Here are a few examples of the air-stopping materials that can help to arrest renegade air.
A. Foam backer rod, a compressible space filler and effective air block, is available in various diameters. Choose a size that is slightly larger than the width of the gap you’re filling and press it into the space at least 1/4 in. deeper than the surface. Top it off with a bead of caulk.
B. Glazing compound is an essential part of your arsenal if you have older wood- or metal-framed windows Check periodically around the edges of the glass on door and window exteriors. If glazing is badly cracked or missing, you can bet that air is passing through.
C. Vinyl Foam Weatherseal self-stick tape is one of many types of weather-strip used to fill gaps around doors and windows. If you detect air movement along the edges of your door (rather than around the frame), the existing weather-strip may need to be replaced.
D. GreatStuff Gaps & Cracks by Dow, DAP Polyurethane Fireblock Foam Sealant and DAPtex Plus Window & Door Foam Sealant are examples of thee project-specific types of expanding foam. They all block air effectively but perform very differently. For example: Code requires fireblock foam for stopping airflow through wiring or plumbing chases on the insides of walls, while low-expanding foam is the only type you should use around door and window jambs to prevent over-tightening within the frames.
E. DAP Seal ’n Peel removable weatherstrip caulk and Energy Saver Air Leak Gap Sealant are two types of caulk that are targeted specifically for energy savings. Seal ‘n Peel lays a removable bead of sealant for a temporary (seasonal) application. Energy Saver works on interiors and exteriors to seal cracks as large as 1/2 in. wide.
F. DAP Alex Plus (Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone) and GE Silicone II Paintable Silicone are silicone/silicone-blend products that provide a waterproof, forever-flexible seal (great for expansion joints). Silicone is trickier and stickier to work with than latex or acrylic caulk, and it requires mineral spirits for clean-up. On the plus side, it’s really long-lasting and adheres well to dissimilar materials (wood-to-metal, etc.).
G. Foam gaskets are perhaps the easiest, cheapest and fastest energy saving fix; one that anyone can accomplish to apprehend unwanted drafts from perimeter walls.
H. Squeeze tubes are another example of user-friendly options in energy saving. They allow you to buy in quantities for smaller projects and to apply without the need of a gun. Yahoo!
Sources
Convenience Products, 800-325-6180, www.touch-n-seal.com
DAP Products Inc., 888-327-8477, www.dap.com
GE, 866-275-4372, www.caulkyourhome.com
Henkel Corp. (Polyseamseal), 800-321-1733, www.polyseamseal.com
U.S. Department of Energy, www.energysavers.gov