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Try these no-cost and low-cost caulking, weatherstripping, and insulating tips
If you put together all the cracks and leaks in the average Canadian home, you would end up with a hole in the wall the size of a basketball. Air leakage represents 25 to 40 per cent of the average heat loss in the winter and cool air loss in the summer, so it is worth your time to seal those leaks.
Here is the good news: these tips are simple enough for most do-it-yourselfers and do not require a lot of special tools or skills.
To hunt for air leaks, all you need is two sticks of incense and a windy day. Light the incense and hold the sticks together so you can clearly see the smoke. A strong leak will blow the smoke away and make the sticks glow brightly. A smaller leak will puff the smoke in one direction or draw it in.
Air leakage in an average house breaks down like this: 25 per cent basement, 20 per cent exterior electric outlets, 13 per cent windows and 10 per cent vents.
Leaving your damper open when a fire is not burning sucks warm air out of your home. If you do not use your fireplace, consider sealing it.
Blocking electrical outlets and switches with the right weatherstripping material is one of the easiest, fastest and most effective jobs you can do. In some homes, 20 per cent of that basketball is found here!
A properly fitted door closes firmly and does not allow air to leak in on the sides, top or bottom. For a few dollars you can buy rubber weatherstripping to skirt the doorframe.
For some of these projects, you will likely need a contractor, so be sure to get a number of quotes and check references. Visit Natural Resources Canada for information on incentives from the ecoENERGY Retrofit program.
A thorough job of caulking, weatherstripping and insulating can reduce your heating and cooling bills by as much as 25 per cent and make your home more comfortable.
Replacing single pane windows and uninsulated doors with more energy-efficient models makes a big difference as well.
The sill plate where the foundation wall meets your home’s frame is a large source of cold air leaks.
Fill the gaps with butyl rubber caulking or an acoustical sealant.
If the joists rest on the wooden sill, caulk around the joists, too.
Consider adding attic ventilation to let air circulate and heat escape. Also, be sure you have adequate insulation.
A qualified contractor can ensure proper placement and sizes of vents, and determine your insulation needs.
Wait for a cool day before you inspect your attic, and be sure to watch your step.
Check for rot, mould, glass condition, putty and paint.
If they are beyond repair, consider replacing them with high-efficiency windows.
If they are in good shape, start by checking the trim. If you can easily remove it, stuff insulation between the window and your home’s frame. If it does not come off easily, caulk around it.
Insulating your walls is most easily done when completely renovating the interior of your home.
Once you have the drywall or plaster off the walls, you can go to work laying insulation between the wall studs and joists.
Using these tips will help you reduce your energy use and save you money 24 hours a day. You may notice the biggest difference during peak times when electricity is more expensive.
In general, a thorough caulking job gives the biggest payback for lowering the basic energy requirements of a home. This pays measurable dividends during on-peak hours.
There are several types of caulking, each with its own characteristics. Take time to read the labels, because often they are not interchangeable. Be sure you choose the right caulking for the job!
Is it for use indoors, outdoors or both?
What colour is it?
Is it paintable?
What surfaces will it adhere to?
What size gap will it seal?
What preparation is required?
How long will it last?
How much does it cost?
What is the temperature for application?
It is important that you provide adequate ventilation for the caulking to cure and also to clear the air of odours and fumes.
Although caulking is a relatively easy job to do, you do not want to do it too often. Today, many types of caulking will last 20 years or more. Check the label for the lifetime.
