Energy Efficiency

Week 4

The end is now in sight as the makeover team wraps up week four of Energy Efficiency Makeover 2011. If the remaining assignments go as planned we should finish around the middle of September.

Week four was very productive. The energy efficient WeatherBarr windows manufactured by Harry G. Barr were delivered and installed. Careful attention to detail is important when replacing windows. The existing siding had to be trimmed to accommodate the new windows. Then, the flanges of the windows were treated with silicon sealant prior to installation. After attachment, more silicon was applied around the nailing flanges and a rubberized door and window sealant tape was attached to the window flanges and exterior siding. This process eliminates most areas of air infiltration and exfiltration. A final touch consisting of a thin bead of clear caulk will be applied inside between the wood trim and vinyl window frame.

The roof on the makeover house was in poor condition and desperately in need of replacement. The original shingles were more than forty years old and served their purpose. So, F.L. Davis Building Supply of Heber Springs supplied new shingles and materials. Straight Line Roofing of Heber Springs installed the product. Doing so will protect the makeover improvements for several decades to come.

The makeover team removed the old storm doors and prepared the house for the foam-backed vinyl siding. Lakeside Siding of Heber Spring is the supplier of this energy-efficient product. The new foam-backed siding will provide a thermal barrier to the exterior of the home. Upon completion, the entire building envelope will be insulated with foam.

Wilco Siding & Gutters of Hopewell began installing the siding this week. In addition to siding installation, they are also covering the fascia board, door casings and any wooden trim. Doing so will make the home maintenance free. They will also install guttering to route water away from the perimeter of the home.

The makeover team completed a few electrical improvements and made some minor plumbing repairs.

You may recall the broken sheet rock in the hallway during weeks one and two. The team replaced the damage now that the activity is complete in the attic. The sheetrock finishing process will require multiple coats of joint compound and a matching texture surface.

Week five will be a short week due to the Labor Day holiday. However, we should near completion. The makeover crew will install the new energy efficient storm doors. The dirt disturbed for the geothermal header ditch and new water line will be finished…weather permitting. The sheetrock in the hallway will be finished. Then, the ceilings in the hallway, kitchen and living room will be repainted to match throughout. A GenerLink quick connect will be installed in the meter base. The GenerLink is a quick and safe connection device for portable generators. The unit protects both homeowner and the electric cooperative from electrical feedback. The crewmen couldn’t help trampling on Nancy’s flowerbed in the front. So, we’ll provide some “makeover” flower and fauna just in time for autumn.

The final interior caulking and sealing process will occur during week six. We’ll have some of our Building Performance Institute Building Analysts on hand to complete this phase. Then, we’ll fire up the blower door and duct blaster equipment one last time. Plus, we’ll conduct another post-makeover thermal imaging scan with infrared cameras.