Whether you are building a new home or updating or remodeling your current home, you want it to be comfortable and energy efficient. The good news is that comfort and energy efficiency go hand in hand. Make your home more energy efficient, and enjoy the savings in comfort!

Fortunately, making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. To learn the facts about how you can update your home to operate more efficiently, take a few tips from your favorite Southern Wisconsin and Illinois home contractor.

YOUR ROOFING SYSTEM

Your home consists of several interconnected systems. The energy efficiency of some of these systems is contingent upon the efficiency of the next. Your roof is a good example. If your home’s envelope isn’t well sealed, you may have heat gain and loss between the attic and conditioned spaces. During the summer you may have hot spots inside that are difficult to keep cool. During the winter, you may see ice dams on the eaves of your roof.

The following is how to construct and update your roofing system for better energy efficiency and performance:

  • Roof: For a roof replacement or construction, go with energy efficient materials that won’t absorb heat so much it overheats your attic. Architectural shingles and metal roofs are good choices, as today’s manufacturing techniques help them reflect UV rays. They also offer great warranties, and look for a contractor that offers a craftsmanship warranty like our 5-year offering.
  • Ventilation: All unconditioned attics need good ventilation. Make sure that the soffit vents aren’t obstructed with insulation. Many homeowners are choosing solar ventilation fans that save energy and maintain stable temperatures in the attic.
  • Insulation: No matter the type of insulation you choose to install, make sure it reaches the recommended levels of R-60 by the U.S. Department of Energy. Just look at it like it’s insurance: you can never have too much!
  • Air sealing: Preventing air leakage between your attic and conditioned spaces goes a long way to making your home more energy efficient. Use foam weatherstripping for the attic door or hatch. Spray-in foam works great around pipes, flues, lighting, ducts and any protrusions into the attic.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIVING SPACES

The doors, windows and exterior cladding give your home its curb appeal and unique look. But, when you’re talking about energy efficiency, these systems are actually the Achilles heel of your home.

  • Doors: Fiberglass doors are excellent upgrades. They are energy efficient, durable and they may be painted any color you like.
  • Windows: Fiberglass material also works great for windows, and they are much easier to maintain than wood. Vinyl windows work well, too, but they can’t be painted like fiberglass.
  • Siding: At Aurum Contracting, we use insulated siding by Mastic for making homes energy efficient. Mastic is recognized by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ENERGY STAR.

GUTTERS TO FOUNDATION

The gutters are the unsung heroes of the roofing system. Gutters transport thousands of gallons of water a year away from your home’s roofing underlayment, exterior walls and your home’s foundation. Gutters should be free of leaks and corrosion, and repair any sections that are pulling away from the fascia.

Unfinished basements should be insulated beneath the floors or stiff fiber board on the walls. Test your sump pump a few times each season to make sure it’s going to be there for you in case of flooding. Better safe than sorry when it comes to water infiltration.

We at Aurum Contracting want to help make your home comfortable and energy efficient in all the products we offer. When you choose us, we deliver a 5-year craftsmanship guarantee and use the best quality materials from top manufacturers. Give us a call for your next home project (608)312-4343