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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Clean Your Roof Twice Each Year

Cleaning is the most important part and involves the removal of debris such as branches and leaves. It ensures water swiftly flows and does not accumulate in corners. Hence, clean your roof twice each year and preferably during the autumn and spring season.

Clean The Gutters

Gutters and roofs work together while keeping the moisture flowing away from your house. If gutters get clogged, standing water after a storm seeps through the shingles sheaths and exposes the roof to potential rotting and structural damage.

Take Proactive Measures

Staying proactive and taking preventive measures to protect the roof can avoid substantial damage. You should check your attic insulation regularly as it is responsible to stop water from pooling under the roof when there is a leakage.

Similarly, trim off the overhanging branches to prevent major damage to your roofing. Doing this ensures these branches don’t snap off and hit the roof during a fierce storm. Proper ventilation is another practice that is an important preventive measure. It keeps the air at a constant current around the house and prevents moisture from developing. Regular inspection and cleaning can help in dealing with such a scenario. In case your attic lacks ventilation, prioritize installing one.

Closely Inspect The Roof After A Storm

If your region had seen a hailstorm, tornado, or thunderstorm, you should consider checking the roof for possible damages. Make sure you check for the smallest dent on the shingle as they can convert into a bigger problem in the future.

Look for missing shingles besides dented and torn ones. Shingles show sagging or bald spots indicating that your roof has been damaged. It’s always better to proactively look for such damages than to let them go. Noticing such damages early could save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you recently noticed some damage to your roof or it’s been a while since it was serviced by a professional, consult an expert roofing agency. In case you live in Clearwater, FL, you can contact Done Rite Insulation. They are experts with their services and have been serving customers for the past several years.

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Each household takes considerable energy for charging devices or running an AC or other appliances needing power at home. In case utility bills have been a concern for you, it’s time to implement measures that result in energy savings. There are several ways by which you can increase the energy efficiency of your house without making any drastic changes to your lifestyle. They are quick and easy to implement too.

Unplug Gadgets

Turning off an appliance doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not drawing power. It is estimated that “vampire power” costs customers a whopping $30 billion each year. It means on average each household is spending $200 each year just because their gadgets remain plugged. Hence, unplug your devices and appliances when you aren’t using them or after they are fully charged.

Adjust Temperature of Your Water Heater

You might be surprised but lowering the thermostat settings of the water heater can result in considerable energy savings. Every 10ºF decrease in temperature contributes to 3-5% of your energy costs. Some manufacturers set thermostats of water heaters at 140ºF, but usually, 120ºF is enough for most households.

Change Filters

Dirty air filters in your HVAC system make it harder for the system to function. Hence it uses more energy. To ensure it works efficiently, you need to change the filter periodically. Different kinds of filters need different actions, for instance, you should replace a fiberglass filter once each month.

Use a Dishwasher

Most of us think that hand-washing dirty dishes is better than using a big appliance. However, using a dishwasher means it uses less hot water compared to you letting a tap run while you scrub. While cleaning the dishes, make sure you don’t rinse them before loading and ensure you fill the dishwasher before running.

Select Cold Cycle

Almost 90% of energy is used in washing clothes goes towards heating the hot-and-warm-water cycles. Advanced washers along with laundry detergents make it possible to clean clothes efficiently clean in cold water. You should select a cold-water cycle whenever possible.

Program The Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature when you are not at home. Using them can save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs. Hence, you should replace your standard thermostat with a programmable option.

Fix Leaks

Estimates by Environmental Protection Agency suggest that leaks account for almost 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year per household. Besides being an enormous wastage, overlooking leaks can lead to serious plumbing problems. Thus, periodically check the faucets for leaks and fix them the moment you discover them.

Circulate Air

On average, you pay about 36 cents each hour for operating a room air conditioner. However, a ceiling fan costs about a penny for the same duration. Although ceiling fans don’t cool your rooms like an AC, it circulates the air and creates a breeze. Besides being effective during the hot summer months, reversing its direction in winters can recirculate warm air that collects near the ceiling.

Use Efficient Bulbs

Replacing the 5 most frequently used lights or bulbs with Energy Star-certified lights can save up to $75 each year. Because incandescent bulbs burn out, you should replace them with energy-efficient bulbs as they consume 80% less energy and lasts for a considerably longer period.

Seal Air Leaks

An average household can save about 20% on their heating and cooling costs equivalent to 10% of the total energy bill each year by adequately sealing and insulating corners. Ensure you are sealing air leaks around doors, windows, electrical outlets, or other probable places.

