Energy Master

Are Metal roofs a good idea?

July 7, 2022
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Not a day goes by that I don’t see an ad for a metal roof and a common question I get is, “are metal roofs a good idea”? The straight answer is, “it depends”. But before rushing out to buy a metal roof you should go into it with the knowledge of whether it makes…

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Why Black is a Horrible Color for a Roof

March 7, 2022
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Black roofs put fashion over function and are a horrible choice for energy. There are ethical reasons to choose a lighter color as well. Ask yourself these important questions before making a horrible decision: These are all important questions and it’s also important to go into a situation like this knowing why most contractors are…

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House wrap should protect against Moisture

February 23, 2022
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There are many house wrap products available and even why you would need house wrap.  Moisture management, air barriers and wind reduction are some of the key benefits of a good house wrap.  If you understand the benefits, you would never want to install siding without it. Some builders and remodelers will skip house wrap…

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5 Reasons your Windows have Condensation

January 17, 2022
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When the weather turns cold, many homeowners experience condensation on their windows and in some cases, on their walls. Ventilation This is an issue of ventilation and/or insulation.  However, insulating without a solid understanding of the building sciences could make things worse or even contributing toward mold growth. The last thing you want to do…

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Algae Resistant Shingles

September 14, 2021
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There’s much talk about algae resistant shingles.  Some manufacturers make big claims that their shingles are better than others because theirs offer better resistance than others. Buyer beware.  First, algae will naturally cause streaking on all shingles.  The question is whether you can see it or not.  Darker colored shingles will naturally hide more algae.…

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Flat Roofing 101

September 9, 2021
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There are several types of flat roofing available.  In this article we’ll explore the major options and their pros and cons. EPDM Also known as rubber roofing, this black membrane style roof comes in 45 mil or 60 mil thicknesses.  It comes in 10 foot wide sections or 20 foot wide.  Due to it’s weight…

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How to Find a Contractor

August 28, 2021
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Finding a contractor you can trust can be a daunting task.  There was a time when homeowners would call the Better Business Bureau.  The internet changed that.  Now there seems to be more options than ever, but how do you really know what’s real? There are many sites that claim they’ll send you the best…

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Venting Glass Block

August 17, 2021
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Venting Glass Block is a not a good idea.  As a masonry product, it’s not really made to have a plastic vent inserted into it.  Some of the glass block windows you may have seen that are close to 100 years old do not have them in them and if you really think about it,…

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How to know when your Shingles go bad

August 17, 2021
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If you’re not sure if you need a new roof, this may be the most important article you will read.  To understand the wear patterns of a shingle you need to understand the 3 primary components of a shingle. If you look at your shingles closely and see something that looks like tiny white threads,…

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Roofing Tips for Homeowners to Prepare for your Install

July 28, 2021
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If you’re soon getting a new roof, you need to prepare for your install.  These top 10 roofing tips for homeowners can make your experience as smooth as possible and set reasonable expectations for what can and cannot be done.  The more you plan and prepare, the more likely you will be to have a great…

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