Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance Times, 1995-11-01, Page 9Wi'DNE$DIV, NOVEMBER 1,1805 THE WIN8I111MADVANO TIMESg Helpful hints for installing insulation in year home Determining your needs To determine the amount of insulation needed, calculate the square footage (length x width) of your attic floor or walls you wish to insulate, and consult your building material retailer or insulation package instructions for more information. After determining the materials necessary for the areas you wish to insulate—attic or walls—selecting the proper insulation is the next step. Select the insulation by referring to its R -value (or metric RSI number). R -value is a measure of insulating power. Insulation materials have tiny pockets of trapped air which resist the transfer of heat through the material. The ability of insulation to slow the transfer of heat is measured in R- values—the larger number representing greater resistance to heat loss/gain. Recommended R -Value RSI R Ceilings/Attics ' 7.0 40 Cathedral ceilings 6.I 35 Exterior walls 3.5 20 Basement walls more than 50% above ground • 3.5 20 Basement walls more than 50% below ground 2.1 12 Floors over unheated spaces 4.9 28 ' No basement: heated crawl space 2.1 12 No basement: concrete slab on ground 2.1 12 No basement: heated slab 2.6 15 Getting started! To start any do-it-yourself insulation project, you will need: • a sharp knife • straight edge • ; portable work Tight • tape measure • plywood sheets (to kneel on in an attic) • a ladder and a pole or rake (to push blankets into out of reach places) • Do not use an open flame near polyethylene vapour retarders. • Only step orkneel on firm. supports while working in the attic. • Do not over extend while working on a ladder. Installation! • The vapourretarder should be placed on the interior (or warm) side of wails, ceilings or flooring. If there is no insulation in the attic, place the vapour retarder on the attic floor. When working in the attic, work from the outer edge of the attic toward the' center. It's easier to do whatever cutting and fitting is necessary at the center of the attic where there is more head room. Be sure to lay temporary flooring across the joists to kneel on while working in the attic and hang a portable work light to keep both hands free to manipulate the intulation and keep the layers consistent. For trussed attics and open attics where cavity between joists is not cdmpletely tilled. measure the centres di.stance between wood joists. This measurement will help you choose the correct width the project requires. For open attics with cavity between joists completely filled. you can use either width. For the hest results; your insulation should be as continuous as possihle.•with no gaps or thin spots that might allow heat to escape. Extend insulation far enough out to cover the exterior walls. The insulation should not Klock the flow of air from any eave vents. Air flow will prevent moisture from building up in the attic. Do not cover the vents with insulation. The hatchway into an attic is a common source of heat loss. Be sure to insulate the board itself by fastening insulation onto it with adhesive, being careful to create a snug fit around the hatchway opening or frame. If you have a pull-down stairway. lay hatts on and around a built up framework over the opening. Foam gaskets around the hatch will also he required. • Do not let ceiling exhaust vents from the kitchen or bathroom blow moist air into the attic. Vent them outside. If you encounter wiring. split the insulation to fit underneath and on top of the wires. Butt each section of insulation tightly up against the adjacent section for a complete thermal barrier. Ise a straight edge to guide your cut. Cut insulation 10 tit around electrical boxes and seal the vapour retarder penetration. One suggestion is to caulk the vapour 10 a pre -fabricated plastic pan surrounding the outlet. Keep insulation three inches away from metal chimneys. flues. recessed lighting fixtures or any other heat - producing electrical equipment that may come in contact with the insulation. A special shield should he bought to hold the insulation away. The clearance is necessary to permit free circulation of air and prevent overheating of the fixture and its wiring. If you encounter plumbing in exterior walls. he sure to slip the insulation behind the pipes to guard against treeiing. Insulation can he wrapped around ductwork and held in place with duct tape to help prevent heat Toss. As a general rule. simply cut or tear pieces of insulation to fit in or around problem areas so that the overall thickness. or R -value, is maintained. Pack insulation into small spaces around windows and doors to prevent heat loss. Fiberglass insulation will not stop drafts. If the vapour retarder gets torn or punctured, be sure to patch it with duct or builder's tape before applying the finish. Do not allow the retarder to be exposed, Cover it with gypsum board or other building code -approved material. 