EcoRenovator  

Go Back   EcoRenovator > Improvements > Conservation
Advanced Search
 


Blog 60+ Home Energy Saving Tips Recent Posts Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 02-28-12, 08:54 PM   #1
abogart
Efficiency Afficionado
 
abogart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Michigan, US
Posts: 68
Thanks: 21
Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Default Sealing the basement

Well, I am currently in the sealing and insulating phase of energy-proofing this old house. I figure the best place to start is the basement. There are quite a few projects down there that can give me some easy eco-points.

I decided to start with the basements windows. We never open them, and we aren't down there long enough to need the light coming in. So I decided to make rigid foam inserts to fit inside the window frames, sealed air-tight with spray foam.



Here's the first window, after vacuuming loads of spiderwebs, crumbled cement, and who-knows-what other kinds of nasty stuff from it. They are the basic top-hinge single-pane type with an outer storm window.



There were actually roots growing through the turn-of-the-century mortar/cement. Not quite sure what that means, but I don't think it's good.



This is the bottom of the sill. There is a nice little pit between the two boards in the center.



I noticed this quarter-sized hole between the window frame and the cement. You can actually see daylight through it, and I could feel a strong draft of cold air coming through it.



Window #2 above the laundry area. They put some kind of glass block storm window-thing in it that's about 4" thick. It doesn't seem to have much insulating value because I can feel the cold in front of it. I could also see the spiderwebs around the window frame moving from the draft coming through between the frame and cement.



Exibit C. This window sits above the decommissioned cistern. Apparently it was installed before indoor plumbing, or at least before the kitchen sink. There are no hinges on it, there were just a few rusty nails in the window frame holding it in place. The frame is badly rotted by what looks like decades of plumbing leaks from above.

__________________
You might be an EcoRenovator if...
You read the 96% AFUE sticker as 4% wasted fuel.
abogart is offline   Reply With Quote
 


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger
Inactive Reminders By Icora Web Design