Winter can wreak havoc on a home, especially in a basement, where temperatures are often colder than in the rest of the house. Investing just a bit of money and time to prevent energy loss and bursting pipes can save a lot of cash and hassle in the end. Follow these tips to winterize the basement so it will be protected from harsh temperatures.
You will need:
- Water heater insulation blanket
- Duct tape
- Self-adhesive pipe insulation tape or fiberglass and plastic pipe wrap insulation kit
- Safety goggles
- Heavy duty gloves
- Fiberglass insulation
- Putty (optional)
- Self-adhesive foam/foil duct insulation
- Window insulation kit
- Hair dryer (if shrink-to-fit version of window insulation is purchased)
Step 1: Purchase and install an insulation blanket on the water heater. This will prevent heat loss from the tank. For added protection, select the extra thick version. Wrap the jacket around the water heater and secure it with the included tape. If extra tape is needed, standard duct tape can be used.
Step 2: Insulate the water pipes in the basement, including those that go to and from the water heater and a permanent humidifier. When temperatures drop, pipes can freeze and burst. Insulate them with self-adhesive insulation tape or purchase a fiberglass and plastic pipe wrap insulation kit.
Step 3: Check for the presence of cool air in the basement foundation. Some basements have a gap between the rim and floor joists that allows cool air to enter. It a gap is found, use duct tape, putty, or the self-adhesive insulation tape to secure a piece of fiberglass insulation over the space. Put on the safety goggles and work gloves and fit the insulation snugly, but do not compress it.
Step 4: Heating ducts distribute heat throughout the home but they can also allow cool air in or let heat escape. Put on the work gloves and use a self-adhesive foam/foil duct insulation to insulate the ducts.
Step 5: Use a window insulation kit to insulate the basement windows. Some kits feature shrink-to-fit plastic insulation that shrinks when heated with a hair dryer.
Leave a comment