Home buyers often find that the home they want for themselves are way beyond what they can afford to bring out of their bank accounts. This can be a very disheartening experience, especially for first time home buyers who want to buy their own home and who have high hopes about it. Usually, for those who want to buy a home for themselves, the best way they can afford the home of their dreams is to take out a loan. This is usually known as a mortgage loan. For a first time home buyer, loans such as mortgage loans can be very confusing. It is very important for a first time home buyer to get the right type of loan.
Some loans can be pretty expensive and it is sometime difficult to determine the actual cost of a loan, especially for a first time home buyer. Mortgage loans can either be a fixed rate loan or a variable rate loan. A fixed rate loan offers the same interest rate and payment rate every month. With a fixed rate loan, you will always know how much you will need to pay every month and you will know when you have already accomplished all of your loan payments. With a variable rate loan, you can start with a lower interest rate as well as a lower monthly payment. However, your interest rate and your monthly payment amount can change several times over the lifetime of your loan. Usually, this amount is tied up to a financial index like the U.S. Treasury Securities index. It is also important to find out the coverage of a first time home buyers loan.
5 Deadly Home Trade Up Mistakes - 5 Deadly Trade Up Mistakes So you’re thinking of trading up. This time when you buy there is a new wrinkle. It’s not like the last time when you didn’t already own a home, this time you already own a home.
Property Taxes and Oversized House - Property Taxes and Oversized House Now, the long time homeowners are also finding a problem with the tax cap. They can't afford to downsize, because the added property tax prices on a new home purchase would eat up any savings they might make in mortgage
Trends in the Development of Golf Communities - Golf communities are becoming more popular than ever. That’s because families are realizing the value of living in a gated community that also offers plenty of activities and the like close by.
A mortgage loan will usually cover four expenses that a home buyer will face when they are buying a home. However, not all loans cover them. A mortgage will cover several expenses such as the principal payment, the interest, the home insurance and the city or county taxes that are due for the home. Usually, a mortgage loan can last for 30 years. There are also mortgage loans that only last for 15 years. It is important to note that the shorter the lifetime of a loan is, the higher will be the payments required.With mortgage loans, it is common to be paying more in terms of interest than principal. Usually, you will be paying around two to three times more in terms of interest than you will be with your principal amount. The first few years of loan payment you will be making will usually be for the interest rate of the loan while the last few payments will be for the principal amount.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Testing for black mold firstly requires
Black Mold Removal
Black mold removal is something that you have to be careful with because black mold is toxic. You really do need to have good information about what black mold looks like and how it forms. It only takes a short period of time to do the required testing and inspection of your home to make sure that it is a safe place for your family. You should be particularly aware of any allergies that someone in your household has. This could be your first hint that you need to look at black mold removal.
Basements and bathrooms are the prime places for black mold testing and inspection in homes. This is because these are the places in the house most known for being damp and having a lot of moisture. Black mold can form on any surface – cement, tiles, or even the countertop if you don’t take special care to keep it clean and dry. There are testing kits for black mold that you can use yourself, so testing and inspection of your home is not a costly proposition. There are also excellent products on the market for black mold removal.
Once you do the black mold testing and inspection and find some places where there is black mold, before you start black mold removal, make sure the area is well-ventilated. If the black mold is concentrated in a small space, you can easily clean it with bleach and water, for difficult jobs you will need to use a commercial black mold removal product. You do have to make sure that you dry the area completely because any excess moisture will only be a new breeding ground for the black mold to return.
Testing for black mold firstly requires looking to see if there is any visible mold on the walls or floors of your basement. However, mold is not always visible because it can form in cracks and really small spaces. With black mold testing and inspection, you are really testing the air quality in your home because once mold spores are present they will be air-borne. Simple testing using a petrie dish containing a disc will let you know within two days if you have to consi der black mold removal.
