Author Archives: ProCraft Exteriors

Energy efficiency describes the use of less energy to successfully complete a task. Generally speaking, we hear the term used most in regards to our homes and their respective appliances. A home that lacks energy efficiency could have any number of secret energy suckers, including drafty areas, old appliances, damage to siding and the roof, damaged ductwork, and more. There exist many benefits to energy efficient homes, such that it simply doesn’t make sense to avoid the concept in practice.

Energy efficiency has become such a major concern, that there now exist efficiency standards for appliances and construction materials. A federally-backed program, Energy Star, even exists to evaluate and approve appliances, and help consumers and businesses make more energy efficient choices. Here at ProCraft Exteriors, we care a great deal about this concept, and promote energy efficient homes in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO. If you’d like help making the improvements your home needs for increased energy efficiency, give us a call today at (314) 786-3732.

Home Energy and Efficiency

Even if you cannot afford to replace all your appliances, or install an energy efficient roof, you can practice certain lifestyle behaviors that lead to less wasted energy. For example, we’ve all left lights on in rooms after we left them. This seemingly simple mistake can have huge consequences, however, when considered on a national or global scale. Most people pursue a more efficient home strictly for the savings on their electric bill. Efficient upgrades and behavior also benefit the environment, however, as they lessen a home’s emissions and reduce its carbon footprint.

Commercial buildings and homes consume 40 percent of the energy employed in the United States. The average person spends around $2,000 each year through the use of energy in his or her home. Of this number 10 to 20 percent is wastes through outdated HVACs, drafts, old appliances, and other issues. If you take it upon yourself to fix some of these issues, you’ll not only save money, but help the environment and have a more comfortable home.

Energy Efficient Home Benefits

There exist a number of benefits that you can enjoy with an energy efficient home. All of the energy suckers in the average home not only contribute to a lack of comfort, but also to higher bills. If you remain undecided about the pursuit of energy efficient upgrades to your home, consider the following advantages:

• Increased Indoor Comfort: An energy efficient home is warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer.
• Save Money on Bills: Energy efficient homes use less energy, which results in lower bills.
• Healthier Air: Many hidden energy suckers affect air quality, such as dirty air ducts and leaks around windows and doors.
• Fewer Moisture Issues: Inefficient homes have higher humidity, along with condensation on the windows. These moisture issues impact air quality and encourage the growth of mold.
• Higher Property Value: An energy efficient home is much more attractive to potential buyers, and brings higher prices.
• Fewer Emissions: Reduced emissions from your home create less greenhouse gas, and contribute to a healthier planet.

How to Make an Energy Efficient House

To create an energy efficient home, you must get rid of the secret energy suckers, This includes not only elements of your home and appliances, but also some aspects of personal behavior. While some of the below upgrades are expensive, others are not. Some of them represent decisions to make when building a new home, such as whether to install radiant barrier roof decking.

Before you begin any home upgrades, it makes sense to schedule an energy audit. Energy audits can identify secret energy suckers, and highlight areas that need special attention. An energy audit usually includes a walkthrough and inspection, the employment of infrared cameras, and other specialized equipment and techniques to identify the best ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Energy Suckers and Energy Efficient Home Upgrades

There exist many things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. You can pursue all of these, or only a few, and still experience benefits to your finances and personal comfort. Each of the items below, if not upgraded, represents a likely energy sucker. To get rid of energy suckers and improve your home’s energy efficiency, pursue the following.

• Installation of Attic Insulation
• Replacement of Old Doors, Windows, and Skylights
• Installation of a New Thermostat
• Air Duct Repair
• Radiant Barrier Roof Decking
• New, Energy Efficient Air Conditioner and Furnace
• New, Energy Efficient Water Heater
• Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances: Refrigerators, Clothes Washers, and Dryers
• Replace Old Siding with Insulation-Backed Vinyl, Steel, or Aluminum

Energy Efficient Home Tips

Of course, not everyone can afford all or any of the above home upgrades, Nevertheless, you can have a positive impact on your home’s energy efficiency through simply do-it-yourself projects and changes to your behavior. These include:

• Making Use of Your Programmable Thermostat: During the winter, set it lower at night while you sleep and while you’re out of the house. During the summer, set it higher at these times.
• Seal Air Leaks: You can easily identify drafts around windows and doors. Once you find a leak, seal it up with caulk.
• Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: Whenever a bulb burns out, replace it with an energy efficient one.
• Conscious Light Usage: When you leave a room, always turn off the light. During the daytime, open your curtains and make use of natural light as much as possible.

