Trends come and trends go in the real estate industry. What was fashionable for our parents is (thankfully) considered tacky today. With that said, a couple of trends that are here to stay are energy efficiency and safety. No matter what the prevailing architectural styles and aesthetic sensibilities may introduce, the standards for safe, eco-friendly homes will only continue to increase with the passage of time. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the best ways to maximize home energy efficiency and safety for your property!
Upgrade the Roofing
The roof is the most logical place to start when establishing both energy efficiency and safety. It will be the home’s first line of defense against a series of forces from strong winds to heavy precipitation, extended UV exposure to projectile impact.
Traditionally, the debate on roofing materials came down to wood shake roof vs shingles, typically the standard asphalt variety. However, these products are not the best for ensuring the ongoing structural integrity of the roof. They can crack, blister, and/or raise in as little as 10-15 years when introduced to inclement conditions.
As such, modern homes looking for next-level fortification are choosing materials that come with a Class A fire resistance and Class 4 impact resistance rating. Metal, slate, and other types of masonry roofing are strong options along these lines. With that said, arguably the most versatile option for enhanced roofing lies with composite shingles.
Fabricated from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass, and recycled polymers, these innovative shingles boast an inorganic composition that is extremely resistant to fire, impact, and any other force of nature. They can also be manufactured in a wide array of colors and styles to match the theme of any exterior, guaranteeing top-notch curb appeal along with the best protective properties on the market.
Modernize the Windows
Degraded windows often serve as the path of least resistance for unwanted air and moisture transfer. As such, contemporary homeowners are replacing worn wooden frames with more robust aluminum and steel options. Not only are these framing options stronger and more weather resistant, but they do not require ongoing painting and maintenance to retain their efficacy.
For enhanced energy efficiency, consider upgrading to innovative low-E glass. This unique window system uses a thin, transparent coating that reflects heat while allowing light transmission. This guarantees that the home can experience natural daylighting without any subsequent heat gain/loss, limiting energy required for artificial lighting and HVAC consumption.
Install Comprehensive Insulation
It is fairly common knowledge that insulation is important for establishing an energy efficient home. In fact, many areas are implementing codes that require minimum R-value standards when framing new construction houses.
With that said, installing the best insulation for exterior walls and calling it a day is not the way to go when constructing an energy efficient house. While the walls are a critical component of the building envelope that will see the majority of air transfer, don’t neglect key areas such as the attic, flooring slabs, and basement walls. Even if your area does not specifically require insulation in these areas, they remain crucial components of creating an airtight home that limits thermal transfer between interior and exterior spaces.
Source Sustainable Materials
Greenwashing is a ubiquitous concern in the modern building materials landscape. Companies are quick to market their products as energy efficient to take advantage of society’s increasing environmental conscientiousness. While many of these products are, in fact, energy efficient in application, their high embodied energy and potential toxic fabrication makes their true eco-friendliness a bit nebulous.
As such, many homeowners are choosing to source materials that are more universally sustainable throughout their entire fabrication and life cycle. Insulation is a great example. Recycled denim, sheep’s wool, and hemp are some products that offer extremely high R-values with none of the sourcing concerns of standard fiberglass batts. Other sustainable building options include bamboo flooring, recycled steel roofing, and reclaimed wood cabinetry.
Create Functional Exterior Space
One of the best means of creating an energy efficiency home lies in functional exterior space. By getting outside and enjoying nature, homeowners limit the amount of time spent in conditioned interior environments. Decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens are some of the most trending ways to develop outdoor space for use.
With that said, exterior areas must be in top condition to remain safe and adequately utilized. Ensure that foundations are strong and have proper drainage to limit erosion and puddle accumulation. Install an exterior handrail system around any decks, staircases, or other elevated features to secure the perimeter. Look into louvered pergolas and retractable awnings for shading. This not only helps keep the space usable at all hours of the day but prevents extended UV exposure from degrading furniture and other key components of the exterior.
Ensure Home Energy Efficiency and Safety Through Functional Renovation
The need for safe, energy efficient structures are trends that will never go out of fashion in the real estate market. From upgraded roofing to functional exterior space, consider any of the ideas listed above to stand out in both regards. For more of the latest trends shaping the New Jersey real estate landscape, explore the resources at Callinan Properties for ideas and inspiration today!