How to Seal Floor Vents

If you live in a house with a crawl space, in that location is a good chance the flooring vents are not sealed. This is one of those things that tin get unnoticed but accept a big bear upon on your indoor surround over time. The adept news is that we have an easy gear up you can tackle in a weekend!

We are going to lay out exactly what yous need to know how to seal floor vents. Showtime, let's look at why information technology is of import.

If you have spent whatever amount of fourth dimension in your clamber space, you know that information technology is not a pleasant environment. Information technology is musty, the air is humid and unconditioned, and… well, it is dirty. That is the all-time instance scenario. There is also a chance insects, critters and even snakes are finding their way downward at that place.

Give thanks goodness there is a solid flooring between your living room and the crawl infinite!

But wait… If unsealed, the air vents in your flooring tin get out open spaces, up to an inch wide, right into the clamber space.

Woman looking Disgusted

The EPA estimates 40%-60% of your indoor air could be coming from your crawlspace. And allow's not even think near those critters downwards there!

Convinced? Let's get started.

Step ane: Audit your floor vents.

Unsealed Air Vent

Check to brand sure you have a crawl infinite, and that yous have air vents coming upwardly through the flooring. If you do, unscrew one of the floor vent covers and ready it aside. Look into the vent, correct where the ductwork meets the floor. Is in that location a gap between the metal duct and the flooring? Bingo! You have an unsealed vent.

Step 2: Gather your supplies.

You'll probably need a quick trip to the hardware store, or if y'all are planning ahead, use the Amazon links below. (We do receive a modest commission if yous click the link, but this does not increase your toll.)

  • Aluminum Record
  • Water Based Duct Sealer (Mastic)
  • Aluminum Window Screen
  • Putty Knife
  • You volition also need a screwdriver, scissors, some paper towels and rubber or nitrile gloves.

Step 3: Tape the vents

If the vent cover is not removed, unscrew it and ready to the side. Wipe off the inside of the metal duct with a damp rag to remove whatever dust.

Tear the aluminum record into pieces long enough to embrace each of the 4 sides. You should have 2 brusque pieces and 2 long pieces.

Carefully remove the back of the tape. Make sure you lot put information technology where you want it because you merely become i shot!

Place the tape so that it adheres to the top few inches of the metallic duct, so wraps over onto your floor by almost one/4 inch. Printing into identify firmly. Repeat for each side, making certain at that place are no small gaps left in the corners where the pieces of tape meet.

Step 4: Seal the tape

The tape does a great job sealing, but as the metal expands and contracts with seasons information technology can brainstorm to come loose. That is where the duct sealer comes in.

Use your putty knife to generously coat the aluminum tape with duct sealer. Make sure the sealer extends beneath the bottom of the record, only do non put whatever on your floor . Come up every bit high as you tin can without making the turn onto the section of tape directly on the flooring.

You need to wait for the sealer to dry, and then go ahead and clean upwardly whatever mess y'all fabricated and be sure no globs are on your floor. Move on and echo the process at each of your floor vents.

Step five: Seal for bugs

The previous step sealed whatever clamber space air from entering your living space. This step will keep out the bugs.

Make sure the duct sealant is fully dry.

Unroll the aluminum window screen and gear up over the open up vent pigsty. Be sure you are using an aluminum screen and not fiberglass. That will ensure critters tin can not chew through.

Cutting the screen to exist nigh 1 ane/2 inches wider than the opening on each side.

Push the screen into the vent, and make a crease along each of the four sides. The crease will crusade almost an inch of screen to turn back up along the vent wall. Work the corners to be square. The final product should fit snugly into the vent hole and look a little similar a serving tray.

Tear four more pieces of aluminum tape, and record the screen into the vent. Be sure that the screen is a few inches down into the vent , so that your vent encompass will still fit.

Supplant the vent cover and you are done.

Applause! Great Job!

Congratulations! You lot did information technology! Your family and abode are protected from dirty clamber infinite air, insects, and other critters. Bully chore!

We're Here When You lot Demand Usa

Having problem with your indoor air quality? Call Branch Environmental . Nosotros're experts at indoor air quality assessment. We care for each inspection equally an investigation. As a visitor, we believe that no i should alive or work in a building that makes them sick. From subconscious mold sources to major contaminants, nosotros tin can identify exactly what is going on in your domicile and rid it of ecology toxins, often for good.

Co-operative Ecology – Because nobody should alive or piece of work in a edifice that makes them sick.

Disclaimers:

Weblog information is NOT intended to provide or replace medical advice. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

*We are an Amazon affiliate company and we exercise occasionally receive compensation for products that you lot purchase through links on our website.

Suggestions for products to use are just that, suggestions. Y'all know yourself and your home best. Delight do your own research on whatsoever product you use in your domicile or on your skin, and learn all the facts for yourself. Thanks.