Is Energy Efficiency Really Important?

Fads come and go, from diets to home remodeling, you never know what is coming down the pike next. A big catch phrase over the last decade or so has been energy efficiency. When it comes right down to it, just how important is it to invest time and money into creating an energy efficient home? Is it worth it to call a Knoxville roofing contractor to discuss solar shingles? Would a Nashville windows specialist be able to assist you in lowering your utility bills?
   


Health

Evidence is mounting that shows a more energy efficient home could actually be beneficial to your health. Mold, dust mites, combustion materials and radon are all concerns in a non-energy efficient home. When you have sealed up the cracks and replaced inefficient siding, windows or roofs you limit the entry points in your home for rodents, insects, dust and even pollen. These are all definitely good reasons to consider remodeling or updating your home to a more energy efficient level.

Affordability

When contractors invest time in creating an energy, efficient home, they increase the number of buyers who can afford the property. If you are spending less on heating and cooling it, stands to reason, you can afford a bigger mortgage, which usually translates into a bigger and better home. A well built home equipped with energy efficient appliances will be an attractive option to a larger number of potential buyers. In addition, this can help communities by allowing lower income families the ability to purchase a nice home while still having some disposable income.

Environmental Issues

Did you know the majority of the electricity is created by burning fossil fuels? These are non-renewable resources and while you may not think, one person could change a lot, but as the energy efficiency boon continues to spread, we will see a reduction in the consumption of these precious resources. Currently there is a lot of effort being made to discover and develop renewable sources of energy, but until then every little bit helps.

Conclusion

Is working with a Nashville contractor or other local contractor to create a more energy efficient household really important? When you look at all the evidence, it is clear, that energy efficiency is important for many reasons up to and including health, environment and monetary savings. Whether you are trying to create a greener environment, save money or simply remodel your home so it is attractive to potential buyers, energy efficiency should be at the top of your list.

Replacing Windows to Improve Energy Efficiency

Do you live in the Knoxville Tennessee area and are wondering what you can do to improve energy efficiency in your home? Windows are a primary area for energy loss and even if you cannot afford total replacement, there are things you can do to minimize the loss. Here are a few tips for weatherizing your windows to improve energy efficiency and save money.

Weather Stripping

Depending on what type of window you are dealing with, you may be able to cut out a lot of energy loss by applying weather stripping. These are thin foam sheets backed with an adhesive that can be cut and formed to the edge you are covering, which is typically the bottom edge of the window or inside the window frame where the window meets the sash. This type of weatherization is fairly easily done and unless you have, hundreds of windows will not require the assistance of a Knoxville window contractor.

Caulking

Windows with several smaller panes are common in older homes and doors. Each window is generally held in place by caulking and sometimes wooden trim. Problems arise as your home ages and the caulk begins to chip away or shrink. Caulking can also help fill any stationary cracks or holes in and around your window. Before applying new caulking it is important to thoroughly clean the affected area, sometimes this means scraping peeling paint as well. Once the area is free of debris or loose paint clean the area with soapy water and allow it to dry completely before applying new caulk.

Plastic Sheeting

There are situations where even your best efforts fail to completely seal a window, and if you are not quite ready to hire a Knoxville window contractor, you still need a way to stop the energy loss. Plastic sheeting is a great temporary solution, especially during the cold winter months. Home improvement stores and even big box retailers usually carry the equipment you will need which includes staple gun, staples, plastic and perhaps weather stripping. A really nice alternative is clear as glass plastic, it is applied with double-sided tape and you then use a hair dryer to pull the plastic taut. The end result is plastic so clear you cannot even tell it is there.

Replacement Options

If you are in a situation where the only answer is replacement or you are just ready to modernize the home, there are several great energy efficient products on the market. This is a big project, but one that will make the biggest difference in the value of your home and its energy efficiency. Work with a local Knoxville window contractor to determine the best replacement options for your needs, home design and wallet!

Final Thoughts

You would never go to an open window and through your hard-earned money into the wind, yet that is exactly what you are doing when you have energy losses. There are many ways you can address the issue, both temporary and permanent fixes, so why live with energy loss anymore? When you are ready to remodel, remember the only thing worse than needing replacement windows is having new windows improperly installed. Call a Knoxville window contractor today for more information.

Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

The kitchen

This is, and remains as always, the heart of the home. It is important to remember when remodeling a kitchen to keep it within the same style as the rest of the home. In other words, if you have a cottage style home, then do not install an ultra modern stainless steel kitchen. It will just not work. So, while updating is necessary, conformity to existing architecture is a must. The kitchen should be in keeping with the rest of the house. The experts maintain that you can get back between 60 and 120 % on what you invested in your revamped kitchen as long as you have not gone over the top! In other words, don’t over capitalize on one room in the house. Keep it simple and clean.

