Caulking And Weatherstripping Your Way To Savings

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but effective way to lower your energy bills, caulking and weatherstripping could be the answer. Here’s what you need to know about these energy-saving materials and how easy caulking and weatherstripping can be.

Caulking

This compound seals gaps and cracks less than 0.25 inches wide in stationary joints between building materials. You can apply caulk both inside and outside in places that include:

• Window and door frames
• Mail chutes
• Wall penetrations
• Outdoor water faucets
• Exhaust vents and fans
• Plumbing fixtures

Anyone can apply caulk since no special training or experience is needed. However, it can still be tricky, so you should practice on a piece of newspaper or other disposable surface before you move to the window, door frame or other surface.

To apply caulk:

• Clean the areas to be caulked, removing chipping paint and old caulk with a putty knife or screw driver. Dry the area well to avoid trapping moisture beneath the caulk.
• Apply caulk with the caulk gun angled at about 45 degrees. Pull it along the surface in one even stream without stopping or starting along the way.
• Send caulk as deep into the crack as possible to avoid bubbles.
• Apply plenty of caulk so the compound sticks to both sides of the crack and seals them together.
• Release the caulk gun trigger before lifting it away. That way, you won’t apply too much caulk.
• Push oozing caulk back into place with a putty knife and scrap away excess caulk while it’s still wet.

Weatherstripping

This material is intended to compress between movable joints, such as those found in windows and doors. When you go to apply weatherstripping, make sure it’s above 20 degrees outside before you begin.

To apply weatherstripping:

• Clean the application surface and dry it thoroughly to ensure good adhesion.
• Measure twice, cut once to ensure the right length.
• Apply the weatherstripping firmly in place. Test the application by shutting the window or door on it, which should cause it to compress.

For more tips on caulking and weatherstripping, please contact Blanton’s Heating & A/C in Fayetteville today.