Preparing for winter: corking the openings
Contrary to popular belief, ceilings and windows are not the greatest source of home heat loss. Generally, ceilings account for only 10 per cent of heat loss in a home; walls account for 12 to 15 per cent of heat loss; floors and below grade space, 15 to 20 per cent; windows and doors, 18 to 20 per cent. Infiltration and air loss are the greatest culprits, accounting for up to 35 per cent of heating loss! Considering how expensive it can be to replace windows and doors or retrofit insulation in walls and between floors, obviously, the easiest and most inexpensive way to cut down on heat loss is to plug the holes and gaps around the house. Kitchen and bathroom fan outlets are prime targets. Heat loss here can’t be stopped entirely but the outlet closures should be checked for proper fit and operation. Snugly fitting tempered glass or metal doors on fireplaces and flue dampers that close fully go a long way in eliminating drafts. High performance sprayed foam insulation behind baseboards where grade cement slab floors meet exterior walls and on grade cement slab floors as well as behind door and window mouldings is easy to install. So is interior and exterior weather stripping around windows and doors including doorsills. Another easy fix is sealing or installing gaskets behind electrical outlet plates and switches located on exterior walls and recessed top floor ceiling lights. Besides saving on energy costs, stopping the drafts will make your home noticeably more comfortable.
André Courey, journalist |
