Having gaps between the walls and floors in your home can be frustrating. However, these are common and can pop up suddenly. Apart from making your home look untidy, these gaps become entry points for pests. It can also cause about 35% of your home’s heat to be lost through the walls. Although you may be tempted to fix it yourself, finding the causes and possible solutions is better, as not all may be DIY projects. Below are three tips to fix your home’s wall and floor gaps.
• Focus on better caulking
Caulking is a go-to solution for sealing gaps and cracks. The process is straightforward, making it easy to do it yourself without many problems. You will need a caulk gun and a tube of caulk to start with this project. The first thing to do is to identify the gaps in the house to help cut down on the time to seal the gaps. When you locate the areas, it is vital to clean the spaces thoroughly, as dirt and debris can prevent the caulk from performing a proper seal. The next thing to do is to load the caulk tube into the applicator or gun and cut the tip at an angle. The latter is essential because it helps you apply a steady bead of caulk into the gap without exceeding the problematic area. If you have a caulk smoothing tool, use that for a neat finish. Otherwise, use your finger after dipping it into soapy water to create a neat finish. When the applied caulk is dry, you will have solved one repair problem at home.
• Use expansion foam or seek professional assistance
Sometimes, the best solution is to avoid handling major home repairs yourself. You will need a more specialized approach in these moments. Consider reaching out to professionals like Edens Structural Solutions to identify the cause of those gaps. It’s prudent to consult such establishments due to their knowledge and experience, as they can help you take the best course of action. Some households may want to explore the possibility of expansion foam as part of a comprehensive repair process. Unless you have experience using expansion foam, it’s advisable not to take that risk. Your best bet is to discuss your specific needs and concerns with the right professionals to understand the scope of the work and the potential costs involved. Hiring experts can save time and effort, especially with something as serious as wall and floor gap problems.
• Weatherstripping for energy efficiency
Undoubtedly, wall and floor gaps can cause energy loss. In many cases, that explains why your heating and cooling bills skyrocket. An effective way to combat this issue is by using weatherstripping. The latter comes in various forms, such as adhesive foam, rubber strips, or door sweeps. These are designed to seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. Therefore, selecting the appropriate weatherstripping material to fix walls or floor gaps is important. Repair experts say measuring the length required to cover the gaps first is advisable. You can then proceed to cut the stripping accordingly. When that happens, clean the area where you plan to apply the weatherstripping, as dirt and debris prevent the material from sticking firmly into the gap. The next step will be to carefully attach the weatherstripping along the gap before pressing to ensure a tight seal. You may need to repeat the process for any other gaps you have already identified.