Stringent new building codes require improved efficiency of building envelopes through better insulation. While more expensive insulation methods, like spray foam, may have greater R-values, it is possible to meet the required high R-values using less expensive fibreglass or cellulose insulation with a raised heel truss.
Giving your roof a once-over in the fall is a great way to ensure you make it through the winter without damage or the need for repairs.
For many homeowners, winter warming costs are the biggest utility expense. When a home is functioning optimally, you can drastically reduce your winter heating costs and mitigate the damaging effects of ice and snow.
Taking steps to properly maintain your home during the winter months will mean saving money on things like burst pipes and damaged roofs. Regular winter maintenance will also mean a more comfortable home and lower heating bills.
Call-backs for roofing problems don’t come cheap. From mystery noises to leaks, these troublesome tasks can really eat into your already slim profit margins. Here are some regular culprits that can be avoided with just a little more attention to detail during the installation phase.
If you want your housing envelope to perform at its peak, proper attic ventilation is key. This is because the regulation of the temperature, pressure and moisture in the attic to more closely resemble a conditioned space will reduce thermal loss and moisture vapor migration. Effective attic ventilation practices also ensure the durability of your roofing components and eliminate the possibility of damage by mold and mildew.
Raised-heel trusses provide a cost-effective way to meet more stringent energy efficiency codes. It’s not surprising that four out of five modern homes are built with pre-fabricated trusses as they offer a lot of advantages; a more uniform pitch and size, increased spans mean fewer internal load-bearing walls and they can be installed quickly, with less labor.
Ventilating your attic is key to reducing moisture and avoiding mold. Attic ventilation is a critical factor to ensure that moisture and hot summer air issues are addressed correctly. This will help to preserve the structural integrity of your roof system, reduce energy costs in the warm summer months, improve the effectiveness of your insulation in the winter months and prevent the formation of ice dams.
Raised heel trusses provide additional attic space which allows you to add cheaper batt insulation. This means you increase the efficacy of your building envelope. Throw in some taller wall panels like Windstorm or TallWall and you have a recipe for building envelope brilliance.
The 2015 blizzards have had a calamitous effect on housing over the winter, causing damage and destruction to many roofs. After several feet of snow, buildings across the country began to buckle under the added weight, prompting officials to encourage home owners to clear their roofs of snow. The record-breaking snow, ice and freezing temperatures wreaked havoc on homes with older roofs causing collapses and sagging.
