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Dec 18, 2024
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Four Spots That Benefit from Attic Air Sealing To Improve Home Energy Efficiency

In the realm of home energy efficiency, attic air sealing is one of the most effective methods of creating a more comfortable home.  Although it receives far less attention than insulation, it is of the utmost importance.  The process of air sealing your attic involves the identification of areas that allow outside air to filter in like air leaks.  Weather-stripping, spray foam insulation, and patches can be used.  Here are four areas that benefit from attic air sealing.

Attic Access Door

Your attic access hatch oftentimes requires major attention.  In some cases, contractors cut a sizable hole to serve as the door to the attic.  After the insulation in that spot has been removed, the area is rarely covered by much more than a flimsy piece of plywood, which does not act as an effective insulator.  The situation can be improved upon with the use of weather-stripping and latch bolts.  Rigid foam insulation on top of the hatch is also recommended for air sealing in the attic.attic

Soffits

A soffit is a section of a ceiling that is lower than the surrounding area.  One of their primary functions is to conceal ductwork.  In many cases, these spots lack adequate air sealing and are exposed to the attic, creating an opportunity for a home’s heated air to come in contact with cooler attic air.  Soffits that aren’t properly sealed off can allow moist air from the home’s living areas to rise and create condensation.  In the winter months, the condensation will freeze.  Once it thaws out in warmer weather, it can dampen the attic’s insulation, rendering it useless.   If you find yourself asking, “Is air sealing the attic worth it?” It absolutely is if you’re looking for more stable home temperatures throughout the year that can also reduce heating and cooling costs.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lights produce exposed holes in your attic that encourage the mixture of air between heated and unheated spaces within your home.  This interaction of varying air temperatures will create a warmer home in the summer and a hotter attic in the winter.  Warmer attic air temperature in tandem with the heat from the lights create an environment for ice dams to form.  The likelihood of an ice dam forming increases the closer the can light is to the roof deck.  It’s wise to consult a pro for sealing around recessed lights because if approached incorrectly, a fire hazard can be created.

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Bathroom Vent Fan

Bath fans that only vent into the attic and not outdoors are problematic because they introduce moisture into the space each time they run.  When not in use, they can vent outside air into the bathroom.  In this case, attic sealing your attic can help prevent air leaks and maintain your desired home temperature. However, even properly installed bath fans can have air leaks if the gap between the fan and drywall is not caulked.  Fan housing must also be properly sealed off in order to prevent air infiltration.

Learn How A Blower Door Test Can Diagnose Home Air Leaks:

 

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"Brian came out to check the attic insulation in our home that we recently purchased. His opinion was we were up to par and code, but we could always use more. The consensus was we would go through our first winter and see how the heat bills were. Thanks to Brian and Lindus for your free analysis of our home."

Keith J.
Hudson, WI
November 14, 2024

"My house is 30 years old, and I've never had my attic insulation evaluated. I felt I was overdue to get an inspection and I contacted Lindus Construction via their website. I received a call in a matter of minutes to schedule an inspection. A few days later, Kevin came out and conducted a thorough inspection. The good news was that I had adequate insulation and there was no need to add any more. The bad news was that he identified some mouse activity that I will need to address. Highly recommended contractor!"

Dave R.
Maple Grove, MN
October 12, 2024

"Lindus Construction has lived up to its promises and more. We had the Insulation in our roof replaced. They showed up on time, completed their work in two days, cleaned up so that you would never believe they had been there. Randall, the Supervisor came often to check on the progress and helped as well.  We would highly recommend this company to anyone considering some type of home remodeling. Grading AAA+."

Gary G.
North Branch, MN
June 12, 2024

"Lindus Construction has done several projects for us over the years: LeafGuard® Gutters, new roof, new doors, new soffits and facia on the upper level, residing of a portion of the upper level, re-insulation of the attic to help us reduce/eliminate ice dams. They've performed admirably on all of these projects and have been great to work with. We've been pleased with all their work and gladly recommend them to others."

Bob J.
White Bear Lake, MN
May 27, 2024

"We did a major re-insulation which included vacuuming out old insulation, spraying a layer of foam, and blowing in additional insulation. A different crew performed each operation. All did an excellent job. We'd use Lindus again for insulation work, though we hope never to need it again."

Bob J.
White Bear Lake, MN
May 25, 2024

"Everything went fine and was done in a timely manner." 

Art F.
Hudson, WI
April 4, 2024
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