What is air sealing?

Do you ever wonder why you keep finding random bugs in your home or find yourself dusting several days a week? Many homes throughout the St. Louis area and the United States experience air leaks from cracks, small holes, or penetrations from plumbing, wiring, lighting, and ductwork.

These air leaks can be equivalent to having an open window in your home. Loss of air increases utility bills and reduces your comfort, which is why it is important to reduce the leaks through air sealing. The process of air sealing reduces air that leaks in and out of your home through various techniques such as caulking and insulation. Common places you can find air leaks include attics, windows, doors, floors, and fireplaces.

Here are some of the most important benefits of air sealing your Missouri home if you live in or near St. Louis:

Save on your energy bill

While the average energy bill prices around St. Louis and through Missouri don’t rank among the highest in the country, air leakage through windows, doors, walls, or ceilings can increase heating and cooling costs 35 to 40 percent. Air sealing is cost-effective and saves you money in the long run.

In a home with minor air leaks, up to 25 percent of heating and cooling dollars come from leaking air through cracks and gaps found in attics, basements, duct systems, doors, windows, plumbing, and electrical outlets. You can potentially save hundreds of dollars in energy bills each year with air sealing throughout your home.

Keep unwanted bugs out

Especially in the spring and fall, many homeowners and residents run into bugs throughout their homes. Even as you open and close doors when entering and leaving your home, most of these bugs could be entering your home through leaks. These leaks let bugs, pests, water, and allergens in to decrease your comfort level.

Insects and rodents like to live in spaces easily accessible through air leaks, such as attics, basements, and walls. The most common pathways for bugs to enter a home are through can lights, electrical air leaks, and plumbing leaks. Insects, however, can enter homes through any air leaks, including kitchen hoods, registers, and vents. Air sealing your home can significantly reduce the number of insects and rodents entering your home.

Prevent mold, warping, and rusting

Missouri weather is no stranger to cold and wet patterns that cause mold, warping and rusting from air leaks. Not only does air sealing your home make it more comfortable to live in and reduce energy costs, but the quality of the air you breath significantly increases, too.

A home with many air leaks allows large volumes of air inside through floors, walls, ceilings, and fireplaces. The water vapor in the air can cause mold-causing condensation. Mold can be harmful to your health, and rusting components throughout your house can lead to costly and potentially harmful damages.

Should I hire a professional?

Having your home inspected by professionals is the best way to find air leaks. Looking for air sealing services in and around St. Louis, Missouri? At St. Louis Insulation, our professional contractors can recommend the best products for your home and budget. Contact us for more information about our air sealing services.