Air sealing: Importance in residential building
Air sealing of living space is very important because air leaks carry in and out moisture and result in higher consumption of energy. This movement of air generally takes place in direction in which we don’t want. In winter air can carry cool and dry air inside or in summers it can carry hot humid outdoor air into your house. Most home owners know air infiltrates in living space from unheated parts of the house like attics, basements, and crawlspaces or through window frames, small openings around doors and fireplaces and chimneys. Following measures should be taken to stop air leak:
- All the cracks between walls and ceiling should be filled.
- All spaces around near interior door frames should be packed or filled.
- Gaps around attic access and pull-down stairs should be closed.
- Fill all cavities around finished attics adjacent to unconditioned attic spaces.
- Seal all utility chase ways for ducts and plumbing and electrical wiring holes.
- Fill all electrical outlets, switch boxes, and recessed fixtures.
- Seal pack holes and cracks in cabinets, and furred or false ceilings in kitchen or bathroom.
Tags: air sealing, attics, basements, Green Tips, Importance in residential building