How to Seal in Leaks and Eliminate Drafts in and Around the Home

Energy accounts for 10% of an average household’s monthly expenses. If the home is not properly insulated, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars on energy. That translates to higher energy consumption! To keep your home well insulated, you need to check for gaps that cause air leaks and repair them right away. In today’s post, we are listing down ways to keep your home draft and leak-free:

To seal the leaks and eliminate drafts, you need to find them first. You can use an infrared camera to detect the thermal drops in a space or manually inspecting places in the home that are likely to have a leak.

Sealing in the Attic and Ceiling

The attic and the ceiling are prone to leaks because of the fixtures, ductwork, exhaust vents, and electrical runs. If air is leaking from these areas, seal in the gaps using spray foam insulation. Start by wearing protective gears (dust mask and gloves) and applying the spray foam insulation on the gaps. Make sure the fixtures are rated IC before covering them with spray foam insulation.

Ducts

It is also quite common for air to leak into the ducts because this is the place where warm and cool air circulates. Leaks in the ducts will lead to significant energy losses. But the appropriate solution for the leaks will depend on the size of the gap. For instance, if the gap is large, use a fiber-reinforced mastic duct sealant. Just brush the sealant on the leak to seal it. For smaller leaks, we recommend duct sealant tube. You can use aluminum duct tape to seal the joint between sections.

Foundation

Leaks are also common in the foundation of the home. By sealing the leaks, cool air will not enter your home during the winter season and escape during the summer season. Start by checking the first floor’s foundation slab for leaks. If you found leaks, use spray foam insulation to fill in the gaps. For smaller leaks, apply siliconized acrylic caulk. For larger leaks use a backer rod first before caulking. For an even more durable seal in between gaps, use 100% silicone sealant.

Fireplace

If the fireplace is not sealed properly, warm air will be sucked out of the home via the chimney. If you don’t use the fireplace for heat, you can get an inflatable chimney plug to block the airflow within the chimney. If you are using the fireplace all the time, then install a reflective insert. This insert helps retain warm air and burns gas, wood, or wood pellets. For minor cracks and gaps, use a fire-stop sealant to fill the gaps and eliminate leaks.

Windows and Doors

It is quite expensive to replace all the leaky doors and windows in a home. If your home is leaking warm or cool hair because of window or door gaps, fill the space in with spray foam. Use non-expanding foam and apply it around windows and doorframes. The material will effectively block the gaps so indoor air will not escape.