DIY Network

Fixing a Windy House Home inspector Tim Hockenberry helps to seal an airy home nice and tight. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-206

After finding drafts in the living room, rain puddles at the basement door and window, exterior gaps in the brick and siding and open-ended trim pieces, DIY comes to the rescue by sealing the gaps under the siding, flashing, windows and doors, which will create a natural barrier that will the reduce the wind that hits the house.

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Figure A

Seal Gaps

Materials:

screwdriver
foam sealing gaskets
caulking gun

1. At the fire box, determine the source of the air leaks.

2. Use expanding foam and seal off all of these openings (figure A).

   Note: Make sure to fill the voids to seal the leaks.

3. To fix the air leaks around the switches and outlets, first use a screwdriver and remove the cover plate.

4. Install foam sealing gaskets that have been cut to size. If the gap is large enough, add some caulk to further seal the leak. Then simply replace the cover plate and screw down.

	Gaps in your soffets could be one reason unwanted air is penetrating your home.
	Figure B
	Figure C

Sealing Gaps Under the Siding

Materials:

safety gloves
aluminum sheet cut to size
tar paper
hammer and nails
staple gun
caulking gun
expansion foam

Note: For the siding fix, you may need a scaffolding to reach the problem area. Make sure the structure is stable and secure before proceeding.

1. Remove the siding in the problem area.

2. Install a solid sheet of aluminum above the vented soffets. Nail the sheet in place.

3. To reinforce the wind barrier, add a second layer of tar paper (figure B). Staple the sheet in place.

4. With the double barrier secured, replace the siding. Nail the siding down leaving about a 1/16" to allow the siding to expand and contract (figure C). Place a nail every 16" or so to firmly secure the siding in place. Place the next piece of siding and lock into place. Nail down and repeat.

5. As an added wind barrier, place a bead of caulk at any gaps between the brick and the siding of the house. Use expanding foam to seal off the open ends of corner moldings.

	Figure D
	Figure E

Installing Flashing Under Windows

Materials:

flathead screwdriver
measuring tape
tin snips
caulking gun

1. Remove the window trim to expose the leak underneath. Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to help pry the board off.

2. Measure and cut the piece of metal flashing to size using tin snips.

3. Lay a bead of silicone (figure D) along the edges of the exposed trim beneath the window and put the flashing in place.

4. Add an additional amount of sealant on top of the piece of flashing (figure E) to allow the trim to adhere.

5. Once the trim is back in place, seal the edges with another bead of silicone.