Sealing: The solution for protecting your home from air and water leaks
Like good insulation, good sealing can save a lot of energy while improving your comfort. Sealing your home means tracking down any air leaks that let heat escape in the winter and cool air escape in the summer, as well as sealing up any water infiltration that could damage the structure and lead to mould.
Sealing and insulation: What’s the difference?
Sealing and insulation are two different but complementary things. Sealing consists of making a structure impermeable to air (and water) leaks, while insulating minimizes cold or heat loss using efficient materials.
Four benefits of a well-sealed home
- Energy savings = lower bill and reduced GHG emissions
- Increased comfort with a more stable indoor temperature without drafts
- Better protected structure, so less maintenance and greater durability
- Better, healthier and drier indoor air
Air leakage can account for 25% of your home’s heat loss, the equivalent of a hole the size of a basketball1.
How to make your home more airtight
- Conduct a blower door test to determine where air is escaping from your home.
- Plug leaks by caulking windows, sealing joints, installing air barrier membranes, etc.
The result is a more comfortable, efficient and weather-protected home.
Good to know
A perfectly sealed and insulated house must also be able to breathe. Installing a mechanical ventilation system will ensure that indoor air is renewed efficiently and good air quality is maintained. Otherwise, you can ventilate naturally by opening doors and windows a few minutes a day.
Your sealing project action plan
- Find out about available financial assistance programs (Énergir does not offer grants to residential customers for this type of work).
- Hire a qualified contractor. A recognized professional will ensure that insulation materials and techniques meet standards and maximize results.
