Sealing Attic Leaks

Repairing a roof leak from the inside is a temporary fix only.

Sealing attic leaks.

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. Attics can suffer two types of leaks. Sealing duct leaks can improve the efficiency of your hvac system by around 20. While you are in the attic sealing air leaks look for any ductwork that may be up there.

Air sealing the attic door. It s by far the largest hole in your ceiling and it s probably costing you a fortune. Make the final repair as soon as weather permits. Four crucial attic air seals to save energy year after year.

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. Blocking the air from leaking through the attic door is one of the most important things you can do. Water leaks are more obvious as telltale signs such as darkened water stains evidence of mold on the. To properly seal your attic hatch also known as an attic door or scuttle hole at a minimum you should apply weather stripping and ensure the attic side of the attic door is insulated.

Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the. The epa estimates that the typical american home has enough leaks holes and gaps to be equal to an open window every day of the year. Walk carefully on the ceiling joists in the attic or use a sheet of plywood to walk on so you will not accidentally put a hole in the ceiling panel.

Better yet there are high quality products such as the attic gator designed to both seal and insulate attic access doors and scuttle holes. Don t worry about finding and sealing all the little holes in your attic. Your biggest savings will come from plugging the large ones. Once in the attic refer to your sketch to locate the areas where leakage is likely to be.

Plug the big holes first. Your options for air sealing the attic door are. Most people just add insulation to their attic this will not stop the escaping warm air. If you have ducts that aren t sealed you are probably leaking a lot of conditioned air into your attic space.

We need to seal the air in our conditioned living space from the unconditioned attic space. Don t let a hot or cold attic rob your home of comfort. How to deal with a leak in the attic. Attic insulation air sealing experts enjoy a more comfortable healthy and efficient home with quality attic insulation services.