How to Seal Your Air Leaks
If you’ve ever walked through your house and suddenly felt a cold draft of air in the middle of your hallway or bedroom, you may have an air leak in your midst. An air leak occurs when you have a crack somewhere in your walls, windows, roof, etc. that allows the air inside your house to move outside and outside air to move inside.
As we move into the fall, this means you could have cold air seep into your house when you want it to be nice and heated. To keep your house at the temperature you want it to be, use these three methods to seal air leaks and keep your home airtight.
Method 1: Using Spray Foam to Seal Air Leaks
Though air leaks can happen anywhere in your house, they are especially common in attics, so remember to check your attic when searching for air leaks.
Spray foam is great for combatting air leaks in this case and is very easy to use. It comes in a canister, often with a small tube attached to improve aim.
All you have to do is aim and spray, and the insulation foam will expand and cover the leaks. This spray foam is pretty noticeable to the eye, which is why it’s best to use it in attics or garages rather than on the window in the middle of your kitchen.
Method 2: Caulking Holes to Seal Air Leaks
Caulking holes is another method for sealing air leaks. This solution comes in a tube that you can squeeze in order to fill any small holes or cracks. Once you fill the hole, you can smooth it out with a flat metal plate and then paint over the top of it if necessary.
This method works great for sealing leaks in walls, floors, and ceilings since it blends in well with the surrounding wall. It helps keep the air you want inside the house, with no escapes.
Method 3: Weatherstripping to Seal Air Leaks
Weatherstripping works great to seal air leaks on windows and doors. This involves a long tape-like roll of material. You can roll the solution along the edges of the doors and windows in your home.
This method helps seal holes within the structure of the home and make sure those openings are not letting out the air from inside your home. Not only do all of these solutions keep the air you want inside your home, but it also prevents dust or insects from getting into your home.
Ants, bugs, and even mice can enter your home through the holes you have throughout your house. Sealing your air leaks also saves energy, and therefore, saves you money. Gone are the days when you crank up the heat without feeling a difference in your home’s temperature!
While spray foam, caulking holes, and weatherstripping work well for small air leaks, if you have a large air leak, it’s best to seek outside help from professionals like Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. If you need assistance in sealing the air leaks in your home, our expert staff can help find the best solution for your home.
