Air Sealing Attic

When you re done sealing your attic bypasses push the insulation back into place with an old broom handle or stick as you back out of the attic.

Air sealing attic.

Any hole in your ceiling is called a thermal bypass or air leak. While you are in the attic sealing air leaks look for any ductwork that may be up there. If you are not a do it yourself type of person there are plenty of contractors who are able to seal your attic. It s usually the hardest place to air seal because the cramped space underneath the eaves where the roof rafters rest on the outer wall makes it hard to move your hands and head.

Let s review some of the most common spots in the attic that must be sealed. Air seal your attic for energy savings. Air sealing the wall plate around the perimeter of your attic blocks air from escaping around the outer edges of your home. Properly air sealing an attic with vermiculite insulation requires that the vermiculite be removed.

Home comfort problems often start in the attic where poor insulation and numerous air leaks create problems for your heating and cooling system and make your home uncomfortable. If you have ducts that aren t sealed you are probably leaking a lot of conditioned air into your attic space. That s an expensive proposition unfortunately because the work must usually be done by an asbestos abatement contractor. The attic is usually where you can find some of the largest opportunities to save energy in your home.

Lights fans plumbing stacks chimneys etc. Without air sealing your attic you are allowing warm air to escape from your home carrying with it your hard earned winter heating money. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the. The attic is prone to holes and cracks at its access points.

Most people just add insulation to their attic this will not stop the escaping warm air. Attic insulation air sealing experts enjoy a more comfortable healthy and efficient home with quality attic insulation services. Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11. By air sealing in your attic you can stop many major air leaks and help to maintain the desired temperature throughout your home.

Before air sealing the attic. Sealing duct leaks can improve the efficiency of your hvac system by around 20. Other items like chimneys and recessed lights require special methods.