When you get ready to start black mold removal, wear a facemask and rubber gloves so that you don’t breathe in the black mold spores or let them touch your skin. This could cause serious respiratory problems. There are removal products on the market that kill the black mold. But make sure you always read the label and make sure that you follow all safety procedures for use of the product. Black mold removal is something that you may have to do several times to make sure you kill all the mold spores.
To find out more about Mold removal visit Peter's Website The Mold Removal Guide and find out about Mold Removal Products and more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold.
Black Mold and Their Eating HabitsBasement Mold Mold RemovalPreventing Bathroom Mold
Black mold removal is something that you have to be careful with because black mold is toxic. You really do need to have good information about what black mold looks like and how it forms. It only takes a short period of time to do the required testing and inspection of your home to make sure that it is a safe place for your family. You should be particularly aware of any allergies that someone in your household has. This could be your first hint that you need to look at black mold removal.
Basements and bathrooms are the prime places for black mold testing and inspection in homes. This is because these are the places in the house most known for being damp and having a lot of moisture. Black mold can form on any surface – cement, tiles, or even the countertop if you don’t take special care to keep it clean and dry. There are testing kits for black mold that you can use yourself, so testing and inspection of your home is not a costly proposition. There are also excellent products on the market for black mold removal.
Once you do the black mold testing and inspection and find some places where there is black mold, before you start black mold removal, make sure the area is well-ventilated. If the black mold is concentrated in a small space, you can easily clean it with bleach and water, for difficult jobs you will need to use a commercial black mold removal product. You do have to make sure that you dry the area completely because any excess moisture will only be a new breeding ground for the black mold to return.
Testing for black mold firstly requires looking to see if there is any visible mold on the walls or floors of your basement. However, mold is not always visible because it can form in cracks and really small spaces. With black mold testing and inspection, you are really testing the air quality in your home because once mold spores are present they will be air-borne. Simple testing using a petrie dish containing a disc will let you know within two days if you have to consi der black mold removal.
When you get ready to start black mold removal, wear a facemask and rubber gloves so that you don’t breathe in the black mold spores or let them touch your skin. This could cause serious respiratory problems. There are removal products on the market that kill the black mold. But make sure you always read the label and make sure that you follow all safety procedures for use of the product. Black mold removal is something that you may have to do several times to make sure you kill all the mold spores.
To find out more about Mold removal visit Peter's Website The Mold Removal Guide and find out about Mold Removal Products and more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold.
Black Mold and Their Eating HabitsBasement Mold Mold RemovalPreventing Bathroom Mold
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Home Mold Education
Mold Test Kit - Mold Test Kit How It Can Help You get Rid of Your Mold
Remove Mold Growing Food - Stop Mold Invasion- Remove Mold Growing Food Molds are the microscopic organism which invade the food items and develop upon
Get Rid of Mold - Mold Killer-Get Rid of Mold Permanently There are many products on the market that will kill the mold and remove it from your home, but it keeps coming back.
Removing Mold in Your Home - Tips in Removing Mold in Your Home Exposure to mold can lead to colds, respiratory complications, nasal problems, and sinus congestions.
What Every Home Buyer Should Know about Mold - What Every Home Buyer and Seller Should Know about Mold Health problems from indoor mold produce allergens. Allergic responses include hay fever type symptoms such as red eyes, runny nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Basement Mold - Basement mold is the most common mold that you will encounter in your home. This is because the basement is underground and is usually not developed as the rest of the house, and so is the perfect breeding ground
Remove Mold Growing Food - Stop Mold Invasion- Remove Mold Growing Food Molds are the microscopic organism which invade the food items and develop upon
Get Rid of Mold - Mold Killer-Get Rid of Mold Permanently There are many products on the market that will kill the mold and remove it from your home, but it keeps coming back.
Removing Mold in Your Home - Tips in Removing Mold in Your Home Exposure to mold can lead to colds, respiratory complications, nasal problems, and sinus congestions.
