More information about Sealing Drafts

Typically, gaps or cracks are common in houses. Even newer houses are not so "tight" that sealing couldn't help.

Gaps and cracks in the living envelope allow air to enter or exit the conditioned living space.  You lose conditioned air that would otherwise have made you comfortable.

A short list of common gaps:

• gas appliance flues
• bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
• fireplace chimneys
• attic access doors
• electrical penetrations (e.g., wires, light fixtures)
• plumbing penetrations (e.g., water supply and drain pipes, vents)
• gaps around windows and doors
• gaps between floor plate and foundation, under moldings

Gaps are normally filled with one or more of the following:

• acrylic or silicone caulk (we use white unless white would spoil the appearance of the area, in which case clear is used.)
• expanding foam ("Great Stuff" or similar)
• door weatherstrip seals ("Q-lon")
• foam weatherstrip for windows and attic access