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Air sealing inside corner

pshyvers | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Scanning the house during an air leakage test, discovered an air movement pattern I hadn’t seen before. Air appears to be leaking through an inside-corner of the building, as shown in attachments.

It does not appear to be coming through the door’s rough-in frame, unfortunately, which suggests I can’t get at it as simply as pulling back trim. Sealing the attic top plates is on the todo list and might help by eliminating a pathway for this air to flow, but that’s not going to happen soon.

Are there any special considerations for this leak pattern, or do I simply need to pull back drywall or siding and get in there with sealant? I haven’t seen much discussion of this type of leak, but maybe I’m overthinking things. Thanks!

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Pshvers,
    I would certainly start by removing the door casing. If necessary, you can always drill some holes in the studs to spray foam through to the stud bay behind the first stud you see. You can also seal the gap between the rough opening for the door and the door frame.

  2. TimTuckerCom | | #2

    An alternate means of getting access to that stud cavity -- you could shut off the power and remove the 3 gang electrical box (likely nailed to the stud, which will require a pry bar to get loose).

    When you're done you can replace it with an old work box.

  3. user-2310254 | | #3

    What is on the other side of the wall behind the light switch?

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