2022 REAL ESTATE EDITION
WEATHER READY AT HOME In addition to preparing for disasters by stockpiling food and water, homeowners can prepare themselves and their homes for severe weather events through home maintenance and repairs.
ASK A GUTTER SPECIALIST
Justin Riddle, owner of Best Course Gutters, o ers some information about gutters and how to make them last.
biggest one that I see. As far as getting gutters, there is a lot of di erence between companies. Who installs them really makes a di erence in how the gutters end up working. You can have gutters on the house, and they look good from the ground, but unless they are sloped right, they are not doing their job. WHAT SHOULD A HOMEOWNER LOOK OUT FOR WHEN REPLACING THEIR GUTTERS? Just like anything, I would recommend getting multiple quotes. Be skeptical of the high price and be skeptical of the low price. I cross paths with a lot of people getting what they pay for. They either go with the cheap guy and get something that is not doing them any good or going with the expensive guy and getting ripped o . Justin Riddle Owner Best Course Gutters Based in San Marcos; Servicing from North Austin to New Braunfels 512-470-5291 Facebook: Best Course
WHY ARE RAIN GUTTERS IMPORTANT?
Renovations: while updating appliances, ooring, walls and windows
Construction: during
Now: immediately and are renter-friendly
Measures that can be taken:
the design phase of a new home or addition
It depends on the home. The most obvious reasons are to protect the landscaping around the house and diverting the drainage to areas where the water can drain away from the house as well as protecting the siding and windows. It is unique to every house. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO UPKEEP GUTTERS? If you have trees, you need to be up there taking a look whenever the leaves are falling, especially in the spring. You might as well not have the gutters if they are full of leaves. It almost creates more problems if the gutters are full of leaves. None of the leaf protection is perfect; none of it is maintenance-free. A lot of companies will sell that, but a lot of it is junk. There is no way around it. If you have trees around the house, you need to be doing a little bit of maintenance every year on the gutters. WHAT ARE COMMON MISTAKES HOMEOWNERS MAKE REGARDING THEIR GUTTERS? Not cleaning them is probably the
Walls & oors
Windows & doors
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Roofs
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Insulating pipes with foam sleeves can protect them from extreme temperatures.
Overhanging roofs can shade windows from the sun while still allowing indirect light in.
Weather stripping can protect doors and windows from rain and external moisture.
sunny sides of buildings. Native trees are best adapted to the home’s climate.
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Using mold- resistant insulation can improve air quality, especially in homes that are humid or prone to ooding.
Solar panel installation can be paired with a smart inverter
Thermal curtains can protect against both extreme heat and cold while conserving energy.
for optimal energy use.
SOURCES: HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER, TEXAS STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
EMPHASIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a professional assessment of a home’s energy e ciency, it is also possible for homeowners to perform one on their own. Here is a list of areas to check when assessing a home’s energy usage.
AIR LEAKS Air leaks can save up to 20% on energy per year if addressed. In
INSULATION Depending on building ages, insulation may not be up to standard. Checking attics, walls near outlets and basements can ensure heat losses are kept to a minimum. Wall insulation may require a thermographic evaluation. APPLIANCES Energy use for appliances can be estimated using the energy guide label on the appliance itself or by using an electricity usage monitor. Unplugging appliances in between uses can keep them from drawing unused electricity.
LIGHTING When replacing bulbs, residents can consider LEDS as well as energy-saving incandescent bulbs. Electric utilities may o er rebates for purchasing energy-e cient lamps. HEATING AND COOLING The U.S. Department of Energy recommends upgrading systems older than 15 years. Checking ductwork for dirt streaks can reveal air leaks, which can be sealed.
addition to leaking windows and doors, check for leaks on baseboards or where di erent building materials meet. Leaks can be sealed or plugged with caulk or weather stripping.
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2022
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