Insulation

The essential areas in your home that should be well insulated are the walls, attic and floors. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project under way:

* Does your home need more insulation material? Generally, if your home has less than three inches of insulation in the attic, you would be well advised to add more insulation to achieve the correct levels. If none exists in the floors or walls, adding insulation is highly recommended.

* First, you will have to determine whether you want to complete the insulation project yourself or to turn over the job to a contractor instead. Take into consideration that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other household projects.

* If you would rather have a contractor handle the job, be sure to get several bids. Only employ a bonded and properly licensed professional.

* If you do the job yourself, be sure to follow installation instructions carefully and pay attention to appropriate safety precautions.

* When buying insulation, note the R-value. It indicates the effectiveness of insulation. The higher the R-value the better the insulation.

* Choose the type of insulating material you should use. There are numerous insulating materials available including sprayed foam, rigid insulation, fiberglass, mineral wool/rock wool, and cellulose. The choice of material will mainly depend on the section of the home you are insulating. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help establish the best insulation R-value and type of insulation for your project.

Windows

Windows are rated by the U-value. This numeric value indicates the window’s ability to insulate. The lower the value, the more efficient 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 amount of of air space between the panes and the type of window frame. A few tips include:

* Inspect windows for cracks, broken frames and seals, decayed wood, loose putty, poorly fitting sashes, and air leakage.

* For a quick but temporary fix before cold weather hits, you can pick up storm-window kits made of plastic film that you tape to the inside of your windows. These kits are available at most hardware stores for $5 to $10 per window. They usually last from one to three years.

* You can diminish heat transfer through windows by putting heavy curtains or draperies on the inside of the window. This should help keep heat in during cold weather and keep heat out during heat waves.

* In the winter open the curtains if the sun is out to allow natural heating, and, during the summer keep the curtains closed or add an ultraviolet film to minimize the heating effect of the sun.

* During the warmer months, when possible, open a few windows during nighttime and early in the morning when there is a cool breeze. Opening a window on each side of your home will aid in the flow of air and offer enhanced cooling.

Caulking & Weather-stripping

In addition to insufficient 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 identify air movement. Close all doors, windows and fireplace flues and switch off all ventilating fans to make any air movement easier to locate.

* Caulking is best used on areas that are less than 1/4″ wide. If possible, use caulking that will remain pliable over a long period of years. If it is not completely hidden, choose a colored caulk or one that can be painted.

* If there are significant gaps and holes shielded from sunlight and moisture, apply expanding foam sealant to fill them. However, please buy only materials labeled as safe for the environment.

* Backer rod or crack filler, is a elastic foam product available in long coils, with a number of different diameters available. It can be useful in sealing larger gaps. It also can be used as backing in deep cracks that are to be finished with ordinary caulk.

* Position insulating material behind electrical 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 subjects. He is also a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Tri-Cities Area, Virginia, area houses for sale.