4 Get m�imurn val for your energy do1ar Power Smart endorsed produets showerhead will reduce hot water costs help you save energy, money,'and with every shower. Light bulbs that are the environment certified Power Smart use less energy than standard bulbs. The list goes on. When you see the Power Smart label you can assume that the product meets high standards. Shop Smart Thousands of retail outlets across Canada carry Power Smart Products. Look for the Power Smart name on product packages and in-store posters, More than 100 manufacturers. or ask•your local utility or retailer for including multi -national companies information. like Maytag, Honeywell, GE, Philips Not all retailers carry Power Smart Lighting, and DuPont participate in the endorsed products and some endorsed Power Smart Product Endorsement products may not yet carry the label. By Program. More than 1000 products are expressing your interest you encourage certified. retailers to carry these products and help How do Power Smart endorsed convince manufacturers to label them products help save money? clearly. Products endorsed by Power Smart Power Smart—a name you can trust help you use energy wisely. And that The Power Smart name is means savings for you. synonymous with energy-related While many energy-related products products that help you get maximum advertise that they are "energy efficient;" value for your energy dollen. Whether only the Power Smart label provides you are making improvements to your you with the assurance that the product home. buying a new appliance, or you select will give you the best value looking for products that will help you for your energy dollar. save energy and money—think Power Over its 15-20 year life, a refrigerator Smart. Shop Power Smart. Not only will that is endorsed by Power Smart can you make your energy dollar go save you hundreds of dollars in energy further—you'll also contribute to a costs, compared to a fridge that is not cleaner environment. And that's good energy efficient. A Pow.er Smart for all of us. (NC)—Saving money on your power bill is easy when you know how to be Power Smart. Products that are certified Power Smart help you use energy wisely. And, in addition to helping you save money, Power Smart can also provide other valuable .benefits—like a more comfortable home, cleaner indoor air, and more convenience. Power Smart is good for the environment, too. Power Smart means value Power Smart is Canada's endorse- ment label for energy-related products. When you see. the Power Smart name on products, you can be sure they will help you get maximum value for your enrgy dollar. To earn the Power Smart label, manufacturers must meet stringent criteria for energy efficiency, safety and quality. Your local electric utility Contributes to the development of these standards, which are generally higher than government regulation. What is a Power Smart endorsed product? Power Smart endorses products that use energy efficiently—like appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs, and products that help save energy— like insulation and weather-stripping. POWER 5MRRT Q & A:" How clean is the air you breathe? (NC)—Americair Corporation. menu- seriously polluted than we ever believed. number of medical,• electronic and lecturers of the BreathEasy line of NEPA And further research indicates that industrial applications where 'clean air air filters. offers these 10 commonly people spend approximately 90'7c of is essential. asked questions and answers about their time indoors, Those people who HEPA filter media is proven to catch indoor air quality. are most exposed are often those most 99.97% of particles larger than 1. What are the key considerations susceptible to the adverse effects of I/25.000th of an inch in size. Particles . in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? indoor air pollution: children. the elderly. ranging in size this include pollen. Indoor air quality is dependent on a and chronically ill patients. household dust, cigarette smoke, number of factors: concentration of dust . 7. How is air cleaning generally bacteria. animal dander, moulds, etc. particles, hazardous gases and airborne achieved? '9 -What is activated carbon? viruses: bacteria affd spores which can , There are three methods to clean Activated carbon is a form of cause illness or allergies; and levels of indoor air: (a) removal of the source or' charcoal in which millions of pores are cancer-causing radioactive gases (eg. control of its emissions; (b) increased created. These pores trap and hold tiny Radon) and Ozone gas. ventilation levels; and (c) cleaning of the gas molecules much the same as a Concentrations vary depending on air in the building or the occupant's area. magnet. While removing trace amounts the amount of each contaminant Indoor air is generally cleaned in one of irnpurities from the air, activated generated within the building. ambient of the following ways: (a) Mechanical carbon often allows these same levels in the outdoor air. and the amount filters including various types of impurities to work positively as cata- of air cleaning performed as air enters filtration media including HEPA (High lysts and destroy other harmful the building and is circulated. Efficiency Particulate Air) filter media: impurities, thus extending the life of 2. What is Sick Building Syndrome? (b) Electronic air cleaners to electronic- . the carbon as a molecular magnet. The term describes a building ally "trap" charged particles: (c) Ion 10. How can a portable air cleaner occupant's acute health and comfort ill- generators, which charge the particles in improve IAQ in an office building? effects which appear to be linked to a room, and draw them to walls. floors. Air cleaners can be an important part time spent in a building. but where no or a collector; (d) Solid filter media such of a heating and air conditioning