Insulation
The essential areas in your home that should be well insulated are the walls, floors and attic. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project under way:
* Does your home need more insulation material? Generally, if you have less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, it would be a good idea add extra insulating material to achieve the correct levels. If you discover that there is no insulation in the walls and/or floors, insulation is definitely recommended.
* First, you will have to decide whether you want to complete the insulation work yourself or to use a professional instead. Keep in mind that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other home improvement projects.
* If you would rather have a contractor handle the job, be sure to get several bids. Only hire a bonded and properly certified professional.
* If you take on the job as a DIY project, follow installation instructions precisely and adhere to appropriate safety precautions.
* When buying insulating material, pay attention to the R-value. It specifies the efficiency of insulation. The larger the R-value the more effective the insulation.
* Choose the type of insulating material you should use. There are numerous insulation materials available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The type of material will largely depend on the area of the home you are insulating. You can ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help establish the best type of insulating material and R-value you need.
Windows
Rating windows insulation value is measured by the U-value. This numeric value shows the window's insulating ability. The lower the number, the more efficient the window is at stopping the transfer of heat. The U-value of a window is based on such factors as the number of glass panes, the thickness of air space between the panes or layers and the type of window frame. A few tips include:
* Inspect windows for cracks, broken frames and seals, decayed wood, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.
* For a quick but temporary fix before wintry weather arrives, you can buy storm-window kits made of plastic film that you apply to the interior of your windows. These kits are available at most home improvement stores for $5 to $10 for each window. They typically last from two to four years.
* You can diminish the loss of heat through windows by installing heavy curtains or drapes on the window's interior. This will help retain heat during the winter and reduce radiant heat during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter retract the curtains during hours of sunlight to allow natural heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or add an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.
* During the summer, when possible, open several windows at night and in the early hours of the morning when there is a breeze. Opening a window on each side of the house will improve the circulation of air and provide better cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to poor insulation, air leaks are amongst the leading causes of energy loss in homes.
* Examine your home for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to locate air leaks. Shut all doors, windows and fireplace flues and switch off all ventilating fans to make the air movement easier to locate.
* Caulk is best used on openings that are smaller than 1/4" wide. If possible, use caulking that will remain pliable over a long period of years. If it will be visible, choose a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* If there are sizeable gaps and holes shielded from light and water, utilize expanding foam sealers to fill them. However, please buy only materials labeled as ozone safe.
* Backer rod or crack filler, is a pliable foam product sold in long coils, with a number of different available diameters. It comes in handy when sealing large gaps. It also can provide backing in deep gaps that are to be topped off with standard caulk.
* Place insulation behind electric outlets and wall switches - openings that are often unnoticed.
The essential areas in your home that should be well insulated are the walls, floors and attic. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project under way:
* Does your home need more insulation material? Generally, if you have less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, it would be a good idea add extra insulating material to achieve the correct levels. If you discover that there is no insulation in the walls and/or floors, insulation is definitely recommended.
* First, you will have to decide whether you want to complete the insulation work yourself or to use a professional instead. Keep in mind that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other home improvement projects.
* If you would rather have a contractor handle the job, be sure to get several bids. Only hire a bonded and properly certified professional.
* If you take on the job as a DIY project, follow installation instructions precisely and adhere to appropriate safety precautions.
* When buying insulating material, pay attention to the R-value. It specifies the efficiency of insulation. The larger the R-value the more effective the insulation.
* Choose the type of insulating material you should use. There are numerous insulation materials available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The type of material will largely depend on the area of the home you are insulating. You can ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help establish the best type of insulating material and R-value you need.
Windows
Rating windows insulation value is measured by the U-value. This numeric value shows the window's insulating ability. The lower the number, the more efficient the window is at stopping the transfer of heat. The U-value of a window is based on such factors as the number of glass panes, the thickness of air space between the panes or layers and the type of window frame. A few tips include:
* Inspect windows for cracks, broken frames and seals, decayed wood, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.
* For a quick but temporary fix before wintry weather arrives, you can buy storm-window kits made of plastic film that you apply to the interior of your windows. These kits are available at most home improvement stores for $5 to $10 for each window. They typically last from two to four years.
* You can diminish the loss of heat through windows by installing heavy curtains or drapes on the window's interior. This will help retain heat during the winter and reduce radiant heat during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter retract the curtains during hours of sunlight to allow natural heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or add an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.
* During the summer, when possible, open several windows at night and in the early hours of the morning when there is a breeze. Opening a window on each side of the house will improve the circulation of air and provide better cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to poor insulation, air leaks are amongst the leading causes of energy loss in homes.
* Examine your home for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to locate air leaks. Shut all doors, windows and fireplace flues and switch off all ventilating fans to make the air movement easier to locate.
* Caulk is best used on openings that are smaller than 1/4" wide. If possible, use caulking that will remain pliable over a long period of years. If it will be visible, choose a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* If there are sizeable gaps and holes shielded from light and water, utilize expanding foam sealers to fill them. However, please buy only materials labeled as ozone safe.
* Backer rod or crack filler, is a pliable foam product sold in long coils, with a number of different available diameters. It comes in handy when sealing large gaps. It also can provide backing in deep gaps that are to be topped off with standard caulk.
* Place insulation behind electric outlets and wall switches - openings that are often unnoticed.
About the Author:
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a broad range of topics. He is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Prince George, Virginia, area houses for sale.
No comments:
Post a Comment