Your home shelters you and your family from external threats, including harsh weather and temperatures. But what happens if the structure of your home starts to let in these outdoor elements? If you feel a draft coming into your house, this is a sign of air leakage.
Not only do these leaks point to weakening in your home’s structure, but they also could raise the cost of your energy bill. Your central air and heat may have a tougher time regulating the temperature of your home in these cases.
Therefore, you should seek a solution to this problem as soon as you can by calling a local contractor. Read on to learn more about how air leaks can occur in your home and how you can fix them.
How Do I Know If I Have Air Leakage?
In many cases, people notice air leakage in their homes when they feel a draft. If you feel airflow in your home, you can narrow down where this draft is coming from in order to spot the leak.
One way to do this is by inspecting your home yourself. You can spot cracks in intersections within your home, like where two walls meet. Other usual suspects for air leakage can be found near door and window frames, fireplaces, vents, pipes, and wires.
Another tip you can try to make sure your home is as tightly sealed as it should be is to shut a door or window on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out without it dragging or catching, you likely have leaking air in this part of your home.
What Type of Home Repairs Will I Need for Air Leakage?
If you notice air leakage in your home, let a home improvement contractor know right away. They can evaluate the problem and determine the type of repair or replacement work needed to seal the area once more. They can also give you a free estimate of the costs of this project.
Sometimes, you can stop small drafts in your home on your own. You can minimize this air leakage with adhesive weatherstrips placed over the leaks. However, this should be a temporary solution.
You might need to replace doors and windows that leak air. Leaks can also occur due to damage to the exterior of your home. Your contractor can check the siding and roofing for signs of loose tiles or cracks.
They can repair minor damage, but in many cases, especially if the material is old, they may need to replace these parts of the home. You should ask about insulated siding options. This type of siding can provide an additional layer of protection from the outdoors.
Therefore, you will see more energy efficiency in your home, including a reduction in your utility bill. Consult with your contractor for more tips to prevent air leaks and keep the temperature in your home comfortable and draft-free.