It's Not Too Late to Beat Winter's Wrath

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter is almost here, but there is still time to protect homes and wallets from its harsh blow.  The makers of GE silicone weatherization caulk offer guidance on how to help avoid a season full of bloated energy bills.  Homeowners can use the time that remains in late fall to complete a critical weatherizing project: filling gaps and cracks with silicone caulk.  It's an easy, quick, and affordable DIY project that can seal in valuable energy, trim heating bills, and save money for the long term.

According to ENERGYSTAR, properly sealing and insulating can save more than $200 a year in heating and cooling costs, or up to 10 percent on total energy bills – a significant annual savings that many American families can appreciate during challenging economic times. Following are a few tips on how to master the caulk gun, an often under-rated ally in the yearly tug of war to keep the thermostat low and the energy and cost savings high. 

1.       Find the Leaks –A critical first step is to find the hidden leaks that allow cold air to sneak inside.

• Leaks usually occur around the outside of a home and in non-regulated temperature areas like attics and basements that are exposed to harsh elements throughout the year.
• Obvious areas include the frames around windows and doors.  Be sure to pay close attention to where the floor frame rests on the foundation on the inside of a house and where siding meets the corner boards on the exterior.
• For more on how to identify leaks, visit where to find the leaks and how to test for energy leaks at www.gesealants.com

2.       Choose the Right Caulk – Go beyond the advice to simply "caulk gaps and cracks." Not all caulks are created equal; and not all caulks provide long-lasting energy savings.

• Acrylic caulk is vulnerable to the very elements it is supposed to seal against, meaning it can break down over time allowing energy to escape. A silicone caulk, on the other hand, like GE Silicone II* Window & Door, protects for the long haul. 
• Leaks frequently occur in and around homes in places prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, and heavy rain, snow, ice or wind. Impervious to these damaging conditions, silicone has excellent flexibility and is 100 percent waterproof.

3.       Get to Work – Master the caulk gun to reap measurable energy savings. Work with caulk in above freezing temperatures and clear off snow or ice.

• Clean the Surface – Remove old caulk, dirt, and loose particles with a caulk-removing tool or wire brush. Make sure the surface is dry. Apply painter's tape to either side of the joint to create a straight edge.
• Prep the Tube and Seal – Cut nozzle to desired bead size. Pierce the inner seal with a stiff wire or other similar object. Insert cartridge into caulking gun. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle and seal around unsightly cracks or spaces inside and outside the home. Keep a steady, constant grip and try to get as long of a bead as possible; then repeat.
• Smooth the Caulk Seal – Use a finger or a wet caulk-smoothing tool within two to five minutes of application. Remove painter's tape immediately after smoothing caulk. Wipe hands with a dry cloth before washing with soap and water. Use mineral spirits to clean up.

Click here for an interactive video on how to lower energy bills with caulk.  

Silicone caulk remains unaffected by all weather and temperature conditions, so it is an outstanding choice when a homeowner expects long-lasting energy savings. For step-by-step photos to guide homeowners through the project see www.caulkandsave.com. GE Silicone II* Window & Door caulk is available nationwide at home centers and hardware stores for approximately $6-$9.

About Momentive Performance Materials
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (Momentive) is the exclusive global licensee of GE sealants.  GE pioneered silicone sealants in the 1940's and led innovative evolution of those products for decades.  In 2006, the GE Advanced Materials business was sold to form Momentive.  That same commitment to innovation, quality and service is unwavering.  With a clear focus on product mastery and unparalleled technical support, Momentive offers a robust line of GE-branded sealants, adhesives and coatings around the world in consumer and commercial applications. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is controlled by an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P. Additional information is available at www.momentive.com. 

GE is a Registered Trademark of General Electric Company.

*Trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Trisha McGuire
[email protected]
704-992-4797

Marcia Gray
[email protected]
617-990-7720

SOURCE Momentive Performance Materials