Tips - Ironclad Construction

(Family Features) Rising fuel costs and increased awareness of society’s environmental impacts have many homeowners looking to leverage sustainable building materials to reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool their houses. If you’re starting construction on the home of your dreams, consider the benefits of building with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.

Here are a few tips to follow before beginning to build your sustainable dream home.

Create a Reasonable (and Flexible) Budget
As the first step for any new build, creating a budget that fits your means is critical. Remember, new construction is often a fluid process, meaning you may need to cut back in certain areas to balance out unforeseen costs or desires to go above and beyond on amenities that are important to you.

Hire the Right Construction Professionals
Even if you consider yourself handy or a DIY pro, new construction isn’t a project to go at alone. Do your research on local professionals like architects, contractors and others who are experienced in sustainable construction. Contact trusted friends, family and neighbors for references and read reviews online to gather options before requesting bids or signing contracts.

Start with a Sustainable Foundation
Constructing a sustainable home starts with the foundation. A longer lasting home can begin with strong building materials like insulated concrete forms (ICFs), such as those from Nudura, which provide superior energy efficiency, sound-proofing and lower utility costs versus traditional wood-frame construction. Dual-insulated ICF walls with a concrete core provide high R-values (a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it) and thermal mass, as well as disaster-resilient structural support from the foundation to the roof. They even provide architects greater design flexibility to build your dream home according to your desired interior and exterior aesthetic specifications.

Select Eco-Friendly Materials
While installing energy-efficient appliances and high-quality windows and doors are obvious examples of eco-friendly materials, there are other solutions to help you go green in your new home. Consider options like countertops made from recycled glass or reclaimed bricks for fireplaces and accent pieces.

Power Your Home with Renewable Energy
If it’s within your budget, you can take your new home to the next level by powering it with renewable energy like solar or wind. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harness the sun’s rays and convert that energy to power your home. An additional benefit: You may save money in the long-run on electricity bills.

Prepare for the Unexpected
Project delays, fluctuating costs and more can turn building a new house into an unpredictable process. Don’t let potential surprises deter you from seeking your dream space or forever home. Be prepared for the unexpected so you aren’t caught off guard. In fact, unanticipated circumstances can sometimes be a good thing, like building materials dropping in price, a new product hitting the market or those flashy eco-friendly appliances going on sale.

SOURCE:
Nudura

(Family Features) Making improvements around the house to curb energy usage is not only good for the environment, it can make a big impact on your utility bills, too.

Energy-efficient appliances are a good starting point as you work to reduce your home’s overall energy usage. Depending on local tax laws, you may also qualify for tax incentives for these purchases.

There are also relatively simple DIY projects you can do around the house to improve energy conservation.

Seal air leaks. Gaps around windows, doors and other openings are major contributors to wasted energy. In the winter, they let cold air in, making your furnace work harder. Conversely, in the summer, cool air escapes and forces your air conditioner to run extra. In most cases, weather stripping or caulking can provide the necessary seal. Larger gaps may require low-expansion foam or minor drywall work. Remember to pay careful attention to the attic and basement, which can be unexpected sources of energy loss.

If replacing your door’s threshold is impractical or your threshold is not adjustable, a door bottom or sweep may effectively keep out unwanted drafts. These options install directly on the door, eliminating the need to tinker with the threshold itself or remove the door for more significant alterations.

Update insulation. Deteriorating or minimal insulation, which is found more often in older homes, can make it difficult to effectively manage your home’s temperature. While spray foam is a tempting solution that has less of an impact on your walls, it can be tricky for a novice to install correctly.

A simple and effective alternative is fiberglass batts or rolls, which can be easily cut to size and fit between studs and beams. While this approach requires sheetrock removal and re-installation, it’s also one of the lowest cost options for insulation replacement.

Regulate temperatures. Over time, thermostats can become less sensitive, leading to inaccuracies and wasted energy. Installing a programmable thermostat is a cost-effective, easy fix. Choose a model that allows you to adjust temperature settings relative to your usage, saving energy and eliminating paying for cooled or heated air when you’re not home.

For example, on summer days when you’re not home, program your system to maintain a temperature 5-10 F higher than is comfortable when you’re present. Then set it to cool to your preferred temperature approximately 30 minutes or 1 hour prior to arriving home.

Find more tips to net big savings in both energy efficiency and money at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
Family Features

As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for winter. Taking proactive steps now can save you money on costly repairs and keep your home cozy and safe throughout the cold months. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of ten essential fall home maintenance tips and explanations for why each one is crucial.</p>

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters:

Remove leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts. Proper drainage prevents ice dams and water damage.

Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, causing damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Proper drainage is essential to prevent costly water-related issues.

2. Roof Inspection:

Examine your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Inspect flashing and chimney seals for leaks.

Your roof protects your home from the elements. Damaged or missing shingles can lead to leaks, which can cause structural damage and interior problems.

3. Seal Drafts:

Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Drafts around windows and doors can impact energy efficiency. Sealing gaps helps reduce heating costs and enhance comfort.

4. Furnace Maintenance:

Schedule an HVAC professional to inspect and clean your heating system for efficient and safe operation.