Energy Efficient Homes FAQ

What Is an Energy Efficient House?

Energy efficient homes reduce the unnecessary consumption of energy. This typically occurs through the replacement and repair of energy suckers like old appliances, drafty windows and doors, air ducts, siding, insulation, and more.

How Do You Make an Old House More Energy Efficient?

Old houses typically lose a lot of energy through air leaks around old windows and doors. These air leaks should be sealed, and the windows and doors ideally replaced. Old, damaged siding also loses energy, as does inadequate, old, or damaged insulation. You should also have your ductwork inspected and sealed.

How Can I Reduce My Electric Bill at Home?

There are numerous ways to accomplish this. You could take on large projects such as the replacement of your old siding or roof, or the purchase of Energy Star appliances and new, energy efficient ACs and heaters. Aside from these more pricey endeavors, you can also use energy efficient light bulbs, seal leaks around windows and doors, turn off lights when not in use, lower your thermostat in the winter, and raise it in the summer.

At ProCraft Exteriors, we’re your local partner for energy upgrades and energy efficient homes in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO. If you want new siding or radiant barrier roof decking in Florida, Illlinois, or Missouri, give our team a call at (314) 786-3732.

While our roofs are one of the most important parts of our homes, we can sometimes forget to take care of them. The best way to ensure they are in great shape is by getting roof maintenance. Unfortunately, day to day tasks and other events can make getting roof maintenance a low priority. With a lack of roof maintenance, a lot of things can happen to your roof, but the most common issue that homeowners will find is roof leaks. If you are ever in a situation where you have a leaking roof, it’s important to know how it can be fixed, what you can do in order to prevent further damage, and if you are able to have repairs covered by your insurance.

Who Can Fix My Leaking Roof?

A lot of people always want to know, “Is a roof leak an emergency?” and the answer is yes. While the roof leak itself might not seem very big, it can get bigger and bigger as time goes on. Avoiding getting repairs for your leaking roof can result in mold growth and other moisture problems, an increase in roof repairs, as well as reducing the lifespan of your roof. Not only can it cause these types of issues for your roof, but it can also affect different areas of your roof like your flashing, shingles, and even your plumbing. It’s important that when you have a leaky roof, you call to set up an appointment for repairs. But how do you fix a leaky roof? There are steps that your roofer will take to ensure that the leak is gone and your roof is repaired. There are several places on your roof where a leak can occur and each will be repaired differently.

• Damaged Shingles: Whether your shingles are blistered or broken, your roofer can use sealant or cement to fix damages that aren’t too severe; if the damage is too severe, they will, of course, replace those shingles.
• Flashing: If water is getting into your home through the flashing, then a roofer can add metal flashing to replace the old flashing.
• Gutter: If the gutter is clogged, then it might be a simple fix of just removing the debris. However, if there are holes in the gutters, the gutters might have to be replaced.
• Roof Valley: To get rid of leaks that are occurring in the roof valley, a leak barrier will need to be installed.

Wherever the damage is, your roofers will be sure to find it be inspecting your roofing system. From there they will come up with the best solution.

What Do You Do If Your Ceiling is Leaking?

A leak in roof of house can be fixed by your roofing contractor easily, but how do you fix a leaking roof from the inside? This can happen if the leak is severe enough and will usually form on the ceiling. The first thing to remember is that a roofer can help you, but it’s important to remedy the issue so that there won’t be a lot of water damage in your home. So how do you go about fixing a leak in your ceiling? There are a couple of steps that can help you.

• Cover Belongings: In order to keep your belongings, furniture, and other items safe from water damage, you will need to move them out of the way of the leak. If for some reason the items are too big, use a plastic tarp to protect them from the leak.
• Catch Water: You don’t want the water to spill all over the floor, so putting down buckets where the leaks are is able to catch the water. It’s also a good idea to put towels around the buckets so if water drips out, it doesn’t get on the floor.
• Puncture Bubbles: Many times when there is too much water accumulating in the ceiling it will form a bubble. To get rid of the bubble and release the water, use something sharp to puncture the bubble and have a bucket ready to catch the water.
• Clean Up Water: If there are areas in your home that have puddles of water due to leaks, clean them up. Standing water can cause structural damage, as well as mold.

Is Leaking Roof Covered On Homeowners Insurance?

