weatherstripping

Reports on a project carried out in the Caswell Hill and Riversdale areas of Saskatoon to investigate the effectiveness of sealing with caulking and weatherstripping to reduce air leakage. This involved sealing 10 homes, and also insulating the attics and basements of five of these houses after thesealing work. A control group of 10 homes which had been insulated without particular attention being given to sealing procedures were also monitored. The homes were pressure tested by the National Research Council before and after sealing to measure the reduction in air leakage.

Describes "house doctoring", a combination energy audit and energy-saving retrofit procedure developed at LBL and Princeton University. House doctoring analyzes areas of energy loss, and locates and eliminates air infiltration sites by using special diagnostic equipment, such as the "blower door" forpressurisation tests. The first part of the manual provides an introduction and overview of house doctoring, including the nature of heat loss in buildings and the tools and techniques used to reduce it.

Describes the results obtained and the problems encountered in the sealing and testing of 15 homes in Ottawa Ontario, for the Ontarion Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Gives a data summary for the 15 homes, outlining house characteristics, reductions in air leakage, materials and time needed. Finds that the average air leakage reduction is 38.7%, and the average time taken to perform the sealing and testing is 31 hrs. Covers:

Gives instructions for weatherstripping and caulking houses, indicating which materials are best for different jobs, and comparing prices. Covers jamb weatherstripping for doors and windows, weatherstripping for door bottoms, sealing the joist and attic spaces, and sealing around window and door openings.

Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.

Identifies the main categories of seal used in weatherstripping doors and windows. These include compression seals which are compressed during closure to form a seal, wiper seals which form a seal as they slide over a closing surface, and gap fillers and sealants which restore a fit between closing surfaces. Outlines broadly the merits and disadvantages of each, and provides general guidance on seal selection and application.

Notes that a considerable amount of energy escapes past external doors and the simplest way to avoid this loss is to make sure that doors close properly. Illustrates methods to achieve tight doors and considers inadequacies of certain door closers. Considers potential for development and improvement of heated sluices.

Reviews the overall aims and methods of the Conservahome Project, devised under the joint initiative of the Saskatchewan Office of Energy Conservation and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. The primary aims of the Project are to:< 1. Define the technical and economic problems of retrofit by conducting retrofit work on 6 houses< 2. Use the 6 houses as demonstration centres< 3.

Covers the theory, economics, and practice of draughtproofing existing buildings. The theory section deals with methods of calculating and measuring ventilation losses. The economics section covers financial costs and benefits, while in the practical section various methods of draughtproofing are categorized and described together with their advantages and disadvantages.

Examines the economic aspects of energy conservation techniques suitable for retrofitting into existing homes. Includes insulation, storm windows and doors, and weatherstripping. The object of this study is to determine that combination of techniques which will maximise net dollar savings in life-cycle operating costs for heating and cooling operations in existing homes, subject to specific climate conditions, fuel costs and retrofitting costs.