system. specific illness or cause can be identified, as activated carbon to remove gaseous Those which have a high filter Typical symptoms include headache; contaminants. odours, etc. efficiency and can handle large amounts eye, nose, or throat irritations; dry cough; 8. What is a HEPA filter? • of air are the best choice for use in dry or itchy skin: dizziness and nausea: The most highly regarded office buildings; small or portable HEPA and fatigue. . mechanical filter is the HEPA or atrcleaners collect the smaller particles The major causes of Sick Building "absolute" filter. which is composedof that can have negative health impacts. Syndrome are (a) inadequate a mixture of various sized fibres. It was Electronic filters and ion generators, ventilation, (b) chemical and developed during World War Hfor use which use an electronic charge. may bacteriological contaminants from by the Atomic Energy Commission to produce ozone which is a lung.irritant. indoor sources. and (c) chemical filter out radioactive dust and other For more information on Americair, contaminants from outdoor sources. airborne radioactive contaminants. please call 1-800-268-7732. 3. What causes inadequate ventilation? HEPA filters are' used today in a 'large Energy conservation in the 1970s called for a reduction in the amount of outdoor air provided for ventilation to five cubic feet per minute (cfm), per occupant, from a previous 15 efm. This reduction has been linked to Sick Building Syndrome. Recent changes in American building standards have reinstated a minimum of 15 cfm per occupant. with higher levels in high activity areas such as smoking lounges. 4. What are the most common sources of air pollutants generated in a building? Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building: adhesives, carpetir••. upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines. tobacco smoke, pesticides and cleaning agents. 5. Where do biological contaminants come from? Bacteria, moulds, pollen. and viruses are types of biological contaminants, which breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans. or where water has collected on ceiling tiles. carpeting or insulation. Sometimes insects or bird droppings can he a source of biological contaminants. 6. Should you be concerned about indoor air quality? A growing body of recent scientific evidence has indicated that the air in homes and other buildings can he more WIUEcIIURCH C�lsrRucn�J RwR.#3 Winghatnn, Ontario NOG 2W0 Hank Kikkert Renovations • Additions Farm Buildings Custom Built Homes "Over 25 Years Experience." 357-2299 TIME wcw:it.--Maitland Manor Nursery & Landscaping Still lots of time for planting! We have a good selection of evergreens, flowering shrubs and shade trees grown on premises. For new ideas we have a landscape designer on staff to assist you. FOR -F E E.S • al BETrER:SERVICE • BETTER SELECTION - BETTER VALUE Home Premium Fiberglass Insulation An msulatlon gpod enough to cony the Homo name GREAT FOR KEEPING HEAT IN GREAT FOR KEEPING SOUND OUT THERMAL RESISTANCE OF R-20, 15" WIDTH FOR 2%6 WALLS Covers 49 sq. 0. (With 53.00 manuiactureres mail in coupon.) CO • THERMAL RESISTANCraF R-12, 15' WIDTH FOR 2X4 WALLS Covers RBsq. fl. (with &3 liledaicoupon ) bbuundlo WINDOW AND DOOR CENTRE Are those old, drafty windows And doors turning you blue? THEN WINTERIZE NOW!! Visit your Dashwood Window and Door Centre today, and see how our products can save you money 2 ways: 'ENERGY SAVINGS • FACTORY INSTALLATION. /CO 0 F FM.L.P Brussels s11A 867.9969 1-800-881-0030 RO%UL FLE%IBATT INSULATION THE BETTER R -VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY. •The Boner Ft • Flambee a made to 5 perfectly end mrnpensems mr ea$atlms ' mud ceneea enwmg enacted R ,eJe Is achieved • Repels Wator EtdsWm robe Insulation of R.vafue Tam show Nei Rladban repels weer 10 melnleln R.vatuo • Mede Imp natural and recycled 'Wefts • Rona Flo Dane 1 u ,11 11. rock end recycled Pad deg. • Excellent egard absorbency, I 111}IA° W '• 16�Alll 11i1D•13• NAOSla ' Bruss��s_�+A 887.6277._._. 4 00ntario Hydro TIP Caulking (NC)—An excellent do-it-yourself project that can result in energy savings is caulking around door and. window frames. A job well done will last up tb 20 years and eliminate drafts. Speak to your local retailer and get the right product for your indoor or outdoor project. ' Ontario Hydro Heat pumps (NC )—Heat pumps represent the most energy efficient technology available today for heating and cooling and could reduce your energy costs by up to 70%. Heat pumps provide continuous air circulation and even temperature distribution throughout your home. Speak to your local heating and cooling contractor about the benefits and installation of heat pumps. A.___11.MHACORAIV MECNICAL MECHANICAL T Eli O 191 Josephine St 357-2904 Wingham Fax: 357-4139 MDL D®ORS [11 P:1 gig ®,v OPEN THE DOOR TO ELEGANCE IN YOUR HOME See the line of fine quality MDL Doors available at your local building supply dealer. Brussels 887-6974 Watson's For All Your Building Needs I,!11111,'llll�.l���1ll:�i�IlLV �'�' • See Us For Fall Specials • Replacement Doors, Windows • Insulation • Give Us A Call For Your Interior Design Requirements. Let us quote you on any building project 1111. large or small! Watson's Home hate Hardware & Building Supplies Phone:Fax: 335-3551 Gorrie 335-3427 � Ui WORTHY �� N Y00J C:icf4 WA10!XJ6Eril54us " ...e;A 0.e V eeo't S JOSEPHINE STREET WINGHAM 357©2002 Fabric aril Co ordin