What To Do About Attic Air Leaks

Attic air leaks are a common complaint in homes. Most often, they occur when air flows through small gaps in the walls and ceilings. These small gaps are usually a result of structural damage or deterioration of the structure above, but sometimes it can also be a result of an attic insulation project gone bad. This is why you should hire professional contractors like First Defense Insulation for all your insulation projects.

There’s no doubt that an attic leak causes moisture to build up in your house, which leads to mold, mildew, and other problems. So they must be addressed quickly. 

In this article, we will guide you on how to fix attic air leaks so that there is less chance for your house to be damaged.

What Is Attic Air Sealing?

Attic air sealing is a process that allows you to make your attic more efficient in terms of insulation and air circulation.  It involves sealing all the gaps and holes in your roof, as well as sealing any gaps around chimneys and vents. Your attic needs to be sealed to reduce heat loss, improve the efficiency of your heating system, and increase the value of your home.

The purpose of attic sealing is to eliminate drafts in your attic and make it easier for heat to flow freely through the house. Attic sealing involves installing or replacing vents and ductwork so that air can move freely through the attic space while keeping moisture out. 

Attic sealing also reduces humidity levels in the attic so that mold doesn’t grow there. This can lead to mold development, which can be very dangerous for you and your family members. If you have any cracks or holes in your attic, follow the steps below to fix them before they become bigger problems.

Determine If Your Home Has Attic Leaks

If you have an attic, you want to make sure that it’s sealed. The first step is to determine if your home has attic leaks. You can do this by taking a look at the roof of your home. If there are any gaps or cracks in the roof, then it’s time for repair. You’ll need to call a professional roofer to repair any leaks or cracks and replace any missing shingles or tiles. Here are some tips for finding the source of your attic air leak:

• Check around the edges of your attic. If you see wet spots or other evidence of water damage, this indicates that there is likely a hole somewhere in the roof line.
• Inspect all appliances in your home, especially those with condensation issues such as refrigerators and freezers.
• Check for dampness around the house. If you find dampness, or mold growth, in your attic, you may need to call a professional.

Inspect The Ductwork

Air leaks can occur when there is a leak in your ductwork. This can happen for reasons like a crack in the wall, or if some dirt has gotten into the ductwork and needs to be removed. It can also happen if you have something like an old piece of insulation that’s preventing proper airflow through the system.

The best way to find out if there’s an issue with your airflow is by calling professionals to come to inspect your ductwork. They will be able to tell you if something is preventing proper airflow. These professionals are trained at finding leaks and fixing them so that you can enjoy a more Improved air quality in your home.

Work From Large To Small

If you’re trying to fix your attic air leaks, it’s important to start with the biggest problem areas and work your way down. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of possible leaks, but focusing on the easiest ones first will save you time and energy in the long run. 

Starting with the biggest will also stop the major source of energy loss, giving immediate temporary comfort until your contractor comes to check it. You can seal large leaks by filling the gaps with fiberglass insulation and covering them with a strong plastic bag to prevent vapor loss. 

If you are considering sealing your attic air yourself, then you must ensure you get the right tools. This will prevent you from wasting time and money. The equipment you get depends on your location and the size of the leak. However, below are some of the equipment you may need:

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Knee pads
• Caulk gun
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Dust mask
• Insulation (blown, batt, or roll)
• Caulk gun
• Utility knife
• Caulk
• Spray foam insulation machine
• Garbage bags

There’s always a temptation to fix up your home as cheaply as you can, but sometimes the initial excitement of a do-it-yourself project can work against you in the long run. A few small leaks often turn into large problems, and you can end up spending much more money than you intended on the job. By having a professional test your air leaks, you can identify the sources of the problem and how best to deal with it.