What Every Home Buyer Should Know about Mold - What Every Home Buyer and Seller Should Know about Mold Health problems from indoor mold produce allergens. Allergic responses include hay fever type symptoms such as red eyes, runny nose, sneezing and skin rashes.
Basement Mold - Basement mold is the most common mold that you will encounter in your home. This is because the basement is underground and is usually not developed as the rest of the house, and so is the perfect breeding ground
Exterior Home Inspection Checklist
As discussed in part one of the complete list of items to inspect the home inspection is a very valuable service, but there is an inherent conflict of interest because many companies inspect, recommend and then did the cure. Use a home inspection company with a good reputation, word of mouth is best.
Landscaping:Landscaping is an important part of the curb appeal of any property. It also can be an expensive and time consuming part of the upkeep of the property. Consider:
Trees:Are they close to the house_____Roots too close to plumbing_____Branches too close to roof line_____Old or leaning trees nearby_____
Plants:
High maintenance plants/bushes_____High water use necessary_____Use of indiginious plants_____Planting too close to exterior walls trapping water_____Ivy growing on exterior walls_____
Grading:
Soil piled up against exterior walls causing pest damage_____Grade slopping towards house trapping water_____
Swimming Pool:
Cleaning and filtering system work_____Thermostat accurate_____Check for leaks or cracks_____
Roofing:
The cost of a new roof is expensive and a good inspection will save you money. If the roof looks old or if there are more than two layers, then pay special attention to old leaks and bulges in the interior and exterior walls.
Material_____Age of the roof_____Shingles need replacing_____Tar paper exposed to sun_____Gutters clean_____ sagging_____Roof line sagging_____any bulges_____Number of layers of roof_____Chimney properly sealed to the roof_____Any sagging_____Bracing_____
Propane Tanks:
Age_____Size_____Indication of leaks nearby_____Is the area marked for safety_____
Sewer:
Location of the line known_____Any indication of leaks_____Good water pressure in the bathroom_____
Building Exterior:
Age of last paint job_____Crackling_____Peeling_____Exposed wood_____Dry or rotting wood trim_____Stucco: Stucco develops hairline cracks and then begins to open up, allowing moisture into the framing of the house
Hairline cracks_____Open or damaged stucco exposed_____recent patches_____Shingles: Shingles provide good protection but do have a shelf lifeAge of shingles_____Cracked shingles_____Missing shingles_____
Doors and Windows:
Pay special attention to the trim areas and the framing for dry or rotting wood. This can indicate much more damage to the structure.
Doors:Are they secure_____Door frame showing signs of dry rot_____Door fits flush_____Door at an angle and settling_____
Windows:
Are they secure_____Window frame showing signs of dry rot_____Windows fits flush_____Windows at an angle and settling_____Screens_____Sticking_____
Foundation:
Mud sill securely fastened_____House securely bolted to foundation_____Cracks or breaks_____Any misalignment or settling_____Soil contacting framing_____Brick:Age_____Missing Bricks_____Soft or crumbling bricks_____
Cement:
Age_____Soft or crumbling cement_____
Fences:
All posts counted for_____Sagging_____Rotting_____
Garage:Roof(see above list)_____Exterior(see above list)_____Firewall between the house and the garage_____Pooling of oil or other fire hazards_____Garage door working_____Check electrical components of the door for age and wear_____
Driveway:All the questions regarding framing and roof applyAge_____Driveway buckling_____Potholes_____Driveway graded not to pool water_____Well lit_____Blind spots into traffic_____
http://www.yourpropertypath.com
We believe that knowledge should be free and freely shared.
