Question 1

How do you DIY an outdoor faucet cover for frost protection?

Accepted Answer

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For a truly DIY solution to protect your outdoor faucets from freezing, you can craft your own faucet sock out of spare rags, plastic shopping bags, and duct tape—but this method might not be as effective (or attractive) as store-bought. If you choose to DIY your own outdoor faucet cover, be aware that rags, old towels, and other fabric you might use to wrap the faucet can absorb water like a sponge and could cause problems if it freezes.

Question 2

How much insulation do you really need?

Accepted Answer

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In most cases, the building code in your location will determine the minimum amount, in R-value, required for your home's walls, attic, and other spaces. For attics, the minimum R-value amounts start at R30 in the south, R38 in mild climate locations, and R49 in northern states and cold western areas.

Question 3

Which floor is warmest in winter?

Accepted Answer

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Excluding carpet, strand-woven bamboo provides excellent underfoot heat. Laminate flooring is also good for insulation and preventing cold feet in the winter. Bamboo tends to work better in climates that have more consistent temperatures, while laminate does a better job at insulating floors in homes that experience more extreme temperature changes, such as the deciduous climates of the northeastern U.S.

Question 4

Do you have to staple insulation?

Accepted Answer

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You don’t need to staple insulation, as your drywall and studs will hold it into place. But if you already have a staple gun and staples lying around, it can help keep the product in place and avoid any shifting. But, most experts agree it’s an unnecessary step.

If you’re adding a vapor barrier, you will need to staple that in place.