Ensuring the Integrity of Your Roofing
The dry weather means you’ll also have a dry roof. This is a good time to examine your roofing to see if there are any roof issues that were caused throughout the rainy season. If you have a tile roof on your home, use caution when walking on it so that you don’t cause damage as you search for cracked or missing tiles. However, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you’ll want to not only search for curling or cracked shingles, but also for a lot of loose or missing granules. If you find these then it’s possible that your roof has started to degrade. Regardless of what type of roof issues you discover, the winter is the best time to hire a roofing company to come out and apply a sealant to help shore up your roof’s integrity so that it’ll last longer.

Dealing with Insulation Issues
Insulation is something you’ll want to check, especially if your roof is leaking, has condensation, or if your home is more than a few years old. Having enough insulation in your home is important because your air conditioner is already working diligently to keep your home cool, you don’t want it to have to work any harder. (If you don’t know how much insulation your attic should contain, make sure you talk to a roofing company about it.) This is also the best way to ensure that you don’t have any critters up in your attic stealing your insulation to use in their nests. When you replace your old, damp, compacted insulation with new insulation you’ll have confidence that the cool air from your air conditioner will stay in your home where it belongs next summer.

Checking on Your Gutters’ Health
Throughout the summer months, your gutters are responsible for transporting large amounts of rainwater. When they become blocked or damaged the water will start flowing slower or it may even become backed up. This causes your gutters to grow heavy and start sagging. Take time this winter to clean and repair them. Make sure water isn’t leaking out of them because this can lead to damage in your home’s foundation, interior walls, or landscaping.

Conclusion
Although Florida doesn’t deal with traditional winter roof issues, your roof must still be maintained so that it stays in good condition. Wintertime is the best time to inspect and maintain your roofing and the attic that lies beneath it. Now that you know more about the top three roof issues your home may be suffering from, isn’t it time to hire a roofing company to come out and check to make sure your home doesn’t have these issues before they turn into a big problem for you? Done Rite Insulation has many years of experience providing homeowners with high-quality insulation services. Contact us today to get the answers you need to have your insulation Done Rite!

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When you have a bonus room or bedroom in the attic that gets too hot in the summer you can think of installing solar-powered roof fans in the attic. The 

1. Improves the comfort levels inside the home: By raising the ventilation and by moving the stuffy and hot air out of the attic, the solar-powered roof fans work for lowering the attic temperature by up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The attic fans also help in keeping the rooms and their occupants below the attic cool. Keep in mind that the usual electric fans many times pull up carbon monoxide and dangerous fumes from the basement. The relatively gentle air-moving capability of the solar fans maintains the attic pressure at a safer level and provides effective airflow in the home as well.

2. Safety: The standard line-powered electric fans normally cost more to operate than solar-powered fans. They are also responsible for developing negative pressure with risks involved in pulling conditioned air from home inside the attic. There is also the hazardous possibility of pulling the gases such as carbon monoxide generated by the combustion appliances inside the house. Once the solar-powered or PV fan is in place it does not require much to operate.

3. Cost-efficient: Most of the benefits associated with PV fans will directly or indirectly result in saving your money. Although the energy savings by using solar-powered fans are usually moderate you can think of protecting the roof and increasing the life of the air-conditioners as well. Also, remember that homeowners and business owners can get a 30% federal tax credit for using renewable energy units.

4. Roof protection and quieter operation: During the summer months there is an excessive heat build-up inside the attic and it can also lead to damaged asphalt shingles. During the colder months, the moisture often gets condensed in the attic. This leads to all kinds of moisture-related damage such as mold, mildew, and rot. If you find that the metal object lying in the attic is rusting it is a good indication that you should get solar attic fans. Most people don’t use fans because of the noise they make. But, rest assured, the solar-powered fans are quiet and will not keep you awake at night.

5. Energy saving: Removing the excessive attic heat decreases the load on the air conditioning system in the house as the AC doesn’t have to run as much. But, keep in mind that running the conventional attic fans wastes more energy than they can save as a substitute for the AC units. The solar-powered attic fans use energy from the sun therefore you are decreasing fossil fuel consumption and the carbon footprint.

