- 100% agree about the checklist—makes a huge difference.
- I’d add: don’t forget to check around any vents or emergency air holes, too. Those covers can shift over time and let in moisture.
- I always use a smoke stick (incense works in a pinch) to spot drafts you can’t feel but are still there.
- One thing I learned the hard way: even caulked seams can crack after a freeze-thaw cycle. Worth re-checking every spring, not just after storms.
- Congrats again. Peace of mind is worth the hassle.
I always use a smoke stick (incense works in a pinch) to spot drafts you can’t feel but are still there.
That’s a clever trick—never thought of using incense for that, but it makes sense. I’d also suggest checking the hinges and latches on the shelter door. Even if everything else is sealed, a slightly loose hinge can let in more than just air. Learned that after a particularly windy night when I found dust all along the threshold. Routine checks really do save headaches down the line.
Funny you mention hinges—I once had a client convinced their shelter was airtight, but every time it rained, they’d get this weird draft. Turned out the door was just a hair off-plumb, so the latch wasn’t pulling it tight. A little adjustment and some weatherstripping did the trick. It’s wild how even a tiny gap can let in a surprising amount of dust or moisture. I’m with you on routine checks... saves a lot of “what the heck?” moments later.
Congrats on the clean bill of health for your shelter—seriously, that’s no small feat. It’s wild how the tiniest misalignment can turn into a full-on draft party. I once spent an hour chasing a “mystery breeze” in a client’s mudroom, only to find out it was sneaking in through the keyhole. Routine checks are underrated, honestly. Sometimes it’s the little stuff that keeps us sane... or at least keeps the dust bunnies outside.
I once spent an hour chasing a “mystery breeze” in a client’s mudroom, only to find out it was sneaking in through the keyhole.
Funny you mention “mystery breezes”—I once had a rental where tenants swore there was a ghost because the door kept rattling. Turned out, it was a gap under the sill. Makes you wonder, how many “hauntings” are just poor insulation? Do you ever run into people who underestimate the value of those small fixes? I find the little stuff often gets ignored until it turns into a real headache.
Routine checks aren’t glamorous, but they’re pure gold for peace of mind... and for keeping your investments solid.
