How Allergens Sneak Into Your Home

(And How Spray Foam Can Help Stop Them!)

If you or your family members suffer from allergies, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion—even indoors. What many homeowners don’t realize is that allergens such as pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander don’t just accumulate inside; they actually enter the home through tiny cracks, gaps, and unsealed areas.

The good news? Spray foam insulation can help create a healthier, allergen-resistant living environment by sealing up those entry points. Let’s take a look at where allergens sneak in—and how spray foam can keep them out.

Exterior View of a commercial poultry barn

Where Allergens Enter Your Home

Even homes that seem well-insulated can have hidden air leaks that allow allergens to infiltrate. Here are some of the most common entry points:

1. Attic & Roof

Small gaps around roof vents, soffits, and attic openings can let pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens drift inside. If you have traditional insulation, these materials may also collect dust and mold over time.

2. Walls & Insulation Gaps

Uninsulated or poorly insulated wall cavities allow outside air (and the allergens it carries) to seep indoors. Over time, this can lead to poor indoor air quality and discomfort.

3. Windows & Doors

Even with weather stripping, small openings around window and door frames can let pollen and dust sneak in—especially on windy days.

4. Basement & Crawl Spaces

Damp basements and crawl spaces are prime breeding grounds for mold and dust mites. Cracks in the foundation or improperly sealed crawl spaces allow moisture and allergens to rise into the home.

5. HVAC & Ductwork

Leaky ductwork pulls in unfiltered air from attics, basements, and walls, distributing allergens throughout your home. If your duct system isn’t properly sealed, you could be unknowingly recirculating allergens.

6. Garage

Many homes have an attached garage, which can be a major source of pollutants like vehicle exhaust, dust, and outdoor allergens. If your garage isn’t sealed properly, these irritants can make their way into your living space.

7. Plumbing & Electrical Penetrations

Small gaps around pipes, wiring, and outlets create pathways for outside air—and all the allergens it carries—to enter your home.

How Spray Foam Insulation Creates a Healthier Home

✅ Seals Air Leaks – Unlike traditional insulation materials, spray foam expands to fill gaps and cracks, stopping allergens at the source.

✅ Reduces Moisture & Mold Growth – By minimizing moisture intrusion, spray foam helps prevent mold and mildew, which are major triggers for allergies and asthma.

✅ Improves Indoor Air Quality – By blocking outdoor air and pollutants, spray foam helps keep your home’s air cleaner and fresher.

✅ Enhances HVAC Efficiency – Sealing leaks in walls, attics, and basements means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard—keeping your air better filtered and reducing energy costs.

Other Ways to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Once your home is properly sealed, take these extra steps to further reduce allergens:

🌀 Use a High-Quality Air Filter – Upgrade your HVAC system with HEPA or high-MERV-rated filters to trap airborne allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander.

🧹 Vacuum and Dust Regularly – Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and damp dusting techniques to prevent allergens from becoming airborne.

💧 Control Humidity Levels – Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% with a dehumidifier to discourage mold growth and dust mites.

A thermal imaging camera can quickly identify temperature variations.

Breathe Easier with Spray Foam

If you’re tired of battling allergens inside your home, consider upgrading to spray foam insulation. By sealing up the cracks and gaps where allergens enter, you can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for your family.

Want to learn more about how spray foam can help improve indoor air quality? Contact us today to find out how you can seal allergens out for good!