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Energy Savings, Simply

The House’s Exterior

Introduction –Here is a brief overview of what to look for when performing a visual inspection of the exterior of your home.

The focus of the inspection is to not only look for ways to improve aesthetic appeal but to also search for structural problems

If the house is structurally sound, the roof may provide energy saving opportunities (solar panels and reflective coatings)

There might also be opportunities for improving drainage throughgutters, french drains, trenches, landscaping, retaining walls, etc.

Look for defects in the exterior siding and insulation, and foundation cracks, chimney cracks, gutter breaks and discontinuities, etc.

Be on the lookout for rotting wood in soffits and trims, flashing that is separating, exposed insulation, faulty doors and windows, and loose or frayed electrical cables.

Basic Home Styles

Cape Cod

Colonial

RaisedRanch

Basic Home Styles

Queen Anne

Bungalow Victorian

Basic Home Styles

Hobbit House (!) – effective use of green roof

Basic Styles

This is a Welsh idea of “greening” a house

Ground Level IssuesThe ground your home sits on is important. If water is not properly diverted from the base or foundation, there will be moisture and rotting issues down the line.

Bushes too close to house

These types of issues are not critical and can be solved inexpensively by you or a handy person

Runoff leading to mortardamage at foundation

Land Settling – Need I say more???

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This is why cutting corners with foundations is a bad idea. Land settling can be due to several factors, including underground water issues and inadequate compaction of the earth prior to building the foundation.

Wall Issues –Could be major, or cosmetic. The cause of masonry cracks should be traced.

Trim damage, peeled paint

Cosmetic upgrades can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal as well as help sell your house

Fractured masonry

Roof Issues –Rotting debris, or foliage, etc. will eventually lead to moisture and rot on the roof and shorten the life of the roof.

Roof valley problems(sapling sprouting in debris; rot)

Clogged gutters

If these roofs are more than 20years old they likely need replacement

More Roof Issues

Extreme roof – mold and algae damage may seep under the shingles.

Extreme chimney – this is clearly a safety hazard as well as a drain on energy use.

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Roof Treatments

Reflective roof coating can reduce air conditioning

bills by up to 20%

This measure is applicableeven to light-colored roofs

The Exterior Survey SummaryThese survey questions are helpful in organizing and prioritizing the

repairs and energy upgrades to the exterior of the home.

Number of Stories Square Footage Age of House Surroundings (Open, dry; Urban; Suburban; Wooded; Swampy) Land Settling Issues? (Yes; No; Don't know) Miscellaneous

– Gutters (OK; Discontinuities present)– Eaves (OK; Gaps or breaks present)– Chimney (OK; Gaps or breaks present)– Garage (Attached; Detached; None)

The Exterior Survey Summary – cont’d ROOF

– Construction Type (Asphalt shingle; Pebble/gravel built-up roof; Tile roof; Wood shingle roof; Rubber roof/roof coating; Metal; Stucco; Terra Cota; Other)

– General Condition (Good; OK with minor damage or issues; Poor) – Color (Light; Medium; Dark)– Reflective Coating Present? (Yes; No; Don't know)

Evaluating the opportunity for solar energy on the property– Which way does the front of the house face? (North; Northeast; East;

Southeast; South; Southwest; West; Northwest)– Are there large structures, trees, etc that cast shadows on the house at any

time of the day at any time of the year?– Will the make and condition of the roof accommodate the weight of solar

panels?