You paid to
cool it.
Help keep it in.
Air sealing for existing homes, new construction and remodels. Address unwanted air pathways with a plan for the building—not just another layer of insulation.
Comfort can escape
through places you never see.
Unwanted air movement can happen through ceiling penetrations, framing connections, access openings and other gaps in the building envelope. Windows and exterior doors are only part of the picture.
Air sealing addresses those pathways using materials and details suited to the location. It works alongside insulation, ventilation and HVAC planning to help improve control over how air moves through the building.
LoneStar Air Sealers serves homeowners, builders and remodelers throughout Bryan–College Station, the Brazos Valley and Montgomery County.
Insulation slows heat.
Air sealing addresses leaks.
More insulation does not automatically fix unwanted airflow. Fiberglass batts and blown-in fiberglass provide thermal resistance, but they are not a substitute for a continuous air barrier.
Find the pathways.
Define the scope.
Each building has different access and construction details. We review the areas that can be addressed and any preparation or investigation needed.
Attic-floor air sealing
Review accessible gaps between the living space and a vented attic. Addressing these areas before new insulation can make the work easier to access.
New construction
Plan a continuous air-control layer while framing and rough-ins are accessible. Include connections between walls, ceilings, floors and openings.
Attic access openings
Evaluate hatch or stairway frames, weatherstripping, closure and suitable insulated covers as part of the separation between attic and living space.
Penetrations & chases
Review accessible gaps around plumbing, wiring, ducts and larger openings. Materials and methods must suit the assembly and required clearances.
Remodels & additions
Use opened-up areas to address accessible leakage pathways and connect new air-control details to the existing building.
Blower door diagnostics
Discuss testing to establish a leakage baseline and a scoped investigation to help locate pathways. Retesting can evaluate changes after sealing.
The overlooked details
deserve a closer look.
Accessible connections and penetrations can offer opportunities for air sealing. The appropriate method depends on the materials and conditions around them.
| Location | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Wall-to-ceiling connections | Accessible top plates, joints and gaps at the attic-floor air-control layer. |
| Wiring & plumbing | Gaps at accessible penetrations and the suitable materials for those locations. |
| Chases & dropped ceilings | Larger openings that may require supported air-barrier blocking and sealed edges. |
| Attic access | Frame leakage, weatherstripping, closure and compatible insulated covers. |
| Fixtures & heat sources | Fixture ratings, required clearances and approved detailing before any sealing work. |
Recessed lights, flues and other heat-producing components need appropriate clearances and materials. Ordinary foam or caulk is not a universal treatment for every opening.
Before the new
insulation goes in.
When attic insulation is being removed or replaced, accessible ceiling penetrations and framing connections are easier to review. Air sealing can be included in the preparation scope before the new thermal layer is installed.
How leaky is it?
Let’s measure.
A blower door test measures enclosure leakage under a controlled pressure difference. Additional diagnostics can help investigate accessible leakage pathways while the fan is operating.
Ask about baseline testing, leak-location diagnostics and retesting when discussing your air-sealing project. Testing and investigation should be included explicitly in the agreed scope.
Explore blower door testingReview. Prioritize.
Seal with purpose.
Understand the building.
Review comfort concerns, enclosure details, access and existing insulation. Discuss testing if measurement or leak diagnostics would help.
Plan the accessible work.
Identify preparation, suitable materials and the areas included. Moisture problems, repairs and mechanical-system concerns may need additional attention.
Address the details.
Complete the agreed sealing scope and coordinate related insulation work. If testing is included, review the measured results and next steps.
A tighter enclosure.
A plan for fresh air.
The goal is to reduce unwanted leakage while providing appropriate intentional ventilation. Air sealing should be considered alongside indoor humidity, exhaust systems and HVAC operation.
Let us know about fireplaces, combustion appliances, existing moisture concerns or unusual indoor conditions. The project may need coordinated evaluation by the appropriate building or mechanical professional.
Your air-sealing questions, answered.
Is air sealing the same as adding insulation?
No. Insulation provides thermal resistance; air sealing addresses unwanted air movement through the enclosure. Both should be considered when planning improvements.
Can you air seal an existing attic?
Accessible attic-floor details can often be considered. Existing insulation, stored items, framing and site conditions affect access and the work required. Removal or preparation may be needed for some areas.
Do I need a blower door test?
Testing can establish a baseline and help evaluate improvement, but it is a distinct part of the scope. Discuss your goals so we can review whether testing and leak diagnostics are appropriate for the project.
Will this lower my energy bills?
Reducing uncontrolled leakage can help reduce heating and cooling demand. Actual results depend on the building’s starting condition, work scope, HVAC performance, weather and use. A fixed savings percentage is not promised.
Will air sealing fix humidity or dust?
It may reduce some unwanted air pathways, but humidity and dust have multiple sources. Ventilation, filtration, ductwork, water leaks and indoor activities may also need evaluation. Air sealing is not a guaranteed cure for every indoor condition.
Should the attic vents be sealed?
Not simply as part of sealing the ceiling beneath a vented attic. The correct enclosure boundary must be identified first. Changing a vented attic to an unvented assembly requires a coordinated design.
Can you seal around recessed lights and flues?
Those areas require review of ratings, clearances and approved details. Materials and methods must be suitable for the component and assembly. Some conditions may need correction before sealing work can proceed.
Is this the same as duct sealing?
No. Building-envelope air sealing and duct sealing address different leakage paths. We review which system your concern involves and confirm the scope rather than treating them as interchangeable.
What do you need for a quote?
Send your location, building size, photos and a description of the issue or construction project. Include attic access details, existing insulation and whether you want testing or insulation work considered.
Feeling the drafts?
Building from scratch?
Tell us what you’re noticing or send your plans. We’ll help define an air-sealing scope for the project.
Serving Bryan–College Station, the Brazos Valley and Montgomery County, including Montgomery, Conroe and surrounding communities.
Request an air-sealing quoteLearn more: DOE Building Science Education: attic air sealing.