Questions to Ask Any Home Inspection CompanyWhat Problems May Be Lurking In Your Next HomeThings to Keep in Mind During Your InspectionDo Your Roof Inspection Now
Landscaping:Landscaping is an important part of the curb appeal of any property. It also can be an expensive and time consuming part of the upkeep of the property. Consider:
Trees:Are they close to the house_____Roots too close to plumbing_____Branches too close to roof line_____Old or leaning trees nearby_____
Plants:
High maintenance plants/bushes_____High water use necessary_____Use of indiginious plants_____Planting too close to exterior walls trapping water_____Ivy growing on exterior walls_____
Grading:
Soil piled up against exterior walls causing pest damage_____Grade slopping towards house trapping water_____
Swimming Pool:
Cleaning and filtering system work_____Thermostat accurate_____Check for leaks or cracks_____
Roofing:
The cost of a new roof is expensive and a good inspection will save you money. If the roof looks old or if there are more than two layers, then pay special attention to old leaks and bulges in the interior and exterior walls.
Material_____Age of the roof_____Shingles need replacing_____Tar paper exposed to sun_____Gutters clean_____ sagging_____Roof line sagging_____any bulges_____Number of layers of roof_____Chimney properly sealed to the roof_____Any sagging_____Bracing_____
Propane Tanks:
Age_____Size_____Indication of leaks nearby_____Is the area marked for safety_____
Sewer:
Location of the line known_____Any indication of leaks_____Good water pressure in the bathroom_____
Building Exterior:
Age of last paint job_____Crackling_____Peeling_____Exposed wood_____Dry or rotting wood trim_____Stucco: Stucco develops hairline cracks and then begins to open up, allowing moisture into the framing of the house
Hairline cracks_____Open or damaged stucco exposed_____recent patches_____Shingles: Shingles provide good protection but do have a shelf lifeAge of shingles_____Cracked shingles_____Missing shingles_____
Doors and Windows:
Pay special attention to the trim areas and the framing for dry or rotting wood. This can indicate much more damage to the structure.
Doors:Are they secure_____Door frame showing signs of dry rot_____Door fits flush_____Door at an angle and settling_____
Windows:
Are they secure_____Window frame showing signs of dry rot_____Windows fits flush_____Windows at an angle and settling_____Screens_____Sticking_____
Foundation:
Mud sill securely fastened_____House securely bolted to foundation_____Cracks or breaks_____Any misalignment or settling_____Soil contacting framing_____Brick:Age_____Missing Bricks_____Soft or crumbling bricks_____
Cement:
Age_____Soft or crumbling cement_____
Fences:
All posts counted for_____Sagging_____Rotting_____
Garage:Roof(see above list)_____Exterior(see above list)_____Firewall between the house and the garage_____Pooling of oil or other fire hazards_____Garage door working_____Check electrical components of the door for age and wear_____
Driveway:All the questions regarding framing and roof applyAge_____Driveway buckling_____Potholes_____Driveway graded not to pool water_____Well lit_____Blind spots into traffic_____
http://www.yourpropertypath.com
We believe that knowledge should be free and freely shared.
Questions to Ask Any Home Inspection CompanyWhat Problems May Be Lurking In Your Next HomeThings to Keep in Mind During Your InspectionDo Your Roof Inspection Now
Monday, August 6, 2007
Water seeping through the concrete which causes mold and mildew
Waterproofing Foundations - You Can Do That
If your basement smells musty it's because of water seeping through the concrete which causes mold and mildew. Once mold spores settle in your basement all it needs is moisture to begin growing and digesting whatever it is growing on. The majority of common molds are not a concern to someone who is healthy. If you have allergies or asthma, molds can cause skin rash, eye irritation, cough, running nose, congestion, and aggravation of your asthma. It is very important to make sure your basement is waterproofed.
If you are building a new house or have an older house talk to a company in your area that specializes in waterproofing foundations. That can be costly so you may consider doing it yourself.
I will list some import information below that can help you out.
Once the foundation is exposed apply to the foundation a rubberized asphalt sealer, I list a few types below. Before the application dries, cover the foundation with R-10 insulating panels. These products can be found at stores like home depot.
