Are you ever surprised how small changes can bring great benefits in our homes? Something even as simple as applying caulking can help boost home energy savings. Energy.gov estimates an average annual savings around five to 10 percent.
Typically, caulking and weather stripping are put around windows and doors to help reduce drafts and add comfort in homes. My 1921 Richmond Virginia (nickname RVA) home, as shown below, likely can benefit from having more caulk applied to it. Can yours?
More caulking and weather stripping often can help add home comfort and energy savings.
Energy.gov provides six easy steps for a successful caulking project. The following list is a condensed version of those steps. (Click the first word in this paragraph to be sent to the Energy.gov website for the original wording.)
- 1) Before starting, clean all the areas to be caulked.
- 2) Prep the caulking gun by cutting the tip of the caulk tube at a 45- degree angle and inserting the tube in the gun.
- 3) Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle to the now-dried crack to be filled and apply in a continuous stream. Avoid stops and starts.
- 4) Once two to three feet of caulk is applied, glide over the surface with a small piece of wood, foam brush, or your finger (as long as getting caulk on your finger is OK with you) and push deeper into the crack, as needed.
- 5) Clean up any mistakes or excess caulk right away, because dried caulk is more difficult to clean up.
- 6) Allow caulk to dry following the directions on the caulk tube label. Usually that's around 24 hours.
Admittedly, I know it takes much more than caulking to make a home comfortable and energy efficient. However, starting out with a few basic steps can help make a huge difference!
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