Weatherizing for Winter with Plastic Sheeting
Heating and cooling account for nearly 48 percent of the average home’s energy expense, and with winter here, plastic sheeting offers a few easy ways to save on monthly utility bills. Effective weatherizing also prevents mold and mildew in the home.
Americover is an industry leader that specializes in quality plastic sheeting. Our experts detail ways homeowners can improve energy savings and mitigate moisture with proven weatherizing tactics, reinforced plastic sheeting, and vapor barriers.
Seal Out the Wind
Winter weatherization has two functions: to retain heat and increase energy savings; and to keep mold-inducing moisture out of a home. You can do both with plastic sheeting.
Windows, especially single-pane, don’t keep a tight seal forever. If your windows rattle when the wind blows, they need attention. You can inexpensively, temporarily transform a drafty window with plastic sheeting to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Plastic window kits are available at most home improvement stores, but you can build your own kit with common household items. You’ll need the following:
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife or scissors
- Double-sided tape or other sealer that won’t leave a film or residue
- Heavy-duty plastic sheeting
Be sure to clean windows well before applying plastic sheeting. And take your time measuring—a tight fit is essential.
Crawlspace Barriers
Vapor barriers are often used under foundations to mitigate moisture and restrain harmful pollutants like radon, methane, and petroleum hydrocarbons. You want a crawlspace vapor barrier that provides moisture protection, durability, longevity, and value. Installed on the floor and walls of the crawlspace, you’ll want to choose the most appropriate vapor barrier for your crawlspace, climate, and soils.
If you’re not sure you need a vapor barrier or crawl space liner, Does Your Crawlspace Need a Vapor Barrier? is a great start to informing that decision. To learn more about vapor barriers, perm ratings (a standard measurement of a barrier’s water vapor permeability), and the protective properties of each, read: Crawlspace Encapsulation.
Americover’s vapor barriers are reinforced with a tough, interior scrim, which prevents rips and tears and provides the best seal possible. If you want to save money with better plastic sheeting solutions for your weatherizing needs, call Americover’s plastic sheeting experts at 760-388-6294. We can walk you through weatherizing options and hand select products that will get the job done right.