How to Stop Basement Air Leaks

Stopping  Air Leaks in Your Basement Can Save You Money

Introduction:

Air leaks or air infiltration, is the number one source of unwanted air entering or leaving your home. Air infiltration cost you money by driving up heating and cooling cost.  Even if your basement is adequately insulated with high quality insulation there is likely air leakage around vent pipes, chimneys, doors and other basement openings. By sealing these air leaks in your basement you can stop the loss of heating energy.

Actually cold air can enter and warm air exit your basement through air leaks that are both above and below ground. Air infiltrating your basement can be sucked into your upstairs rooms which will cause your furnace to work harder than necessary. The remedy is to find the air leaks in your basement and seal them.

Large gaps in basement walls are a common place for air leaks. Plug these large gaps in with low expansion polyurethane foam insulation if the gaps are ¼ inch to 2 inches wide, such as those around plumbing pipes and vents that pass through basement walls to the outside of the home.

For small gaps in basement walls a caulking compound makes the best filler for openings smaller than ¼ inch wide such as commonly found around electrical boxes and fixtures. Silicone caulking works well when sealing nonporous materials such as metal flashing. Acrylic latex caulking is less messy to work with and cleans up quite easily with water. Use high-temperature caulk around water pipes and vent pipes gaps that get hot such as those for around furnaces or water heater.

Seal all air leaks where the foundation sets on the wall. In older houses that have basements, air seeps in where the house framing sits on the foundation wall. This location is called the sill plate. Spread a bead of caulk between the foundation and the sill plate and along the top and bottom edges of the sill.

Seal any gaps in water pipes and heat ducts that pass through the floor to the upper level. Caulking compound will provide a good seal in these locations.

Seal any gaps in basement windows, outside doors or bulkheads. These areas are highly susceptible to air infiltration. Use foam or stuff insulation in any cracks or loose joints around the opening.

By stopping basement air leaks you can save a lot of heating or cooling energy costs and make your home more comfortable year around.

Related articles: 

Basement Floor Insulation

Basement Moisture Problems

Basement Lighting

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