Fast Facts About Insulation, Decking, & Window Installation
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 3.30.19.
An energy efficient home free of ice dams is the culmination of insulation, ventilation, and attic air sealing. Attics that have temperatures that vary too much from the outdoors can result in attic frost formation, that once melted will create mold. Insulation that becomes saturated and mold covered is unable to serve its purpose and must be replaced. Beware of any insulation professional that does not perform diagnostic testing such as blower door testing and infrared imaging. A good guideline for our climate is push for an insulation level of R-60, depending on the slope of the home’s roof. In most cases, R-60 is higher than code, but it ensures that the work will create a comfortable and energy efficient home. Do note that simply adding insulation to an attic or ice and water shield to a roof without full evaluation can cause more problems than it solves.
Learn More About Blower Door Testing:
Like insulation, decking is a home improvement project that requires careful thought and consideration. In fact, many builders opt to forego including decking in their house plans in order to cut costs. A notable number of homeowners end up building one down the road with the help of a contractor, as building a deck up to code can be a difficult task for an amateur. This is because municipalities vary widely at points within a project that an inspection must take place. Complicating matters are the variances in the types of deck footings permitted. The installation of ledger boards which connect the deck to your home’s exterior are tricky for those that do not perform this type of work on a regular basis. However, new technology including combined screw and clip systems have sped up the deck installation process, allowing contractors to lower their labor costs.
Learn Why Zuri® is a Popular Decking Material:
Shopping for the best replacement windows for your home can be a tricky endeavor because at first glance, the majority appear similar in appearance. Some homeowners are drawn to builder grade window lines because of their price point. Sadly, these lines are made of basic materials and fail within a decade of being installed. They are prone to drafts, condensation, and window seal failure, making them a penny wise and pound foolish investment.
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