Erie Construction Co., Erie Construction Mid West
Tagged: energy star windows
Ditch the Asphalt and Say Hello to the Last Roof you’ll Ever Need
| April 29, 2013 | 8:00 AM | Uncategorized | No comments

It’s no big surprise that more and more homeowners are getting sick and tired of dealing with roofing problems every time it storms. Traditional asphalt roofs are losing their steam because homeowners are growing frustrated with their short shelf life of 10-15 years. So what’s a homeowners to do if they are fed up with asphalt? While businesses have tapped into the world of metal for years, more and more homeowners are now looking at metal roofing for their homes.

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing home improvement projects  more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by today’s metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with a durable long lasting, value added roofing system.   While other roofs quickly diminish in value as they age, metal provides the following lasting benefits:

  • Proven performance expectation of 50+ years
  • Beautiful styles to match any home or neighborhood
  • Interlocking panels for maximum wind resistance
  • Fire resistance
  • Energy efficiency by keeping homes cooler
  • Low weight to help preserve structural integrity and life

If you are like the thousands of homeowners who thinks metal makes sense, we here at Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana would love to come out and give you a free estimate and show you why our roof is the last one you’ll ever need!

 

Home Investments that Pay!

Buying new windows is right up there with probably one of the biggest home improvement projects you can make. It’s also one of the smartest. Did you know that research shows that new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you one of the biggest ROI’s (return on investment) than most other home improvement projects?  Expect to get back around 80% of what you invested. Energy efficient vinyl siding, gutters and bathroom and kitchen remodeling are all big investments. The good news is that they are also among the smartest. Residential roofing is also shown to impress potential buyers and give you a nice ROI.

Let’s talk about traditional asphalt shingles which come in many styles and price points. They are appropriate for any climate, and are easy to maintain. The basic asphalt shingle is a 3-tab shingle and is available in a variety of colors, however it offers no textural interest. The other main issue with asphalt is that it doesn’t last forever and will need to be replaced after 15 or so years.

Another option that is definitely picking up steam in the residential arena is a metal roof. If you truly want a worry free roof that will withstand any weather condition, metal is for you. Metal roofing is available as a panel or shingle for residential applications. Shingles are made to look like other materials and panels present clean and more modern lines. Metal panels are lightweight, but strong enough to endure severe weather, and snow easily slides off the roof. Finally, metal lasts longer, conserves energy, and requires virtually no maintenance. Many are even investing in a metal roof  because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Local realtors say, another great perk is that investing in metal can drastically increase the resale value of your home.

Local realtors say, buyers love when they see metal because they know that means they won’t have to give the roof any attention.  Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal is fast becoming a favorite among homeowners.

When it comes to home investments, we all know there is certainly a lot to choose from. It always seems that as soon as you invest in one improvement, another area needs updating. The same is true with fixing things that break around the house. That’s just how home ownership works. Whatever project you decide to take on, make sure it’s a good investment.

Three of the Smartest Home Improvements you can Make!

If you want to make a smart home improvement, new energy efficient windows,  vinyl siding, and a new roof are the way to go. Not only will you get a good ROI, or return in investment, both of these improvements will dramatically up your curb appeal.

Over the years, vinyl siding has gained in popularity and is now found on about 30 percent of homes.  Today’s product is far different than your parents siding. It lasts for years and years and withstands most weather conditions. It also won’t fade. The beauty is that it is so easy to maintain and doesn’t need to be repainted.

In addition to improving the look of your home, installing vinyl sidingbenefits your budget. Because it requires little maintenance, you can save on costly repairs and upkeep. Vinyl is also substantially less expensive than other types of exterior siding materials. It acts as added insulation for the house as well, so it can boost energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.

If you have old, leaky windows, you absolutely can’t afford not to replace them. Sure, replacing your inefficient windows with new Energy Star approved windows is an investment. Keep in mind that it is hands down, one of the smartest home improvements you can make. Did you know that research shows that replacing your windows with new, energy efficient replacement windows will give you an ROI, (return on investment) of 80-90%? Plus, replacing them with new Energy Star approved windows will save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills.

Now let’s talk about your old roof. Local realtors say residential roofing can be a huge deal breaker when trying to sell your home. Many are even investing in metal roofing because it lasts three times as long and is by far the most durable. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and can show you why investing in your roof can drastically increase the resale value of your home.

What to Fix/Upgrade First on Your Older Home
| September 1, 2011 | 9:00 AM | Remodeling | No comments

Many people love the character older homes have, but not the problems that come along with them. Experts say there are things you need to do in order to properly maintain an older home.

The first thing you should do is get the roof repaired before any further damage is done. The next thing is to have the electrical updated to code to reduce chances of an electrical fire. Plumbing would be next, but make sure you have taken into consideration all that you plan to do to the home. For instance, you don’t want to have the plumbing modified, then decide to remodel a bathroom or kitchen and have to redo what you’ve already done.

Older homes will most definitely have windows that are far from energy efficient. There are window companies that can help you pick out new, Energy Star windows that will match your old world style. When you get your first energy bill, you’ll be glad you switched them out.

Going Green Starts in the Bathroom
| August 2, 2011 | 9:54 PM | Energy Savings | No comments

Are you trying to go green? Experts say if you want to start living a “greener” lifestyle, your bathroom is a great place to start! Some simple adjustments to a bathroom can reduce its impact on the environment.

Here are a few tips to green it up:

  • Installing aerators on the faucet and showerhead will reduce the amount of water used.
  • Faucets and showerheads with aerators use half the water flow with twice the power. If they were used nationwide, aerators could save 250 million gallons of water a year.
  • Using a low-flow toilet will use less water.
  • Replacing a tanked water heater with a tankless model will reduce the amount of energy consumed and the cost to heat water.
  • A tankless water heater will heat only what is needed, when it’s needed.
  • Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
  • When redecorating, look for paint with a low volatile organic compounds (VOC) label. These paints are less toxic.
  • Even little things like selecting all-natural fabrics can help make your bathroom more green. Plus all your friends will think you are so hip and ahead of the times!