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Keeping Out The Deep Chill: How To Effectively Insulate Your Home

Feb 11 2014

windowsClimate change is playing havoc with weather patterns. The NASA Goddard Institute of Space Science (GISS) record that winters in the northern hemisphere are getting colder and as a consequence energy efficiency in homes is a growing concern.

For optimal energy efficiency, the US Department of Energy recommends you should insulate your home from the foundations to the roof identifying areas of your home that most require moisture and air leakage control. Governments are also offering financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Foundations and basement

Insulating your foundations and basement not only makes your home more energy efficient, but also protects you against insect infestation, moisture and radon infiltration. You can use almost any insulation type for basements, but placement varies depending on the climate you live in. Consult a professional to find out what material is used in your hometown.

When insulating the lower reaches of your home, do not forget about crawlspace. The type of insulation you need depends whether your crawlspace is ventilated or unventilated. For the latter, seal and insulate the foundation walls rather than the floor between the crawlspace and the house as it prevents piping and ductwork from freezing over.

Exterior Walls

Insulating interior walls is a tough undertaking so it is not unusual for builders to cut corners. As a result walls often do not meet R-value recommendations. Walls between living spaces, vented crawlspaces, unheated garages or other extensions will greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home if properly insulated.

The best material to use is blow-insulation such as liquid foam. It is easy to apply and gives you a superior R-value rating. You can also use fiberglass, rock wool or cellulosic fiber insulation, but all these materials also require a vapor barrier to avoid condensation. If you are building a new home consider using wall sheathing rather than wood sheathing products as it reduces thermal bridging.

Floors

Although you only 13% of your home´s heating is lost through the floor you can still save an estimated $50 on your energy bill. If your floors are cold concrete slabs replacing them is expensive and disruptive. Using a foam board around the perimeter of your home does the job sufficiently.

Insulating timber floorboards is even easier. All you need is a good sealant and a sealant gun. Check the joists supporting the floorboards do not show signs of rot and remember to seal the gaps around the plank edges when you refit them.

Floorboards positioned above heated living space do not require insulation. The same applies if your crawlspace is not sufficiently vented – it should have two vents to propel cross ventilation.

Doors and windows

doors and windowsOne of the biggest energy wasters in your home is through your doors and windows, especially if they are outdated. Even early UPVc windows leak cold, but advancements in technology now means you can upgrade windows and doors to A-rated +10 double glazing. The British Energy Saving Trust estimates savings of between $80 and $290 a year depending on the size of your home.

If refitting the latest double-glazing products is not an option you can still modify your existing doors and windows with a plastic-based film that slows heat transfer placed over the glass. For the edges of your windows use a silicone plastic caulk. They are inexpensive, long-lasting and weather resistance in warmth and cold. You may need to remove the old caulk first.

Insulate your loft

The majority of heat that flows in and out of your home is through the roof. Your attic space is therefore the most important room of your home to insulate as it retains heat during winter and keeps your home cool during the hot summer months. Installing radiant barrier or ventilation fan also helps to reduce heat in warm climates.

Lofts are typically insulated with batt insulation or loose-fill, the latter being the better option as it is less expensive and provides better coverage. Before insulating your loft check the timber is in a good state of repair and seal air leaks including the access door and vertical walls that has attic space directly behind them.

Good insulation in your home is important as it keeps you comfortable and warm, creates a healthy living environment and help you to reduce your carbon footprint which will reduce your energy bills and environmental taxes.
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  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.

30 Day Measuring Insurance

Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

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Who is covered:
  • Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
What is covered:
  • Any defects in materials of workmanship
  • Operating mechanisms and other parts
  • Cell separation on honeycomb/cellular shades
  • Warping slats for faux wood and wood blinds
  • Broken vertical vanes
  • Restrings for internal cords
  • Parts that fail due to accident, alteration and/or improper use
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Color fading due to excessive exposure to sunlight, moisture or improper cleaning
  • Accidental damage
Resolution:
  • BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective.
  • If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
  • In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
  • Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.


30 Day Measuring Insurance

Following the easy measuring instructions will ensure a proper fit, however, we all make errors from time to time and this protection plan covers any mis-measurement mistakes. If the window coverings do not fit, please let us know within 30 days of receiving the items. The blinds/shades will be remade at the correct dimensions at no cost to you unless there is a difference in price between the old and new sizes or if the new size requires an oversize shipping fee. Limit is 1 remake per blind/shade. All remakes will have to be remade in the same color, feature and specifications, no changes are allowed.

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.

Any mis-measurements reported after 30 days will not be covered, however, new blinds and shades can be ordered with an additional 10% discount.

30 Day Returns

If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Authorization Number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Refunds will be processed within 2-3 business days after we receive the items (Guaranteed to Love fee is not refundable).

Shutters,custom graphic shades, commercial/dealer orders are not covered.
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