The air you breathe inside your home can sometimes be worse than the air outside. A big reason for this is those tiny gaps and leaks around your windows and doors that can let dirt, dust, and pollen in. These can also let the conditioned air out, which will interfere with your comfort. Find out more about how and why to address hidden cracks in your home.
Finding the Hidden Gaps That Ruin Your Air
Before you can fix the leaks, you have to find them. Most air leaks happen in predictable spots, especially where different parts of your house connect. Take a close look around the frames of your doors and windows. The seals there often wear out over time.
Try holding a thin piece of tissue paper near the edge of a closed window or door. If the paper moves or flutters, that is where cold air is coming in, and warm air is escaping, or vice versa. This brings in unwanted outside particles. Another common trouble spot is where wires or pipes go through your walls, such as near your electrical outlets or where the hose for your washing machine goes outside.
Simple Ways to Seal Up the Trouble Spots
Once you’ve found a leak, fixing it is straightforward. For leaks around moving parts, such as doors and windows, weatherstripping is your best friend because it’s flexible and easily sticks in place. Weatherstripping is a foam, rubber, or plastic strip that fills the space between the door or window sash and the frame, creating a tight seal when closed. Because weatherstripping wears down after several seasons of opening and closing, it’s important to inspect it once a year and replace it if it looks cracked or flattened.
For leaks that are not around moving parts, such as cracks in the wall where a pipe enters or a small gap where the window frame meets the wall, you should use caulk. Caulk is a flexible sealant that comes in a tube. You squeeze it into the gap to create a permanent, airtight, and waterproof barrier. Since caulk hardens, you cannot use it on something that needs to open. However, it is perfect for sealing those tiny cracks and holes that are letting in dust and moisture near your home’s foundation or around your bathroom fixtures.
You can also have a professional perform an inspection. They can spot problems that may be contaminating the air in your home, such as cracks in your ductwork. Call Ace Home Services for air quality help, air duct repair, and additional services for your Phoenix, AZ home.