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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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.

The post Why Your Home In Florida Still Needs Insulation appeared first on Done Rite Insulation.

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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Conduct an Audit
Just like an annual physical exam, performing a home energy audit or assessment helps you determine the efficiency of your home. The purpose of this audit is to identify modifications that can help you save money both in the shorter and longer-term. Auditors check for leaks around doors and windows besides examining the insulation and checking furnace, ductwork, and appliances. Their report will also include recommendations for weatherizing your house.

The process of protecting both interiors and exteriors of your home from outside elements such as precipitation, wind, and sunlight is termed weatherizing. It also helps in reducing energy consumption and optimizing energy efficiency. A home energy audit closely inspects insulation in the walls, floors, and ceilings. It also helps in identifying small holes in the roof or possible leakages in pipes.

Air Conditioning
It is estimated that both cooling and heating utilizes 50% of the total energy in your house. Water heating accounts for 18% of energy usage which means that heating and cooling collectively utilizes 70% of the total home energy expenses.

Although residents in Florida rarely use heaters, air conditioning units are used in almost every house. Installing a smart thermostat can drastically reduce your costs on cooling bills as they can automatically adjust the temperature.

Remodeling an old home might require replacing the heating and cooling system with a highly efficient system. You might be paying more money upfront while installing such a system, you will save significant money over time from bills that you pay.

Home Appliances
Old appliances such as refrigerators or dishwashers waste significant energy as they consume unnecessary amounts of energy. Modern appliances have improved drastically over the years and are far more powerful and efficient. Purchase appliances labeled with Energy Star Symbol as they adhere to the standards set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These products are independently certified and protect the environment without sacrificing any functionality or features.

Water Consumption
Irrespective of where you live, water is very precious. Although Florida has enough water, it is important to protect this valuable resource. You should install a water filtration system in your house to eliminate the use of water bottles that often end up in landfills.

Additionally, you should consider installing low-volume high-efficiency toilets as they use 20% lessor water than the standard toilets. They help in conserving water and saving money. Low flow showerheads are yet another improvement that has undergone a drastic change over the last few years.

Lighting
LED lighting has transformed the world of lighting. Despite being expensive than halogen bulbs or incandescent bulbs, they are highly cost-efficient and last for more years. LED lights also do not contain harmful toxins or mercury and do not emit harmful UV rays. Moreover, as the bulb lasts for 50,000 hours, there are fewer wastes in landfills.

Consider installing energy-efficient systems when remodeling your house. Roofing is also another key aspect of a remodeling project and if you are searching for an experienced agency to help you with your project, consider calling Done Rite Insulation. They have been serving residents of Clearwater, FL for more than a decade.

Picture Credit: Freepik

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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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House renovation pros

1. It is possible to get the old house renovated for a lower price. In case you are looking for a real fixer-upper, you will pay less than you will for a newer home. In case you complete the house renovation by yourself you will save hundreds of dollars in the long run and the property will be a great investment.

2. Old houses have a lot of character. You will have the old woodwork, other intricate detailing in case of moldings, and quirky hardware and light fixtures. Even after completing the renovation, you might be able to keep some of the unique features and at the same time bring the property up-to-date to make it your own.

3. When you are re-building an old house you are aware that these properties were built to last long. Although you may have to update the electrical and plumbing, the structure of the house is likely to remain solid.

House renovation cons

1. Prices for the old home renovation can be steep. Some of the more expensive areas for house renovation are foundation and roof replacement. Other areas that can be expensive are HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Ensure that you perform a thorough inspection before purchasing anything to be aware of the economic situation.

2. Old houses may harbor some toxins. It is likely that there is a presence of asbestos, lead and the older homes are health hazards if they are not dealt with properly. Getting them removed professionally can cost quite a bit.

3. House renovations can take up a lot of time. As generally, these older homes are not cookie cutters you can expect some nasty surprises during the house renovations. The pricing, planning, and timelines are likely to go haywire and, in most cases, it is not for the better.

If you are looking for home insulation experts for a property in Tampa Bay, Fl area you can contact Done Rite Insulation for expert advice. Although they do not specialize in house renovations, they can certainly help in home insulation.

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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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