Getting Started on Your Next Decking or Insulation Project
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 addressed by calling or texting 651-989-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 10.17.20.
Bath fans play a key role in removing excess moisture from a home. It is imperative that fans be vented though the roof or through the side of the home. In the event that a bath fan is vented into the attic, condensation is likely to form which can quickly lead to ruined insulation and mold. Many models, such as those made by Panasonic, are extremely quiet and it can be easy for homeowners to not even realize they’ve left the fan on for an extended period of time. Bath fans should be cleaned periodically over time, as dust can cause them to be knocked out of balance, causing them to be louder than normal.
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For homeowners in need of new spray foam insulation, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between open cell and closed cell. Closed cell is denser, has a higher expansion rate, and has a lower moisture permeability. Open cell foam insulation does a better job at sound reduction than closed cell. To achieve optimum R-value in an attic, it’s wise to spray 1.5-2.5 inches of closed cell spray foam insulation, followed by blown-in cellulose insulation. Prior to hiring an insulation contractor, get thorough details on why they are recommending the upgrades they are. Reputable insulation contractors utilize an array of diagnostic tools like blower doors, borescopes, and infrared imaging that allow them to better understand energy deficiencies that can lead to the formation of costly and devastating ice dams.
While wooden decks are a thing of beauty, they require routine maintenance to keep them looking their best. Sealing prevents sunlight and water from causing the deck to dry out and crack. While oil-based stains will darken a deck, they are preferable over clear sealers which have a shorter lifespan. Exotic woods have lessened in popularity now that so many composite materials imitate their aesthetics. In addition, composite materials tend to last longer, while requiring substantially less maintenance.
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