It is relatively easy to install the attic fans. However, the installation procedure requires roof penetration, therefore if you are not sure about the installation of the roof flashing it is a good idea to call the professionals such as Done Rite Insulation. if you live in the Clearwater, FL area. There are risks involved in working on the rooftop environment so give a call to the reputed business for a safe installation. Keep in mind that it takes just a little bit of time for the attic fan installation on the roof. So, you may start enjoying the benefits right away.

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Insulation is a great way to help keep your home cool. However, this gets a bit complicated when you consider that each part of your home has its own insulation requirements and 

Why you Should Care About Roof Insulation

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says that insulating your roof and attic is very important. They offer you the best return on investment. This is because heat rises and so it will end up in your home’s attic. Although it doesn’t get “cold” in Florida, there are still months when the weather is “cooler.” When this happens the air you’re paying your hard-earned money to heat will get trapped in your attic instead of getting circulated back into your home where it can keep you and your family comfortable.

When there isn’t any roof insulation in your home, hot air will also enter your home throughout Florida’s hot, summer months. As you work hard to keep the heat out of your home, this unwanted summer air can pose many problems. It will force your air conditioning system to work harder to keep your home cool.

Missing or inefficient insulation also means that cool air in your home can easily escape through your roof. Energy escaping your home in this way will also make your energy bills skyrocket.

How to fix Your Roof Insulation Problems

The best way to insulate your attic is with spray foam insulation. It’s specifically designed to seal air leaks and keep water and mold from entering your home. Applying spray foam insulation to your attic’s ceiling will also reduce and prevent rainwater damage – something that will also help protect your home’s integrity. However, you can’t just use any type of insulation here because your attic poses specific challenges. As such, you’ll need insulation that has a higher R-Value. The exact R-value depends on the type of heating system your home has but will range from 38 – 49, which is much higher than what’s required by your walls (R-Value of 13 – 18).

Installing spray foam insulation is a complex process. This is easier when you install it on new construction homes during the building phase. You can also consider this when you’re doing a home renovation. However, if you have an older home that needs roof insulation, don’t worry. Spray foam insulation works great in all homes.

One thing that’s important for you to remember is that after you install spray foam insulation, your home will need to vent for a few days to get rid of the fumes. During this time you won’t be able to live there. However, once the fumes clear, your home is safe for you and your family to return home to.

If you’re still confused about your roofing options, contact Done Rite Insulation. They’ve been helping clients, such as yourself, learn about their roofing options for the past 16 years. If it’s time to rethink your roof insulation, make sure you give them a call. They will conduct an assessment and discuss with you the best ways to improve the insulation in your home.

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Why the roof insulation upgrade?

Cooling and heating costs are a major expense for homeowners. However, these are unavoidable facts of life and you need to take the necessary steps to increase the comfort level of your home and improve energy efficiency. This is the reason why the homeowners need to be vigilant about the signs that indicate the need for roof insulation. Some common warning signs are,

• Some of the rooms are never comfortable despite the continuous use of cooling and heating systems.
• Energy bills are exceptionally high for the comfort levels inside the home.
• The home attic is being used as a storage place.
• The current roof insulation is sopping wet or damp meaning it is useless at the time.

Selecting the right kind of insulation

After you have decided to upgrade the roof insulation at the time of roof replacement the next step is talking to your contractor and determine the kind of insulation that will be suitable for your needs. Normally there are three basic kinds of roof insulation you must consider. Batts are large pieces of insulation you can see in between the wall studs. Batt insulation provides a strong barrier along the outer edges of the roof but energy efficiency may not be very high. Blown insulation is another form that comes with chunks of fiberglass or cellulose and it does a great job of covering all attic. You will get better energy efficiency and lower energy costs. Spray foam is another kind of insulation that is applied to the underside of the roof. It gives better space but lowers ventilation.

Similar to all home renovation projects the key to roof insulation is finding the right contractor for the job. You should get someone who will provide a roof replacement plan that fits your needs. You can get in touch with Done Rite Insulation for this project if you reside in the Tampa Bay region.

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People looking to buy their next home are growing increasingly aware that energy-efficient homes are a wise investment, and many are even willing to pay extra money for homes with “green” updates. Now that you know that this is a worthwhile investment, it’s time to look at what you can do here.

Discovering Smart Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

The first step you need to take is to conduct an energy audit. Doing so will allow you to discover how to improve your home’s energy usage. You can do many different things here, but it’s wise to concentrate on those that cost the least but bring you the most value.

Appliances
You should first consider upgrading your appliances since they account for about 15% of your home’s energy consumption. You should consider the kilowatt-hour usage of a new appliance compared to your current one when doing so. Just because an appliance has a good Energy Star rating doesn’t mean it’ll use less energy than the one you already own.

Add Some Roof Insulation
Roof insulation is the best way to prevent heat from escaping from your home throughout the various seasons of the year. For instance, you won’t have heat entering your home during the hot Florida summer. This accomplishment isn’t something you can achieve simply by adding a new roof to your home.

One study, conducted in 2016 by Remodeling Magazine, discovered that adding roof insulation to your home costs around $1,300 but will net you a 116% return on investment. Energy Star agrees, and they’ve discovered that you can save $200 per year on your cooling costs simply by adding roof insulation to your home.

Windows
Consumer Reports say that it typically costs anywhere from $8,000 – $24,000 to replace your home’s windows. While it may take you a long time to pay this debt off, you can recoup some of the value immediately in your home’s energy savings. Energy Star estimates that you can save as much as 15% of your energy bill simply by upgrading to certified windows. With these figures in mind, there’s no doubt that this should be the next step you take once you’ve added more insulation to your roof.

Solar Panels
Although expensive to install, solar panels can save you an average of $3,000 each year. Considering the average installation cost is $12,500, you can pay this off in about four years. Afterward, you’ll be saving enough money to make the installation cost worthwhile.

Make More Money When You Sell Your Home

Before you sell your home, consider making some of these energy-efficient updates. One of the most important updates you can make is adding some roof insulation to your home. Although you probably don’t know anything about how to accomplish this task, you can rest assured that we’re here for you at Done Rite Insulation in Pinellas County, FL.

We’ve helped many homeowners add roof insulation to their homes throughout the years. They’ve watched as the value of their home increased thanks to this one simple update. Contact us today if you want to see your home’s value increases.

Picture Credit: Pexels

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1. Ensure that attic and walls are well insulated: If you can provide effective insulation, it will slow down the heat flow rate into the house in summers and out of the home in winters. Therefore, you will need lesser energy for heating or cooling the house. In case there is no insulation on the walls and they have cavities such as stud walls, you can use blown-in insulation to improve the comfort zone and save a sufficient amount of energy to be cost-effective. In case the attic is not in a finished condition, you can upgrade its insulation.

2. Replace or upgrade the windows: If the windows of your home are leaky and old, it might be a good idea to replace them by using energy-efficient home models. You can also increase their efficiency by using storm windows and weatherstripping. Keep in mind that it is not cost-effective to replace the windows for saving energy. You can get more savings by replacing the single-glazed windows. But if you are going to replace the windows for some reason, the additional cost of star-rated windows is not much. This upgrade will raise your comfort level and it will be cost-effective.

3. Plant shrubs and shade trees around your house: If you have a slightly older home with poor insulation, you can adopt landscaping for improving energy efficiency. Plant the trees on the West side of the house. The foliage will block the infrared radiation in summers that warms the home. While during the winter months, the bare branches allow the radiation to seep through. However, if your place is an energy-efficient home with good insulation and energy-star windows, this effect is a lot lesser as the shell of the building blocks most of the heat.

4. Replace the old furnace with more energy-efficient systems: If the house furnace was built earlier than 1992 with a standing pilot, in all probability it is wasting around 35% of the fuel it is using. It is also close to the end of its lifespan. ACEEE in such cases recommends quick replacement by using a condensing furnace that has annual efficiency of 90%. This kind of furnace wastes just 10% of the purchased natural gas and can save close to 25% on the heating bills. Using modern condensing boilers is a good substitute for boilers hot water distributors of yesteryears such as baseboard and radiators.

5. Try to improve the hot water system efficiency: Firstly, turn down the water heater temperature settings to warm (around 129-degree F). Secondly, insulate the hot water lines. this will ensure that they are not cooling off fast between uses. Thirdly, you can use low-flow fixtures such as baths and showers. Even though in 2001 the storage water standards were raised, they were not sufficient to justify throwing out the existing water heater that was working well. Hot water circulating loops are installed by some contractors these days to accelerate hot water delivery in your energy-efficient home.

6. Replace the light bulbs with CFLs: CFLs are capable of saving 75% of the energy used by incandescent light bulbs. Many people do not take into account the fact that running a light bulb costs a lot more than buying the bulb does. Some of the new CFLs will cost around two to three dollars but they last 10,000 hours and they use around 27 watts compared to the 100 watts used by the bulbs during a fixed period. If you do the math properly you will realize that the lighting cost of CFLs is less than a third of the light bulbs.

There are raters and energy auditors available out there that use specialized tools and skills for evaluating the house and recommending the best measures for improving the efficiency and comfort levels to develop energy-efficient homes. They can also arrange the best sequence for taking advantage of interactions. You need to consult just the accredited raters for this purpose. If you live in Clearwater, FL area, you can consult Done Rite Insulation for advice. There are some energy star programs available in some areas that provide a low-cost home assessment with good quality practices.

Picture Credit: iStock

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Use hurricane safety strategies

Having hurricanes is a fact of life for many homeowners residing close to the ocean. You can undertake many strategies for safeguarding the family and your home. Create an emergency plan and follow the evacuation orders. You need to stock up the supplies and have plans for power outages. Also, shutter the windows, clean the gutters and downspouts, stow outdoor equipment, and check the sump pump.

Make arrangements for pre-season inspection

Your roof will have a much better chance of making it unscathed through a season of severe hurricane attack when you have taken care of the areas of concern before the rough weather arrives. You need to schedule your roof inspection for damaged flashing and cracked shingles ahead of the hurricane season. It is also a good time for discussions on the ways of shoring up the roof for strong winds.

Provide extra support

When you are living in a region that is prone to these hurricanes it might be a good idea to reinforce the frames of your roof. Any professional roofing contractor will explain to you the pros and cons involved in various roof consolidation methods such as collar ties, braces, and strapping.

Select high-quality products

At the time of a hurricane, there are winds developed and they can result in powerful uplift that is capable of peeling off the shingles from your roof surface. Eaves and edges are especially vulnerable to this issue. After working on the shingles, this high wind will start working on the underlayment and pretty soon the roof becomes defenseless against all the pounding rain. The wind gusts are capable of carrying objects such as lawn furniture and tree branches turning them into dangerous projectiles causing damage to flashing and shingles. Some of the common roofing solutions include,

• Asphalt shingles.
• Asphalt cement.
• Synthetic underlayment.

Water and ice barriers

The ice and water barriers are designed for protecting the roof from the areas where the water is likely to collect such as vents, skylights, chimneys, and valleys. At the time of the hurricane, these winds may drive rain inside the horizontal sheets. If you have self-adhering underlayment, it will prevent the water from entering through the roof deck. In the regions that are prone to hurricanes, the contractors use ice and water barrier over the entire roof.

Be a careful homeowner

When it is time for hurricanes you need to prepare for it a lot better similar to reacting to an emergency. Maintain your house ready for the hurricanes providing regular inspections. Use reliable products that are designed for defending against driving rain, flying debris, and wind gusts.

