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How improving your window and door insulation will lower your energy bills

How improving your window and door insulation will lower your energy bills

Have you ever found your energy bill was much higher than you expected? Or that it is significantly increasing with each bill? There are many reasons why your energy bill fluctuates, and of course the more you use your heating or cooling systems, the higher your bill. However, if your bills are higher than normal, it is very likely your air conditioning unit is working overtime. The common culprit? Poor insulation and air leaks throughout the home. Learn how proper insulation and sealing air leaks can keep your home more comfortable all year round. 

Air Sealing

Most homes experience some form of air leakage, which is where outside air enters your home and conditioned air exits your home. These air leaks cause your heating and cooling system to work much harder in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, which in turn spikes your energy bill. Reducing or eliminating air leaks means your home will maintain a consistent temperature, saving you money in the process. Air typically leaks through:

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  • Unsealed or poorly sealed doors and windows

  • Poorly designed airlocks

  • Unsealed vents, skylights and exhaust fans

  • Gaps in or around ceiling insulation and around ceiling penetrations

  • Gaps around wall penetrations (pipes, conduits, power outlets, switches, air conditioners and heaters)

  • Gaps between envelope element junctions (e.g. floor−wall or wall−ceiling)

  • Poorly fitted or shrunken floorboards

When it comes to poorly sealed windows, oftentimes replacing the window is your best and most cost-effective option. At Greenawalt Roofing, we can review all the options and styles to help you make the best choice for your home. We recommend and install MI windows and doors which are manufactured in the United States and backed by a Limited Lifetime Customer Assurance Warranty.

How to fix air leaks 

Caulking and weather-stripping are two of the more common ways to fix air leaks. Weather-stripping is the process of sealing the openings around doors and windows to prevent air from entering and escaping. This includes any material that helps block air flow such as foam, vinyl, felt and tape. Caulk is a multipurpose material that seals air leaks created by gaps, cracks and joints. It is ideal for sealing cracks less than 1-quarter-inch wide. Or, if air leakage is primarily coming from your window, it might be time to get them replaced.

Insulation

Insulation stops the transfer of heat; in winter it stops cold air from outside penetrating inside, and vice versa during summer. Properly installed and efficient insulation is the staple of an energy efficient home.

Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today for a FREE estimate on getting your windows replaced!

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Home Maintenance During The Fall

Home Maintenance During The Fall

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The cold months are just around the corner. Before they arrive, you want to ensure that you have made the necessary preparations for the winter that will protect your home from unwanted damage. Fall home maintenance can also go a long way to keep you and your family warm when the cold temperatures arrive. Here are some fall preventative home maintenance measures that you should put in effect to gear up for the cold weather.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts can accumulate leaves and debris, and if not removed, can lead to wood rot issues, pest infestations and ultimately damaged gutters. You also want water to drain freely and not flow behind the gutters, and also ensure that support brackets are securely in place. Pooling can have a damaging effect on your foundations.

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Check Windows and Doors

Make the rounds and remove summer screens, and install cool weather storm windows and doors. Do a thorough check of windows to uncover any damage that needs repair. Seal windows and doors with stripping or caulking to prevent drafts that could cause heating bills to soar.

Inspect Heating Systems

Don’t wait for winter to arrive to discover that there is an issue with your heating system.

Hire a heating professional to perform an inspection of your heating system to ensure optimal performance at a time when you need it the most. You’ll be made aware of any problems that need to be addressed before they balloon into expensive repairs.

Prepare Your Plumbing

Protect both indoor and outdoor pipes by insulating them, which can prevent heat from escaping and stress on your plumbing system. This will also prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which could do significant damage. Detect and stop leaks, and check your water heater and drain it of any sediments. You want your plumbing in tip-top shape before the cold brings freezing temperatures.

Greenawalt Roofing Company can help you identify potential problems and fix them before they become costly. We have the expertise needed to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. Call today for your FREE estimate, 717-898-6000.

