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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Examine areas where pipes or vents exit through the walls and inspect basement
window casings. Use your tape measure to determine the width of larger openings. Take
notes as you go, and make sketches if that will help you later to prepare your plan of
action.
Main floors
Again, look for gaps or cracks in exterior walls. Look closely around doors and windows
and make a note of their condition.
Is the weather stripping worn, or non-existent? Are there broken panes of glass or dried
or missing putty? Measure the perimeter around doors and windows. Count the number
of electrical outlets and switches. You’ll need this information later when you’re ready to
purchase supplies.
Examine the area where lighting fixtures and exhaust fans penetrate the ceiling and
check for possible air leaks. Make a note of any cracks in drywall or plaster that could
allow air to escape. If you have a fireplace, examine the damper.
In the attic
Your ability to examine the attic will depend on its accessibility and
whether it is finished or unfinished. At the least, examine the entry
door or hatch. Pay close attention to any area where wires or pipes or
vents go through the attic floor.
Exterior
Take a walk around the outside of your home, again looking for any place the wires or
pipes pass through from outside to inside. Note the exterior condition of windows, doors
and siding.
Develop your strategy
With the notes from your home inspection in hand, you’re ready to develop a strategy to
eliminate air infiltration, increase the comfort of your home and cut your energy use!
An average house will cost about $50 to weatherize completely. Although you can begin
the project at any point, having a definite strategy will help insure nothing is missed. You
can go top to bottom, or outside to in, as long as you address all the issues you
discovered during your home inspection.
window casings. Use your tape measure to determine the width of larger openings. Take
notes as you go, and make sketches if that will help you later to prepare your plan of
action.
Main floors
Again, look for gaps or cracks in exterior walls. Look closely around doors and windows
and make a note of their condition.
Is the weather stripping worn, or non-existent? Are there broken panes of glass or dried
or missing putty? Measure the perimeter around doors and windows. Count the number
of electrical outlets and switches. You’ll need this information later when you’re ready to
purchase supplies.
Examine the area where lighting fixtures and exhaust fans penetrate the ceiling and
check for possible air leaks. Make a note of any cracks in drywall or plaster that could
allow air to escape. If you have a fireplace, examine the damper.
In the attic
Your ability to examine the attic will depend on its accessibility and
whether it is finished or unfinished. At the least, examine the entry
door or hatch. Pay close attention to any area where wires or pipes or
vents go through the attic floor.
Exterior
Take a walk around the outside of your home, again looking for any place the wires or
pipes pass through from outside to inside. Note the exterior condition of windows, doors
and siding.
Develop your strategy
With the notes from your home inspection in hand, you’re ready to develop a strategy to
eliminate air infiltration, increase the comfort of your home and cut your energy use!
An average house will cost about $50 to weatherize completely. Although you can begin
the project at any point, having a definite strategy will help insure nothing is missed. You
can go top to bottom, or outside to in, as long as you address all the issues you
discovered during your home inspection.
Finding Air Leaks
Weatherizing Your Home
Caulking and Weather Stripping
Using Caulk
Weather Stripping
Weatherize the Outside
Weatherize the Inside
Caulking and Weather Stripping
Using Caulk
Weather Stripping
Weatherize the Outside
Weatherize the Inside
Air leaks happen on all levels. Air
usually enters low and exits up
high in the home.
Whether you start from the top in
the attic or the bottom in the
basement, a thorough examination
is your first step in sealing the
exterior envelope of your home.
Arm yourself with pencil and paper,
a flashlight and tape measure
before you begin.
In the basement or crawl space
Visually inspect exterior walls for
cracks or gaps.
usually enters low and exits up
high in the home.
Whether you start from the top in
the attic or the bottom in the
basement, a thorough examination
is your first step in sealing the
exterior envelope of your home.
Arm yourself with pencil and paper,
a flashlight and tape measure
before you begin.
In the basement or crawl space
Visually inspect exterior walls for
cracks or gaps.
