Seal Air Leaks and Reduce Drafts
Insulation slows heat transfer—but air sealing stops energy loss at the source.
In Chicago homes, uncontrolled air movement is one of the biggest contributors to high energy bills, uneven temperatures, and comfort issues. Air sealing closes the gaps that allow outside air to enter and conditioned air to escape, creating a tighter, more efficient home.
At Perma-Seal, air sealing is included with every attic insulation project because insulation simply doesn’t perform properly without it.
What Is Air Sealing?
Air sealing is the process of identifying and sealing gaps, cracks, and penetrations in a home’s building envelope where air leakage occurs.
These openings often go unnoticed, but even small gaps can add up to significant energy loss—especially in Chicago’s extreme seasonal temperatures.
Air sealing focuses on:
- Preventing air infiltration in winter
- Reducing hot air intrusion in summer
- Improving indoor comfort
- Supporting consistent energy performance
Why Air Sealing Is Essential in Chicago Homes
Chicago homes experience large temperature swings throughout the year. Without proper air sealing, your heating and cooling system works harder than it should—driving up energy costs.
Proper air sealing helps:
- Reduce drafts and temperature inconsistencies
- Improve overall energy efficiency
- Lower heating and cooling expenses
- Enhance indoor comfort year-round
- Protect insulation performance
Air sealing is especially important in older homes built before modern energy standards.
Attic Air Sealing: Where Energy Loss Starts
The attic is one of the largest sources of air leakage in a home. Warm air naturally rises, and any openings in the attic floor allow that air to escape directly outside.
Common attic air leakage points include:
- Plumbing and electrical penetrations
- Recessed lighting
- Attic hatches and pull-down stairs
- Top plates of walls
- Duct and exhaust fan openings
That’s why Perma-Seal includes attic air sealing with every attic insulation project. Sealing these areas ensures insulation can perform at its full potential.
How Rim Joist Insulation Seals the Basement & Crawl Space
Air sealing doesn’t stop at the attic. A home must be sealed from top to bottom to be truly efficient.
Rim joists—located where the foundation meets the framing—are one of the most common air leakage points in basements and crawl spaces.
By insulating rim joists with spray foam insulation, Perma-Seal:
- Seals gaps and seams at the foundation level
- Blocks cold air infiltration
- Reduces moisture movement
- Improves comfort on the floors above
Spray foam rim joist insulation acts as both an air seal and an insulation layer, making it one of the most effective sealing solutions available.
Air Sealing + Insulation = Better Performance
Air sealing and insulation are most effective when installed together.
When air leaks are sealed:
Insulation works as intended
Temperature control improves
HVAC systems operate more efficiently
Energy waste is significantly reduced
That’s why Perma-Seal approaches energy efficiency as a system, not a single upgrade.
Common Signs Your Home Needs Better Air Sealing
Many Chicago homeowners don’t realize air leakage is the root cause of their comfort issues. Common signs include:
- Drafts even when windows are closed
- Uneven temperatures between rooms or floors
- High energy bills
- Cold floors in winter
- Hot upper levels in summer
Air sealing—paired with proper insulation—addresses these issues at their source.
Why Perma-Seal Includes Air Sealing with Attic Insulation
Air sealing isn’t an optional upgrade—it’s a requirement for effective attic insulation.
By including air sealing as part of attic insulation projects, Perma-Seal ensures:
- Long-term energy savings
- Improved indoor comfort
- Better return on insulation investment
- Proper building envelope performance
This integrated approach is what separates true energy solutions from surface-level fixes.
Serving Chicago & Surrounding Areas
Perma-Seal proudly provides air sealing and insulation services throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, with solutions designed for Midwest construction styles and climate conditions.
Schedule a Free Attic Insulation Evaluation
If your home struggles with drafts, temperature swings, or high energy costs, air sealing may be the missing piece—and it’s already included with attic insulation services.
Schedule a free attic insulation evaluation today
Start Improving Your Home Comfort Today
Connect with our insulation experts and explore how we can help you improve home comfort and save on energy bills. Contact us to schedule a free insulation inspection for your home today.
See What Our Customers Think of Our Services
Attic Air Sealing & Insulation
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Attic Insulation for Two Spaces
The crew was efficient and thorough in insulating my two attics. They respected me and my property. They cleaned up afterwards, including vacuuming the area.