Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth.
~Edith Sitwell
“Put a sweater on!”…Was that ever your parents response when you told them you were cold? It's only now, as a seasoned homeowner, that I realize they kept the thermostat low so their monthly electric bill would not shock them when it arrived. Keeping those cold drafts from creeping into your home is a challenge this time of year. Let's explore some ways to keep the warmth in, so you don't have to wear 5 sweaters at one time!
About 25% of your heat escapes your home via the roof, so examining your attic or any crawl space is important. If you've had any water leaks or work done to your roof this past year, you should also check to make sure mold is not present in the insulation as well. As time progresses, insulation does settle and becomes less effective, even the foam type can condense as the years go by. A good rule of thumb is to have between 10 and 16 inches of insulation in these spaces. If your assessment comes up short, the do-it-yourself-er can head to the home store and purchase the additional material needed. If you don't feel confident walking around the rafters, see if a friend can recommend a company to assist you.