Always run drain tiles around the outside of the footings to keep water from collecting at the bottom of the panels and then back fill around the foundation. Also it is important to make sure you have gutters and the downspouts divert the water away from your house.
Choosing a Product:
Liquid Membranes
You apply a liquid membrane by spray, roller, or trowel. The liquid cures into a rubbery coating on the wall.
Sheet Membranes
There is a product that has a self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes. They are composed of rubberized asphalt laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film.
Cementitious Waterproofing
Mix this product and use a long handled brush to apply, buy acrylic additive (a white, milky liquid) to mix in with the cement product. You'll get better bonding and a more solid, durable coating.
Built-up Systems
This is an asphalt-and-felt built-up system. With these systems, you fir st apply a concrete primer. You then mop on a coating of hot tar (which is heated in a large asphalt kettle), followed immediately by application of a sheet of perforated felt, extending the system right out onto the footing. You keep staggering the felt sheets until you have three layers of felt with a final coating of tar.
Surface Preparation
Make sure you have a clean wall. Dry off all footings, sweep standing water off with a broom, then dry the damp spot with the torch and scrape off excess and loose material from walls and footings. Pay special attention to the footing. Quite often, puddles of congealed slurry form on the footing when the wall is poured. Sweep off the walls and especially the footings. Waterproofing materials wont‚’t stick to a dirty surface.
Waterproofing Curing Time
Check the manufacturer’s requirements for concrete curing time. Concrete must be cured a minimum of seven days and sometimes up to 14 days before membrane application.. This is because the concrete will continue to dry long after it's poured.
I didn't get into great detail on how to go about this project I recommend that you find someone that has experience with waterproofing to help you and provide guidance. If you are building a house the dirt will already be away from the foundation, older homes will require you to rent a backhoe which will require a little more skill on your part. This project is doable so get out there and give it a go. Good luck with your project.
Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.
Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/
You Can Do That Web Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com/
Concrete Facts Firm Foundations Are Essential
If your basement smells musty it's because of water seeping through the concrete which causes mold and mildew. Once mold spores settle in your basement all it needs is moisture to begin growing and digesting whatever it is growing on. The majority of common molds are not a concern to someone who is healthy. If you have allergies or asthma, molds can cause skin rash, eye irritation, cough, running nose, congestion, and aggravation of your asthma. It is very important to make sure your basement is waterproofed.
If you are building a new house or have an older house talk to a company in your area that specializes in waterproofing foundations. That can be costly so you may consider doing it yourself.
I will list some import information below that can help you out.
Once the foundation is exposed apply to the foundation a rubberized asphalt sealer, I list a few types below. Before the application dries, cover the foundation with R-10 insulating panels. These products can be found at stores like home depot.
Always run drain tiles around the outside of the footings to keep water from collecting at the bottom of the panels and then back fill around the foundation. Also it is important to make sure you have gutters and the downspouts divert the water away from your house.
Choosing a Product:
Liquid Membranes
You apply a liquid membrane by spray, roller, or trowel. The liquid cures into a rubbery coating on the wall.
Sheet Membranes
There is a product that has a self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes. They are composed of rubberized asphalt laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film.
Cementitious Waterproofing
Mix this product and use a long handled brush to apply, buy acrylic additive (a white, milky liquid) to mix in with the cement product. You'll get better bonding and a more solid, durable coating.
Built-up Systems
This is an asphalt-and-felt built-up system. With these systems, you fir st apply a concrete primer. You then mop on a coating of hot tar (which is heated in a large asphalt kettle), followed immediately by application of a sheet of perforated felt, extending the system right out onto the footing. You keep staggering the felt sheets until you have three layers of felt with a final coating of tar.
Surface Preparation
Make sure you have a clean wall. Dry off all footings, sweep standing water off with a broom, then dry the damp spot with the torch and scrape off excess and loose material from walls and footings. Pay special attention to the footing. Quite often, puddles of congealed slurry form on the footing when the wall is poured. Sweep off the walls and especially the footings. Waterproofing materials wont‚’t stick to a dirty surface.
