With cooler weather approaching now is the best time to seal your home and keep the cold air out. The first thing you need to know is which products to use. This guide will break down the different types of caulk, sealants, sweeps and other weatherstripping essentials you’ll need to keep your heating bills low.
Knowing your caulk
Fast and easy to install, caulk is a must-have tool when sealing your home. Understanding the four main varieties will help you decide which sealant is right.
- Rubber caulk is great for windows, doors, gutters and roofing. Outdoor materials like aluminum and asphalt work well with this inexpensive option.
- Designed to expand and fill spaces, polyurethane caulk is an ideal option for larger gaps. Strong and long lasting, it performs well in variable temperatures.
- You may pay a little more for silicone caulk, but this durable yet flexible sealant is perfect for areas where water flow can be an issue like bathrooms and kitchens.
- For all-around-the-house jobs latex caulk is easy to use and the least expensive option. It might not last as long, but is good for quick fixes with easy cleanup.
Hints for weatherstripping
There are a few options for do-it-yourself heating efficiency improvements besides calling in the pros. Besides installing caulk you can:
- Install a filler such as tubular rubber or silicone, felt stripping, foam tape or V-strips to windows and doors. The basic method is to measure the gap to fill and cut the material to length. Adhesive backing is a common feature for connecting the material to the door jamb or window sash.
- Placing door sweeps on all your doors minimizes the flow of cold air throughout the house and helps keep warm air in.
Holiday shopping just got a little easier with the money you’ll save by weatherstripping your house. Lower heating bills and energy efficiency are just a few of the reasons to seal your home this winter. Serving the Los Angeles area since 1967, we at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating can answer any questions you have on making your home weatherproof.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating efficiency improvements and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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