Cold Weather Proofing An Older House

    If your like me and you live in an older house then you know how cold it is in the Winter, even when it isn't really that cold outside lol. I live in the South where we just think it gets cold compared to other areas but living in an older house makes it event colder especially with hardwood floors!

    The winter is seems to be already with us this year, earlier than usual it seems. Weather proofing and insulating your house not only helps with keeping IT warm and cozy but it can also save a bundle on energy bills as well. Windows and doors seem to be the main areas where there are gaps and drafts for cold air to sneak in! It also helps in the Summer months as well to keep the AC bill down. 

   Listed below are several known ways to seal off from the cold and stay warm at nights. Feel free to comment or leave any other suggestions you may have for keeping your house all cozy for the winter. 

Seal  The Window Gaps with Caulk. This also looks a lot better than covering the windows with plastic. If your house is like mine and a lot of older houses the windows are single pain and let a lot of cold air in during the cold months. 

1. • 1
     Identify gaps around windows ( It won't take long when you feel the cold air coming in.) You need to seal and insulate all of the windows in your house. When feeling for drafts, you can use a candle. Just light it and hold it near each window. When the flame dances, a draft is likely the cause.
   • 2
     Insert caulk tube into the caulk gun.
   • 3
     Cut off tip of caulk tube with a utility knife.
   • 4
     Gently squeeze gun handle as you move along the perimeter of each window, laying down a solid seal of caulk as you go. This will insulate the living areas of your house. 

     This will also seal the window closed. Be sure to keep something near by in case you need to open the window quickly. Some of my windows are caulked shut and can not be opened. 

   Install Plastic Sheeting on Windows

   • 5
     Wash the inside edge of window panes with warm, soapy water.
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     Cut double-sided tape with scissors to fit along the inside of window pane.
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     Peel one side of the backing off of the tape and stick it to the window frame.
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     Peel off the exposed side of the double-sided tape on the top of the window.
   • 9
     Starting at one of the corners, stick the plastic sheeting to the tape, forming a complete seal. Leave about an inch overlap to be trimmed later. Move slowly across the window, sticking the plastic to the tape.
   • 10
     Repeat for the sides and bottom edges of the window.
   • 11
     Trim excess plastic with scissors or a utility knife.
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     Smooth out any wrinkles in the plastic by using a blow dryer. Keep the setting on low and slowly pass it over the plastic to shrink it to fit your window.
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     Repeat this process to seal every window in your house. This will ensure that you will get the most out of your new insulation.

     
     

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