3 Exterior Improvements That Focus On Energy-Efficiency
As a homeowner, you make a lot of choices from the small decisions like what color of paint you want to the big ones like choosing products for exterior improvements. When making decisions about home improvements or renovation, your thoughts usually turn aesthetics, function, and energy-efficiency.
With home improvements, you have the opportunity to increase the energy-efficiency of your home. The climate you live in will play a big role in the energy-efficiency of your home but so will the age of the house and the quality of the original construction. If you are looking for exterior improvements that focus on energy-efficiency, here are a few products you'll want to look into.
Insulated Vinyl Siding - Ultra-Premium
We install Gentek Insulated vinyl Siding on homes in Ottawa all the time. A good quality siding is one home improvement that will help shield your home from energy loss. Plus, you always increase your home's value when you choose a premium insulated siding.
Insulated Glass Windows & Doors
Low-E glass windows and doors will do a world of wonders for your home's energy-efficiency. Glass is a very poor insulator and this is where most of your heat loss is occurring. By replacing old windows and doors with low-e glass, you can save significantly on your heating bills.
Make sure you choose a quality replacement window manufacturer because you want quality frames as well. The Gentek windows we install with BarrierXP insulating glass are more than 50% more energy-efficient than clear glass units.
Metal Roofing or Active Solar
While heat-reflective roofing is great for warm climates, it's not the right choice for cold climates. We need every bit of heat from the sun we can get and we don't need a roof that builds ice dams. In addition to good attic insulation, consider installing a metal roof.
Metal roofing sheds ice and snow easier and if properly installed, will not leak. Active solar roofing can take advantage of the sunlight to help you cut down on your heating bill. Ask your exterior improvement contractor about both.
In addition to energy-efficient exterior improvements, you can ask your remodeling company about radiant floor heating. This is a great option for cold climates like ours in Ottawa.
