If you feel that your house is not getting any warmer, there might be a possibility of loss of heat due to air leaks. There might be a chance that small holes are present in your ceiling that let the heated air out and draw the cold air in. You may not be able to see the holes which may be in spaces around plumbing pipelines, chimneys, lighting and other places in your attic that are concealed beneath your insulation.
To save up on expensive heating each year, try sealing the holes by following these tips. Conway Handyman will let you know where to discover the areas in your attic with holes and easy strategies for plugging and sealing them.
If you are the DIY type, then this project suits you well. Do not worry about the materials you will need because they can all be found in your local hardware store.
Tools and Materials to use:
- Caulk gun
- Dust mask
- Knee pads
- Shatterproof glass
- Utility knife
- Flashlight
- 13-gallon plastic trash can
- 14-in. broad aluminum flashing
- Acrylic latex caulk
- CO2 detectors
- Broadening spray foam insulation
- Foam weatherstrip.
- Heat silicone caulk.
- Reflective foil insulation.
- Unfaced fiberglass insulation
Guide to Working in the Attic according to a Conway Handyman
- Begin work early in the morning when it’s cool. Select a cool or even a cloudy day, if possible. Avoid staying for more than 15 or 20 minutes in attic during hot weather.
- Use a light-weight non reusable coverall (offered in paint departments), gloves and a hat to keep scratchy insulation off your clothing and skin.
- Constantly use a double-strap dust mask or an OSHA-approved particle respirator.
- Use knee pads if you have them. Crawling around on joists gets unpleasant. Usage scraps of plywood to kneel on and as a platform for your materials.
- Purchase a rough-service light bulb and a clamp-on light, both offered at hardware shops. Have a flashlight convenient simply in case.
- Lessen journeys in and out of the attic by gathering all of your tools and materials and putting them in the attic prior to you increase.
- Keep an eye out where you step. You should stroll on ceiling joists or truss chords and bring a little piece of plywood to work from. Do not step on the ceiling drywall.
DIY Guide To Sealing Air Leaks
Find the source:
Before you go into your attic, make sure you draw or sketch the layout. Make a note of dropped soffits on top of bath vanities or kitchen cabinets, inclined ceilings over stairs, or other dropped-ceiling locations. These locations generally have open stud cavities that lead straight into the attic and are usually major sources of air leakages. Find the primary pipes stack, heating system flue or chimney and note this on your sketch for a recommendation point when you enter into the attic.
Pressurize your home
When you are ready, put a fan in one of the windows so it blows towards your home. Make sure to close all the windows and doors. Ensure that big spaces are covered, then when you turn the fan on high, your house will be pressurized, like an inflated balloon. Try to feel with your hands if any air passes through the attic, that’s when you know you have holes.
Cover Big Holes First
It’s appealing to get a can of broadening foam and spray it into all the small holes, however your greatest cost savings will originate from sealing the big holes. Discover the pipes stack or flue for a reference point. You can then make use of the sketch you have.
Note:
There are certain attics that have vermiculite insulation, a material that might include asbestos that may pose some health risk. Light-weight, pea-size, and flaky gray mineral is the characteristic of a vermiculite . Never attempt to do anything unless you have had the vermiculite insulation inspected by your local health department.
Foam and caulk can be used to seal little holes
- Heated spaces developed into attics typically have open cavities in the flooring framing under the walls. Although insulation might be stacked against or packed into these areas, they can still leak air.
- Place a little piece of fiberglass batt insulation around the vent pipeline as a backer for the broadening foam. Follow the instructions on the can to fill the area around the pipeline with broadening foam insulation.
- Secure openings around pipes vents and electrical wires with broadening foam. You just need to be careful because this material is sticky and difficult to remove on clothes. Be sure to use protective gears and clothing while doing this.
Sealing the hatch
Complete up by sealing the gain access to hatch with self-sticking foam weatherstrip. If your hatch rests straight on the moldings, include 2-1/2- in.-wide stops around the opening. These offer a larger surface area for connecting the weatherstrip and an area to install hook-and-eye fasteners. Position the screw eyes so the weatherstrip is somewhat compressed when the hooks are locked.
Look for backdrafting
Whenever you make energy enhancements– like sealing attic bypasses– that lead to a tighter home, set up carbon monoxide gas (CO) alarms if you do not currently have them. Enable one per flooring. Have a professional check your combustion home appliances for backdrafting at the next maintenance.
If you feel that working in the attic is not good for you, Call Conway Handyman to work on sealing air leaks in your attic.
Handyman Conway
Conway, SC 29526
843-353-6154
info@handymanconway.com
Areas Served: Conway, Aynor, Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach