Many homeowners take advantage of warmer summer weather to tackle home improvement projects, ranging from interior and exterior painting to room additions, and upgrading exterior windows and doors. It can be difficult to discern which project to undertake first. Interior-design projects spark excitement, while home-exterior projects may seem daunting and perhaps become shelved for another season.
When weighing which home improvement projects to undertake this summer, place emphasis on projects that promote energy efficiency, enhance the beauty of your home and protect or improve your home as an investment. Selecting the right home improvement contractor can help you determine which projects match these criteria.
1. From top to bottom
The roof of your home is a valuable asset that protects your investment. Therefore, roofing care should take precedence for home improvement projects, and it ranks at the top for boosting home efficiency and enhancing the exterior beauty of your home.
A comprehensive roof and attic inspection by a certified roofing contractor presents an opportunity for preventive care and maintenance, and to make sure your attic is well insulated, sealed and ventilated to promote a healthy roof, maximum home comfort and greater energy savings. These are some of the inspection points your contractor performs:
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Specialized equipment is used to detect air leakage between the attic’s insulation barrier and the living spaces. Air leaks are sealed with caulk, foam spray and weather stripping.
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Insulation is inspected for quantity and quality. For homes in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, insulation should be between R38 and R60 (“R” stands for R-value of the insulation, its resistance to heat transfer).
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Efficient attic ventilation helps reduce excessive moisture which damages timber and produces a sustainable environment for mold and mildew. A properly ventilated attic prevents ice dams by equalizing attic and roof temperatures, which reduces snow and ice melt and subsequent re-freezing.
2. Exterior walls
Home exteriors are manufactured from many different materials and installed in an array of styles, and with perhaps two or more different materials. No matter which materials your home’s exterior is made from, it needs regular care and attention to prevent premature deterioration and damage caused by water, UV rays, insects, woodpeckers, mold and mildew and more. Make sure you select a home improvement contractor which specializes in protecting, installing and treating the materials of your exterior walls.
3. Plant a garden in your window
Window replacement or repair is another beneficial home improvement project for boosting energy savings while beautifying your home. Garden windows are fun projects for the family, and you’ll brighten up a room with sunshine and aroma.
4. Patio doors: connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces
Patio doors contain elements of both interior and exterior design, providing an important connection from the indoor living spaces to the outdoor living spaces as an extension of the home. Patio door replacements are available in practically any design imaginable, and manufactured of weather-resistant fiberglass or classic wood. The right home improvement contractor can help you decide which material to choose to transform outdoor spaces into extensions of the living spaces.
5. Gutters and rainwater collection systems
The gutter system may not sound like a glamorous home improvement project, but gutters serve a vital role for maintaining the integrity of your home’s foundation, roof, attic and crawl space or basement. Thousands of gallons of water are channeled away by the gutter system each year, and so your gutters should be well maintained. Moreover, spruce up your gutter system with a rainwater collection system, and you’ll help conserve a precious natural resource. Copper rain chains or other decorative ideas add charm and personality to your project, too.
Image Credit: Sean Wallis
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