Lowes Knows Winterization
Tips on how to keep your home warm and energy-efficient
The cold weather is finally upon us and it is time to get your home ready for the long winter ahead.
If you want to know about how to keep your home warm and energy-efficient, you need to look to someone who knows a thing or two about cold temperatures. Our associate Zac Shelton from Wasilla, Alaska has these weather stripping and caulking tips to make sure your house is ready for the season.
The doors and windows in your home can allow air leaks even when they are closed. Weather stripping and/or caulking can eliminate most leaks and lower your heating bill.
To choose the best type of weatherstrip for your window or door, make sure that it will withstand the temperature changes, friction, weather, wear and tear associated with the location.
There are different types of weather stripping including: V-channel, felt, foam tape and door sweep. Each has a specific use with pros and cons. For information and how-to’s on how to weatherstrip your home, visit www.lowes.com.
Caulk is used as a sealant, filling cracks or gaps around windows, doors, plumbing and pipes to prevent water, bugs or air from entering your home.
There are specific caulk types for bathrooms, kitchens, concrete, gutters, moulding, roof, windows, plumbing, interior and exterior jobs, and more.
Most caulks are composed of latex or silicone. Many companies now make caulks that are combinations of latex and silicone. They are often marketed as “siliconized latex” or “latex plus silicone.” These products offer the ease of use of latex with the added durability of silicone.
Caulk comes in two forms: a cartridge or a squeeze tube. A cartridge and caulk gun gives a more continuous bead than a squeeze tube, which is better for small projects. Cartridges typically have 9-11 ounces of caulk versus a squeeze tube, which has 3-6 ounces.
Choosing the right type and application can be confusing, but with the right information, caulking can be an easy DIY project. For information and how-to’s on caulking your home, visit www.lowes.com.
Click here to learn more tips about energy efficiency.
