Each home has a shell or “envelope” that protects it from environmental elements and temperature fluctuations. Most homeowner’s readily rely on this shell to provide a comfortable and safe interior environment for themselves and their families. Rarely do they recognize that they are also the keepers and caretakers of this shell, and that proper maintenance is the first step to ensuring both long and short term physical and financial comfort.

Insulation is the main construct of a home's shell, and the proper use of insulating materials and techniques can save hundreds of dollars a year through energy efficiency. When insulation fails, air leaks and drafts suck the expensive heating and cooling out of a home. Some may be easy to feel, like those leaks around high trafficked windows and doors. Others though are much more covert, and can take a much bigger toll on a homeowners pocket book.

Leaks in attics, crawl spaces and basements must be addressed seasonally to ensure the proper energy efficiency of a home. Smaller leaks can be taken care of using caulk, spray foam and weather stripping. This generally works well for molding, along with doors and windows. Bigger leaks are in need of plywood, drywall and rigid foam to ensure proper insulation. And sheet metal or high temperature caulk is extremely effective when insulating around furnaces and chimneys.

Unfortunately, the total of all air leaks in most mid-sized homes add up to one window, left open, all year long. Imagine what that can do to a home's energy efficiency. Properly insulating allows a home to remain cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Insulating through the use of fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam board, spray foam, reflective insulation, or a combination of those, will ensure that a house is built energy efficient and safe. Once a homeowner has thoroughly checked a house for insulation issues it’s also vital to have a professional check that the insulation is up to code and ventilation systems are working properly.

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