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Does the R-Value meet recommended standards?
It is recommended that you have at least 20 ½ inches of fiberglass batts or blankets, bringing your attic insulation to an R-Value of 49. This will have a tremendous effect on your heating/cooling bills and help eliminate “cold spots” in your home. Having your contractor upgrade your insulation can keep your energy bills affordable.
Is your attic sufficiently ventilated?
Your attic must be able to circulate the outside air above the insulation in-order to reduce roof icing, condensation, and ultimately, your energy and repair bills. This is especially important during the hot months of summer. Proper attic circulation is generally achieved by having an appropriate number of specifically sized vents, which can vary greatly depending on the square footage of your attic. Your contractor can help you determine if your home meets recommendations. This should be done A.SAP so as to avoid the water damage expense incurred from condensation and to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Are your gutters leaking or in need of cleaning?
Water damage to your foundation can be one of the costliest, and yet one of the easiest and most avoidable problems to avoid in your home. Leaking and/or clogged gutters can ruin the soffits and fascia, damage the siding and paint, and undermine the foundation. Have your gutters cleaned and inspected semi-annually by your contractor. A quality gutter screen (We have found a great one) should be installed if you have trees near your roof. This saves the drudgery of having to constantly clean your gutters and is well worth the peace of mind knowing your house is safe.
Is your roof doing its job?
The most important part of your home is the roof. Even if you have never noticed a leak inside before, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the roof is protecting your home from the elements. Moisture can rot rafters, ruin insulation, and decrease the value of your home. It is recommended that you inspect your roof annually for damage and disrepair.
Is your siding doing its job?
For all the same reasons as having a roof with integrity, it is important that the siding of your home is not allowing moisture in to damage the walls and interior. Check for water-tight connections between the windows and siding and check the condition of the paint (if applicable) on your siding. Some portions of your home take more of a beating than other portions, so check it all.
Soffits are the overhanging portion of your roof.
If you notice water damage on your soffits you need to take immediate action to prevent future damage. The problem could be many different causes such as the gutters roof flashing, ice damming, etc.
Are your windows weather-proofed for energy efficiently and moisture resistance? Windows can be an area of concern when it comes to energy loss. Double pane glass helps to reduce this concern by isolating the convection currents with argon gas between the layers. Also, it's important to consider triple weather-stripping for added thermal efficiency, especially in the cold climate of Colorado.
If the sun destroys the protective coating to your wood door then water will finish the job. Keep your doors finished with a good protective coating.
Another example of just a little bit of preventative maintenance saves thousands of dollars of damage. Check the caulking in all bathroom showers or baths in the corners and where it meets the base to insure a water-tight seal. Remove and replace all the caulk if you notice any area that is pulling away from the tile
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