news source : bclocal
After a sound, functional roof and wall siding, one of the most efficient ways of keeping your family warm and your energy costs down is to make sure your insulation is up to scratch.
If you have a crawlspace, shimmy under the house to check that the insulation is still firmly in place and the plastic on the ground is still pliable and sealed. While you are under the house, check any water pipes snaking around and cover with foam insulating pipe or wrap with insulation. A cold January morning is no time to be scrambling around trying to thaw frozen pipes!
Work your way up, inspecting windows and doors for air leaks by using an incense stick or candle to check for drafts. If you have air leaks use caulking and weather stripping to help trap heat inside.
If you have inefficient windows and/or glass doors you can buy a little time by using shrink-film. Directions are on the package and require a hair dryer to pull the film taut and create an air pocket. Make sure you close your drapes at night to add another layer of protection.
Check pipes, air ducts, vents — anything that goes through the shell of the house — and close gaps with caulk or insulation.
If you don’t have insulated electrical plugs, install foam insulators behind the plate of each outlet.
Finally, climb into the attic and check the insulation. Heat rises, so this is the last stop to contain warmth and comfort through the winter months. If you use batt-type insulation know that it is only as good as the installation, so make sure every gap is filled completely and evenly. Products with increased density generally achieve higher insulating value.
When checking insulation throughout the house, make sure insulation around plumbing and wiring is not compressed as this reduces the effectiveness.
if u have 2 by 6 beams whats the maximum r level u can put in the walls?
By: yona loriner on January 13, 2009
at 8:42 pm