A leaking roof and water damage can do quite a number on your home. From structural damage like wood rot to other issues, it’s important that you have these things fixed. A lot of people wonder “Can leaking roof cause mold?” and the answer is yes. When water is left to sit for more than 24 hours, mold can start to grow and spread. Not only is this bad for your home, but it is also bad for your health as it can affect your indoor air quality. While it’s important to get a leaking roof fixed, it can be expensive. The good thing is that homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from a leak. However, there is a caveat; if the leak is caused due to lack of maintenance or a pre-existing issue, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it. Your insurance will only cover water damage if it’s caused by a severe storm or something sudden. For example, if a tree falls on your roof and causes roof leaks, then your insurance is most likely going to cover it. If your gutters are clogged and rain collects on the roof causing a roof leak, they will not cover it. This is because the clogged gutters are preventable whereas the falling tree isn’t.

After you have your leaking roof repaired, it’s important that you get water damage restoration in order to restore items, furniture, carpets, and other belongings that have been damaged by water. If you have St. Louis, MO storm damage, call ProCraft Exteriors at (314) 786-3732 for repairs!

While most don’t consider the thought, homes are actually a system of separate systems that work together to provide comfort, protection, and shelter. This means that if one component is compromised, it can cause a chain reaction in others. Systems such as HVAC, roofing, and plumbing depend on one another to effectively perform their job.

How Does Your Roof Affect Other Parts of Your Home?

Your roofing system is the ultimate protector of your home. It also lends to the effectiveness of your HVAC system, plumbing pipes, and even your air quality. Some of the components your roofing system effects include:

HVAC System: The HVAC system in your home depends on properly insulated and protected roof systems to prevent air from escaping. Proper roofing also protects against bad air quality. If your roof has been damaged, an HVAC professional can test your home’s air quality.

Foundation: Your home’s foundation is the support for its structure and durability. A damaged roof or gutter system can lead to flooding near your foundation that can cause sedimentary washing which can lead to foundation cracks.

Plumbing: Your plumbing system depends on the roof ventilation system to provide the airflow needed for proper water flow in your pipes. When your roof’s flashing or seals are damaged, it can often lead to problems with your roof vents and plumbing system.

Structural Integrity: Your home’s structural integrity rests for the most part on a few key beams along with the foundation. If these beams become rotten or water-damaged from a leaky roof, your home’s integrity and safety could come into question.

Walls and Flooring: Water leaks coming through the roof are often hidden until the damage is bad enough to be seen from the inside of your home. These damage signs could present themselves as water running down the walls, peeling paint, or warped floors or baseboards. Ensuring that your roof system is in optimal condition helps to protect against hidden leaks.

Roof Inspection Professionals

If you think your roof may be damaged from a previous storm, animal infestation, or even simple wear and tear, call the ProCraft Exteriors experts to provide a comprehensive roof inspection throughout the Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO area. We walk you through every step and discuss your roof solutions with you to ensure that you get the finished product you expect. When you need a roof inspection or roof repair in the Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO area, call the ProCraft Exteriors team first at (314) 786-3732.

Does your energy bill always seem to skyrocket during the Winter months? It’s a frustrating trend, but one that you can change. There are numerous opportunities to cut down on your electricity, gas, and general heating costs. Some require investment, and others are simpler.

How Do I Reduce Heating Costs in My Home?

Sometimes, all that stands between you and substantial energy savings is a bad habit. Homeowners are guilty of several energy-wasting habits, but the most expensive one might be the “always on” practice. When your family leaves the house for the afternoon, do you leave the heater running? Are there rooms in the house that go unoccupied during the majority of the day? Both of these scenarios provide opportunities to save. Try installing a programmable thermostat, or simply turn off your HVAC system while you’re gone from the house.

Your potential savings could be enormous!

Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Habits can be difficult to change, but dedication creating a more energy-efficient home takes just as much willpower. Thankfully, there are some simple home improvements you can adopt to improve your home’s energy-efficiency, such as…

• Stronger Insulation
• Adjusting the Humidity
• Having Your Furnace Cleaned

These adjustments are relatively easy to make, and they lead to better home efficiency. Whole home humidifiers, for instance, make your home feel warmer without hiking up the temperature.

If you’re in a position to make the investment, installing a metal roof could also have drastic effects on your home’s energy-efficiency. Metal roofing material provides enhanced insulation, which lets your HVAC system relax it’s energy consumption.

Get Your Quote on Metal Roof Installation

Metal roofing doesn’t just offer lower energy costs in the winter. With a reflective metal roof installation, you could enjoy substantial savings all throughout the year. To learn more, give our ProCraft Exteriors team a call at (314) 786-3732. Be sure to ask for an estimate!

While flat roofs are the most common roofing system for commercial buildings, that doesn’t mean they have to be boring or only have one purpose! Flat roofs are great for being able to stand on and great for storage. If your commercial flat roof is just a plain shade of white right now, here are some fun, beneficial, and money-saving ways to get the most out of your roof!

Rooftop Deck and Patio

Rooftop decks are great options for commercial businesses that have a nice view or a casual atmosphere, like a lounge, bar, or restaurant. You could even have a dance floor! Letting customers sit on the roof and enjoy the fresh air will surely get rave reviews and attract more potential customers, quickly paying off the cost of rooftop deck installation. Similar to a rooftop deck, a rooftop patio is covered. The patio can provide shade or shelter from the sun and weather, protecting customers and property.

Green Roof

There are two types of green roofs: the environment one with plants growing on the roof, and the energy efficient one with the sun reflecting off the roofing to lower temperatures. Both actually help to cool the building and help the environment. While a roof covered in plants may be more aesthetically pleasing, if you don’t have a green thumb or are not fond of creatures like birds, squirrels, and insects frequently loitering around your property, then you might want to get the reflective roof. The reflective type of green roof is also called a cool roof, because it literally lowers the temperature of the building, which lowers your energy bill prices.

If any of these flat roof options sound beneficial to your business, call ProCraft Exteriors in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO at (314) 786-3732 today.

If your home is about to receive a roof replacement, chances are, the business side of your replacement is complete. You have hired your roofing company, discussed your options with your insurance provider, and chosen your new roof material. However, most homeowners don’t prepare for the upcoming interruption to their daily lives. These roof replacement tips can help ease the inconvenience of roof replacement at your home and provide a calmer, more relaxed roof replacement experience.

Leaving is Best, But at Least Have a Plan

When your home is being re-roofed, it can cause large amounts of noise, not to mention debris, falling materials, and other hazards. While we recommend leaving for the days that your roof is being worked on, we know that sometimes, it’s simply not possible. When you can’t take a day trip, remember to set up child and pet areas prior to work beginning. Keep both in safe zones that are not near the areas where men are working and can fall or collapse through, hurting someone. Prearrange snacks, games, or movies to relieve noise stress and tension.

Protect Your Things

Roofing is a messy job. Many times, debris and dust can enter through your vents and openings, causing your belongings to become covered. Protect your things by using drapes or drop cloths to cover them before the roof mess starts.

Read Your Contract

Read through your contract carefully, looking for accident coverage, liability issues, and other accidental hazards that may come into play. If a roofer collapses through your bedroom ceiling, you don’t want to be stuck footing the bill. Make sure all repairs are covered in your contract.

While roof replacement is a long, drawn-out process, correct planning can help ease the stress and pressure of the situation. For more roof replacement tips or to find out about yo9ur replacement options, call the ProCraft Exteriors team at (314) 786-3732.

Many homeowners are afraid of getting roof inspections. It sounds funny, but people will often avoid basic rooftop maintenance because they fear a massive repair bill will pop out of nowhere. The truth is roof inspections aren’t evil; they actually help homeowners save money. Here’s how.

Inspection Perk #1: Free Service

Inspections are commonly offered for free. Not only are professional roofing companies happy to provide inspections, many are willing to offer them for free (without obligations). For zero dollars, you can have an experienced roofing specialist drive out to your home and check on your rooftop. Bet you wish your doctor gave you free inspections!

Inspection Perk #2: Damage Prevention

Most inspections uncover problems before they cause damage. Do you know how to spot every sign of a potential water leak? Your experienced roofer does, and they can help you make a tiny repair that protects your home from internal water damage. That’s just a simple water leak; there are dozens of potential roofing hazards that start out small but eventually create expensive damage. Some problems, if undiscovered, result in your home needing a complete roof replacement. That’s thousands of dollars a quick inspection could have saved.

Inspection Perk #3: Budget Planning

Inspections help your family plan ahead. Many homeowners don’t think about rooftop replacement until after they need repairs. With an inspection however, your family can begin planning and saving for roof replacement years in advance. Your inspector can also recommend new energy-efficient or hail-resistant materials to help you increase the value of your home.

You don’t have to worry about the condition of your roof. Get a free inspection, plus a little peace of mind. For more information about maintaining your rooftop, or to schedule an inspection from ProCraft Exteriors, you can give us a call at(314) 786-3732!