Effectively air sealing your home will improve your indoor air quality and the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
By sealing air leaks through poorly insulated walls, drafty windows and doors and around openings for pipes and wiring, you’re protecting your investment.
At Gold Star Insulation, our air sealing specialists will help you make your home feel more comfortable than you ever thought possible. Here are the basics of air sealing and why you need it in your home.
How Does Air Sealing Work?
The first step is a comprehensive energy audit using blower door tests and thermal imaging systems to determine the location and extent of air leaks in the home.
Once identified, there are several ways air leaks can be sealed. These steps include:
- Use weatherstripping to seal drafty doors and windows.
- Use caulk to seal around door or window trims.
- Use caulk to seal small openings around pipes or wires in the attic and exterior walls.
- For larger openings, use a combination of foam and caulk.
- Install door sweeps to seal the bottom of doors.
- Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers.
Most of these steps you can do yourself. However, if you’re not sure which solution to use, if the leak requires extensive attention or if it’s in a dangerous location (i.e. upper floor, around lighting, flues or chimneys), it’s best to hire a professional.
Professional technicians have the tools, expertise and training to seal these leaks safely and efficiently.
What Parts of Your Home Need Air Sealing?
It’s possible to develop air leaks in nearly any area of your home. However, some areas are more prone to leaks than others, including:
- Windows and doors
- Openings for pipes and wires in exterior walls
- Dryer vents and exhaust fan openings
- Holes drilled for pipes and wiring in the attic
- Chimney and flue openings
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Attic floors, rafter cavities and partition cavities
- Soffits for recessed lighting
- Outlet and light switch openings
Do You Need Both Air Sealing & Insulation?
Air sealing and insulation go hand in hand and work best when used together. Insulation helps lock warm air inside during winter and helps protect against solar heat gain in the summer.
Air sealing helps prevent air leaks and air infiltration, which further improves the energy efficiency of your HVAC systems and the overall comfort within your home.
Insulation in walls, ceilings, floors, attic floors, rafter cavities, partition cavities and around foundations is effective at reducing air leaks. It’s also ideal for maintaining the effectiveness of zoned comfort systems.
Even when applying spray foam insulation to these areas, combining air sealing with insulation is the best way to achieve superior protection and cost savings.
Choose Gold Star Insulation for Air Sealing & Insulation in Sacramento, CA
At Gold Star Insulation, our specialists will identify and seal air leaks in your home. Our comprehensive energy audits and thorough air sealing services will enhance your comfort and help you save money season after season.
When you need reliable air sealing and insulation in Sacramento and surrounding areas, you can always depend on our team to deliver our best.
Contact Gold Star Insulation at (916) 229-8445 to schedule an energy audit or an appointment for air sealing or insulation in Sacramento today.
