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Submitted by: Alyssa Davis
Weatherproofing a drafty home not only makes the home more pleasant to live in, but also helps you to save energy and reduce your energy bills. The tips that follow will help you to weatherproof your home and get it ready for the coming fall and winter. Be sure to weatherproof around:
Doors. A lot of the energy that escapes from many homes finds its way out beneath exterior doors. Test your doors to make sure that you cannot slide a piece of cardboard all the way under the door while it is closed. If you can, then cold air is getting in beneath the door. Install a weatherproofing seal along the bottom of the door. If, however, the problem is that your threshold is worn, it may need to be replaced. Check the garage door in the same fashion and install weatherproofing as needed.
Crawlspaces. The crawlspace of the home is often another place where energy can escape. Weatherproofing the crawlspace area is important to stopping cold drafts within the home. Styrofoam sheets or fiberglass batting insulation can be used in the recesses of the attic and in crawlspace vents to stop cold air from infiltrating the home. You should also be sure that the vents to the crawlspace are closed tightly. If the area has an access door, make certain that it is tightly sealed and that the door is also weatherproofed.
Windows. Windows are another part of the home that must be tested for drafts. If the home is equipped with storm windows, be certain that they are installed before the weather turns colder. Check for drafts around the windows, and install weatherproofing strips to seal them tightly.
Vents and openings. Some of areas of the home can be sealed with caulk to keep out cold air. This includes the areas around vents, like the vent in the bathroom or kitchen, or the dryer vent in the laundry area. Also look for areas where pipes, wiring, conduit, or cable enters your home to see if they could benefit from the addition of caulking. Be sure to caulk to area between doors and windows and the exterior of the home in order to prevent cold air from seeping through.
Switches and outlets. Although it may seem insignificant, the small areas around outlets and switches can allow cold air into the home. An especially cut insulating kit can help you to seal those areas to protect against the cold. Be sure to follow the directions with the kit and to use are when installing the insulation in an electrical outlet.
Ducts and pipes. To minimize the loss of energy and heat in the home and reduce your energy bills, pipes and ducts should be insulated as well. Tubular foam insulation that slips right into the pipes is made for this reason. It works to reduce heat loss and prevents freezing of your cold water pipes. You might also invest in a heat tape for your pipes, and a heater blanket for your hot water heater.
These are some of the common areas of concern around the home when it comes to getting your home weatherproofed for the coming winter season. You can check any area of the home for drafts by using the tissue test . To do this test, simply hold a piece of toilet tissue or facial tissue up in the various areas of the home along the home s outside wall, and watch for the tissue to flutter. Follow up by insulating the offending area with appropriate weatherproofing material.
About the Author: Alyssa Davis writes for Metal-Wall-Art.com and is a specialist in creating unique interiors with
ibis metal hangings
and
eagle wall hangings
.
Source:
isnare.com
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