Unexpected Insulation Problems II

If you experience drafts, there are a few quick tips you can do that will hold out until you have time to call the expert and have the insulation of your home or office properly repaired.

1 Locate the draft.  This can be done with a lighter or a candle.  It is important NOT to use a glass or votive candle as the container in which they are housed could give you a false reading.  Move the light of the lighter or the lit candle slowly around the suspected draft area.

If you move it too fast, you will not get a proper reading, any light flickering will be of the speed you are moving it around.   The trick is to notice the flicker of the flame.  That indicates the draft.

2. Get shrink-wrap or cellophane. There are some plastics that are usually used to cover books that could also be handy. Whatever you choose, you need it to be able to shrink with heat.  There is a reason.  We’ll explain later why.

Also, gather double-stick tape.  Duct-tape and masking tape tend to loosen when they get cold.

3. Carefully, peel one of the sides of the double-side stick tape and place it around the draft point. Let’s say that you have a crevice in a window sill from where the air comes in. You will need to put the tape around the crevice, not across it.

Do not be stingy about it.  Indeed, there is no need to go “overboard” with it.  A fair amount is better than a smaller than needed amount.

4  Once all the tape is in place, attach the film or plastic that you have gotten over the crevice and adhere it to the double-sided stick tape.  Gently press on it to ensure that it is adequately adhered to it.  It is not needed to stretch it to cover.  Do not put it sagging.  However, just like with the tape, do not go stingy.

This is the time when you can trim any excess off.  However, as with everything on this tip, do not go overboard.

5. Once it has been adhered, use a hair dryer that can be heat adjusted and blow on the plastic film. The heat of the dryer will, in turn, heat the plastic and shrink it to size.

The way to properly heat the plastic is to face the hair dryer directly to the surface of the plastic and proceed with a sweeping motion.  Another alternative is to go “karate kid style” and go “wax on, wax off” in big and small circles.

The entire trick is to not heat only one part of the plastic and seek to heat it as uniformly as possible.

Another source of drafts are often electrical outlets that are located in the outside walls.  Since they have to connect the electrical system of the house, if they are not properly installed, they become drafty.

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