With energy prices on the rise all across America, homeowners are looking for ways to decrease their household energy usage. Heating and cooling costs will continue to consume an increasing portion of most household budgets, so it’s crucial to check your home’s efficiency and make the changes necessary to keep escalating energy bills under control as much as possible.
Many homeowners find that it pays to have a home inspection expert show them where their home leaks. If that’s you, give me a call at 847.431.8800 or fill in this form to schedule a home energy audit.
Here are some tips to help you understand the basics on caulking.
What is caulking exactly?
Caulking is the process of applying a pliable sealant called caulk to gaps, cracks, or spaces at the joints, sills, and connections around your home to stop air leaks. Caulking gaps and cracks is one of those basic maintenance projects that has to be repeated every year or two. It saves on energy bills and even prevents moisture and insects from entering your home.
Where do I caulk?
That’s the tricky part – you need to know where you have leaks and these may be less-than-easy to find. If your heat is on, and it probably is this season, you may be able to feel a draft in some parts of your home – often near a window or door. Don’t stop there, however. You’ll want to examine wall and roof vents, skylights, and the places where gas pipes and electrical lines enter your home. Check the joints where siding joins at the corners, and where it meets the roof or fireplace chimney too.
What are the steps?
Caulking is relatively simple. The caulk itself comes in long tubes that can be bought at just about any big box or hardware store. Depending on where your leaks are, you’ll want to buy the caulk appropriate for the surface – wood, brick, metal and so on. Get a caulking gun while you’re at it – that helps you apply the stuff. Fill the cracks you’ve discovered with the caulk with the caulking gun. If you want a smoother appearance, you can use a tool with a flat surface to smooth over the surface, but it’s not necessary.
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