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HOME DECEMBER 2019 6 Home weatherization 101: Tips for a comfortable home Building science and the ability to weather storms What makes a resilient home? (StatePoint) — Do seasonal tem- peratures sometimes leave you frustrated with your home's lack of insulation? Staying comfortable indoors is a top priority for most people, and luckily, it's easy to ensure your home is an optimal temperature. With a few quick tips and home defense strategies, you'll be on your way to a more comfortable abode in just a few hours. Why weatherize? Preparing your home to combat temperature change is an impor- tant task for both homeowners and renters throughout the year. Feel uncomfortable drafts? Notice your heating and cooling equipment is continuously run- ning? Tired of expensive energy bills? You're not alone: almost two-thirds of American adults live in a home that needs to be weatherized, according to recent research conducted by Duck brand. There are many motivations for weatherizing. In fact, did you know: ■ 54 percent of people weather- ize to save money on energy bills ■ 44 percent weatherize to make the temperature of their home more comfortable ■ 22 percent do it for greater energy efficiency Is that a draft? First, you'll need to identify the source — or sources — of leaks. Don't stress — it's easy! Hold an incense stick near potential draft sources, such as windows and doors. If the smoke blows side- ways, you'll know an air leak exists and it's time to weatherize. But don't stop there. Areas such as attic access openings, pull- down stairs and exterior electri- cal sockets are additional, often overlooked sources of air leaks. So, now what? Once you've identified the leaks, it's time to stop them. Win- dow and door seals take a beating from normal wear-and-tear and can be a large source of drafts coming into the home. Replace old, cracked seals with such prod- ucts as Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seals, which are made with durable, flexible mate- rial, allowing them to stand up against extreme temperatures that cause other seals to freeze or crack. They help to block cold winter air from entering, as well as dust, pollen and insects during the warmer months. For added protection with older windows, an easy-to-install, crys- tal-clear option like Duck Brand Roll-On Window Insulation Kits can create an additional barrier against cold air. The pre-taped top and easy roll-on film require no measuring, making installation painless. When applied to indoor window frames, the film provides an airtight seal that's easily removed once warmer weather arrives. Finally, address the hidden leaks with solutions like Duck Brand Socket Sealers Insulating Seals. Quick and easy to install, they fit behind outlets or light switch faceplate covers. When installed on exterior walls, they act as a buffer between the inside and outside air. Next, attic stair- way covers protect against an often-uninsulated area, and offer a flexible, lightweight solution that can be repositioned to main- tain direct access to the attic. For more information on increasing home comfort, along with easy-to-follow weatheriza- tion installation videos, visit duckbrand.com/weatherization. By Tim O'Brien One often overlooked benefit of a high-quality new home is that it will better handle severe weather events and power outages. These are a fact of life in all parts of the country. Atlantic hurricanes rou- tinely leave millions without elec- tricity. Just this past July, thun- derstorms put thousands of Mid- westerners in the dark and a sum- mer monsoon killed power for thousands of Phoenix residents. Outages even happen without bad weather, like the 2003 blackout that affected 11 million people in an area stretching from Ontario to New Jersey, thanks to a soft- ware bug. Outages affect all homes, no matter how well built, but a new home can be crafted to stay com- fortable longer without heating or cooling. "It's called Passive Survivability," says Alex Wilson, president of the Resilient Design Institute in Brattleboro, Vt. "It's about building homes that remain habitable if they lose power." Wilson usually writes about green building, but the design and construction principles he advocates are routinely used by the best professional builders. This is essential building science and includes making walls, roofs and ceilings more efficient with high R-value insulation, careful air sealing, and high-perform- ance windows. These improve- ments can keep a home habitable without power for days. (Home- owners who want to keep the lights on during a blackout may add solar panels, a backup gener- ator or a home battery. In fact, a battery can run a refrigerator, a furnace or heat pump, and a few basic circuits for up to 12 hours.) One of the best things about resilient construction is that it pays off even if the home never loses power. Careful waterproof- ing means lower long-term main- tenance bills and less chance of mold and mildew growth. Insula- tion and air sealing reduce monthly energy costs while ensuring a quieter, more comfort- able living experience. The complication is that some- one with just a nodding acquain- tance of building science can actually create problems. For instance, the builder needs to understand the flashing details needed for today's windows and doors — details that can vary by manufacturer. Insulation and air sealing need to be implemented so that walls and roofs shed mois- ture rather than trapping it, and the approaches vary depending on the local climate. Building science has come a long way in recent years, and you want to find a builder that has invested time and effort in keep- ing current. In other words, you need an educated pro. (Tim O'Brien is president of Tim O'Brien Homes.) StatePoint With a few key home projects anyone can complete, you can make your home more enjoyable all year long and save on energy bills in the process.

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