Frequently Asked Questions
Air Leaks
Uncontrolled infiltration of outside cold air and the escape of inside warm air is responsible for up to 40% of heat loss in a normal Canadian home. What might seem like a small amount of air leakage can result in up to $250/year just flying out your windows, year after year after year! If you are concerned with the energy efficiency of your home, one of the best places to start making improvements is through sealing air leaks.
Air leaks are caused by pressure difference between the exterior and the interior air of your home. They can occur where two building materials connect or at openings for windows, doors, chimneys, vents, light switches, or electrical boxes. Advancing years, as well as settling, humidity, and temperature change can produce a new source of air leakage.
When you have detected an air leak, the best way to seal the leak is by using an air-vapor barrier, caulking on all fixed joints and weatherstripping on all movable joints. Air leaks should always be sealed from the inside of the home because it is the warmest side of the barrier and sealing a leak from the outside can result in moisture being trapped between the walls which could eventually lead to rot and deterioration of the wall.
Minor air leaks requiring caulking or weatherstripping can be successfully repaired at any time, but most preferably in warm weather. Once the air leak has been stopped, it should be checked on every year to insure that no further air leakage is occurring.
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