Check your Cabinets for draft!!!

[myzamboni]

I had new kitchen cabinets installed during a remodel last summer. The other day I noticed cool air coming into the kitchen down low. All the cabinets have kick plates, but there were gaps between the cabinets above the kick plates along the underside of the cabinets.

I proceeded to stuff thick weatherstripping I had sitting around into these gaps and have noticed the following (my kitchen and livingroom are one big space):

1st load of wood after the kindling coal making:

Before weatherstripping: +2 degrees in temperature in the room.

After weatherstripping: +4 degrees in temperature in the room. (and the room cools off at much slower rate)

Outside temperature was within 5 degrees with little to no wind.

So check those gaps!

 

[jtp10181]

My question is... where was this cold air coming from? Did they leave a big hole in one of the outside walls behind the cabinets?

 

[Redox]

Not sure we have the same avatar or not...

That seems like a huge difference. You might want to do a blower door test to see where it's coming from.

 

[begreen]

Kitchen cabinets, especially sinks and gas cooktops often have floor penetrations for plumbing. Some have openings for kickspace duct vents. It's these penetrations to the basement or crawlspace that should be well sealed.

 

[myzamboni]

Kitchen cabinets, especially sinks and gas cooktops often have floor penetrations for plumbing. Some have openings for kickspace duct vents. It's these penetrations to the basement or crawlspace that should be well sealed.

Ding!Ding!Ding! That is a future project this spring.

 

[Henz]

I know all about that stuff. My newly remodeled farmhouse was not remodeled for year round living! The absolute best way that I have found to eliminate drafts is simple 100% silicone caulk, clear.

 

[dj2cohen]

Add expanding foam insulation for the gaps and openings too large for silicone and you will have a winning combination.

 

[Henz]

yes, I did that too. Particularily around my sill plate..which at times I have found up to a 3" gap!