Heat transfer from a room, through walls or even from the attic is natural and unfortunately very expensive. It is estimated that 35% of heat is lost through poorly insulated walls and up to 25% of a home’s heat is lost through the attic and roof. This means that up to 60% of your energy bill could be wasted due to heat loss to the elements. The best way to reduce total heat loss and save money in the long run is to install proper insulation, including penetration caulking of attic walls and ceilings.
Penetration caulking for the roof and wall of the attic works by finding open, uninsulated spaces and sealing them with expandable thermal caulking. Finding the leaks is often easier said than done. In some cases, leaks can go undetected for years without proper inspection by insulation professionals. Even small leaks can translate into huge losses of thermal energy and also large expenses on energy bills.
One tip for finding leaks is to examine the insulation for dark spots. If the insulation is in an attic, localized stains could indicate strong contact with the outside air, and stains are where dirt has seeped through a crack or leak. Another method of finding areas in need of repair can be used in cold climates – you can look for frost buildup on the insulation. Frost occurs when the warm, humid air inside a home condenses very quickly when it meets the cooler outside air. In most cases, this dirty or icy insulation is still good and does not need to be replaced. However, the leak should be repaired as soon as possible. Large holes or leaks need to be repaired with the proper equipment, but smaller cracks can easily be sealed with attic wall and ceiling caulk.
If you suspect that the insulation in a hard-to-reach area or narrow space in the attic has been compromised, attic wall and ceiling penetration caulking may be your best option for repairing the insulation without completely destroying the walls. Caulking foam can be inserted into a wall through small holes drilled in the rock plate. The caulking foam is then sprayed and expanded into every nook and cranny, effectively sealing any uninsulated areas. This turns a poorly insulated wall into a true thermal barrier. This method of insulation should not be used in all spaces, but it is great for hard-to-reach areas.
You shouldn’t hesitate to have your insulation inspected to see if you can reduce your energy bills by properly sealing your attic, ceiling, and walls.
