Expert Advice for Your Next Twin Cities Roofing 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 12.5.20.
Timberline® HDZ™ shingles by GAF are proving to be a game-changer in the home improvement sector. The shingles’ proprietary stitched design provides a more sizable nailing area, making it less likely the shingles will blow off the roof. Because of this they have earned an industry-first wind warranty with no maximum speed limitation. Twin Cities roof installers appreciate that these shingles can be installed at temperatures as low as 20° vs. the industry standard of 40°, which is needed for the shingle sealants to work as needed. Even more impressive is that GAF asphalt shingles installed by Lindus Construction are accompanied with a 50-year, non-prorated warranty that covers both labor and materials. This warranty applies to both the current owner of the home and the next homeowner.
An overlooked area of the home that benefits from spray foam insulation is the crawlspace. This spot is unfinished and uninhabitable spot located between the ground and the first floor and is frequently used for storage. Do note that for the foam to properly cure, temperature restrictions must be adhered to.
When it comes to the attic, rodent infestation in your insulation can prove problematic on several fronts. Not only is it lowering your home’s R-value, but it’s compromising the air quality. Because of the stack effect, air from the attic can be pulled downward after encountering rodent fecal matter, causing respiratory issues. To eradicate this issue, the existing insulation should be removed. From there, if the home has a vapor barrier, new insulation can be blown in over the top of it. If not, this provides the opportunity to have two and half inches of spray foam installed, providing optimum attic air sealing. After that, cellulose insulation can be blown in. Cellulose proves to be a better choice than fiberglass insulation because the fire retardant it contains also wards off mice.
Go Behind the Scenes on a Lindus Construction Insulation & Ventilation Project:
Home humidity levels during the winter months must be kept at appropriate levels to prevent mold growth, off gassing, and elevated energy costs. A good rule of thumb is that when temperatures reach below freezing, the level of humidity within the home should be 30% or less. If you’re unsure of how much humidity is in your home, a humidistat can be a valuable tool. Be sure to run a bath fan when showering and at least 20 minutes afterwards to remove as much humidity as possible out of the home. In some situations, a whole-home dehumidifier system may be necessary to control home humidity levels.
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