If you are searching for expert home insulation services in Tampa Bay, FL, contact Done Rite Insulation. They have an experienced team of professionals providing complete home and building energy audits to completely optimize efficiency.

Picture Credit: Crello

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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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Reasons for performing roof insulation

• Rise in the heat: When there are cooler times, the same air you are paying a lot of your hard-earned money to heat can get trapped within your attic, rather than being circulated back inside the home for keeping yourself and your children comfortable.
• Hot air can enter your house: If you do not have proper attic insulation in place it may allow hot outside air to enter your house. When you are desperately trying to keep the heat within the home out especially in warmer months, this unwanted hot air will only cause issues. Your AC system can be forced to work harder for keeping your house cool.
• Cool air might escape outside easily: If there is inefficient or missing roof insulation it also creates a possibility of cooler air escaping out. This unwanted escape of energy outside the house can cause your energy bills to shoot up.
• Spray foam attic insulation can stop or decrease water damage: When you apply spray foam insulation to your attic it will decrease and even stop damage due to water entering as a result of rain. Water leakage inside the home means there are chances of mold growth. This many times leads to a lot of misery and even possible health issues. If moisture is penetrating your building material it is eventually going to compromise the integrity of your house.

Due to these challenges specific to your attic, you will need a high R-Value for your attic. Depending on the kind of heating you have in place for your attic it will require to have an R-Value between 38 and 49. It is a lot higher than that required for the walls. Walls need this R-value around 13-18. For this significant portion of your house, you have to make sure that you are insulating the attic correctly.

Best ways of attic insulation

Spray foam insulation is used for sealing air leaks and keeping out mold and water. It maintains expensive and wanted air within your home while at the same time blocking out other unwanted air. Various properties possessed by spray foam attic insulation make it a terrific choice for roof insulation. However, installing spray foam insulation can be a complicated procedure. Therefore it may be a good idea to perform it on newly built homes during the development stage itself. But, in case you have an existing property that needs attic insulation, there is no need to worry. You can use spray foam for new or older homes.

Getting rid of fumes

You may be contemplating a home renovation. It will be a perfect time to take into consideration your insulation requirements. Always remember that after you install spray foam insulation your house will have to vent for a certain period to get rid of all the fumes. However, once these fumes are clear you can rest assured that your house will be safe for yourself and your family.

If you are reconsidering attic insulation in Clearwater & Tampa Bay, FL area, get in touch with Done Rite Insulation for a reliable and quick install. An expert will perform an assessment and guide you about the different alternatives to restore your attic insulation.

Picture Credit: OwensCorning

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The reason behind the pink color

It is a well-known fact that Owens Corning sites are spread all across the U.S. and many pink insulation rolls are coming off the lines. This cannot be said about any of the other companies. Some other brand makes use of green insulation and white insulation. In case you locate yellow fiberglass insulation you must have found the insulation that is generic and is built by older companies. It is just Owens Corning that produces the vibrant and beautiful pink color and it has been doing it for more than 65 years. Owens Corning also teamed up with The Pink Panther the famous MGM cartoon for more than 40 years.

It does not burn

Before learning about other benefits of using pink Owens Corning insulation you need to allay all fears. The first question in everyone’s mind will be, is it fire resistant? Yes, it is. It is blown-in insulation and so is naturally non-combustible meaning that it will not burn. It is also classified as non-combustible according to ASTME 136. Batt insulation made by Owens Corning is available in two types, the first is unfaced that is not combustible and the second is paper-faced having kraft paper.

Great acoustic performance

Apart from being fireproof and pink, is there anything else offered by ProCat blown-in insulation? Does it offer unmatched acoustic performance as well? If you get in touch with a reliable, local pro-insulation service to get the attic insulated by using ProCat, you will find that there is a decrease in noise transmission. It means you are going to get more peaceful nights together with quieter days within your house.

The key lies in proper installation

Although blown-in Owens Corning insulation available through the AttiCat or ProCat systems is a superior product, you might lose this additional R-value if it falls in the hands of a low-quality contractor. Proper installation is the key to maintaining R-value, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Environment friendly and no settling time required

Some of the insulations tend to settle over some time. When it is sitting there, gravity is pulling it down. It compacts critical air pockets that are the main reason behind the requirement of insulation in the first place. There is no settling required for ProCat Owens Corning insulation. The technical tests performed on the insulation show that there is less than a 2% change in dimensions over a lifetime of insulation. If the expert installer says that you are achieving R-36 on the 1st day of installation, you are going to get R-36 on the last as well.

