One of the most overlooked part of insulating any home has become the insulation around your windows. Although this may seem small and trivial, next to your attic, it allows for the greatest energy and heat loses. When a window is installed, they can never fit absolutely tight, there is always a space between the window casing and the wall. CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CELLULAR GLASS INSULATION.
Most people use fiberglass insulation that they stuff and cram in the gaps around the window, but sometimes they stuff it to tightly, and this defeat the sole purpose of the insulation. When fiberglass insulation is compressed too much it lose a large portion of it insulating properties, commonly know as the ‘R’ value.
It’s best to gently press the insulation in between the window and wall gaps, so that still has room to expand. By allowing it use the dead air space, it helps retain it total ‘R’ value.
Another great option, when it comes to insulating around any window or door, is to use what is called, expanding foam insulation. You can find expanding foam at your local building supply store; it usually comes in a can in various sizes. It also comes with a needle like nozzle that is attached to the trigger mechanism. This allows for you to get into even the smallest of spaces.
You then simply insert the nozzle into the opening and press the trigger. Be careful when applying the expanding foam because, as the name suggests, it will expand to ten times or more of its original volume. Run the foam around the entire space, then go back and fill in any spots that you may have missed. Another thing to be ware of is applying to much foam. If you put to much foam insulation in, after it expands and dries, it will tend to cause the casing to warp, causing a completely new problem. So start with a little, then go back and re apply as needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment