Whole-home energy efficiency and indoor comfort rely on the cooperation of three major systems: roof, attic, and ventilation. Air sealing is also an essential part of that equation. While many homeowners know the importance of a well-maintained roof and updated insulation, less pay attention to whether or not their home is well insulated. Importance Of […]
If your home is 10+ years old, there is a good chance your attic is under insulated. If your home is 20 years old or older, and you haven’t had it updated or replaced. Insulation is designed to be durable, but a home is only adequately insulated when it meets a few criteria: It meets […]
Bay Area attics are usually afterthoughts for homeowners, but this is a mistake. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the majority of a home’s heat loss and gain occurs through the attic, and inadequate attic insulation can increase utility spending by 20% or more each year. When we inspect your attic, we’ll look for […]
Many Bay Area homes have spacious attics, setting the ideal stage for converting an attic into a room. However, before you get started, there are several things you need to verify to ensure the attic conversion is safe, energy-efficient, and done to current building codes. Pros & Cons To Converting An Attic Converting an attic […]
Attic stairs come in several different forms, including pulldown ladders or full stairs with handrails. There are several things homeowners should consider when selecting the best attic ladder or staircase for their home. Attic Stairs & Ladders: Things To Know Most attic stairs are pulldown affairs, tucking neatly into the ceiling above. They are made […]
Attics can pose a safety hazard, especially if your attic is unfinished, insulation is outdated or damaged, or mold, toxins, or other contaminants pose a problem. Therefore, attic safety is the priority whenever you’re inspecting or working in an attic. When in doubt, always contact a licensed attic and insulation contractor to protect the safety […]
When was the last time you had your HVAC systems air ducts inspected or cleaned? If you’re like most homeowners, the answer is, “never.” While loft spaces and some contemporary home designs leave ducts exposed, most homeowners live in buildings with ducts that are craftily hidden in attics, soffits, and crawl spaces. As a result, […]
Your attic is a key player when it comes to whole-home comfort and energy efficiency. The combination of your roof system, adequate attic design and insulation, and ventilation work together to keep conditioned air inside and regulate temperatures, so they don’t vary much from your preferred thermostat settings. Our last post discussed the importance of […]
Our proximity to the ocean and cooler climates means Bay Area homes are vulnerable to moisture control issues. Poorly controlled moisture and indoor humidity levels lead to problems, ranging from condensation on the windows to structural rot and mold infestations. Vapor barriers work in tandem with insulation and ventilation systems to keep interior moisture levels […]
When’s the last time you took a good, detailed lookup in your attic? If you’re like most people, the attic is a major afterthought, and that can lead to dangerous outcomes. Is Your Attic A Danger Zone? Here are five of the ways your attic can become a danger zone. By inspecting your attic at […]
While some flat-roofed homes don’t have attics, most homes built in the United States have some type of attic space. What you do with that space (or not) makes a difference in energy efficiency, whole-home comfort, and usable square footage. 3 Main Reasons Your Home Has An Attic There are three main reasons most homes […]
What’s hanging out in your attic lately? Nothing? Then let’s look at ways you can take that attic waste of space and make it a more energy-efficient and usable part of your home’s square footage. Ideas For Re-Imagining Your Homes Waste Of Space Here are some of our favorite ways our clients repurpose their attics […]
Just as hats help to insulate your head and regulate body temperature, a home’s attic plays a crucial role in both whole-home energy efficiency, comfort, and healthy air quality. Unfortunately, old or outdated attics contribute to homes that struggle to keep up with thermostat demands, pest issues, polluted air in the air ducts, and moisture control. […]
The attic is a common storage area. All too often, however, when hired to clean out, reinsulate or sanitize an attic space, we see all kinds of stored items that should never have been there. If your attic serves as a personal storage unit, it’s essential that you learn which items should never be stored in the […]
Is your attic more of an afterthought than a focus of your daily life? We get it. However, today we are asking you to shine the spotlight in your attic and see if it has these seven essential features. These attic updates and upgrades will benefit you this summer - and beyond. Attic Improvements For […]
It’s not uncommon for Bay Area attics to be chock-full of stuff, ranging from generations of furniture and trunks to the odd assortment of boxes and seasonal decorations. While this is understandable, you should only use your attic for storage under certain conditions. 5 Must-Haves Before Using The Attic For Storage Here are five things that […]
Have you been experiencing colder winters lately? Is your house an older structure with an attic? If it is, you need to look into adding proper insulation to your home. The energy efficiency of a house can cut down on costs bigtime. An example is how water heating uses around 90% of the energy it […]
Which household pests are notorious for torturing home dwellers? Click here to find out the top 10 household pests that are known for wreaking havoc! 1. Rats and Mice Are Some of the Worst Household Pests Having an infestation of rats or mice in your home can be some of the most damaging pests in […]
Harmful mold and mildew growth is not only a structural rot issue, it is also an issue for healthy indoor quality. According to the Poison Control Center: ...experts [have] found that being in damp indoor spaces seemed related to respiratory illnesses: nose and throat [upper respiratory] symptoms, cough, wheeze, and asthma symptoms. They also found […]
Fall and winter are the times when your home will need to work overtime. This means that it's about time to check on your attic insulation and make sure it's up to par. After all, a poor insulation leads to energy loss, which then leads to higher bills. The insulation in your attic will degrade […]