Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*High Heating & Cooling Bills*

Have you ever wondered why your house never seems to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter, even though your air conditioner or furnace seem to be constantly running? This is a common problem in homes that are insulated with fiberglass, but are not air-sealed.

The average home has many hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines, under the siding, in the basement, and in many other places. When you add them all up, it's about the same as having a four square foot opening letting air in and out of the house. Air leakage through holes, gaps, and cracks is the single biggest cause of home heating and cooling loss. This loss accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the energy used in most homes. With a 400 percent increase in heating and cooling costs over the past decade, air sealing your home is a simple way to save money and make your home more comfortable.

Drafts & Uneven Room Temperatures

This problem can usually be traced to air leakage, a poor HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) distribution system and insufficient insulation. The problem can be solved by checking the HVAC system, installing proper insulation and air-sealing all areas that contribute to air leakage in the affected area.

Mold, Mildew, High Humidity

Mold and mildew problems are typically caused by high humidity in the house. This leads to condensation on cold surfaces such as windows. The resulting humid air causes mold and mildew to develop. Because moist air rises, the problem typically occurs in the attic. When left unchecked, it can cause wood to rot and may lead to respiratory problems for people with sensitivities and allergies. One effective way to minimize the problem is to air-seal and insulate all gaps between the attic and the living quarters.
Cross section of a pipe penetration and foam. When cured, the foam creates a permanent seal.

Ice Dams

If you live in the northern parts of North America, you probably have seen icicles hanging from eaves in winter. The hanging icicles are not only dangerous to people passing by, but often are an indicator of potential roof/attic problems that could cause serious damage to the house over time. Ice dams usually occur during heavy snow followed by a combination of melting and freezing temperatures.
In a house that is not properly insulated and air sealed, heated air escapes from the living areas of the house to the attic. The heated air warms up portions of the roof causing snow to melt. Melted snow flows down to another area of the roof which is cooler, and the water refreezes. A small dam slowly builds up as more melted water refreezes. Over time, water backs up behind the ice dam and travels up under the shingles where it begins to leak through the roof and into the living space below. One way to prevent ice dams is to make sure the attic is well-insulated and to seal areas where air can escape from the living area to the attic (e.g. pull down attic doors).

Insect Infestations

The average home has many hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines and under the siding. These openings are pathways for insects to enter the house. If your house is infested by ants, ladybugs or other small insects, you can minimize the problem by sealing gaps and cracks around the house.

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