The growing popularity of spray polyurethane foam insulation may be creating an emerging problem in some cases. While the majority of spray foam installations occur without incident, problems can be costly and difficult to repair, and have led to a string of lawsuits in the U.S. as homeowners attempt to recover costs. When installed incorrectly, spray […]
October may still be warm enough to have your windows open, but it’s already time begin thinking about the cold weather ahead. Early fall is a great time toinstall storm windows and reap the benefits of lower heating costs this winter. In colder climates, storm windows on single pane glass can reduce heat loss through […]
When the temperature drops below the freezing point, pipes are susceptible to bursting. Pressure inside the pipes is what causes it to burst. When water freezes, its molecules crystalize into an open hexagonal form, which takes up more space than when the molecules are in their liquid form — that is, the water molecules expand […]
Whether you live in a warm-weather state, as I do, or in a cooler northern climate, it’s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don’t have adequate insulation in the attic. But many homeowners I talk with don’t know how much is enough. The answer depends on where you […]
Whether you live in a warm-weather state, as I do, or in a cooler northern climate, it’s hard to stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check if you don’t have adequate insulation in the attic. But many homeowners I talk with don’t know how much is enough. The answer depends on where you […]
We wrote a blog on preventing frozen pipes, but what if it is too late? Here’s a few tips on what to do if you have frozen pipes. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where […]
There’s a lot more to insulation then simply deciding which type may be the best for you. Here’s some tips you should consider along your way: Consider factors such as your climate, home design, and budget when selecting insulation for your home. Use higher R-value insulation, such as spray foam, on exterior walls and in […]
Insulation is made from a variety of materials, and it usually comes in four types: rolls and batts, loose-fill, rigid foam, and foam-in-place. Rolls & Batts Rolls and batts — or blankets — are flexible products made from mineral fibers, such as fiberglass and rock wool. They are available in widths suited to standard spacing […]
Here’s Photo 1 showing an attic with extensive mold growth due to over insulating an attic. Another issue is poor ventilation, and you can clearly see water marks and saturation on the joist. The photo also shows several layers of insulation on top of insulation. This resulted in nearly $10,000 worth of remediation.
Solutions The damage caused by ice dams can be controlled in 2 ways: Maintain the entire roof surface at ambient outdoor temperatures or build a roof so that it can’t leak into sensitive building materials if an ice dam forms. Cold roofs make a lot of sense. Here you let the cold outdoor air work […]