Air Sealing Works Hand-in-Hand with Insulation
Homes in Wisconsin rely on excellent insulation to help keep home interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Many people don’t realize that air sealing and insulation are a perfect match. Insulation helps stop heat transfer, but without sealing up the gaps and cracks in your attic, you will still lose heated air and have the frigid or sweltering outdoor air infiltrating your home. Using insulation and air sealing materials together is like a one-two punch that is far more capable of improving your home’s overall performance.
That’s why we recommend always pairing an air sealing service with insulation replacements, upgrades, and installation. Both home performance upgrades are essential to Wisconsin Home Improvement’s philosophy of “treating your whole house as a system.”
The Benefits of Air Sealing Your Attic
Did you know that you can lose up to 40% of your home’s heat from your attic? Air sealing for attics is an effective way to save significantly on energy costs. Working in tandem with attic insulation, air sealing materials ensure that your conditioned air stays inside while outdoor air, allergens, dust, and pests stay out. In turn, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures, so you will also save money by not overworking your HVAC system.
It’s such a pivotal step that Wisconsin Home Improvement will not insulate the attic without adding adequate ventilation and proper air sealing. Our knowledgeable team will work with you to determine if your attic needs sealing. We will walk you through the process and discuss all the issues and available solutions. We can also provide guidance to help you find tax rebates, incentives, and financing to make necessary home upgrades more accessible. Click here to see our available finance options.
Attic Air Sealing Inspection
Some insulation doubles as air sealing materials. The closed cell spray foam insulation Wisconsin Home Improvement uses is made of materials that expand upon application. It conforms to the space and effectively seals any holes, gaps, cracks, and crevices.
Attic Air Sealing Inspection
Air Sealing New Construction
Starting with a blank slate makes air sealing an entire home easier. Just as you would with air sealing existing homes, it’s important to take a whole-house approach for new construction. Wisconsin Home Improvement does just that, using techniques and materials that work well together to achieve the best results for each unique home.
Air Sealing Your Attic to Keep Temperatures Consistent in Your Home
Year-round comfort and savings on your energy bills are two of the biggest benefits you will enjoy after air sealing your attic. Wisconsin Home Improvement offers expert advice, professional home performance audits, and air sealing for new construction and existing homes. Our goal is to help you live more comfortably in an energy efficient home.
Contact us today to learn more about our energy audits or to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
For many people, air sealing is a relatively new concept. We have listed some of the common questions we receive on the topic below to help you understand it better. Don’t see your question? Feel free to reach out to speak with us directly.
Can air sealing be done without adding extra insulation?
Air sealing is insulation using a one-part gun foam that seals drafty areas. Wisconsin Home Improvement’s team approaches every attic as the unique space that it is and can advise you based on your needs.
Does my home require attic air sealing?
The best way to determine if you need attic sealing is with a home energy audit. Our technicians perform specialized tests that allow us to figure out if you have a leaky attic. Once we assess the space, we can work with you to create a plan of action.
What areas of my home should be air sealed?
Attic air sealing is important, but it’s not the only area that needs attention. Dropped ceilings, areas around piping and ducts, recessed lighting, fireplace walls, walls shared between garage and living spaces, and rim joists also need to be sealed. Doors and windows, cantilevered floors, whole-house fans, chimney shafts, and porch roofs are among other common trouble spots.
What is air duct sealing?
Air duct sealing eliminates the loss of conditioned air through holes, poor connections, and leaks. We can seal your ductwork to keep warm and cool air inside the ducts and prevent contaminants from getting into the air. After sealing air ducts, we can also add insulation to the ductwork in attics and basements to further support your home’s energy efficiency.
Does attic air sealing prevent natural air flow?
No. When completed by professionals, the balance between sealing leaks and maintaining proper home ventilation will remain intact.
Should an attic be completely sealed?
Air sealing an attic is an effective way to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Attic ventilation must remain intact to prevent problems associated with improper ventilation. For example, during summer, the extreme heat can warp and damage roofing materials. In winter, moisture can accumulate and wreak havoc. The pros at Wisconsin Home Improvement will ensure that all leaks are sealed while maintaining the right level of ventilation.
What type of material is best for air sealing?
Choosing the best air sealing materials depends on numerous factors, including where and what is getting sealed. Spray foam insulation is an excellent choice, particularly in attics. Weatherstripping works well around doors and windows, while foam gaskets are good behind outlets, and fire-resistant materials like sheet metal help seal leaks around chimneys and furnaces.
Is air sealing more important than insulation?
Air sealing and insulation work together to increase energy efficiency and provide more consistent temperatures throughout your home. However, insulation alone will not achieve the desired results. Air leaks are prime sources of moisture and mold growth, air contaminants, and energy loss. Sealing them off helps maintain proper moisture levels and interior spaces that are warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Can air sealing increase home value?
Air sealing can save you money on your energy bills now. Additionally, energy efficient homes are attractive to buyers and typically sell for higher prices, according to the National Association of Home Builders.