How to Weatherproof the Home
No matter if it is the middle of winter and it is freezing outside or if it is the middle of a sweltering summer, the temperatures on the inside of your home and the outside of your home are surely competing. This is why it is so important to create a weather resistant home. Weather proofing is all about energy efficiency. The best way to achieve a weather proofed home is by properly sealing windows and doors to prevent air from either escaping or penetrating the home.
Sealing Windows in the Winter
A home that leaks air or that allows air from the outside in can have negative repercussions for the home’s cooling and heating system. This additional air flow will cause the system to over exert itself and will cause unnecessary wear and tear. Windows are notorious for their insulation problems, especially older windows which may have leaks as the house settles. Additionally, glass itself has no insulating value or properties. Therefore, added layers of protection are needed to prevent warm air from escaping in the winter and cool air from getting in. Here are a few inexpensive, DIY tricks for insulating windows in the winter:
Sealing Doors
Doors are another area that allow for air flow between the home and its exterior. Cracks above archways and the sides of doors are typical culprits but there are a number of ways to fix these problems. First, large cracks and gaps must be sealed. A very simple way to do this is to fill the gap with weather stripping material which can be purchased at a local hardware store. Then caulk must be applied to fill in any remaining gaps. Apply a sufficient amount of caulk for an airtight seal. Then smooth the caulk with a wet finger for a seamless finish. Another way to prevent drafts is to purchase inexpensive door stoppers which can be placed underneath doors. These door stoppers which may be purchased at department stores prevent pesky drafts from getting in. Door stoppers can also be made by hand for crafty, DIY personalities.
Cracks Outside the Home
Visually inspect the home’s interior for noticeable cracks and damage. It is very important to address these cracks once they become visible. While some cracks represent only cosmetic damage, other cracks are foundational in nature. Foundational cracks can be dangerous for a home’s insulation. These cracks outside the home can also let air in and out of the home, increasing cooling and heating costs astronomically. Always have these cracks professionally sealed for the best results. A professional will also be able to determine the severity of any foundational damage that exists.
It makes sense to sufficiently weather proof a home. A properly insulated home will save both time and money. In fact, it has been estimated that insulating windows and doors can save homeowners up to 15% on their cooling and heating bills. Weather proofing stops air from ever escaping or getting into a home. Both windows and doors represent problem areas for home owners who need to insulate their home to mitigate the extremes of summer and winter. Prevent heat from escaping in the winter and cool air from escaping in the summer months. Take preventative measures to properly weather proof a home.
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Exterior window cleaning is a labor intensive task. Therefore, a professional cleaning service will have the right tools and equipment for a state of the art cleaning experience. Window washing in Livingston has never been easier; consult with a professional window cleaning service today for clean windows tomorrow.
with the right cleaning solutions and tools. Maintaining the exterior of a home will increase its value and greatly enhance the visual appeal of the home. Bring back the beautiful luster of brick and preserve the masonry of the home today by following these easy and effective tips and tricks.
Sealing Windows in the Winter
A home that leaks air or that allows air from the outside in can have negative repercussions for the home’s cooling and heating system. This additional air flow will cause the system to over exert itself and will cause unnecessary wear and tear. Windows are notorious for their insulation problems, especially older windows which may have leaks as the house settles. Additionally, glass itself has no insulating value or properties. Therefore, added layers of protection are needed to prevent warm air from escaping in the winter and cool air from getting in. Here are a few inexpensive, DIY tricks for insulating windows in the winter:
- Windows may be sealed with bubble wrap. Use painter’s tape it to seal the bubble wrap to the frame with the bubbles facing the glass.
- Use cardboard to cover windows. Again, using painter’s tape to secure the cardboard to the glass, creating a barrier and inexpensive insulator.
- Use caulk to seal drafty windows that have visible gaps or obvious air flows (drafts) going through them. Caulk is a putty-like, waterproof sealant that bonds to the material it adheres to. Caulk can be used on window panes as well as the surrounding window frame for an airtight structure.
- Other materials that may be taped to windows include plastic such as large garbage bags and even blankets for maximum heat retention. Simply remove these materials in the spring to bring the home back to normal. Professional weather proofing and cleaning services in the area may also be able to come to the home, assess the amount of air flow that is coming in or leaking out and take other preventative steps to improve insulation. If you want to weatherproof your home contact a company that does weatherproofing in NJ. A top New Jersey weatherproofing company will be able to make your home a more comfortable place and will help you to save money on heating and cooling.
Sealing Doors
Doors are another area that allow for air flow between the home and its exterior. Cracks above archways and the sides of doors are typical culprits but there are a number of ways to fix these problems. First, large cracks and gaps must be sealed. A very simple way to do this is to fill the gap with weather stripping material which can be purchased at a local hardware store. Then caulk must be applied to fill in any remaining gaps. Apply a sufficient amount of caulk for an airtight seal. Then smooth the caulk with a wet finger for a seamless finish. Another way to prevent drafts is to purchase inexpensive door stoppers which can be placed underneath doors. These door stoppers which may be purchased at department stores prevent pesky drafts from getting in. Door stoppers can also be made by hand for crafty, DIY personalities.
Cracks Outside the Home
Visually inspect the home’s interior for noticeable cracks and damage. It is very important to address these cracks once they become visible. While some cracks represent only cosmetic damage, other cracks are foundational in nature. Foundational cracks can be dangerous for a home’s insulation. These cracks outside the home can also let air in and out of the home, increasing cooling and heating costs astronomically. Always have these cracks professionally sealed for the best results. A professional will also be able to determine the severity of any foundational damage that exists.
It makes sense to sufficiently weather proof a home. A properly insulated home will save both time and money. In fact, it has been estimated that insulating windows and doors can save homeowners up to 15% on their cooling and heating bills. Weather proofing stops air from ever escaping or getting into a home. Both windows and doors represent problem areas for home owners who need to insulate their home to mitigate the extremes of summer and winter. Prevent heat from escaping in the winter and cool air from escaping in the summer months. Take preventative measures to properly weather proof a home.
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Exterior window cleaning is a labor intensive task. Therefore, a professional cleaning service will have the right tools and equipment for a state of the art cleaning experience. Window washing in Livingston has never been easier; consult with a professional window cleaning service today for clean windows tomorrow.
with the right cleaning solutions and tools. Maintaining the exterior of a home will increase its value and greatly enhance the visual appeal of the home. Bring back the beautiful luster of brick and preserve the masonry of the home today by following these easy and effective tips and tricks.