Attic sealing is one of the smartest steps Triangle-area homeowners can take to increase home performance. The typical attic has so many small leaks that, when taken together, they can add up to a space of about 2 square feet. These leaks not only let out cooled air, but let in moisture, which ruins insulation and causes mold growth.

Insulating your attic is important, but should be coupled with attic sealing. Because of what is called the stack effect, air is pulled up through your home, and this air can pass directly through insulation. Attic sealing is the only way to plug these holes.

Here are a few attic sealing strategies that can reduce energy loss significantly.

• Locate leaks. They’re often found where fixtures from the upper level of your house penetrate the attic floor. Penetrations of ductwork, wiring, pipes and lighting can all leak. If your home has a “dropped ceiling,” an empty space between your ceiling and the attic floor, some of these fixtures may be found there.
• Plug large leaks first. They’ll be the worst energy wasters. Check under the roof eaves (soffits), in dropped ceilings, and between studs in the floor. Many leaks will be covered with insulation, so you may have to remove it for attic sealing. Use rigid material, such as foil-backed insulation, and trim it to fit.
• Plug smaller leaks. These are usually around the attic floor penetrations we mentioned earlier. Use caulk or expanding spray foam around pipes, ductwork and other fixtures.
• Seal near chimneys and flues. You need heat-resistant “flashing” for this, such as aluminum sheeting. Again, you may need to trim to fit, so use caution! High-temperature caulk can fill any remaining gaps.
• Seal the attic hatch. On your way out, finish your attic sealing job by closing the hatch with self-adhesive weather-stripping.

Attic sealing can be a big project. For expert attic sealing done right, call Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll be happy to help you improve the efficiency of your home!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning services the Triangle area of North Carolina. To get started, check out our website.