It is green

The beautiful cotton candy color in the attic is green in reality. Fiberglass used by the product is made from 35% recycled glass content. It keeps glass away from landfills, reduces the requirement of mining, transport, cleaning, and fuses sand into glass. It is also helping in maintaining Earth and the ocean green and blue respectively.

If you live Clearwater and Pinellas County, FL area, it is a good idea to get the services of Done Rite Insulation for your requirement. Why select Done Rite Insulation? Well, remember that insulation is a part of the entire roof installation. The expert technicians from Done Rite will ensure that your Florida residence is energy-efficient and comfortable.

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Seal Up Your Windows

Windows in homes in Florida are not designed to keep out the cold. As such it’s a good idea to wrap your windows. Quick solutions are plastic sheets that you can tape to windows to seal up holes and gaps. Heavy drapes and curtains also help to insulate your windows and keep in the heat and keep out the cold.

Improve Your Insulation

Air likes to travel. Especially warm air, which likes to rise. Rising air means it is looking for a way out of your homes. Often this exit is through the roof or attic. One way to improve heat retention is to make sure you have insulation in your attic and roof. This can be a bit costly if you’re starting from scratch, but the improvements in energy savings and warmth during the winter will be well worth it.

Switch Your Fan Direction

You may not realize it but your fan has two directions. In the summer, having your fan rotate counterclockwise helps to circulate cool air up through your house. In the winter you want to reverse this direction so that warm air that rises is pulled back down into the room. This helps keep the warm air inside your home instead of letting it escape out of your roof. Most fans have a small switch on the side making this a quick and easy solution to help keep your home warm.

Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system help to circulate warm air throughout your home. Ideally, you want to change your filters every thirty days as dust, dirt, and other particles clog them up and reduce air quality and airflow over time. This will help reduce energy costs and keep your home clean during winters when you’re shut up inside.

Perform Necessary Maintenance On Your HVAC System

Another way to ready your home is to make sure your HVAC system is operating in optimal condition. Having a technician service your HVAC will make sure there are no problems when you have to crank up the heat. A failing heater can be an expensive repair so making sure that you perform routine maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. More importantly, you’ll never have to worry about your heater going out in the middle of an, especially cold winter night.

There you have it, our 5 tips for winter-proofing your central Florida home. While we’ve given you some tips to help keep your home nice and warm the next time the temperature drops, the best thing to keep out the cold is proper insulation. If you need help insulating your house against winter weather, the folks at Done Rite Insulation can help you get your home in top shape. Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard. Use the tips in our guide to winter-proof your home today.

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There are many great options available today when it comes to roof efficiency. The three main types that you’ll hear about are metal, tile, and shingle. Many of these options will reduce the burden on your home’s cooling system. So, when you need to replace your roof you should consider the following options.

Metal Roofing

When it comes to roof efficiency one of your best choices is metal. These roofs are proven to last for up to 50 years when they’re properly installed. Their interlocking panels also provide great wind resistance. These roofs are relatively lightweight, reducing the stress on your home’s walls and foundation. Their roof insulation is also fireproof which is a significant advantage. When it comes to roof efficiency you’ll find that they’re very energy efficient. Additionally, with the wide array of colors and styles, they’re available in, they have universal appeal since there’s something to suit almost everyone.

Tile Roofing

When it comes to roof efficiency you’ll find that tile roofing has some unique advantages. One of its strongest points is that it’s perfect for roof insulation. This is because air easily circulates underneath the tiles so energy can be conserved regardless of the weather. Tiles are also fire resistant and stand up to storms quite well too.

Another reason for this roof efficiency is that it has a very long lifespan. This makes the roof and its accompanying roof insulation a great investment. Top this off with the fact that tiles come in a wide array of colors and styles and can be installed on almost any home so it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

When you’re seeking out roof efficiency in terms of energy savings, you should look at energy-efficient asphalt shingles. This is important to remember because some aren’t sold as energy-efficient. The difference is that in energy-efficient shingles there are special granules that help reduce heat’s absorption. This can make a huge difference in the temperature of your home.

Asphalt shingle roofing also provides some other great benefits for your home. To start with, these are one of the best roofing systems available today when it comes to cost-effectiveness. Besides saving you money they’re also one of the easiest types of roofing to install. Once installed, you’ll appreciate the fact that they’re able to withstand wind, rain, and fire. If privacy is of concern, you’ll have insulation against sound penetration which means that less noise from the outside will get into your home.

