What is a Barnraising?
In the old days, neighbors would come together to help one another raise barns. In 2009, neighbors are coming together to learn how to weatherize homes and reduce carbon emissions. The home owner provides materials and food, the team leaders provide instruction, and volunteers learn new skills.
Some of the tasks that were completed during the pilot in August 2009 include:
- Basement door: a doorsweep was attached, hole at bottom repaired, q-lon weatherstripping was attached around the frame, cracks were caulked.
- Basement windows: cleaned (they are sparkling!), Tyzall interior storm windows installed, caulk applied around frame.
- Interior windows: 10 out of 20 windows now have pulley covers and new locks. Sashes can now be locked tight to reduce cold air from coming in.
- Dormer storage spaces: 1 storage space was sealed with backer rod and caulk.
- Hole above ceiling light fixture: plastered and repaired.
- Exterior foundation: cracks were caulked, a couple of mortar repairs, exterior of basement windows were caulked.
Our most recent barnraising, held in May 2010, resulted in a 19% CFM reduction. That translates to 5.46 tons of carbon over the next decade, or $1,280. And that's just the airsealing. Volunteers also swapped 16 lightbults with CFLs, which will save an additional 3 tons of carbon and $910. Altogether, that's almost 9 tons and $2190.
It's a great opportunity to have some fun learning new skills!
Find out how you can get involved. Contact Ann Marie Kamensky at 978-897-3547 or amk01754@gmail.com.
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