Category Archives: Insulation

Day 144- Seal of Approval

January 19, 2009 – 8:15 pm

Back on Day 137, I wrote about sealing up the small cracks around your windows and doors. As I look closer at the subject of sealing your gaps, I have neglected to look at the products one would use to perform this maintenance. Until now, your choices in sealants have been primarily petroleum based.

It is kind of like a double edged sword. On one hand, you need to properly seal your gaps to the outside. But on the other hand, the available products that we are using are fairly harsh on the environment. It really doesn’t quite make sense.

I typically do not endorse specific products simply because I am not trying to sell you anything except an idea and to show simple choices can have a greater impact on the planet than we once thought. If I went around hawking products and services and they do not work, then that damages my credibility and also the integrity of this project.

That being said, as you head down the aisles of your local hardware store, remember to take the time to investigate the ingredients of your sealants. I went to one of those big box home improvement stores the other day to check out the sealant aisle and found it to be a bit confusing and daunting. The paint/sealant aisle seemed bigger than my house and to tell you the truth, they all looked pretty much the same to me. All the caulk tubes were neatly lined up like soldiers ready to battle the elements.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. They won’t take your man card away for a couple of questions. If you can’t find anyone, use the little button that has the friendly pre-recorded lady saying something like, “Special assistance needed in the paint area…….paint area”.

If you know of any products that you have used and have had success, feel free to leave a comment. I would also like to know what products you have used that didn’t quite fit the bill as well.

By Greg Anderson | Also posted in $ Amount Varies, $1- $99, Cost, Home | Comments (2)

Day 138- How Many Windows and Doors Do You Have?

December 5, 2008 – 7:24 am

About fifteen years ago, a friend of mine said that he was making some pretty good money setting appointments for their sales force. It was presented to me as more of a clerical position, but I quickly realized that it was more of a shrewd telemarketing campaign.

This was way before any “Do Not Call List” and when Caller ID was not a standard feature. I remember that you needed an extra little special gadget about the size of your fist that you attached to your phone. Phones back then did not have the little displays. Looking back on it, I think I still had a corded wall phone with a super long handset cord.

Anyway, part of the script had for me to ask something like: “about how many windows and doors do you have out there on Elm Lane?” I needed to follow up with something fairly cheeky and smooth to get them to stay on the line with me and try to set the appointment.

Needless to say, I only worked there for a few days.

No, I am not selling you anything. I just want you to think about your windows and doors for a minute. I really take mine for granted and just assume that they are doing what they are supposed to do. Depending on how old your house is, it may be time to replace your windows. Replacing your windows is an expensive option, but they can usually pay for themselves in energy savings and your resale value in the long run.

A less expensive and a more do-it-yourself option is to check the seals and caulking around every door and window. Systematically open and close each one and check for a complete seal visually by looking for cracks and missing areas. With the window or door closed, use your hand to check the entire perimeter for any air coming in. You may want to do this on a breezy day to make it easier to feel.

It would be a good idea to take a piece of paper, measuring tape and something to write with as you check each window so that you can write down measurements and notes on your findings. You may have more windows and doors than you think.

Checking the caulk and weatherstripping on your doors and windows should be done at least once a year–if not more. It shouldn’t take too long and you can really save on your energy costs by taking this proactive step. If you need to replace or re-caulk, it really isn’t too difficult or time consuming once you get the hang of it. Always assess your ability before starting this type of work and contact a professional or your local home improvement person if you have any questions or concerns.

By Greg Anderson | Also posted in $ Amount Varies, Cost, Home | Comments (2)

Day 98- Fill ‘er Up

September 11, 2008 – 7:03 am

I was in the attic the other day getting down some old baby clothes for my wife. Thank goodness it was only 9,000 degrees up there. It would have been tougher if it was actually hot. There is nothing quite like rooting through the attic while sweating through pores that I did not know existed while looking for the lost ark.

While I was up there–right before I passed out from heat exhaustion–I got a chance to check out my attic insulation. I think that it is pretty amazing that it is a nice and comfortable 72 F in my office here and just a few feet over my head in the attic it is considerably hotter up there in the summer and colder in the winter.

I would think that the ceiling would be warm or cool to the touch like a cup of coffee or ice water, but it isn’t. Although you can’t feel it, I did see a program where a company did do an infa-red look at a house and spotted hot and cold spots in the insulation. Unfortunately that technology needs to be performed by a professional and can be expensive. The best alternative to that technology is a yard stick and your common sense.

Take a look at your insulation and make sure it is actually there and deep enough based upon where you live. Over the years, insulation becomes less effective and can be moved around by service workers, do-it-your-self husbands and some unwanted mice and squirrels.

Insulation is relatively easy to install and you may even get some money back via a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency. The department of Energy also put out a pretty good insulation fact sheet here.

If you are a numbers type of person, this web-based do it yourself home energy calculator can also save you money in your energy bill by identifying potential savings.

So, fill ‘er up and stay cool–or warm–and save some money this year by checking out your insulation.

By Greg Anderson | Also posted in $ Amount Varies, Home | Tagged , , | Comments (0)