28 Cecil Upgrade


Soren is getting bids to replace his roof(s) and upgrade the energy performance of his house.  So far, EcoProach is the best-sounding company he hasn't had over ... they appear to be overwhelmed by work due to their selection as an approved contractor for the Energy Upgrade California rebate program(*).  One roofing company has an infrared camera(!) but I have yet to find a proper weatherization company that understands air sealing is important.

 

Decided(?)/Realized

Roof

  1. After reading Martin's 10 Rules and talking to a few people on both sides of the fence, I'm feeling pretty good about a properly vented attic and a properly sealed and insulated (separate) living space as the best way to keep us cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  It should also make the roof last a long time.
  2. If any plywood is added to either of my roofs, it will be FSC certified assuming the places Dave says sell it in San Jose actually do ... 

Insulation

  1. Blown-in wall insulation is one of the few things that doesn't interfere with any other upgrades.  It can be done quickly at low cost and should have an immediate and significant benefit.
  2. I need a blower door test before I can decide how to prioritize sealing / foam (the latter being the primary way to get an insulation subcontractor to seal something :P).
  3. Insulating the attic will need to wait until after the roof is done. 

 

Options I'm pondering

  1. Roofing Materials
    1. EnergyStar-rated tile (how expensive?)
    2. non-weird-looking truly light-colored asphalt?
    3. thicker vs. thinner products do/don't last longer?
  2. Radiant barrier
    1. Lots of different opinions 

 

Things I didn't realize :P

  1. Figuring out an ideal heating system for our home may be required before we can seal or insulate under the house or in the attic without having to come and cut new holes through the floor or ceiling for ducts or water pipes or whatever.

 

 

 

* I understand why rebates are attractive, but IMO they distort the marketplace at least as much as "better" energy prices would.  They also cost the public money and cause boom and bust cycles for the businesses that we need to be growing to help us achieve our high-efficiency, low-carbon energy future.