Archives for April 2022
Earth Day 2022 – Is James Hardie An Eco-Friendly Siding?
This year EMA is celebrating Earth Day by sharing some answers to common questions and sustainability and siding. In particular, James Hardie siding. We encounter a handful of questions each year about the most sustainable option or finding something more environmentally friendly than vinyl siding. One of our go-to solutions is James Hardie siding which is made from raw sustainable materials.
“There are 80 million owner-occupied homes in the United States and 55% of them are 40 years old or more – which tallies up to 44 million 40-plus-year-old houses. We believe that many of those homes are built with wood, vinyl and other materials that are not durable enough, or are highly flammable, or are just not going to be fit to survive more adverse natural disaster conditions. We see James Hardie in that light as a solution homeowners can turn to.”
What constitutes a sustainable building project or material? In general, you can look at the energy usage, water conservation, environmental quality, materials involved, maintenance required, and the energy efficiency of the build. In 2015, Green Builder® recognized James Hardie as the most sustainable siding product. To read the specs for James Hardie’s sustainability record and future plans, be sure to visit their official website. Whether it is a new build or a remodeling job, James Hardie is the best choice.
Speaking of material, one common question is, “Does James Hardie contain asbestos?” The simple answer is no. James Hardie is made from a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. In its current production, James Hardie does not contain asbestos in any of its products. However, if you’re removing old siding from your home it is probably best to get a professional to test for asbestos because it may have been there in a previous iteration of the home.
If you’re ready to invest in your home this earth day, then contact us at EMA Construction for a free estimate!
5 Reasons to Install Gutter Guards
One of the services that we offer at EMA Construction is gutter guard installation. Our professional installers use the best available products to protect your gutters and home. But some people may still wonder, do you really need gutter guards? Here are the top five reasons that you should install gutter guards in your home!
1. Gutter Guards Reduce the Cost and Frequency of Cleaning
For most homeowners, a bi-annual gutter cleaning is recommended which costs around $160 per session. This is a total of $320 per year to clean your existing gutters. Gutter guard cleaning is much simpler than gutter cleaning and no gutter guard system requires bi-annual cleaning. Most homeowners find that cleaning gutter guards once per year or once every other year is sufficient to keep them working properly.
2. Gutter Guards Prevent Water Damage Inside and Outside of Your Home
Overflowing gutters can create all sorts of problems for homeowners. Heavy rain combined with clogged gutters can lead to flood basements, mold buildup in your siding or insulation, or even damage landscaping from large bodies of resting water. If you’ve ever dealt with water issues in your home then you know that water can find its way anywhere. A healthy gutter system directs the water so it will only go where it is designed to and gutter guards are the best way to keep your gutter system healthy.
3. Prevent Animal, Critter, and Insect Infestation
Nesting animals like rats and birds frequently use gutters as a place to set up their nest. In addition to their nests creating problems, their droppings can also clog your system. Insects like wasps and ants can also find their way into your gutters. Gutter guards help to prevent animals from using your gutters as a nesting area and can reduce their access to your roof.
4. Reduce the Likelihood of Fire.
This one may surprise some people! Debris from trees (leaves and twigs) can accumulate in your gutters and downspouts. Left untreated these can be a fire hazard. An outdoor bonfire or even a barbecue may create the conditions for dried-up debris to catch fire. This is not only a risk for places that have an elevated risk of wildfires, but places like Cincinnati and Dayton can have long stretches of dry heat in the summer that create the right conditions for a fire.
5. Reduce Ice Dam Formation
One of the disadvantages of Cincinnati’s four seasons is that in the summer the gutters can be at risk of fire and our winters can create freezing problems. Winter is hard on gutters. Water accumulates in them when they’re clogged. When freezing temperatures come, that resting water can free and cause ice dams to form. Ice dams can lead to water damage in your home or roof not to mention the damage to your gutter system. Gutter guards, installed properly, significantly reduce ice dam formation.
There are more reasons to consider, but those five are the top reasons to consider investing in your home with a gutter guard system. The upfront cost can create a little sticker shock for some folks, but it is important to remember that you’ll save an average of $320 per year on gutter cleaning. Others are tempted to install their own gutter guards, but there is nothing worse than a big investment negated by faulty installation. Instead, get a free estimate from EMA Construction on your gutter guard installation and get the most from your money and the best protection for your home!