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from SUN OF ALL FEARS: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM DAMAGING
RAYS
As we move into the summer months,
we’d like to share a few wise tips about the sun and your home.
Advice is courtesy James Carey and Morris Carey, a.k.a. the Carey Bros.,
nationally recognized experts on home building and renovation.
GARDENS AND THE SUN
Smart landscaping can lower your utility bill. As the sun rises in the
morning, it heats a home through east-facing windows. In the afternoon,
the sun blazes through the west-facing windows. Cool your home with landscaping.
To block early morning and late afternoon sun, place shrubs on east and
west exposures. Late morning and early evening sun glare can be regulated
with moderate-size trees. Large trees will shade the roof from those blistering
mid-day rays. In the winter, sunshine is a good thing for a house —
think deciduous trees.
ROOF CONSIDERATIONS
Metal roofs reflect more heat from intense sun, while asphalt shingles
absorb heat and transfer it indoors. Metal roofs are a value as they may
come with lifetime transferable warranties, meaning you (or future owners)
will never have to reroof. They’re also fireproof, and may lead
to lower homeowners’ insurance.
When you replace your roof, think
about color — it offers free heating and cooling. In sunny climates
a light-colored roof reflects the heat of the sun, and can reducing air
conditioning costs by as much as 20 percent. Finally, be sure that there
is a thick layer of insulation in your attic to keep the heat from penetrating
into your living area.
SOLAR ROOFING
Solar roof tiles also are photovoltaic collectors that convert sunlight
into electricity. A normal “energy roof” uses 300 square feet
and covers approximately a 17x17 area. In SoCal it can produce many thousands
of kilowatts of clean energy a year, and get you a credit on your utility
bill.
CAULK
The sun’s ultraviolet rays lead the list reasons for caulk deterioration.
When using an exterior caulk, be sure to select a product that offers
UV protection. It will last longer and look better.
PAINT
How often should you paint the exterior of your home depends on a number
of factors. What kind of siding? How’s the micro-climate? Sun exposure?
Did they use cheap paint? With proper preparation and quality paint, a
home typically requires painting every five to seven years. Think of paint
as an investment and not a cost.
50 PERCENT SOLUTION
Because the north side of a home’s roof side gets less direct sun,
it can out last the south side of the roof. Same goes for the paint —
the paint job on the north side of your home may look perkier longer.
If finances are an issue, repairing half your property may be an option
worth considering.
AWNINGS
Awnings are a great way to reduce heat. Shaded windows, walls and patios
block 60 percent of heat and almost all damaging sunlight. Cooling bills
will be lower and inside fabrics will last longer. Curtains are cute,
but exterior shades prevent the heat from entering the property. Check
with your local utility company for rebates and other incentives for energy
efficient improvements to your property.
(James Carey and Morris Carey,
known as the Carey Bros., share their 50-plus years of experience as licensed
contractors at www.onthehouse.com.)
**
Work with an authority. Enjoy my real estate column and statistics
every Wednesday in the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Jodi Summers
Boardwalk Realty
310-260-8269
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