Waterproofing Curing Time
Check the manufacturer’s requirements for concrete curing time. Concrete must be cured a minimum of seven days and sometimes up to 14 days before membrane application.. This is because the concrete will continue to dry long after it's poured.
I didn't get into great detail on how to go about this project I recommend that you find someone that has experience with waterproofing to help you and provide guidance. If you are building a house the dirt will already be away from the foundation, older homes will require you to rent a backhoe which will require a little more skill on your part. This project is doable so get out there and give it a go. Good luck with your project.
Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.
Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/
You Can Do That Web Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com/
Concrete Facts Firm Foundations Are Essential
Fire proof garbage bin
Advancing Technology Trash Cans
“Sleep is when all the unsorted stuff comes flying out as from a dustbin upset in a high wind” is a quotation by William G Golding, winner of Nobel Prize for literature.
Definition of garbage bin differs from dictionary to dictionary depending upon the region and most appropriate definition is:
“A waste container (known more commonly in British English as a dustbin and American English as a trash can) is a container, which can be made out of metal or plastic used to store refuse. Other names include rubbish bin, litter bin, trash barrel, garbage can and trash bin.”
Let us look into the practical side of dustbin or garbage bin or trash can or ………….
Lining the indoor garbage bins with garbage bags is essential to keep it clean and to make the removal of the garbage easier without touching the rubbish.
Are you worried about the environment? You have this choice of environmentally friendly twin-bin feature which keeps organic and compostable matter separate from all other waste. The lid opens smoothly by touch. This model comes with a removable stainless steel lid unit along with a special ventilation hole in the inner bucket. To prevent damage to the floor, the base is made of plastic.
Then there is this auto open garbage bin which will automatically open the lid when the hand is near 8” above the garbage can. It will close automatically after 5 seconds. These automatic features are handled by an infrared sensor. For more info visit www.abinisabin.info
The conventional garbage can comes with a close fitting lid to keep in unpleasant smells. They are mostly used in kitchens or a living area. It can be opened with a stainless steel foot pedal.
A fire proof garbage bin is more ideal for large or busy households with lot of children. They have bright colored exteriors looking beautiful and tough. The other additional feature is a fire safe trap to self extinguish flames. Cleaning them is also easier and the self closing steel doors provide safety and control over the odor.
The latest gadget is a Clever Dustbin. This dustbin uses infrared technology and when you sweep the dirt and debris close by it automatically sucks it up and you are saved of all the hassles of collecting and dropping the dust into the bin. What will our inventors be thinking of next!!
Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit Trash Cans or Touchless Bins
Keeping Your Dog Out of the Trash Recycling Pays Dividends
“Sleep is when all the unsorted stuff comes flying out as from a dustbin upset in a high wind” is a quotation by William G Golding, winner of Nobel Prize for literature.
Definition of garbage bin differs from dictionary to dictionary depending upon the region and most appropriate definition is:
“A waste container (known more commonly in British English as a dustbin and American English as a trash can) is a container, which can be made out of metal or plastic used to store refuse. Other names include rubbish bin, litter bin, trash barrel, garbage can and trash bin.”
Let us look into the practical side of dustbin or garbage bin or trash can or ………….
Lining the indoor garbage bins with garbage bags is essential to keep it clean and to make the removal of the garbage easier without touching the rubbish.
Are you worried about the environment? You have this choice of environmentally friendly twin-bin feature which keeps organic and compostable matter separate from all other waste. The lid opens smoothly by touch. This model comes with a removable stainless steel lid unit along with a special ventilation hole in the inner bucket. To prevent damage to the floor, the base is made of plastic.
