Common Materials Used For Weatherproofing A Home
The process of weatherproofing a home can result in lower energy bills and more efficient heating and cooling throughout the year. There are a number of areas inside a house where air could be escaping outside or flowing indoors, depending on the season. Each of these areas needs to be treated in a slightly different way and with different materials in order to weatherize the structure. There are a variety of common supplies that can be used when weatherproofing a home.
Caulking
Caulk is an inexpensive and versatile tool for weatherproofing a house. This thick substance can be applied to any narrow area where there is exposure to the outside. The most common use for caulk is to stop air and water from seeping in through spaces around windows and air vents that might have become exposed because of age or physical damage. Some types of caulking can be applied to a gap or crack and then allowed to set, so that it will provide protection for many years. Other types of caulk can be applied for a single season and then removed later to provide access to a window or vent that remained sealed during the winter months.
Plastic Sheeting
One fast and inexpensive way to help weatherproof a home is to use a special type of plastic film that is designed to seal windows. This film is made from a clear plastic that is responsive to heat. The plastic is placed over a window to create an area of space between the film and the surface of the window. The sheeting is then taped into place and heat from a hair dryer or other device is applied causing the plastic to contract and become taut. This provides an added layer of protection against the cold in the winter. It can also be used during the summer to keep cool air inside. The plastic is intended to be temporary and can be easily removed when it is no longer needed.
Insulation
Attics, basements and garages can be major areas where the united air temperature in the space can drastically affect the temperatures in the rest of the home. One of the most common solutions for this problem is to install insulation inside of the walls and ceiling. This can be a traditional roll of batting, blown in loose insulation or even radiant heat barriers that can deflect heat before it enters the house. Good insulation that is installed by professionals can make air conditioners more efficient and can trap heat indoors during the winter.
Caulking
Caulk is an inexpensive and versatile tool for weatherproofing a house. This thick substance can be applied to any narrow area where there is exposure to the outside. The most common use for caulk is to stop air and water from seeping in through spaces around windows and air vents that might have become exposed because of age or physical damage. Some types of caulking can be applied to a gap or crack and then allowed to set, so that it will provide protection for many years. Other types of caulk can be applied for a single season and then removed later to provide access to a window or vent that remained sealed during the winter months.
Plastic Sheeting
One fast and inexpensive way to help weatherproof a home is to use a special type of plastic film that is designed to seal windows. This film is made from a clear plastic that is responsive to heat. The plastic is placed over a window to create an area of space between the film and the surface of the window. The sheeting is then taped into place and heat from a hair dryer or other device is applied causing the plastic to contract and become taut. This provides an added layer of protection against the cold in the winter. It can also be used during the summer to keep cool air inside. The plastic is intended to be temporary and can be easily removed when it is no longer needed.
Insulation
Attics, basements and garages can be major areas where the united air temperature in the space can drastically affect the temperatures in the rest of the home. One of the most common solutions for this problem is to install insulation inside of the walls and ceiling. This can be a traditional roll of batting, blown in loose insulation or even radiant heat barriers that can deflect heat before it enters the house. Good insulation that is installed by professionals can make air conditioners more efficient and can trap heat indoors during the winter.
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