ENERGY CONSERVATION

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YOU’VE DECIDED to have some
energy conservation work done on
your home.

And you’re going to have a con-
tractor do the work for you. This
doesn’t mean that your work is
done.

How you select and work with a
contractor can play a major role in
the outcome of the job. Here are
some tips to help ensure a rewar-
ding experience.

Finding the right contractor is
the first step. You may know of a
suitable company by reputation or
previous work, but don’t rush into
things. .

It’s wise to consider several con-
tractors. Your family or neighbors
may be able to give you some
names.

As well, consult the yellow pages
or talk to contractors who have
done other kinds of work for you.
Often, hardware and _ building
supply dealers can recommend re-
liable contractors.

The next step is to make a short
list of contractors you would like
to consider for the job. Contact at
least three of the contractors,
discuss with each of them the work

you want done and ask them for
“written estimates,
The ‘cofitractors. should visit
your home to’get an accurate pic-
. ture of what is required. and to
~ discuss the details with you. The
following points should be consid-
ered during a’ pre-estimated con-
sultation. ;
DRAFTPROOFING

© All areas involved in the job
should be carefully examined to
determine the location and extent
of air leakage. Electrical outlets,
baseboards, flue and water pipes,
plumbing stacks, electrical cables
and vent pipes should get special
attention. .

e Areas where. draftproofing
work has been previously under-
taken should be checked to deter-
mine whether caulking or
weatherstripping needs . replace-
ment... es
* Doors and windows should be
examined closely for evidence of
warping or other flaws that might
complicate caulking or
weatherstripping work.

* Moisture damage should be
noted at all locations where draft-
proofing is proposed, including an
examination from outside the
house. Unless there are problems
with water penetration from ‘out-
side the house, all caulking and
weatherstripping should be done
from the inside.

e Existing and potential
moisture problems should be
reviewed.

eIn some cases, potential air
quality problems and the need for
additional ventilation might be
discussed, as well as the need for
additional combustion air for
fuel-burning heating appliances.

e The contractor may. recom-
mend a depressurization test of
your house to get an accurate
assessment of the degree of air
leakage and the location of pro-
blem areas. The merits, cost and
availability of such a test should be
discussed.

© The types of sealing materials
to be used should also be
thoroughly discussed, including
costs, durability, appearance and
whether they can be painted.

INSULATION

©The contractor should
thoroughly examine the areas to be

insulated, .noting. .construction...

details, dimensions, evidence of
moisture problems and potential
fire hazards.

© The type, amount and condi-
tion of existing insulation should
be discussed, as well as the cost ef-
fectiveness' of adding more. The
contractor should also determine
whether an acceptable vapor bar-
rier is in place.

® In ‘areas to be insulated, the
contractor should determine the
location of air leaks and outline
how they should be sealed. The

ng 2 contractor:
i@ dos and don’ts

contractor should also determine
whether a vapor barrier is required
and indicate what material should
be used.

¢ The advantages, disadvantages
and costs of all available insulation
methods and materials, including
the thermal resistance value,
should be thoroughly reviewed.

* In the case of attic insulation,
the contractor should review the
need for increased ventilation and

See Read
Page 19

17 - Friday, February 13, 1987 - North Shore News

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