Fall in love with your home's exterior

Fall in love with your home's exterior

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Fall is one of the best times of the year for decorating the home. From pumpkins and corn husks to friendly scarecrows and rich colored mums, fall is all about dressing up your home’s exterior. If you are looking to make some new exterior changes, here are some quick tips to improve your overall curb appeal. The outside of your home is the first thing others see and there are plenty of simple changes you can make to fall in love with your exterior.

Liven your Landscaping: It is important to go above and beyond when landscaping your home. A planned landscape can make your home go from dud to stud at a relatively low cost. Putting down new sod can make your exterior shine. Also, using planters and flower beds can add much needed colors and interest to your house. Landscaping can make or break a home's curb appeal.

Add interest with Accents: Update the details! New house numbers, a fresh mail box, and luxurious light fixtures can be simple updates that give your house a fresh face. It can also create charm and differentiate your house from the rest of the neighborhood.

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Wow with Windows: Making sure your windows are up to par is essential in having an exquisite exterior. While replacing older windows can be costly, it is an investment worth looking into. Updated windows and matching window treatments will give your exterior the finishing touches.

Perk up with Paint: One of the simplest ways to change the persona of your house is with a fresh coat of paint. If your home has fiber cement siding, changing the color will be a breeze and will remain looking beautiful for years to come! Be sure to find a color that pairs nicely with the other building materials used on your home. Also, stay on trend with the colors and tones throughout your neighborhood. It is important that your home does not look drastically different from the surrounding houses.

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Stand out with Siding: A fix that is guaranteed to give an entire new look to your house is replacing the siding. It is an update that will not only make your home beautiful, but also add value for resale. At Greenawalt Roofing, we recommend and install CertainTeed siding products. The company offers vertical siding, horizontal siding, shake and shingle siding for the look of shake without the maintenance and even insulated siding with the look of natural wood that can help reduce your heating and cooling bills.

These are just a few tips to help you fall in love with your exterior, but there are always more updates to make.

Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today for a Free Estimate!

717.898.6000 | 610.779.3111

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4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows and Doors

4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows and Doors

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While windows and doors tend to last for a couple of decades, eventually you will need to replace them to ensure that your home continues to operate efficiently.  However, if your windows or doors appear to be in working condition, you may be wondering why you would need to replace them. Take a look at 4 signs you may need to replace either your windows, doors or both:

DRAFTS

The most obvious sign that you need to replace your windows and/or doors are when you begin to feel drafts around them.  While drafts can potentially be fixed by installing weatherstripping, sometimes that won’t fix the issue.  Drafty windows and doors can significantly increase your heating and AC bills, so it is important to address drafts when you find them.  Oftentimes, replacing your windows and doors is the easiest way to fix the issue, and the cost of installation will at least partially offset by the savings on your bills.

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WATER DAMAGE

Another issue your windows and doors may have that won’t be as obvious as a draft is water damage.  If your window seals aren’t working properly, you could end up having some moisture seep into your window frames which can cause your frames to rot.  Additionally, if your window frames begin to rot, it could also end up seeping into the frame of your home where it could cause significant damage and lead to expensive repairs.  If you notice even a small amount of rot damage around your windows, be sure to have it assessed by a exterior remodeling professional like Greenawalt Roofing Company.

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NOISE

If you find that you are hearing a lot of outside noise even when your windows and doors are closed, you should consider replacing them.  Older windows tend to have thin panes of glass, or even a single pane rather than double, which can lead to noise from the street.  If you find yourself unable to sleep at night from the noise of traffic driving by your home, replacing your windows could make a big difference.

DAMAGED

While this issue isn’t as pressing as the previous ones, if you notice that your windows or doors have some chipped paint or edges, you should also consider replacing them, especially if you plan on selling the home in the near future. Windows and Doors add a significant amount of curb appeal to your home, and having damaged windows and doors could be hurting your homes value. 

Have more questions about whether you need to replace your windows and doors? Reach out to our team at Greenawalt Roofing Company, 717-898-6000.  We look forward to hearing from you!

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