Air leakage through walls is one of the most common causes of energy waste in Overland Park homes. Without proper insulation and air sealing, conditioned air escapes through wall cavities, electrical outlets, framing gaps, and siding seams. This results in inconsistent temperatures, higher HVAC loads, and uncomfortable indoor environments.
Homeowners often overlook this issue because wall leaks are not easily visible. Infrared thermography and blower door tests typically reveal the extent of these losses. Ozark Eco Foam has identified wall-related air leakage as a consistent factor in residential energy inefficiencies across Northeast Kansas, especially in homes built before 2005.
This article outlines how to identify air leaks in walls, the science behind insulation performance, and effective solutions based on field-tested practices.
Wall leakage happens when air flows between conditioned indoor spaces and the unconditioned outdoors through unsealed or poorly insulated parts of the wall assembly. Gaps form around framing, plumbing penetrations, sheathing joints, and unsealed drywall seams.
Air movement is driven by pressure differences caused by wind, temperature variation, and mechanical systems like HVAC. This effect intensifies during Kansas winters and summers when indoor-outdoor temperature differences are extreme.
| Component Location | Common Leakage Points | Resulting Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Stud Cavity | Gaps in insulation, electrical boxes | Drafts, cold spots |
| Exterior Sheathing | Poor sealing at joints | Moisture infiltration, heat loss |
| Top/Bottom Wall Plates | Unsealed framing gaps | Uncontrolled airflow |
| Window/Door Framing | Misaligned insulation, cracks | Thermal bridging, energy waste |
Use an incense stick or smoke pencil near outlets and baseboards to detect subtle wall drafts before committing to professional diagnostics.
For existing homes in Overland Park, the right insulation choice depends on wall structure, exposure, and air sealing requirements. Spray foam consistently outperforms conventional materials in both insulation value and air barrier capabilities.
| Insulation Type | R-Value per Inch | Air Sealing | Moisture Barrier | Application Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Cell Spray Foam | 6.5 – 7 | Excellent | Yes | Retrofit walls, high humidity |
| Open Cell Spray Foam | 3.5 – 3.8 | Good | No | Interior walls, sound dampening |
| Fiberglass Batts | 2.9 – 3.8 | Poor | No | New construction with vapor wrap |
| Cellulose (Blown-In) | 3.2 – 3.8 | Fair | No | Dense-pack retrofit |
Closed cell foam adds structural rigidity to wall assemblies, which can reduce long-term settling in older homes.
Ozark Eco Foam provides solutions built around performance and durability. Commonly recommended services include:
Air leakage through walls often goes unnoticed, but its effects are measurable in energy use, comfort, and system wear. Identifying the source and applying proven insulation and sealing strategies creates lasting performance gains.
Evaluate your home for air movement in wall assemblies, especially during extreme weather shifts in Overland Park. The right materials applied with care offer both energy savings and indoor comfort.
Homeowners in Overland Park seeking to reduce air loss through walls can contact Ozark Eco Foam for proven insulation solutions. For questions or service inquiries, reach out via phone at (417) 572-5893 or email ozarkecofoam@gmail.com. Speak with experienced technicians who understand the building envelope challenges specific to Northeast Kansas.
Signs include cold drafts, temperature swings between rooms, and unusually high energy bills. A blower door test can confirm leakage.
Only if it doubles as an air barrier. Spray foams seal and insulate. Fiberglass and cellulose need additional sealing methods.
Focus on exterior walls facing prevailing winds, uninsulated walls, and rooms that feel consistently drafty.
Using vapor-permeable products or including a proper vapor barrier prevents moisture issues. Closed cell foam handles both roles.
When applied properly, spray foam can perform for over 30 years without significant degradation.
Closed cell foam adds rigidity, while open cell remains soft. Neither damages framing if applied correctly.
Spray foam requires no ongoing maintenance. Traditional materials may settle and lose effectiveness.
Closed cell foam resists water. Open cell and other types must remain dry or they risk mold and performance loss.
Open cell spray foam helps absorb sound, which is useful for rooms near traffic or neighbors.