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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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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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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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.

The post How Should You Cool A Hot Attic During The Summer? appeared first on Done Rite Insulation.

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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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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Adding Good Insulation

Insulation is often associated with keeping heat inside. However, what it really does is prevent the inside of a building from being affected by temperature changes outside. This can definitely keep you warm in winter, but it can also keep heat out in summer. With quality insulation, all you have to do is cool air down, and then insulation will keep cool air inside while preventing hot air outside from coming in. Insulation can be expensive, but it will ultimately save you plenty of money on air conditioning if it’s done right.

Turn on Air Conditioning

The most effective (and most expensive) option for quickly cooling down your garage. If you spend a lot of time in your garage during summer working on projects or hobbies, then investing in an air conditioning unit may well be worth it. If the only reason you go into the garage is to grab something from storage or to get in and out of your car, then the cost may outweigh the reward. Ultimately, whether an air conditioning unit is the right fit for your garage comes down to how often you use the garage, especially during the summer months.

If you do get an air conditioning unit, make sure you’ve also insulated the garage, otherwise, all of that freshly cooled air will simply escape through walls, roof, and doors.

Increase Ventilation and Circulation

Where installing air conditioning is one of your most expensive options, improving ventilation and air circulation in your garage can be easily done on a budget. Without proper ventilation, hot air will be stuck in the garage, where it can become even hotter than the air outside. Opening any windows and doors can help to prevent this issue, allowing air to flow in and out freely. You can also buy ventilation systems to help boost the flow of air, but they are a bit more of an investment.

Circulation can be greatly improved with a few strategically placed fans. If you have a high ceiling, you may be able to install a ceiling fan, but box fans or oscillating fans are often cheaper and can work just as well. Make sure to keep windows open if you’re using fans, however, otherwise you’ll just end up moving hot air around. Keeping fans near windows can help cool air while also introducing a nice cross breeze.

Dehumidify

Dry heat is easier to handle than a humid one, and with the amount of humidity that Florida gets year-round, investing in a dehumidifier for your garage can go a long way to keeping heat manageable. A dehumidifier will go a long way to reducing heat in a garage, especially when used in combination with insulation.

Dealing with an unbearably hot garage can ruin a summer in Central Florida, but it can be managed with the right tools and set-up. For a free quote on insulating your garage in time for the summer heat in Clearwater, FL, contact Done Rite Insulation today. You can also have your home optimized for maximum energy savings and minimal environmental impact.

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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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Keeping Your Home Comfortable

One of the main benefits of a solar-powered attic fan is its ability to ventilate an entire home. A good one can lower the temperature of an attic by up to 40°F, a huge relief in the hot summer months. Lowering the attic temperature also allows the heat in the rest of the house somewhere to escape to, keeping the whole home comfortable and cool.

Going Green

In this day and age, we all want to do our part to reduce pollution. Switching to a solar-powered fan for your attic is a great way to reduce the amount of strain on your HVAC system, and in turn, reduce your energy consumption. Overall, an attic fan can go a long way toward reducing your carbon footprint.

Protecting Your Roof

One of the biggest things to cause roof damage is excessive exposure to the elements. In the summer months, long hours of direct sunlight can damage the shingles on your roof. In the winter, cold can lead to condensation which means potential mold and water damage. An attic fan can solve both these problems. Cooling the attic in the summer keeps heat from becoming too extreme and providing good circulation in the winter can prevent condensation. They can also stop ice from building up and causing damage in the winter.

No More Noise

A lot of attic fans have a bad reputation for being loud 24/7. Solar-powered fans, on the other hand, are nearly silent, so they won’t keep you up at night.

Easy Money Saver

There are a few reasons why investing in a solar fan is good for your wallet. Firstly, is the energy savings. The typical energy bill savings are moderate, but the other advantages add up to more. Since a solar fan adds a level of protection to your roof, there’s less maintenance you’ll need to pay for in the long run. By reducing the strain on your HVAC system will also increase its lifespan as well. Businesses and homeowners can also receive a tax credit for installing a renewable energy system, which includes a solar-powered fan.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Considering a solar attic fan? They’re relatively straight forward to install, but it’s not recommended to do it on your own because they do require going through the roof. Going to a professional is definitely the recommended route, so reach out to Done Rite Insulation for the very best in expert advice. Call 727-585-8747 today to find out how you could save money and improve the comfort of your home by installing a solar-powered attic fan.

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