Infrared Saunas Review

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? As a general rule, if your home has less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, you should probably add additional insulation to achieve the proper levels. If none exists in the floors or walls, insulation is definitely recommended.

* You will need to determine whether you want to perform the insulation work yourself or to turn over the job to a contractor instead. Don’t forget that some insulation jobs are considerably harder than other DIY projects.

* If you’d like to have a contractor perform the work, make sure you get several bids. Only use a bonded and properly certified contractor.

* If you tackle the job yourself, follow installation instructions thoroughly and pay attention to proper safety precautions.

* When purchasing insulating material, check the R-value. This specifies the effectiveness of insulation. The larger the number the better the insulation.

* Choose the type of insulating material you should use. There are a wide variety of insulating materials on the market including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The type of material will for the most part depend on the section of the house to be insulated. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help establish the best type of insulating material and R-value you need.

Windows

Windows are rated by the U-value. This number specifies the window’s ability to insulate. The lower the number, the better the window is at stopping the transmission of heat. The U-value of a window is determined by factors such as the number of glass layers, the thickness of insulating 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, loose putty, defective sashes, and air leakage.

* For a quick but short-term fix before cold weather hits, you can buy storm-window kits made of plastic sheeting that you tape to the inside of your windows. These kits can normally be purchased at most building supply stores for $5 to $10 per window. They usually last from one to three years.

* You can cut down heat loss through windows by putting insulating curtains or drapes on the inside of the window. This should help reduce heat loss during the winter and keep heat out during heat waves.

* In the winter tie back the curtains when the sun is shining to allow natural heating, and, during the summer keep the curtains closed or add an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.

* During the warmer months, when possible, open a few windows in the evenings and early in the morning when there is a cool breeze. Opening a window on opposite sides of the house will improve the flow of air and offer improved cooling.

Caulking & Weather-stripping

In addition to inadequate insulation, air leaks are amongst the leading causes of energy waste in homes.

* Examine your home for hidden air leaks by using a moist hand or candle flame to locate air leaks. Secure all doors, windows and fireplace flues and turn off any ventilating fans to make the air movement easier to locate.

* Caulking is best used on openings that are no more than 1/4″ wide. When available, use caulking that will remain flexible over a long period of years. If it is not completely hidden, choose a tinted caulk or one that can be painted.

* When there are sizeable gaps and missing pieces shielded from light and water, utilize expanding foam sealers to plug them. However, please only buy products identified as safe for the environment.

* Backer rod or crack filler, is a flexible foam product available in lengthy coils, with a variety of available diameters. It can be used to seal larger gaps. It also can provide backing in deep spaces that are to be finished with regular caulk.

* Position insulating material behind electric outlets and wall switches – areas that are often overlooked.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for more 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, Petersburg, Virginia, area houses for sale.

Related posts:

1. Great Ways To Save On Energy In Your Home To try to save more money is definitely one thing...
2. Many Reasons To Install Upvc Double Glazed Windows Upvc double glazed windows are windows with frames that are...
3. Energy Star Rated New Homes: the Real Green Choice Today's new construction projects, such as house developments on Long...
4. Roller Shades-Keeping Eyes Where They Belong Privacy is a big issue for many people. Whether you're...
5. Time-Saving And Effective Diet Advice In Pregnancy For the nine months you are pregnant, you will need...