There’s also a special coating that you can have applied to your asphalt shingle roof. By doing so you’re adding protection to your home when it comes to impact resistance. This is of great importance in Florida where hurricanes whip up all kinds of debris. Besides their protective features, you’ll also appreciate the fact that they’re available in a wide array of colors and can be adapted into different shapes, all of which helps with curb appeal.

Conclusion

The best way to choose the right roof for your home is to consult with the experts. After all, they’re the ones who are experienced in working with these various types of roofs. For help choosing the right roof insulation for your home contact Done Rite Insulation in Clearwater, FL.

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Significance of roof insulation

Significantly, you perform both home insulation and roof ventilation for your house. The roof must be capable of keeping the warmth inside while allowing cool air to flow through the attic. Although it might read a bit counter-intuitive in the beginning, it is significant for the roofing in the winter months. When cooler air has to be kept inside the attic for preventing ice dams from developing and causing serious issues for the roof.

By sealing the air leaks and attic insulation you will prevent the occurrence of condensation and cause moisture damage. Both roof ventilation and insulation are critical during the summer when it is the cooling of the house that is the top priority. Once the attic is properly ventilated this extra hot air gets pushed out of the attic. This hot air rises naturally as it gains temperature. The roof insulation is useful for clocking the heat transfer due to the sun.

Without having the right system in place for helping roof insulation and energy efficiency, you may find yourself facing increased energy costs along with the deterioration of the insulation, dry rotting to the plywood, rust corrosion, and mildew or mold growth.

Tips for Roof insulation and Ventilation

Roof insulation keeps your home energy efficient through the hotter time of the year and it also helps in protecting the shingles of the roof by shedding their moisture. Most roofing systems in Florida normally employ one or more of the 3 basic kinds of ventilation alternatives. You may require two of these to work together for useful insulation. These three are a ridge vent, a soffit vent, and a gable vent. The most common method used for the roof ventilation is the ridge vent.

• Always use rafter and soffit vents for promoting adequate ventilation in the roof.
• In case it becomes hot, the installation of attic fans will cool down the attic and it is a great way of saving on energy costing.
• Use rafter vents for the installation of most of your home insulation before you cover the whole attic floor with insulation from the eaves.
• Ensure that the soffit vents are never covered with insulation.

For more recommendations and advice about preparing the home and roof for the summer, you can get in touch with professionals in the Clearwater area such as Done Rite Insulation before it starts to get hot.

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Adding New Roof Insulation over the Existing Layers

The new roof insulation can be added over the old layers of insulation unless it is wet. In case if it is wet or you can observe that the old insulation has been wet previously you need to take into consideration the reason for the wetness and then repair the issue. Wet insulation can be troublesome as it leads to mold mildew and many times rotting of roof rafters or the whole ceiling. In most cases, the roof installation professionals will handle the situation for you. However, keep in mind some tips about removing older insulation and installing the new one over the old one.

• You should not place faced insulation on top of the existing insulation inside the attic. When you try to install batt insulation or new roll on top of existing insulation inside the attic it has to be done without a face or vapor retarder. The face has to be placed on top or between various layers of insulation and can trap the moisture. All the existing roll or batt insulation in the attic should be facing the attic drywall flooring or otherwise not facing at all.
• The blown loose-fill insulation also called fiberglass or cellulose insulation or rolled and batt insulation may be installed over the old insulation.
• The roof insulation must be rolled out perpendicular to the joists and here you need to use unfaced rolls.
• It is not necessary to track down the rolled insulation. R-value may be reduced when the insulation is flattened or squashed.
• It is significant to test the vermiculite insulation found in the attic. In case this test reveals the presence of harmful chemicals, the vermiculture needs to be removed by certified professionals before you install more insulation.
• It is highly recommended to use air seals before installing new insulation as the air leaks will hinder the insulation performance and decrease the insulation performance. It will also decrease energy efficiency significantly and as a result, reduce the comfort levels of the house.

The Best Time for Roof insulation

The best time to do the roof insulation is when you are replacing the roof. It is typically true when you are installing rigid foam insulation. You are required to tear off the shingles for accessing the sheathing anyway. In many cases, the roofers help with blown-in insulation also. They just remove a small piece of decking and bring in the hoses from the rooftop. It might be a good idea to ask the roofer about the services they are providing.

Conclusion

After all this, it is important to remember that there is no need to worry about doing all this on your own. Insulation professionals such as Done Rite Insulation can do this in the Tampa, FL area for you. They will reply to all your queries about placing new insulation on top of the existing insulation. They can also handle the whole project from scratch.

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