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It’s important to seal your home for every season. In the summer, hot, humid air can mix with your conditioned, dehumidified air and waste energy. The same is true in the winter when frigid air can penetrate the walls, ceiling, and floor through gaps and cracks in your home’s outer envelope. Here are weatherization tips for properly applying caulk and weatherstripping to create a well-sealed home:
Caulking You can seal air leaks around windows and door frames when you apply a caulking compound to cracks, gaps, and joints that are less than 0.25 inches wide. The areas you seal shouldn’t need to move, since the compound doesn’t allow movement like weatherstripping does. Caulking can also be used to prevent water damage when you seal around faucets, tubs, pipes, drains, and various other plumbing fixtures. Apply the caulk based on the directions on the cartridge.
Be sure to:
Clean the area first to promote solid adhesion.
Hold the applicator at a 45-degree angle to get deep into gaps and cracks.
Apply the caulk in a continuous stream, avoiding stops and starts whenever possible.
Let go of the trigger before pulling the applicator away from the area to avoid applying too much of the compound.
If caulk seeps out, push it back into the crack using a putty knife or a large screwdriver.
Apply plenty of caulk, reapplying anywhere that the compound shrinks too much.
Weatherstripping The supplies and techniques needed for weatherstripping windows and doors range from simple do-it-yourself projects to technology ventures that require more precision. Consult with a professional when choosing the type of weatherstripping you want for the job.
When applying to weatherstrip, be sure to:
Clean and dry the surfaces first to promote lasting adhesion.
Double-check the application area measurements before you make any cuts.
Apply the weatherstripping snugly so it compresses when the window or door is shut.
With these weatherization tips in mind, you’re ready to create a better seal around windows and doors to save energy and money all year round.
For more weatherization tips, please contact us at Pipe Works Services in Chatham today. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more weatherization tips and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
