Aug 31, 2011
Sealing off one’s home should be done by a reputable professional, unless the homeowner has the experience to professionally do it themselves. A professional will seal air leaks, add insulation where needed, use energy saving products and check for the level of air quality in the home.
How to Seal Off Your Home
The home must be sealed at the windows, doors, attics, basements, and crawl spaces, anywhere air and the implements can seep in through. To seal air leaks a contractor will use a caulk, weather stripping or spray beam depending on the area. The insulation that may be used is foam boards, cellulose, fiberglass, spray foam or radiant barriers. The contractor will determine what is best for the type of home and what will add to the best air quality for the home.
Locate several reputable contractors that specialize in heating and AC that can seal off the leaks and openings in your windows, walls, ducts etc. Get a bid from the contractor, read reviews and ask questions, once the search is narrowed down, discuss exactly what you want, ask for an estimate and put down a deposit. There are some spaces in the home that cannot be seen from the outside they are hidden within the walls, a professional will be able to detect the area and place the insulation or seal the leak as he or she sees fit.
If the leaks around the windows and doors are minimal a caulk or weather stripping can easily be placed around the seams of the window and this will keep out the cold or keep the home cooled off. With the right energy saving products the homeowner can save substantial amounts in their electric bill. The losses will be kept to a minimum and the air will not escape through the leaks.
Any opening that is visible that could be a potential air or heat loss should be sealed off. The home depending on whether it is old or new should be sealed up and a minimal amount of free flowing air should be allowed to circulate the home. There are also windows, doors and skylights that are energy savers that will help to keep the home sealed off from the elements. Professional contractors would know exactly what types of doors and windows would be eligible for tax credits and ones that would keep the home warm in the winter time and cool in the summer time.