Then there is this auto open garbage bin which will automatically open the lid when the hand is near 8” above the garbage can. It will close automatically after 5 seconds. These automatic features are handled by an infrared sensor. For more info visit www.abinisabin.info
The conventional garbage can comes with a close fitting lid to keep in unpleasant smells. They are mostly used in kitchens or a living area. It can be opened with a stainless steel foot pedal.
A fire proof garbage bin is more ideal for large or busy households with lot of children. They have bright colored exteriors looking beautiful and tough. The other additional feature is a fire safe trap to self extinguish flames. Cleaning them is also easier and the self closing steel doors provide safety and control over the odor.
The latest gadget is a Clever Dustbin. This dustbin uses infrared technology and when you sweep the dirt and debris close by it automatically sucks it up and you are saved of all the hassles of collecting and dropping the dust into the bin. What will our inventors be thinking of next!!
Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit Trash Cans or Touchless Bins
Keeping Your Dog Out of the Trash Recycling Pays Dividends
The benefits and cost savings of solar attic fans
Energy Savings from Solar Products
Solar power doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition for the homeowner, emptying your pocketbook and putting you into debt. There are products on the market that can give you immediate rewards in the form of decreased electric bills. The two products that first come to mind are the solar attic fans and tubular skylights. This article concentrates on the benefits and cost savings of solar attic fans.
Solar attic fans save the homeowner money directly and indirectly. The roof receives direct, intense rays from the sun. Whether it’s a shingled roof or a metal roof, heat begins building up in the attic space. Moisture also enters the attic space from daily activities such as bathing, cooking, laundry, etc. Unless this heat and moisture is removed, damage can occur in the form of mold, mildew, and dry rot.
When the attic space overheats, the shingled roof will heat on the underside of the shingles. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on your shingles and you risk wea ring them out before the end of the warranty period. Shingle manufacturers are aware of this and require ventilation for a correctly installed roof to be covered under their warranty. This information can be found on the shingle package wrapper. Most shingle manufactures even offer formulas on their web sites, which will assist you in determining just how much attic ventilation is required.
Without adequate attic ventilation, the manufacturer may consider it an incorrect installation. What does this mean?
For example, imagine that you paid $4000.00 for the installation of a 25-year shingle. However, after 10 years it appears as though the corners are curled, and it’s leaking. You contact the shingle manufacturer and complain of shingle failure. They examine the shingles under a microscope and determine that the excessive wear was from overheating caused by lack of adequate ventilation. Unfortunately, the warranty only covers correctly installed shingles and yours were not. This results in another $4000.00 for a new roof, or your INDIRECT expense for inadequate attic ventilation.
Here’s a quick check for attic overheating? Climb up a ladder, about 4-5 feet. Be careful! Is the room warmer the further up you go? This is not a good sign. This could mean that the air conditioner is working overtime to cool the inside of your home because the overheating in the attic space causes warming of your ceilings. Particularly when you KNOW that you have adequate attic insulation. That means more electricity usage than necessary, which results in higher electric bills. Thus, another INDIRECT expense!
An attic fan uses about 350-400 watts of power. These fans have the thermostats that are set to start the fan when a certain temperature is reached, usually around 85 to 90 degrees. They will then run as long as it takes to get the temperature back down. It costs $10.00 a month or more just to run the attic fan. The DIRECT expense comes in winter when the temperature outside remains low an d the thermostat doesn’t cause the fan to run. As a result, the moisture remains in the attic with no place to go.
A correctly installed solar attic fan runs from sun-up to sundown, summer or winter at no cost for operation. With air in the attic space constantly being circulated during the day, attic space temperatures remain lower. That means a cooler attic, less work for your air conditioner, and your shingles don’t deteriorate before their life expectancy. Moisture escapes and the risk of damage greatly decreases. Thus preserving the integrity of one of your greatest investments – your home. Ultimately this results in lower electric bills and money savings for the homeowner.
