Weatherization & Building Science

Building weatherization can make buildings:

• More comfortable, through reducing drafts and air leakage
• Safer, through providing the proper percentage of fresh air
• More energy efficient, through the reduction of fuel needed to heat the home

There are a wide range of weatherization techniques that can make a building more comfortable and energy-efficient. It is the mission of the Weatherization Skillshop to teach Vermonters the skills they need to install relatively simple and cost-effective measures in their own homes.

Weatherization is the practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements, particularly from sunlight, precipitation, and wind, and of modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency.

Weatherization. (2009, August 29). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 11:18, October 8, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Weatherization&oldid=310648027

Effective weatherization starts with a solid understanding of building science—you have to understand how a building works before you can assess what needs to be improved. It isn't as simple as just replacing a drafty window or door, or just installing another layer of fiberglass insulation in the attic. There's so much more to learn, and this valuable information will change how homeowners think about their biggest investment. Many Vermonters began their building science education at the Button Up workshops that were held around the state. Weatherization Skillshops go to the next level and teach handy homeowners how to apply building science lessons to their own homes.

At a Weatherization Skillshop, you will learn why and how to address various weatherization opportunities in your home. Qualified instructors will review the basics of building science, and then show you how to use the right tools and materials to get the job done. You can save money and build your home maintenance skills, while making sure your repairs are solving the problem (and not making it worse).

Many energy efficiency improvements qualify for federal tax credits, so take advantage of this opportunity to use your know-how to make your home more comfortable while reducing energy costs. With the DIY Program, homeowners who want to make energy efficiency improvements can now access Effiency Vermont's Home Performance with Energy Star incentives by working with a certified auditor to guide them through the project. So there are many opportunities to save money if you have the skills to make these improvements yourself.