Sealing your home is one of the first things you should do if you care about pests, energy efficiency, and pollution. Doing it right prevents nasties from getting inside, allowing you to live the way you want to live.
But, of course, there are challenges. Fully sealing your home is a momentous challenge and something that often requires keen attention to detail.
So, what can you do to seal your home? How can you prevent anything from getting inside?
Secure Your Vents And Chimneys
First, start by securing your vents and chimneys. These are often places where critters and dirt can get into your home.
One option is to use mesh screens. These allow you to exhaust waste air and gases, but prevent anything from crawling in from the outside and getting in.
You can also use a chimney cap on your chimney. These stop birds and small animals from climbing inside and making their way down to your fireplace.
If there are vents in the attic or roof, check these, too. Usually, you can apply vents to the inside, negating the need to climb outside and fit them externally.
Seal Gaps In Walls
Next, check to see if you need to seal any gaps in your walls and foundations and fill any cracks in the masonry.
Modern sealants often expand foams that grow and harden until they create an impenetrable barrier. However, you can use conventional materials to protect your home’s aesthetics.
If you can’t see any gaps at ground level, go to the basement and check the room more thoroughly. Usually, you will see issues with the floors and walls, so fill these as appropriate.
Pest control services will often perform a sweep of your basement if you have a recent infestation. Like the attic, it is a weak point in your home and lends itself to pest incursions.
Protect Pipe Openings
Pipe openings are another entry point to your home that you should check. Critters and other materials can travel up them, getting into your property and potentially causing damage.
Therefore, check your dryer vents and exhaust fans to see if there is a viable way for anything to enter your home. Usually, these will have mesh screens and filters, but they can sometimes break.
You should also look at the condition of outdoor hose connections. See whether these are attracting critters and if there is any evidence of them crawling inside.
Look For Gaps Around Windows And Doors
Also, look for gaps around windows and doors. See if there is any visible daylight around the frames.
If you can see gaps around plumbing or electrical wiring points, that’s a sign that you could potentially have a problem on your hands. Outlet vents and pipes are often sealed in place, but the surrounding material sometimes crumbles, making it far easier for critters to enter.
So there you have it: some of the ways you can seal your home and prevent anything from getting inside. Remember to be as thorough as possible to prevent serious issues in the future.