The cost of a solar attic fan will vary depending on the manufacturer, the roofer, and the area of the country. Usually under $600.00 including installation is a reasonable rate. Quality and correct installation are paramount. The solar fan with installation will generally cost less than the price of an electric fa n. Properly installed the solar fan produces no risk of shorting out and causing fires.
As you can see, the benefits of solar attic ventilation far outweigh the risks. Consider letting the sun cool your hot attic space and save you money!
Planning a home improvement? Lem Burnet has been in the home improvement business for over 30 years. http://www.bhomeexteriors.com
Uses Of Solar Power
Solar power doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition for the homeowner, emptying your pocketbook and putting you into debt. There are products on the market that can give you immediate rewards in the form of decreased electric bills. The two products that first come to mind are the solar attic fans and tubular skylights. This article concentrates on the benefits and cost savings of solar attic fans.
Solar attic fans save the homeowner money directly and indirectly. The roof receives direct, intense rays from the sun. Whether it’s a shingled roof or a metal roof, heat begins building up in the attic space. Moisture also enters the attic space from daily activities such as bathing, cooking, laundry, etc. Unless this heat and moisture is removed, damage can occur in the form of mold, mildew, and dry rot.
When the attic space overheats, the shingled roof will heat on the underside of the shingles. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on your shingles and you risk wea ring them out before the end of the warranty period. Shingle manufacturers are aware of this and require ventilation for a correctly installed roof to be covered under their warranty. This information can be found on the shingle package wrapper. Most shingle manufactures even offer formulas on their web sites, which will assist you in determining just how much attic ventilation is required.
Without adequate attic ventilation, the manufacturer may consider it an incorrect installation. What does this mean?
For example, imagine that you paid $4000.00 for the installation of a 25-year shingle. However, after 10 years it appears as though the corners are curled, and it’s leaking. You contact the shingle manufacturer and complain of shingle failure. They examine the shingles under a microscope and determine that the excessive wear was from overheating caused by lack of adequate ventilation. Unfortunately, the warranty only covers correctly installed shingles and yours were not. This results in another $4000.00 for a new roof, or your INDIRECT expense for inadequate attic ventilation.
Here’s a quick check for attic overheating? Climb up a ladder, about 4-5 feet. Be careful! Is the room warmer the further up you go? This is not a good sign. This could mean that the air conditioner is working overtime to cool the inside of your home because the overheating in the attic space causes warming of your ceilings. Particularly when you KNOW that you have adequate attic insulation. That means more electricity usage than necessary, which results in higher electric bills. Thus, another INDIRECT expense!
An attic fan uses about 350-400 watts of power. These fans have the thermostats that are set to start the fan when a certain temperature is reached, usually around 85 to 90 degrees. They will then run as long as it takes to get the temperature back down. It costs $10.00 a month or more just to run the attic fan. The DIRECT expense comes in winter when the temperature outside remains low an d the thermostat doesn’t cause the fan to run. As a result, the moisture remains in the attic with no place to go.
A correctly installed solar attic fan runs from sun-up to sundown, summer or winter at no cost for operation. With air in the attic space constantly being circulated during the day, attic space temperatures remain lower. That means a cooler attic, less work for your air conditioner, and your shingles don’t deteriorate before their life expectancy. Moisture escapes and the risk of damage greatly decreases. Thus preserving the integrity of one of your greatest investments – your home. Ultimately this results in lower electric bills and money savings for the homeowner.
The cost of a solar attic fan will vary depending on the manufacturer, the roofer, and the area of the country. Usually under $600.00 including installation is a reasonable rate. Quality and correct installation are paramount. The solar fan with installation will generally cost less than the price of an electric fa n. Properly installed the solar fan produces no risk of shorting out and causing fires.
As you can see, the benefits of solar attic ventilation far outweigh the risks. Consider letting the sun cool your hot attic space and save you money!
Planning a home improvement? Lem Burnet has been in the home improvement business for over 30 years. http://www.bhomeexteriors.com
Uses Of Solar Power
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)