November 26th, 2009 
Jim Navary Insulation
The essential areas in your home that should be well insulated are the walls, floors and attic. To accomplish the project efficiently, here are a few things you should know:
* Does your home need added insulation material? As a rule of thumb, if your home has less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, you would be well advised to add additional insulating material to achieve the appropriate levels. If none exists in the walls and/or floors, insulation is definitely recommended.
* First, you will have to decide whether you want to perform the insulation project yourself or to turn over the job to a contractor instead. Don’t forget that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other household projects.
* If you’d like to have a contractor perform the work, be sure to get several bids. Only use a bonded and properly licensed professional.
* If you take on the job yourself, follow installation instructions precisely and adhere to proper safety precautions.
* When purchasing insulating material, pay attention to the R-value. This indicates the efficiency of insulation. The higher the R-value the better the insulation.
* Determine the type of insulating material you require. There are numerous insulation materials available including sprayed foam, rigid insulation, fiberglass, mineral wool/rock wool, and cellulose. The choice of material will largely depend on the section of the home to be insulated. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help establish the best insulation R-value and type of insulation for your project.
Windows
Windows are rated by the U-value. This numeric value indicates the window’s ability to insulate. The lower the number, the better the window is at minimizing the transfer of heat. The U-value of a window is determined by factors such as the number of glass layers, the amount of of air space between the layers and the design of the window frame. A few tips include:
* Check windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, damaged wood, missing putty, uneven sashes, and air leakage.
* For a quick but short-term fix before wintry weather arrives, you can pick up storm-window kits made of plastic sheeting that you attach to the inside of your windows. These kits are available at most home improvement stores for $5 to $10 for each window. They normally last from one to three years.
* You can diminish the loss of heat through windows by installing insulating curtains or drapes on the inside of the window. This will help retain heat during cold weather and keep cool air in during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter tie back the curtains when the sun is shining to allow natural heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or attach an ultraviolet film to minimize the heating effect of the sun.
* During the warmer months, when possible, open two or more windows in the evenings and early in the morning when there is a cool breeze. Opening a window on opposite sides of the house will aid in the flow of air and offer enhanced cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to poor insulation, air leaks are among the largest sources of energy loss in homes.
* Check your house for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to detect air movement. Secure all doors, windows and fireplace flues and switch off any ventilating fans to simplify the location of any air leaks.
* Caulk is most effective on areas that are smaller than 1/4″ wide. When possible, use caulking that will remain pliable over a long number of years. If it is visible, select a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* If there are large gaps and voids shielded from sunlight and moisture, utilize expanding foam sealers to plug them. However, please buy only products identified as ozone safe.
* Crack filler or backer rod, is a flexible foam material available in long coils, with a number of different diameters available. It comes in handy when sealing larger gaps. It also can provide backing in deep spaces that are to be finished with standard caulking.
* Position insulating material behind electric outlets and switches – potential leaks that are often unnoticed.
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He is also a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Petersburg, Virginia, area properties for sale.
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