The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Do it Yourself Discussion! => Topic started by: lauren_knows on February 15, 2013, 07:37:00 AM
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So, I've always sort of dismissed some of our energy bills, because we have an old townhome with shitty windows. We keep the thermostat low in the winter, and I even reinsulated our attic last year, but we still have drafty windows, the floor is cold by our windows, and our energy bill isn't that much improved.
I'm looking at a lot of info about DIY home sealing. I think it might be wise to caulk between the frame and panes of each window pane, as I don't see any of that going on. And I could probably improve the seal of the front door. One thing I was noticing though, is in the basement, I looked at the ceiling space by our exterior walls. There is no insulation that I could see in the ceiling at ALL, including a space that seemed to be above the foundation, that stuck out a little bit toward the exterior wall.
So, DIY'ers, where can I learn about what to insulate and what not to? My google-fu is failing me here.
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Bo,
I think what you are talking about is the Rim Joist and if so its important but there are some different ideas on it. You should definitely do it though.
See this thread: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/rim-joist-insulation/msg49157/#msg49157
I ended up putting rigid foam sealed on the edges with fiberglass batts over that.
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I googled rim joist, that is exactly the area I'm talking about. Good info there.
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Spray foam insulation is your best option. It gives a tighter seal and has a higher R-value than rigid foam and fiberglass. But it will cost more upfront mostly because it requires more equipment and protective gear.
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I have shitty windows too, it's always freezing in my apartment as I'm above an unfinished basement with no insulation either. I recently worked with a contractor (I live in a co-op so can't do work on the common areas, which the basement is considered even though I'm directly above it).
I cannot believe the difference it made! Part of the plan was to replace the windows, but the place is so much warmer I'm going to save the money. He also blew some insulation into my front wall as he said it wasn't insulated either. You used to feel cold coming off of it when you stood next to it. It's retaining heat so much better now.
I also had a proper sized radiator put in. It's now warmer in the space with the heat off than it was when the heat was on. I probably could have got away with just doing the insulation.