Home air leaks sealing

Air leaks are a source of fresh air. But they can also be a source of huge energy losses. Besides, some air leaks are a cause of health problems: air leaking from craw-spaces often contains moisture, radon and other pollutants, which means that solving air leakage is crucial to get more comfort, a healthier indoor air or lower energy bills.

Air Leakage Tests

If your home has moisture, mold, mildew, drafts... consider an air leakage test to it. It's cheap, quick (usually performed in 2-4 hours time) and common.

Air leakage tests are based in «blower doors» and «duct blowers» equipment, and allow to measure the leakiness of buildings and ductwork and to locate the source of leaks.

Air leakage tests will help you to decide on issues like the insulation needs of your home and on areas like duct improvements, new heating and cooling equipment, window replacement, etc.

Air Leakage Paths

Common air leakage paths include:

- joints between building materials;
- gaps around doors and windows frames;
- penetrations associated with piping, ducts, etc,
- attic penetrations: involving the ceiling, duct holes, pipes, chimney joints...

Sealing attic penetrations is usually the most pressing investment.

Air Sealing Materials

Common air sealing materials include caulks, expanding foams, weather-stripping, gaskets, door sweeps... High levels of insulation is also an effective way of reducing air leakage through walls and ceilings, while polyethylene can be installed as an air and vapor barrier.

Air leakage and mechanical ventilation

In many climates, and specially in cold and hot humid climates, air sealing provides huge advantages in terms of comfort, or lower energy bills... But airtight homes also demand mechanical ventilation to regulate fresh air entries and moisture.

See: Mechanical ventilation