
For the average homeowner, diagnosing air leaks can be hard. However, if you’re in the St. Louis area, you don’t have to go it alone! Greenmark Home Performance is here to help you with a home evaluation and energy audit, followed by a plan to address air leaks and other temperature loss with our air sealing and insulation services. Learn more about us, including our ventilation and remodeling services, and then give us a call at 314-845-9144 or schedule an appointment online.