A well-maintained furnace operates efficiently, reducing energy consumption and prolonging its lifespan. It also ensures safety by detecting potential issues.

5. Chimney Cleaning:

Clean and inspect your chimney to ensure safety and efficiency if you have a fireplace.

A clean chimney prevents dangerous fires and ensures proper ventilation, reducing fire hazards.

6. Test Detectors:

Replace batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your family safe.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide early warning in emergencies. Regular testing ensures they’re functioning correctly.

7. Winterize Faucets:

Drain and disconnect garden hoses and insulate outdoor faucets and pipes to prevent freezing.

Freezing temperatures can cause outdoor faucets and pipes to crack, leading to costly leaks and repairs.

8. Lawn and Garden Care:

Trim back trees and bushes to avoid damage from heavy snow. Clear leaves and debris from your lawn.

Overgrown trees and bushes can become damaged in winter weather, potentially causing harm to your home’s exterior.

9. Check Insulation:

Inspect and add or replace insulation in your attic and walls to improve energy efficiency.

Adequate insulation maintains a comfortable indoor environment and reduces energy bills.

10. Store Outdoor Items:

Clean and store outdoor furniture, grills, and gardening equipment properly.

Properly storing outdoor items prolongs their lifespan and ensures they’re in good shape for spring.

By following this fall home maintenance checklist, you’ll enhance your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency while avoiding potential problems down the road. If you are in need of a new roof, siding, or new gutters before winter, don’t hesitate to contact Ironclad Construction.

Our team of experienced professionals specializes in exterior remodeling, roofing, siding, gutters, and more. We’re here to help you with all your home improvement needs, ensuring that your home is ready for winter and looking its best.

Don’t wait until the snow starts falling—get a head start on your fall home maintenance today. Contact Ironclad Construction for a free consultation, and let us take care of your home so that you can enjoy a cozy and worry-free winter season.

Your dream home is just a call away. Reach out to Ironclad Construction now and experience the difference in quality and service that sets us apart. Stay warm and comfortable this winter with Ironclad!

Your home's siding may not always be at the forefront of your home improvement agenda, but it plays a crucial role in your home's aesthetics, energy efficiency, and structural integrity.

Well-maintained, high-quality siding significantly enhances your home's curb appeal, property value, and protection against the elements. However, as with any exterior feature, siding requires attention, and there comes a time when replacement is necessary to prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs.

1. Warped, Cracked, or Rotting Siding

Visible damage is one of the most apparent signs that your siding needs replacement. If you have wood siding, look for crumbling or dark spots, indicating moisture has penetrated and weakened the wood fibers. For vinyl siding, cracks or warping can allow water infiltration and lead to rot beneath the surface. Ignoring such issues can worsen the damage over time.

Pro Tip: You can check for dry rot in wooden siding by tapping it with a screwdriver handle; if it crumbles or sounds hollow, it may deteriorate severely.

2. Fungus, Mold, or Mildew on Your Siding

The dirty side of a house with mold and mildew

Any growth on your siding, such as fungus, mold, or moss, is a clear indicator that moisture penetrates the siding. While some growth may be harmless, removing it promptly and investigating further to prevent water damage is essential.

3. Visible Blisters or Bubbles

Blisters or bubbles beneath your siding's surface suggest trapped moisture, indicating that your siding is no longer effectively protecting your home from moisture infiltration. Siding should prevent moisture from entering your home.

4. Severely Faded Siding

Faded siding looks unsightly and indicates that its weatherproofing has deteriorated. Consider upgrading your siding before more significant issues arise.

5. Your Exterior Requires Frequent Painting

If you find yourself repainting your home every 3-6 years instead of the typical 8-10 years, your siding may be the problem. Peeling or chipping paint can signal the need for siding replacement. Choose low-maintenance siding materials for long-lasting color.

6. Higher Energy Bills

Unexplained increases in your energy bills could be due to inefficient siding. Siding's primary role is to insulate your home from temperature extremes. Older or damaged siding may not provide adequate insulation, causing your heating and cooling systems to work harder.

7. Unsightly Peeling Paint Inside Your Home

Siding issues outside your home can manifest inside. Loose wallpaper or peeling paint indoors can indicate moisture penetration from damaged siding. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.

8. Loose or Missing Siding

Loose or missing siding cannot protect your home effectively. This allows moisture and pests to infiltrate, potentially leading to costly issues.

9. Pest Damage

Pests like woodpeckers, termites, and others can cause significant damage to your home's siding. Frequent pest problems may warrant replacing your siding with materials that are less appealing to critters.

10. You're Ready to Move

New siding can significantly increase its value and appeal to potential buyers if you plan to sell your home soon. Fresh, modern siding enhances curb appeal, while damaged or outdated siding can discourage buyers.

Act promptly to maintain your home's integrity and value before siding issues escalate. If you notice any of these signs, consider replacing your siding with durable, long-lasting materials like LP Smartside engineered wood siding. Addressing siding problems early can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Ironclad Construction offers high-quality siding solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Contact us today for a consultation and discover the benefits of siding replacement for your home. Boost your home's curb appeal, weather protection, and energy efficiency with Ironclad Construction.