The term “thermal envelope” or a home envelope refers to the structural borders of your home and how they interact or support a trifecta of additional home systems - air sealing, insulation, and ventilation. These parts protect the temperature-controlled interior of the home. The goal is to keep warm air indoors during the winter and […]
Insulation is essential to whole-home comfort, and that’s typically linked to temperature regulation and energy efficiency. However, insulation also plays a role in reducing sound pollutants. That’s important here in the Bay Area, where houses and apartments are vulnerable to busy street noise and the ambient noise created by neighbors and their dogs. Upgrade Your […]
Adequate home insulation is essential to protecting the environment and reducing your home’s carbon footprint. According to the EPA, “The average household in a single-family home spends about 53 percent of its energy-related expenditures on heating and cooling.” The lion’s share of that energy comes from petroleum and coal. The more you do to reduce […]
One of the things we love most about our job as attic solutions and insulation professionals is our role as educators. From household to household and business to business, we spend our days sharing information about home energy efficiency and the essential players in the whole-home energy equation: insulation, ventilation, and air sealing. Whole-Home Ventilation […]
Both batt insulation and blown-in cellulose or foam have DIY attic insulation potential. However, after decades of working as attic insulation professionals, we’ve observed that very few homeowners know how to do it right. Unless you’re a licensed contractor, it’s best to skip DIY insulation jobs and let the professionals handle it. There are several […]
Any attic air leaks pose a threat to the whole home's comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality. Leaks are a major source of heat loss and heat gain in any home. And, if you live in the Bay Area, the combination of a leaky home or attic and inadequate venting and filtration affects indoor air […]
That last Bay Area heat wave signaled the final hurrah for summer. Now, the notable arrival of fall means it’s time to inspect the attic and determine whether or not your home is under insulated. Even without a professional attic inspection, seven signs indicate a building’s insulation requires attention. 7 Red Flags Indicating Your Home […]
Even the smallest mice or rats can cause a tremendous amount of noise as they scurry about at night. But, more importantly, rodent-proofing your attic prevents critters from damaging insulation, HVAC ductwork, and any exposure. Equally important, eliminating existing rodents and professional-quality rodent prevention reduces the toxic fumes and irritants caused by their fur, dander, […]
Routine attic maintenance is an essential part of whole-home comfort and energy efficiency. Knowing more about your home’s attic anatomy and what each part does, helps homeowners make better decisions when it comes to attic and roof maintenance, repairs, or replacement. Attic Anatomy 101 Here is a list of the average home attic's general parts […]
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 […]