Install energy saving appliances. Granite counter tops are long lasting and heat and stain resistant. They also come in a variety of colors. You don’t necessarily have to replace cupboards. Using existing carcasses and just redoing the doors and putting on new handles can have a magical effect on any tired kitchen.

The bathroom

Letting a contractor upgrade a bathroom is a very good way of adding value to your home. If you have a very small bathroom you may even contemplate removing the bath completely and only having a shower. This will create more space and save on your water bill. Adding a second bathroom if you only have one is another excellent way to enhance the value of your home. Finding the space to do this is not that difficult. Look for that space that never gets used, such as under the stairs or large cupboards that are not being utilized. Bathroom fittings need not be expensive. Look out for sales and reduced items that may have been used as floor models. White is a good color to stick to as it does not limit you to the type of tiles you are going to use, and in the future tired tiles can always be replaced.

Adding windows that are energy efficient

Drafty old single pane windows are a thing of the past. Not only will replacing these with energy efficient windows done by a windows contractor save you money, but it will enhance your value by leaps and bounds. New home owners are very keen on greening their homes and will be very impressed if the home already sports these features.

Create an enticing outdoor space

Build a deck. The cost of this all depends on what kind of material you use and what size deck you are installing. A contractor would be a good way to go in getting advice on which materials are best used in the installation of the deck and where to place it. More and more people are staying at home to relax rather than going on vacation. If you can create a special place in which to do this, you can only increase the value of your home. Here is the example of home Improvements project (www.weathertamer.com/home-improvement-projects)

Getting the Wow Factor in Curb Appeal

If you cross the road and stand on the other side and look back at your home, does it appeal to you? Does it catch your eye and invite you in to see what further lovely surprises perhaps lurk inside? You need to see your home through the eyes of a stranger; no sentiment, just facts. Here are some small ways in which you can go about increasing the curb appeal of your property.

The driveway

Get rid of all the overgrown greens that have been there for years. You keep telling yourself that they will by some miracle of nature transform at some stage into a glorious specimen which will be the envy of your neighbors. It is not going to happen! Take them out and let in the light. If your driveway has a border with no edging, it looks shabby. This is very easily rectified by placing a few bricks on their side. Use a level when laying the bricks as this will ensure the best finish. The best way is to dig a hole of roughly the same depth as your brick, plus at least another 2 inches. Then, using fine white sand to line the hole, place your brick on top. Once all your bricks are in place you can mix some masonry cement and wash this over your bricks to make sure they stay put.

The garden

Placing pretty pots in places where it is difficult for grass or shrubs to grow and filling them with a variety of flowering plants is most effective. Add charm to your garden by placing vegetables and herbs between non-edible plants. This creates a country feel and also provides you with your own vegetables and herbs to enjoy. It also encourages the right kind of insects and butterflies into your garden.

The front entrance

If your front door is looking old and shabby it is perhaps time to seek the services of an efficient and well known Tennessee contractor to assist you in acquiring and fitting a new one. The front door is important as it needs to be a good strong door for security purposes as well as a well sealing door so as not to allow in unwanted drafts. If your door is still fine, then perhaps jazzing it up with a fresh coat of paint and adding a nice brass knocker will all add to the interest of your home.

The windows, the fascia board, the flashing, the roofing

There are many excellent Tennessee roofing contractors available in order to make sure you have the best quality of service. It is important to keep an eye on windows to make sure they are all sealed properly. If they need a varnish or a lick of paint, a good sanding down first is required. Make sure your fascia boards are all looking neat and tidy. Check the roof for loose tiles, loose shingles or loose sheeting.

An Easy Guide to Successful Window Maintenance

An unsealed window can end up costing you a lot of money in wasted energy bills. Window maintenance is therefore necessary in order to save you costly repairs.

Doing a 6 monthly maintenance check on your windows is the best. Should you notice any flaking paint or varnish, give them a touch up. You can even paint UPVC windows. There is a paint available for just about any surface these days and the color charts are considerable. However, once you start painting window frames, you have to keep painting them or they can become very unsightly.

To make sure you get the best life span out of your wooden window frames, it is best to varnish them every six months. Should you notice any signs of rotting in your frames, treat these immediately. Most Nashville windows contractors can replace a section of the frame if needs be without having to replace the entire window frame, thus keeping the costs to a minimum. Replacing aluminum frames can be a costly exercise. Discuss with your Nashville contractor the best option for your home, Click here for more information


Hinges are an important part of the maintenance of your windows. Applying a lubricant such as a Teflon spray can increase their life expectancy. Doing this every couple of weeks will ensure that you will not need to replace them for a long time. It also means your windows will open and close with ease.

Check for drafts coming in through window frames. Installing draught excluder strips to the join of the window to the frame will keep warm air from leaking out of the windows and making your home drafty.

