Reduce Uncontrolled Air Leakage
Why Should I Worry About Moisture Problems?
Does My House Have a Moisture Problem?
Reduce Moisture Sources Inside The Home
Add Insulation To Cold Surfaces
Reduce Uncontrolled Air Leakage
Install Effective Ventilation Systems
Basic Facts About Moulds
Upgrade Or Replace Windows
Check For Moisture Entry From Other Sources
Keep The Air Circulating
Get Rid Of Mould
Basic Facts About Moisture
Keep Humidity Levels Within A Healthy Range
Use Dehumidifiers Wisely
Moisture Problems, Don't Become a Statistic!
In the upper part of your house, air leakage outward carries moisture into the attic and wall cavities, causing long-term deterioration. In the lower part of your house, air leakage inward can chill window frames and door sills, causing frost to form. Air leaking in through foundation walls and the floor can be a source of moisture. Seal all cracks, joints and openings for services and around sump pump lids. It's a good strategy to reduce this uncontrolled air leakage and rely more on controlled mechanical ventilation for fresh air. Seal hidden openings into the attic, tighten the attic hatch, weatherstrip and caulk around windows and doors, install gaskets on electrical outlets, caulk baseboards and seal the top of foundations. (Natural Resources Canada has published another fact sheet of this series entitled Air-Leakage Control. See page 11 to find out how to order your free copy.)
Sealing air leakage into an attic
- plumbing stack
- attic hatch
- electric wiring
- tops of partition walls
- electrical boxes
- chimney
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