Posts Tagged ‘insulation’
What Are The Environmental Benefits Of Sash Window Restoration In Period Architecture?
Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 01:11 Written by Nathan Madeley Tuesday, 13 July 2010 01:11
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration make a compelling case. There are a number of reasons why this is a better option than installing brand new windows. Although much of the latest technology for the home is marketed as eco-friendly, often the best choice in relation to the environment is to restore and reuse what you already have.
Windows that conserve heat and energy are in demand. However, you don’t have to buy new windows for energy-saving benefits. Old sash windows may be restored in a way to improve thermal efficiency. Additional glazing is one way to improve insulation and shut out noise from outside. The type of seal which is applied to windows can also affect how thermally efficient they are.
Aiding in ventilation, a sash window helps your home to ‘breathe’. This can improve air quality, contributing to a healthful living space. Furthermore, a sash window helps to keep moisture from accumulating. Moisture can cause costly damage to the interior of your home.
Indeed, a sash window has a unique method of ventilation. If it is very warm outside, you can regulate the internal temperature by opening the window both at the top and bottom. That will allow cooler air to flow through the bottom and warmer air to escape through the top. It is easy to see how a sash window is a more environmentally friendly choice than a fan or air conditioning.
If you opt for a PVC replacement for an old wood sash window, more plastic will have to be produced. Restoring an original sash window is obviously the more environmentally friendly conscious option.
Even though you may decide to replace windows with wood instead of PVC, it still has a negative effect on the environment. A worldwide shortage of many natural resources means that restoring old wooden frames is better than using new wood. As well, old wooden frames are often of a higher quality than new ones which have been produced quickly and cheaply.
Besides natural resources, the environment of your neighborhood should be considered when it comes to your windows. Old sash windows which have been restored are often more attractive than modern types. They also match the period of your house.
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration far outweigh the time and effort required. In addition, restoring sash windows is often more affordable than replacing them. There are numerous companies which can help you with sash window restoration. Look online for qualified professionals in your area. Many do not charge fees for an initial consultation and estimate.
Sash window restoration London location is a wise ecological option if you are dedicated to reusing rather than replacing. Sash windows provide energy savings and add beauty to your residence or business.
Tags: construction, decorators, DIY, double glazing, home, house, insulation, painting, property, sash windows, windows, wood | Posted under Uncategorized | No Comments
Using Spray Foam Insulation To Protect Your Energy-Efficient Investments
Last Updated on Sunday, 11 July 2010 08:16 Written by Jill Worth Sunday, 11 July 2010 08:16
If you were one of thousands of Americans that took advantage of tax credit savings by installing a high-energy efficient furnace or air conditioning unit, you may or may not have thought about protecting that investment. Definitely congratulate yourself for taking a step towards reducing energy use and costs but if your home is poorly or inadequately insulated, your potential long-term savings are greatly minimized.
According to DIY home renovation pioneer Bob Villa’s website, the average homeowner wastes over $3,000 in energy costs due to air leaks every five years. That’s an average of $600 each year in wasted energy. Air leaks can occur in any home – new or old. While it’s probable that many older homes are more poorly insulated than newer homes and may have trouble areas and air leaks simply due to age, any home can leak air.
Air leaks can occur through small holes and cracks, some less than an inch, found in various seals throughout a house. Air can also leak from cracks and crevices around doors, windows, through the roof, and even from floor to floor. Insulation serves the purpose of keeping heated air separate from cool air, which in turn reduces the frequency at which a home’s heating or cooling source operates. Many different forms of insulation exist, ranging from rolled batting to blown cellulose. Any type of insulation is better than having none at all but spray foam insulation is superior for sealing air leaks.
Just one inch of spray foam insulation can seal air leaks. It can be applied to any surface, including ceilings, to maximize coverage. Best of all, it can be applied anywhere, even in cracks and crevices where other forms of insulation simply wouldn’t be effective. These features make spray foam insulation an ideal choice for home insulation, especially in older homes.
The resurgence of Do It Yourself home improvement projects, coupled with the increasing desire to practice a “green” lifestyle, means that homeowners are looking for ways to reduce energy use (an environmentally-friendly practice in its own right) and for products to use that are ecologically friendly. Polyurethane spray foam insulation is not only effective at sealing at air leaks; it doesn’t produce toxic fumes, is carbon offset and performs exceptionally well in most zones.
Spray foam insulation is also pest resistant. It holds zero nutritional value for any pest, so it doesn’t attract them or sustain them – a huge benefit in any home. Additionally, closed cell foam doesn’t hold moisture, making it mold resistant as well. Restricting the growth of mold reduces airborne toxins that can aggravate allergies and asthma.
As a DIY project, installing spray foam insulation is simple for most homeowners. Any homeowner that has used a spray paint gun or similar tool can install spray foam insulation. It can be used in attics, crawlspaces, between floors, and in other nooks and crannies where other types of insulation would be awkward and time consuming to install.
Perhaps of bigger concern than the installation advantages of spray foam is its effectiveness. The approximate R-value of spray foam is 7, meaning that in addition to its other benefits, it is a highly effective insulating product. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation will perform. This rating is similar to the energy efficiency rating of your furnace and translates to mean the higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is. For example, an insulation product with an R-value of 3 is less efficient than a product with an R-value of 5. Similarly, a 95 percent energy-efficient furnace is more effective than an 85 percent energy efficient rating. However, without the most effective insulation, there can still be wasted energy caused by air escaping through leaks. This waste can occur regardless of how efficient your furnace is.
The best way to protect your investment in your home’s new high-energy efficient furnace or air conditioning unit is to make sure your home is adequately insulated with a quality product. The combination of energy-efficient appliances and adequate insulation will ensure the biggest reduction in energy use possible. This means you save as much money as possible and your appliance can perform to the best of its ability.
Spray Foam Direct.com features quick and easy do-it-yourself polyurethane foam insulation which will save you money and energy. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint by offering foam it green solutions and balancing their impact through carbon reproduction projects. Visit online today.
Tags: construction, construction materials, home, home renovation, insulation | Posted under Uncategorized | No Comments