top of page

Air Sealing

Air Sealing Services in the Finger Lakes & Upstate NY 

 

Stop Drafts, Reduce Energy Loss & Improve Home Comfort with AB Insulation 

Most homes in New York have hidden air leaks that waste energy, increase heating and cooling costs, and create uncomfortable drafts. At AB Insulation, we specialize in professional air sealing services that eliminate these leaks and transform drafty homes into efficient, comfortable living spaces. 

Our certified technicians use advanced diagnostic tools and proven buildingscience methods to locate and seal air leaks throughout your home — delivering longlasting comfort and measurable energy savings. 

 

Air leaks allow warm air to escape in winter and cool air to escape in summer. This forces your HVAC system to run longer and harder, driving up your energy bills. 

Even small gaps add up. In fact, the total leakage in an average home is equivalent to leaving a window open 24/7.

Air sealing stops this energy loss by closing gaps around: 

  • Attic penetrations 

  • Recessed lights 

  • Electrical outlets 

  • Plumbing and wiring holes 

  • Rim joists 

  • Basement sill plates 

  • Ductwork 

  • Chimney chases 

  • Window and door frames 

When these leaks are sealed, your home becomes significantly more comfortable and efficient.

Why Air Sealing Matters

Understanding the Stack Effect 

Warm air rises — and in your home, it rises straight into the attic through gaps and cracks. As warm air escapes, cold air is pulled in from the basement or crawl space to replace it. This constant upward airflow is called the stack effect, and it’s one of the biggest causes of: 

​

          Cold drafts 

          Uneven temperatures 

          High heating bills 

          Ice dams 

          Excess dust 

          Moisture problems 

 

Air sealing stops the stack effect at its source.

021312016-main.jpg

Signs Your Home Needs Air Sealing 

You may need professional air sealing if you notice: 

  • Cold drafts 

  • Rooms that never stay warm 

  • High heating or cooling bills 

  • Dust buildup on insulation (a sign of air movement) 

  • Ice dams on the roof 

  • Temperature differences between floors 

  • HVAC system running constantly 

These symptoms indicate that conditioned air is escaping — and outdoor air is entering. 

How AB Insulation Performs Air Sealing 

Our certified technicians follow a precise, building science-based process: 

 

We depressurize your home to identify where air is leaking and measure the total leakage rate. 

 

 

Using diagnostics and experience, we find leaks in: 

          Attics 

          Basements 

          Crawl spaces 

          Wall penetrations 

          Mechanical chases 

          Ductwork 

 

 

We use high-performance materials such as: 

          Two-part expanding spray foam 

          Fire rated sealants 

          Caulking 

          Gaskets 

          Weatherstripping 

 

 

After sealing, we can perform a second blower door test to show the improvement in real time. 

Blower Door Testing

Locate Hidden Gaps

Seal the Leaks

Verify the Results

Why Air Sealing Should Come Before Insulation 

 

Insulation slows heat transfer — but it does not stop air movement. 
If you add insulation without sealing leaks first: 

  • Air still escapes 

  • Energy loss continues 

  • Moisture can enter the attic 

  • Insulation becomes less effective 

Air sealing is the foundation of an efficient home. Insulation works best only after leaks are sealed.

Areas We Commonly Seal 

Our technicians seal leaks in critical areas such as: 

  • Plumbing penetrations 

  • Chimney and flue chases 

  • Ductwork gaps 

  • Rim joists 

  • Attic top plates 

  • Recessed lights 

  • Pulldown attic stairs 

  • Basement windows 

  • Window and door frames 

  • Bath and kitchen fan penetrations 

  • Sump pump openings 

  • Electrical outlets and switches 

If air can move through it — we seal it. 

Resized_20210929_134342_edited.jpg

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters 

Air sealing is not a simple DIY project. It requires: 

  • Specialized diagnostic tools 

  • Knowledge of building science 

  • Understanding of ventilation and moisture control 

  • Experience identifying hidden leakage points 

  • Proper materials and installation techniques 

​

Improper air sealing can cause: 

  • Moisture problems 

  • Poor ventilation 

  • Mold growth 

  • Pressure imbalances 

  • Reduced HVAC performance 

Why AB Insulation Is the Best Choice 

At AB Insulation, our technicians are: 

  • Certified and professionally trained 

  • Experts in airsealing diagnostics and building science 

  • Skilled in safe, effective sealing techniques 

  • Equipped with advanced tools like blower doors and thermal imaging 

  • Experienced in sealing complex leakage points 

We don’t just seal a few cracks — we create complete, highperformance airsealing systems that deliver longterm comfort and energy savings. 

Benefits of Professional Air Sealing 

Homeowners typically experience: 

  • 10–20% or more reduction in heating and cooling costs 

  • Fewer drafts and cold spots 

  • More consistent temperatures 

  • Improved indoor air quality 

  • Reduced dust and allergens 

  • Longer HVAC system lifespan 

  • Better insulation performance 

  • Protection against moisture and mold 

Air sealing is a once and done improvement — no maintenance required. 

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

 

What is air sealing? 

Air sealing closes gaps and cracks in your home’s structure to prevent conditioned air from escaping and outdoor air from entering. 

 

How much can air sealing save on energy bills? 

Most homeowners save 10–20% or more on heating and cooling costs after professional air sealing. 

 

Do I need air sealing if I already have insulation? 

Yes. Insulation slows heat transfer, but it does not stop air movement. Air sealing is essential for insulation to work properly. 

 

Where are the biggest air leaks in a home? 

Common leakage points include attics, rim joists, plumbing penetrations, recessed lights, ductwork, and basement sill plates. 

 

Is air sealing safe? 

When performed by certified professionals — like AB Insulation — air sealing is safe and improves both comfort and efficiency. 

 

How long does air sealing take? 

Most projects can be completed in one day, depending on the size and condition of the home. 

 

Can air sealing help with moisture or mold problems? 

Yes. Air sealing prevents warm, moist air from entering attics or wall cavities, reducing the risk of condensation and mold. 

 

Why should I hire a certified contractor? 

Certified technicians understand building science, ventilation, and moisture control — ensuring the job is done correctly and safely. 

Connect with Us!

Contact Form

Call Now!

bottom of page