Good point about flashing, but honestly, sealing every tiny gap perfectly is nearly impossible. I've found that focusing too much on perfection can drive you nuts and blow your budget. Instead, I usually plan for some minor leaks or issues down the road and set aside a bit extra for quick fixes later. Sometimes accepting a little imperfection upfront saves more headaches (and cash) in the long run...
You're right—chasing absolute perfection in sealing can quickly become counterproductive. Still, I'd suggest prioritizing the most vulnerable areas, like window frames, door thresholds, and roof-wall intersections. These spots typically cause the most significant energy loss and moisture issues. I've found that investing a bit more effort upfront in these critical zones pays off long-term, both in comfort and reduced maintenance costs. Accepting minor imperfections elsewhere is practical, but strategic attention to key areas can make a noticeable difference.
"Accepting minor imperfections elsewhere is practical, but strategic attention to key areas can make a noticeable difference."
Totally agree with this. When we sealed up our old place, we focused mostly on windows and doors—didn't go crazy everywhere else. Honestly, it made a huge difference without breaking the bank...worth the effort imo.
We did something similar, mostly sealing around doors and windows, but honestly, I'm still wondering if we missed out by not tackling the attic better. Anyone else notice a big difference after insulating up there? Seems like heat loss could be sneaky...
You're definitely onto something with the attic insulation. Heat loss through the attic can be pretty significant—warm air rises, and without proper insulation, you're essentially heating the outdoors. When I upgraded my attic insulation from R-19 to R-49, the difference was noticeable almost immediately. Rooms felt warmer, and my heating bills dropped by about 15%. Sealing windows and doors helps, but tackling the attic is usually where you'll see the biggest bang for your buck...worth considering if you're still feeling drafts or seeing high energy bills.
