Doug Martens Construction is Certified ICF(Insulated Concrete Forms) builder!
Here are some benefits with a ICF home:
• Energy efficiency – Minimal, if any, air leaks, which improves comfort and reduces heat loss compared to walls without a solid air barrier
• Fire protection – ICF walls can have four- to six-hour fire resistance rating and negligible surface burning properties.
• Vermin – Because the entire interior space of ICF walls is continuously occupied (no gaps as can occur between blown or fiberglass insulation and a wood frame wall) they pose more difficulty for casual transit by insects and vermin.
Doug MartensDoug Martens Construction is Certified ICF(Insulated Concrete Forms) builder!
As stated on Doug Martens Services page“energy efficiency is generally achieved through the use of building materials, construction techniques, designs and appliances that minimize the amount of electricity, natural gas and other fuels needed to heat, cool and operate a home. Maximizing energy efficiency is a major aspect of green building (also known as sustainable or high performance construction). Home builders strive to maximize energy efficiency in new construction, and improving energy efficiency is frequently a goal of residential remodeling.”
Improving energy efficiency
Improving energy efficiency doesn’t only do you good by saving you money, but it also does good for the Earth! By reducing your energy use you are also reducing the emissions of greenhouse gasses. So how do you become more energy efficient?
Benchmark- Assess your current situation. How much energy are you currently using?
Assess your building and its appliances- Do you have drafty windows or doors? Is your house well insulated? Do you have an energy saving cycle option on your washer? Was your home built using insulated concrete forms?
Make an efficiency plan- What changes are manageable for you? What is the end goal for you?
Implement plan- Make your changes and document them so you can compare to past periods.
Reevaluate and Retry- improving efficiency is something that can be done daily! With today’s technology, we are learning more than ever about how to create efficient buildings.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Home Energy Efficiency
Whether you are building or buying, if energy efficiency is a concern of yours (or even just saving a few bucks) the most important thing you need to do is research.
Look at websites like Energy STAR to learn more about how efficient appliances work and how to identify efficient spaces.
The comfortable weather of Spring gives homeowners a chance to get outside and really start working on their home and lawn. We put together eight tasks for you to add to your Spring cleaning checklist! Remember, these are suggestions! If you don’t feel safe performing a task, consult a professional for tips, advice and service.
Examine the Roof – Roof damage is common in the Southern Kentucky area because of the snow and ice that accumulates during the winter months and the strong winds and heavy rainfall during the spring.
Check the Gutters – Falling leaves, twigs and other debris clog rain gutters in the fall, while wind, snowfall and ice damage gutters during the winter.
Inspect the driveway concrete – It’s a given that a concrete slab will develop cracks over time. This is particularly true at cold joints, where two concrete slabs meet that were poured at different times.
Seal your driveway – Keep the driveway looking like new and prevent further deterioration.
Check the outside faucets – If you own a home it’s extremely likely that it has one or more outside faucets. These faucets are exposed to the freezing temperatures and have the potential to become cracked and damaged.
Service the A/C Unit – As the days become longer they also become hotter. You don’t want your home’s air conditioning to go out during the warmer season. Have a trusted professional check it out.
Caulk the Cracks – One of the best ways to save energy in your home is by caulking any cracks around windows and doors.
Pressure wash the exterior – Any type of exterior gets dingy over time, but a pressure washer can quickly restore your home to its former beauty.
Finally, if there is a bigger task you had in mind such as adding an additional room to your home, renovating your house or building a second home or vacation home please don’t hesitate to contact Doug Martens!
Is your family growing? Are your children starting families of their own? The holiday season is a festive part of the year where everyone comes together in celebration of their beliefs, annual traditions and, the New Year. Hosting one or more events at your home can extremely stressful as you want your guests to be comfortable and happy during their stay, it might make you review your current home amenities. How many bedrooms and bathrooms, the size and capabilities of the kitchen, is there ample room to seat all of your guests during dinner?
A home, just like a car or garden needs proper maintenance, care and sometimes a professional opinion. If there is something you would like to change, add or fix give Doug Martens Construction a call at (270) 782-5949. We excel in home remodels.
