Every year, millions of dollars are wasted because of an improperly sealed home. Although the “leaky home syndrome” is usually associated with new homes, the problem can be seen in all homes regardless of age, type, or size. A leaky home not only makes the interior environment uncomfortable, it also means that the monthly utility bill would be much more expensive than necessary. Another problem is that along with cold or hot air leaking to the inside, contaminants and moisture can also make their way indoors.
In simple terms, a leaky home is one that has small cracks, gaps, and crevices often unseen. While the spaces may be small, they actually allow a significant amount of outside air in. Therefore, the goal is to identify these openings and seal them. Windows and doors are the most obvious places where outside air comes into the home and inside air seeps to the outside. Wall joints and fireplaces are also culprits to the problem of a leaky home. However, air can seep in and out in many other places too.
The goal is to consider areas in the basement and attic, as well as the more obvious places. If necessary, you can hire a professional consultant can come in and locate the hidden areas that are often difficult to detect. Once all the holes, crevices, and gaps have been properly sealed, one of the greatest benefits is that that degree of humidity that gets inside the home during hot summer months is dramatically reduced. With this controlled, the interior of the home would be far more comfortable.
Of course during the winter months, even the smallest cracks can allow bitterly cold air to get inside the home. Again, this makes the interior uncomfortable but it also causes the furnace to run more often. As a result, the monthly utility bill would be more than it should be and the furnace is working overtime. Therefore, not only would you pay more on a monthly basis but chances of the furnace going out prematurely is also a real possibility.
We suggest you go over every inch of the home. While this takes time, it would be worth it in the end. Be sure to look around the foundation of the home where the cement foundation meets the wood or siding. Keep in mind that when a home is built, air seals should be completed while being framed. For this, all electrical outlets would be properly sealed, areas around pipes, conducts, ductwork ,etc, would all be sealed. Unfortunately, some builders rush through the framing process, overlooking areas that should be sealed.
Finally, because many of the areas that cause “leaky home syndrome” are out of sight, you would need to use a type of sealant that can reach into those tight or hard to reach places. One of the best is form insulation, which can be purchased in cans so you can actually reach into tight spaces but still have the ability to aim where the insulation is being applied. While polyurethane foam works great, you may also need to use high R-rated insulation for the walls and attic, as well as acrylic latex caulk around the windows and doors.
