Questions tagged [air-sealing]

19 questions
7
votes
4 answers

How can I plug screw holes in an insulated supply duct?

My contractor left two screw holes in one of my insulated supply duct lines (because they had added a strap to hang new ductwork on, but they changed their mind and moved it). What's the best/easiest way to plug it up? It's in a hard-to-reach spot…
MonkeyBonkey
  • 1,087
  • 1
  • 9
  • 23
5
votes
1 answer

Caulk as weatherstripping?

Before I begin, yes, I know that generally caulking does not serve the same purpose as weatherstripping, and the usual recommendation for windows or doors is to use weatherstripping. The problem is I've got several old windows which it is impossible…
Catherine
  • 199
  • 2
  • 2
  • 8
2
votes
1 answer

Proper way to seal bottom plate to slab?

I noticed that the caulk has failed where the bottom plate meets our concrete slab foundation along an exterior wall. I’ve removed the old caulk and vacuumed the area. The bottom plate is sitting on a foam gasket, but I’d like to fix it to help with…
Josh Bush
  • 587
  • 3
  • 6
  • 16
2
votes
0 answers

How do I seal my furnace exhaust penetration?

Problem My oil burning furnace exhaust/intake manifold does not appear to be sealed properly (daylight and draft visible) from the inside and I wish to seal it. I also believe mice are getting into my basement through it, as I have recently caught…
Chris
  • 21
  • 2
2
votes
2 answers

Adding house wrap behind existing board and batten siding

I live in south-central Illinois, and the house is on top of a hill, so we get a lot of wind. The house is cold in the winter - partly because it is on slab and partly because it is pretty drafty. Most of the windows are in decent shape (Anderson…
Eric Nord
  • 21
  • 1
1
vote
2 answers

Easiest way to Airseal an attic space

House got gutted by a fire and now all of it has been demo'd down to the framing and the exterior sheathing. Location is Albuquerque. We are looking at the easiest way to air seal the attic space. Attic is typical height truss space. I think about…
1
vote
1 answer

Air-sealing basement slab weeping tile access for radon

I have a pretty high levels of radon in the basement (~400 Bq/m3 when windows are not open), so I want to seal obvious entry points, one of which is what looks like a 10 inch weeping tile cleanout access point (see photo). At the moment it is…
Eugene
  • 215
  • 2
  • 8
1
vote
0 answers

Sealing sheathing to an ICF foundation

I am in energy Zone 4 and have a stick frame home on an EPS ICF foundation built in 2007. The rim board is currently just insulated with batting and it is a little drafty and I a little worried that there is no moisture barrier between the basement…
TBP
  • 175
  • 6
1
vote
2 answers

How to air-seal apartment breaker box and range hood duct

I live in an apartment on the top floor. It's the dream apartment for me except for the heavy cooking smell from neighbors entering the unit. I believe the main culprit is the bathroom fan without manual control, it has a motion detector and runs…
bariscc
  • 13
  • 2
0
votes
2 answers

Should registers have gray duct sealant

Should the internals of a register where connections are made have gray duct sealant?
0
votes
0 answers

Townhouse and shared wall air sealing

My townhouse has a basement, 1st floor, 2nd floor, attic. There is a shared cinderblock wall with my neighbor. In the attic at the wall, there appears to be a gap between this wall and the framing that I am guessing runs the whole length of the wall…
TEEKAY
  • 341
  • 2
  • 11
0
votes
0 answers

Sealing exterior vent

What is the correct way to seal an unused exterior vent without replacing siding etc? This is an old, 4'' dryer vent. My current plan would be to first caulk around the flap to close any air gaps and then maybe use some spray foam and insulation?
user2503795
  • 781
  • 3
  • 7
  • 18
0
votes
1 answer

What's my ideal method for air sealing this window?

Background: The home I just bought had vinyl windows installed about 12 years ago. I've noticed some draftiness around the window frame, so I decided to pull back the trim and sill to check it out. It looks like it was previously sealed on the…
0
votes
1 answer

Sealing air gaps around edges of attic gable fan

I just installed a new gable fan to exhaust hot air from my attic. Due to unevenness in my studs and gravity pulling one side of the fan lower than the other, there are small gaps (ranging between 1/8" and 1/2") between the external-facing edge of…
Justin Grant
  • 1,565
  • 6
  • 22
  • 28
0
votes
0 answers

How are attached buildings air sealed together?

I am a condo owner in a building that is structurally independent but abuts directly against another building. As a result the 2 buildings move somewhat as they settle or have changes in temperature. Unfortunately there is also a gap on one side of…
John Neville
  • 101
  • 1
1
2