Maintaining your windows will also increase the security of your home. Most burglars gain entrance to a home through windows that are broken and do not close properly. By constantly maintaining your windows you can make sure that you are not an easy target.

Sliding windows can begin to rattle from wear and tear. To prevent this from happening all you need to do is replace the felt strip inside the door. This will not only stop any annoying rattling but will also put an end to any leaks or drafts.

While maintenance can be a chore it is always better in the long run to keep your hand on things before they get out of control. Following the above simple tips can save you money and time.

What would you do with a Sunroom?

As a homeowner, you have probably looked around your property more than once and asked yourself what you could do to improve functionality and possibly resale value. Many people consider a pool the ultimate home accessory, but quickly find it is actually considered one of the worst investments from a purely financial perspective. Sunrooms on the other hand, provide a way to give your home a unique vibe while increasing the square footage and giving you a beautiful view of the outdoors. The question is, however, should you add one to your home?

Over Improving

Who would think you could over improve your property? Before you begin calling Nashville windows contractors or general contractors about adding a sunroom, you need to do a little reconnaissance. What is the average size of a home in your neighborhood? How does your current square footage compare? If you make your home the most expensive domicile on the block, you run the risk of losing most of your investment in the addition.

Uses
 
What would you do with a sunroom? Do you have a bit of a green thumb or are you rarely home enough to water the one plant you have? This is an important question to ask, would you get any use out of a sunroom? These types of rooms are very versatile and if you choose an insulated four-season sunroom, it can be enjoyed year round. Some possibilities include:

•    Artistic- do you paint? If you need just the right light for your artistic endeavors, this could be the perfect addition for you.
•    Reading Area- are you always searching for a calm, quiet and yet well-lit area to read?
•    Greenhouse- sunrooms are a great place for your indoor plants to flourish year round.
•    Sitting Area- for some people a sunroom is simply a place to sit and enjoy the outdoors and company.

Investment 

How much will your sunroom cost? Without an appraisal by a professional Nashville contractor, it is impossible to give an accurate figure. Pricing depends on a number of variables including, but not limited to:

• Insulation- Do you want a four-season sunroom?
• Current Construction- How difficult will it be to construct the additional room?
• Flooring- What type of flooring will you use?
• Materials- aluminum, wood or vinyl?
• Size- Larger sunrooms, of course, cost more to construct

Final Thoughts

Adding a sunroom to your home can have personal as well as financial benefits, but only a licensed Nashville contractor can give you a complete picture of what it will cost and if it is worth the investment in your area. Many people opt to call in a professional appraiser to get a better idea about potential return on investment. Of course, if you simply want an indoor/outdoor place to call your own, hang the price and call a contractor today!

Nashville Contractors Stress Importance of Gutters

You have heard the old saying, if it ain't broke don’t fix it? This is the prevailing attitude when it comes to gutters on your home. Most people pay little if any attention to them unless they overflow at the front door! This could be a costly mistake for several reasons and your Nashville contractors want you to understand the importance of solid, properly functioning gutters for your home.

Water

Water is a fact of life, and it is the one element you try desperately to protect your home from at all costs. Inside the home, you would never tolerate leaking water pipes, because eventually wood will rot and mold will grow. You should have this same attitude with the gutters on your house, if they leak or do not operate properly, you are not getting the protection from the elements you desperately need.

Gutter Function

Gutters and rainspouts have a specific function and that is to channel rainwater to a safe area away from your home. When installed and maintained properly water will flow around your roof in the gutter system to exit at a predetermined area where the water can further be channeled away from your home. Why is this so important?

•    Attic- leaking gutters can allow water to stand or seep into your attic for days or even months before you notice anything. At this point, your insulation is likely saturated and water could have made its way into your interior walls.

•    Siding- even if water does not make it inside your home, bad gutters can allow rainwater to get behind your siding. This can lead to mold, wood rot, termites and extensive damage to the exterior of your home.

•    Landscaping- do you take particular joy in your yard? Imagine what pounding rain could do to your well thought out landscaping!

•    Basement- have you noticed large amounts of water standing around the perimeter of your hour? Water that is not properly diverted can seep through the soil and into basements, garages and more.

Gutter Replacement

When do you call Nashville contractors to discuss gutter replacement? There are several signs that replacement or repair are in order. The next time it rains, take a tour around your house and look for leaks, separated joints, sagging gutters or water stains on vinyl gutters. Properly maintained gutters can last a long, long time but once they are worn out or damaged there is little option but replacement. Thankfully, in most cases, gutter replacement is one of the cheaper home repairs you can have done.

Conclusion

You should clean your gutters out at least once per year. Leaves, debris and squirrels can pack your gutters full causing water to overflow. Some Nashville contractors may suggest gutter covers, which will cost you more initially but can make your gutters practically maintenance free.