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Overview:
This project will show you how to seal household drafts. A drafty home costs you heat in the winter, cool air in the summer, and money all year-round. Make your home more comfortable and energy -efficient with a few simple weatherizing techniques.
Materials:
caulk, weather-stripping
Tools You'll Need:
6-in-1 putty knife, 6-in-1 interchangeable screwdriver
Before You Begin:
Sealing your home also means limiting air circulation - you'll need to strike a balance between energy-efficiency and indoor air quality. Especially important to consider: any existing indoor contaminants such as mold or carbon dioxide.
Barbara's Tips:
When checking for leaks and drafts, shut a piece of paper between the doorjamb and the bottom of the door. Yank it out. If the paper doesn't tear, you're losing air.
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Step 1: Find the Leaks
Start with the obvious - your windows and doors. Check gaps between the windows and frame, and between the casing and the wall. Do the same for your doors.
Step 2: Find the Leaks, Part 2
Anywhere a wire or pipe enters your house (cable TV, gas, phone, electric, dryer vent), air is likely to be coming in (and going out). Anywhere two different materials meet (chimney and wall, foundation and frame, brick and wood siding) is a good candidate for a leak as well.
Step 3: Seal
Prepare the area to be sealed. Remove any old paint or caulk using a putty knife or large screwdriver, then clean and dry thoroughly. For gaps between and around doors and windows - any moving parts in your house - you'll use weather-stripping. Everywhere else (including window and door casings), you'll want to use caulk. Weather-stripping comes in a variety of different types and materials, from self-adhesive foam strips to fixed metal gaskets. Which kind you use depends on your specific needs. All are sold by the foot. Check manufacturers instructions for best application methods.
Step 4: Caulking
Caulk is also sold in a variety of different forms, but by far the most common way to apply it is with a caulking gun and disposable cartridges. When estimating how much you'll need to purchase, figure on using half a cartridge per window or door. Caulking technique: hold the gun at a forty-five degree angle and apply in a continuous stream to the bottom of the crack. Check that the compound is adhering to both sides of the gap. Be sure to release the gun's trigger before pulling it away from the crack to avoid oozing. Use a putty knife to smooth the caulk back down if this happens (caulk can shrink when it dries, so don't skimp on the application). Now you can watch the snow fall outside from the comfort of your toasty warm home. You did it yourself!
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