Caulking electrical wire holes

11 years ago

I was wondering if its a good idea to caulk the holes the electric wires run through especially the top and bottom wall plates.

Thanks

Featured Answer

mushcreek

11 years ago

I was required to caulk all such penetration between the basement and main floor, but, oddly enough, not the attic. Caulking all penetrations is an important part of sealing up a house, and required by code in many areas. They have found that air infiltration can be as a important as insulation in building an energy efficient home.

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Comments (7)

energy_rater_la
11 years ago
x2.
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jdez
11 years ago
I hope it's a good idea. We did it.
worthy
11 years ago
Nothing to do with energy efficiency!

Caulking around wire,plumbing and other penetrations is part of firestopping-- slowing the spread of fire between floors. Better than ordinary caulk are special firestopping caulks, usually coloured red to allow inspectors to quickly see you've used the correct material.
User
11 years ago
Stopping flow of air - slows down fire, stops bugs, lowers energy leaks.

In all, it's a good cheap thing to do. While you have access to inside the walls and ceilings, go NUTS with the caulk!
HU-498322518
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
no. if youbplan to dona remodel it makes it difficult to remove wires and you have to damage wall plate structure to remove it.
millworkman
4 years ago
HU-498322518, really? You dig up a 7 year old post to type something barely legible?