How to Deal With Air Leaks in Your Newly-Built Home

Even when a new home is being built, there will sometimes be air leaks that go unnoticed during construction. They can be hard to find and difficult to fix after completion, which is why the best way to deal with such problems is by determining where they originate and having a trusted professional address them. To learn how to properly take care of air leaks in your new home, Entergis Testing and Sealing, LLC shares their insight here: 

Air Leaks From Soffits and Ceilings

Sometimes, air leaks can be due to changes in ceiling height, and can occur above bathroom or kitchen cabinets. They can also originate from dropped ceilings, which accommodate piping chases and ductwork. If the dropped ceiling or soffit is near an exterior wall, there should first be interior sheathing installed. This needs to be on the exterior wall to prevent air leakage. The material should then be secured by fasteners or an adhesive, along with a continuous bead of sealant along the edges.

Joist Cavities in Cantilevered Floors Not Properly Sealed

If there are “bump-outs” between two floors or beneath your bay windows, there’s a chance that an air leak can occur, especially if the joist cavities in these places are left open, because the airflow can then get through from the outside. To ensure that the joist cavities are properly sealed, use blocking at the spot where they meet the wall below. You can then fill each cavity with insulation in contact with the subfloor, making sure that the baseplate is sealed properly.

Exterior Walls Near Bathtubs Not Properly Sealed

Tubs and showers should be insulated and air-sealed when they’re installed on exterior walls, along with plumbing that may pass through the floors, as they can allow air to pass through if not sealed properly. Make sure that any plumbing that passes through the floors and walls of your bathroom is air sealed. The exterior walls must also be insulated and air-sealed before the tub and shower are installed.

Entergis Testing and Sealing, LLC is a locally-trusted company for air leakage testing and sealing services. Call us today at (225) 445-2362 or fill out our convenient request form online!