Watch out for possible insurance discounts

The homeowners that are proactive in the protection of their homes are likely to benefit from certain insurance discounts. Many states require insurance providers to provide discounts to the homeowners that observe building codes related to hurricanes. You might be required to schedule wind mitigation inspections depending on the insurance carrier you are using. At the time of the assessment, the certified inspectors can determine how well the house can withstand strong winds. They can consider windows, siding, doors, and roofing.

Immediately when the roof of your home begins to display signs of wear and tear, or if you are looking to get a pre-hurricane season inspection done, you have to talk to independent roofing contractors. They will discuss the advantages of overall roof replacement vs. roof repair. After this, they can advise you about hurricane prevention strategies suitable for the current roofing condition. If you live in Pinellas County, FL area, opt for Done Rite Insulation to get professional help.

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During hot summer days in Florida when temperatures are soaring, this becomes more important. Besides keeping your house cool, there are several reasons to cool your attic. They include saving energy and protecting the roof. In case you are searching for ways to cool your attic, we have compiled some tips below:

Implement Creative Ideas
A dark roof shingle absorbs more sunlight and converts that energy into heat. As a result, the attic heats up very quickly. Using your creativity you can give your roof a makeover and stop it from absorbing excessive sunlight. You should implement ideas where the roof starts reflecting the sunlight. Investing in reflective shingles or using roof coatings according to the roof type is a good solution. Such steps stop absorbing excessive sunlight and increase the life of your attic.

Check Ventilation
Attic ventilation is important as it up keeps your house cool. Hence, ensure it is installed and functioning correctly. A well-ventilated attic keeps hot air out of your house and maintains the natural airflow. Working along with the attic insulation, adequate ventilation ensures that hot air doesn’t enter the attic from outside. You can choose among various kinds of attic ventilation. If you feel your ventilation system isn’t keeping the attic cool, speak to an expert and fix the issues immediately.

Attic Insulation
Irrespective of the fact that the attic is used, proper insulation is a must. Attic insulation acts as a barrier between the house and the outer world. Despite spending substantial money to keep your house cool, improper insulation would not allow the cool systems to work at their best ability.

In the summer season, poor insulation, especially in the attic allows heat to flow inside the house. Additionally, if the floor of the attic isn’t insulated properly, heat travels through the ceiling inside your house. In such scenarios, the air conditioner will also find it difficult to keep your house cool and eventually increase the energy costs.

Spray foam insulation besides being water-resistant has a high R-value. They are perfect for insulating homes in Florida. They keep unwanted hot air outside and make the inner space cooler.

For keeping the attic cool, proper insulation is the best place to start. If you aren’t sure if the insulation isn’t up to the mark, you should consult an experienced roofing expert. Their free spray foam technique easily detects the flaws and gives the instant solution. You should immediately get in touch with an expert if your home remains too hot despite running your AC.

Choosing the perfect insulation material for your home is dependent on the area you are insulating. You can compare your needs with the budget to ensure that you are using the best material for your house In case you are worried about how to cool an attic this summer in Clearwater & Pinellas County, get in touch with Done Rite Insulation. Professionals at the company have years of roofing experience and can give the best and the most affordable solutions for your roof. They are among the well-known roof insulation service providers in Florida.

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1. Do not confuse the AC thermostat: Although most central air conditioning units are pretty smart, they are not aware of the sources that are causing the generation of heat. They are only aware that it is hot. According to reliable resources such as appliance repair and installation companies the household items such as TVs, lamps, and other electronic items tend to get warm. If you have placed these items near the air conditioner there is every possibility that your thermostat will make the AC think that the room is hotter than it is.

2. Stay away from heat developing activities: There are a lot of things that contribute towards additional heat generation within the house. According to expert resources, your cooking and baking are some of the major sources of heat generation in the home. Another method for keeping your home cool without having your AC work overtime is by limiting the use of your oven. Make an effort to consume food that does not need cooking so that there is no additional heat generated by you. But, if you have to cook or do things such as ironing or running the dishwasher, try and avoid these tasks till it is evening. This is the time when temperatures outside will cool off.

