nod a? sted “ 28 - Friday, March 19, 1993 —- North Shore News Build energy efficiency into RENOVATIONS HAVE become a multi-million dollar industry in Canada as homeowners regularly upgrade the appearance and value of their dwellings. At little extra cost, many homeowners are building energy efficiency into their renovation plans, content in the knowledge that these measures will soon pay for themselves in reduced heating bills and increased home comfort. One of the most popular renovation activities, especially for do-it-yourselfers, is to turn an unused basement into comfortable living space. Since the basement can account for up to 30% of a home’s heat loss, it presents many basic and simple opportunities for energy improvements. Your first step should be to carefully draft—proof exterior walls. Caulk along the sill plate, header joist and around service entrances, pipes and ducts that pass through the walls. Then frame your walls and have an electrician install outlets, swit- ches and lighting fixtures. Once the wiring is in place, basement walls should be in- sulated from floor to ceiling. You can insulate from the inside uniess the wall has a history of moisture problems (look for mould stains or a white or yellow powder on the wall) or poor drainage. A. moisture barrier is usually applied to the basement walls, up to grade level, before insulating. Be sure to install a. generous amount of insulation between joists in the header area. Consult your building supply dealer for -information on the types of insulation available and their uses. No matter what material you use, never insulate directly around heat-producing obstructions such as flue pipes (you can insulate around water pipes). You should also turn off the power before working around electrical outlets, and avoid the main electrical panel altogether. Before you apply your wall board, it is important that you in- stall! an air-vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation. This wil? help prevent household air from moving into the walls, where water vapors in the air can condense and cause moisture problems. The air-vapor barrier should extend into the header area, The basement ceiling area also provides opportunities for low- cost energy improvements. Special tape is available for sealing all joints in the hot-air ducts, and long runs of duct work should be insulated to prevent heat loss. Kitchens Kitchens are another popular target for renovations. Homeown- ers often spend several thousand dollars making these areas more attractive and functional, so a few extra dollars on energy-saving measures will hardly be noticed. When, you undertake kitchen renovations, planning and timing are paramount. For example, if you are replacing your kitchen cabinets there will be a brief in- terval between the removal of old cabinets and the _ installation of new ones. Take advantage of this to seal air leaks around plumbing pipes and other wall openings. that are normally hidden from view. Several caulking products have been especially designed for areas subject to high levels of moisture. No matter what room in the home you are renovating, you should caulk around the edges of windows, baseboards and elec- trical outlets on exterior walls. Weatherstripping should be us- ed to seal air Ieaks at the movable joints of exterior doors and win- dows. [f your plans call for repairs to an exterior wall, con- sider upgrading the insulation. Exterior work Energy efficiency can even be a consideration in exterior renova- tion work. If you have excavated to repair leaky foundation walls, you may want to take this oppor- tunity to insulate unfinished basement walls from the outside before filling in the hole. Similarly, if you are installing new siding you can incorporate additional insulation in the job. Energy, Mines & Resources PAINTER’S CHOICE CEILING WHITE LATEX Alter sole price $27.92 plans Canada can provide helpful in- formation on performing many of the projects discussed in this arti- cle, as well as other energy-saving measures. Mail your request for informa- tion to Home Energy Publica- tions, Energy, Mines & Resources Canada, 580 Booth St., Ottawa, Ontario K1A OE4. INTERIOR stm-Gtass LATEX Aber sols pi mice $33.92 FLAT LATEX -Alfer sale price $39.92 * Reg. book price. Matching fabric not included. Store books only. SAY LAYEX Abter sale price $43.92 a single roll * Reg, book ptice. Patterns may vary from those shown, ' PEEL & STICK AND HO-WAX VINVE FLOOR THLE © 12*x12° * Previously sold at 794 to $2.29. Instore stock only, Whit hile stock lasts, Not available at alf stores. Alter sole price $39.92 IF YOU: are not ststied with our product quality we'll replace the product or give you a refund; find o lower price within 30 doys we'll refund the difference are dissatisfied with our service we'll send you a voucher equal to 10% of your purchase, See in-store for complete details, Ce) Sale effective March 3 to March 28, 1993. ) EYE | Nor ail tere cvoilable atoll stoves; Foc hence opportunities call (616) 259-6296. * 9925 Lonsdale (2 blks north of Upper Levels Hwy.) 986-6424 STORE HOURS SUNDAY FAON - TUE 7:30 WED — FRI 7:30 SATURDAY 9:00 11:00 ALMA AM AM A.M 1887 Marine Drive (ot Capilano Rd., east of International Plaza) 980-8567 * The Color Magic® and Pattern Magic © Systems are available at this store. NOW OPENII! #180 - 400 Brooksbank Avenue 980-6312 (6900}, OR SQUID MISE STAIN (6200)