Improving your home's insulation helps keep out the weather and keeps utility costs to a minimum. It can also improve inside air quality.
Improve Your Home's Insulation
All homes need insulation of some kind. There are many types of insulation that may be installed to suit a variety of purposes. Whether it is the cost of utilities, the ability of the homeowner, or the materials available--insulation should never be overlooked. Homeowners need to be aware that many factors affect the insulation of the home. Which way does the house face? What are the weather patterns in the area where the home is located? Are there shade trees or large hedges that block the sun or wind? What type of windows and doors are already installed? Have the indoor pipes been insulated? What type of heating and cooling system has been included in the design of the building?
These are all important issues that must be considered before insulating, or adding insulation to a home. Let's take a closer look at each area of the house separately. Freeze-King, Frost King, and Owens-Corning make many products to suit the needs of the average homeowner, but are not the only manufacturers available. They can be purchased on the Internet or at local hardware stores; sometimes they can even be found in larger grocery stores.
Windows
If there are double-hung or storm windows installed, it's a safe bet that the insulation around the windows is sufficient. If more insulation is required, or needs to be replaced, there are adhesive tape rolls of foam insulation that can be easily installed by following the package directions. Another option to consider is to replace the caulking around the actual window frames by scraping off the old caulk with a putty knife, and then using a caulk gun to add fresh caulk. Small screen repairs can be alleviated through the use of adhesive sections of screen that are repaired from both inside and outside. If a window does not have a screen, trace amounts of air and dust can creep into the home. Heavy drapes are another option, but keep in mind that the heavier the drape, the less light will be able to get into the room.
Walk-in Doors
Again, the adhesive foam tape insulation will guard against drafts and keep out dust. There are also rolling insulator tubes that can be attached to the bottom of the door on the inside to keep out the weather. Something else to consider are the screw-on flaps that attach to the sides and bottom of the door to increase width. These strips are usually 36 inches long and made of rubber that can be cut down to fit any width. They are easy to install around door locks and handles and are usually priced at less than $5.00 each. If the homeowner is considerably handy, a higher threshold could be considered to stop drafts at the bottom of a door.
Garage Doors
Insulating the garage door can be done with fiberglass rolls of insulation and plywood or sheetrock, or a bottom strip. The bottom strips are usually a standard 12-foot width, but some come in 30-foot lengths that can be easily cut with a carpet knife. Attaching these strips with screws will help keep out the cold and since they are made of rubber, they can withstand heavy use and will also keep water from entering the garage.
Water Heaters
There are blankets made especially for the water heater to help keep the water cost low. Available in many styles, the thing to remember is to measure the circumference of the water heater before purchasing. Some blankets slip over the top of the heater and some wrap around, the choice of installation are up to the homeowner and limited mainly by the heater location. Prices start around $25.00 each. The best brands include Thermwell and Tempshield, but there are several other brands available.
Pipes
Insulation for pipes is available in either slitted sleeves or rolls that are made of foam or covered fiberglass. There are also covers for the outdoor faucets to use in the winter so the pipes don't freeze. They can be easily installed using the straps and/or rubber bands included in the kits, and are usually about $10.00 each.
Insulating a home is not child's play, but it's not rocket science either. Most people that can use a hammer or screwdriver can install a lot of the protection without the need for a contractor. Proper insulation add years to a home's life, and save the homeowner buckets of money on the utility bills in the long run.