3. Never fidget around with the AC thermostat: It is a good idea to stick with a single temperature and to stay with the same is a smart move especially when you are trying to maintain a room cool economically. Just ensure that the thermostat is set at a nice and comfortable temperature and then leave it alone. This might take time, however; it may cool off in due time and you will be engulfed with a perfect temperature. During this period, you can turn on your fan and sit in front of it. A fan can help your air conditioning in cooling down the room temperature.

4. Keep track of humidity levels: Many people think that their air conditioning system on its own can handle all their cooling and heating requirements within a house or apartment. But you must also take into account the humidity levels within the living area. One of the critical components for achieving comfort is humidity. Consider when you are going to a doctor’s clinic or a hospital and it is feeling ice cold. It is because they are they have to remove most of the humidity from the air-conditioned environment. You can get a dehumidifier that will help you in cooling down the living spaces.

5. Do not overdo vent closing: Sometimes you might wish to direct cool air to the hotter areas of your house. Shutting off a lot of vents may affect your air conditioning system. One of the common myths regarding reduction in cooling bills is by blocking off the vents in a room that you are not using. But you need to remember that the AC system was designed to cater to the needs of the entire household. Although it may be okay to close a couple of vents, if you close too many of them, the AC system might become less effective and lose efficiency. Rather, consider closing the blinds from the unused room and ensure that there is no furniture item over the vents.

Although it is nice to come home to a properly cooled space it can become pretty expensive to keep the air conditioning running when you are gone. When you are away, keep the windows closed and draw the shades for preventing the place from getting heated up. Having well-insulated roofing goes a long way in saving the energy costs of the household. If you live in Pinellas County or Clearwater, FL area you can use the roof insulation expert services offered by Done Rite Insulation.

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1. Monitoring your energy consumption

A full impact on your energy consumption is many times not noticeable till you have received the energy bill. When your home appliances are turned on and running, you are not aware of the amount of power they are using. Therefore, it is hard to decide if they are operating excessively or not. One of the necessary tools for managing energy efficiency and costing is by metering electric consumption. With understanding and measurement of house electricity consumption, you will be able to identify whether you are guilty of excessive use. This is the initial step while bringing about crucial changes or scheduling the energy consumption.

2. Use energy-efficient home appliances

The different home appliances you use in the house are responsible for around 15% of your overall electricity usage. It is a significant aspect while considering the energy efficiency to plan for reduced energy costing. Investment in energy-efficient home appliances is a terrific idea because their operating costs are much lower than your conventional models. But, in reality, you may find it tough to change all the equipment in your home with these energy-efficient ones due to their prices. However, there is no need to get rid of all the equipment. Before making any investments it is important to identify the more energy-consuming home appliances within the house such as refrigerators, water heaters, and dryers.

3. Installing precise insulation

In case you live in a place that has extreme weather, cooling and heating can be significant factors as your power bills keep on spiking up even when you have bought the more energy-efficient home appliances if your house is not precisely insulated. When your home and its roof are not correctly insulated heat retention when it is cold and keeping the heat out if it is hot will need a lot more energy than normal. Therefore an improvement in energy efficiency might get compromised. One of the sure ways of solving this issue is an installment of proper insulation for managing energy consumption.

4. Adjust your daily behavior pattern

Superior quality insulation and using energy-efficient appliances will go a long way in lessening the energy consumption of your house. However, the way you live in the home and operate it will have far-reaching consequences in the longer run. Different advantages of these expensive tools will work out only when they are accompanied by diligent efforts for decreasing energy use. Your behavior pattern has a significant role in improving your energy savings at home. If you can make suitable adjustments to your everyday behavior, things can be effective in improving the energy efficiency of your household. You may begin by turning off the appliances and lights you are not using or limit the use of certain appliances such as AC.

Improving energy efficiency at home means more discipline and conscientious efforts from the entire household. You will need the services of pros if your home needs roof insulation. For assistance with insulation of your home in the Clearwater and Pinellas County, FL area, you can reach out to Done Rite Insulation for help.

Picture Credit: OwensCorning

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