Save Yourself by Knowing These Remodeling Industry Terms
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling 651-989-9226 or texting 81807. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 2.17.18.
When shopping for energy-efficient windows, there are several pieces of terminology that are worth understanding. Solar heat gain focuses on the amount of outdoor heat that penetrates to the interior of your home. Solar heat gain is rated from 0 to 1. Homeowners should seek windows with lower solar heat gain numbers because they will do a better job of keeping a home cooler in the summer months because they’re blocking the heat put off by the sun. Air infiltration ratings disclose how well the window wards off outdoor air from coming indoors through the windows. Before determining the best windows for their home, it’s imperative to understand the warranties offered by the contractor and manufacturer.
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Another construction industry term that’s often used, but not always fully understood by homeowners is “hot roof”. In layman’s terms a hot roof is a non-vented attic space that is fully packed with insulation. They’re frequently used in homes with vaulted ceilings. Before installing one on your home, it’s worth noting that not all roofing manufacturers will offer full warranties to homeowners that have hot roofs installed because the shingles tend to have a shorter lifespan when an inexperienced contractor attempts this type of project.
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When we mention the phrase “CFM rating” we’re often met with a blank stare by homeowners. However, it’s something worth understanding. CFM refers to cubic feet per minute and is used with regards to air flow. When our team is completing a home performance test, one of the elements we measure is the frequency a furnace has to cycle on and off each day. The proper utilization of insulation and attic air sealing ensures a more comfortable and energy efficient home. 
Cathy called the show because she was in the process of comparing the various types of house siding because the siding on her mother’s home was past its lifespan. Her concern was finding a material that was economical and long lasting. When our company tested out LP® Smartside® before offering it to our valued clients, we put the material through rigid testing to see how well it would hold up in the extreme Minnesota climate. One test involved completely submerging a piece of siding in a bucket of water for several weeks. While it eventually swelled, when we took measurements with our micrometer after the material dried out, it nearly reverted back to its original shape. If you’ve never heard of a micrometer you’re not alone. This device is used for measuring miniscule measurements between two faces. In construction applications where precision is everything, this device is used.
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