When compared to fibreglass batt insulation, spray foam insulation has a higher R-value at a given thickness. In other words, 2 inches of spray foam will insulate your roof better than 2 inches of fibreglass batts.
Cellulose fill, either blown-in or applied by hand, also has a higher R-value than fibreglass batts at the same thickness. But, again, the R-value of spray foam insulation is almost twice as high as cellulose fill insulation of the same thickness.
As important as R-value is in how well insulation works, it is not the only thing to consider when choosing the best roof insulation. Moisture will cause both fibreglass batts and cellulose fill to lose R-value. Even slight moisture, that you can't see or feel, can reduce the R-value of fibreglass batts.
Neither fibreglass batts or cellulose fill insulation can seal every gap in your roof. Heat can pass through the open gaps and this reduces the R-value of the insulation, although the R-values listed for fibreglass or cellulose do not take this into consideration. In other words, the actual R-value of installed fibreglass batt or cellulose fill roof insulation is lower than the listed R-value.
Spray foam insulation is not affected by moisture. In fact, it can stop minor leaks because, when it is applied, spray foam insulation spreads to fill every gap and seal your roof. Pollutants and other airborne irritants that might get through the gaps left by batts and fill are kept out by spray foam insulation.
Perhaps best of all, insulating your roof with spray foam insulation costs about the same as other insulations.
The spray foam roof insulation specialists at Foam Comfort have the experience you need to get the most from your insulation.
If you plan on selling your home you should get an appraisal before you decide on the selling price. I remember a retired couple that set their selling price based on the real estate agent's analysis. Their home sold in three days! When the appraisal came in it was $20,000 over the selling price. That was a terrible shame but it can be just as bad if you price it too high and it just sits on the market. An upfront appraisal will protect your equity and be well worth the cost.
Having an idea about what is involved in appraising a piece of property can greatly help in maximizing the appraised value. The following major steps are in the sequence normally followed by appraisers:
1. He will research the property as to size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the year it was built, the lot size and square footage.
2. The appraiser will gather data of recent sales in the neighborhood. The appraiser must locate at least 3 like homes that have sold in the neighborhood with in the last six months. The homes also need to be within one mile of the subject property. These homes are called the "Comparable Properties" or "Comps" for short.
3. The appraiser will then perform field inspections. The inspections consist of two parts: a complete inspection of the subject property, and the exterior inspection of the comparable properties.
During the property inspection he will be taking photos of the street scene, front of the home and rear of the home. The appraiser will make an interior inspection, noting any items that would detract from or add to the value of your home.
The inspection of the comparable properties is oviously limited to an exterior inspection. For features that cannot be seen from the street, the appraiser uses reports from Multiple Listing Services (MLS), county public records, and appraisal files to help determine the condition and value compared to the subject property.
4. After the field inspection has been completed, the appraiser must determine which comparable properties most resemble the subject. Then he/she makes slight adjustments in value for any differences. After making the required adjustments, the appraiser must go through a reconciliation process with the three comparable properties to determine a final estimated value of the subject property. This method is called the "Direct Sales Comparison Approach to Value", and it accounts for nearly all of the considerations in determining value of a single-family property.
It is important to remember that the appraiser will be taking photos of the street scene and the front and back of the home. The street scene gives the lenders some kind of idea as to the type of neighborhood in which the home is located. The photo of the front of the home gives the lender an idea of its condition and its curb appeal. Lastly, the photo of the back of the home and part of the rear yard is another indicator to the lender of the home's care and maintenance.
In most cases, what you see in the condition of the exterior of a home will be repeated almost exactly in the interior. One of the most important things you can do to increase the value or perceived value is to improve the curb appeal of your home, and clean up the back yard.
The appraiser will call in advance to set up an appointment to inspect your home. Offer to supply information about the home size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, pool, enclosed patio, etc. The more that is known about the property prior to inspection, the more the appraiser can focus on researching the most similar comparables. Cleaning it up and enhancing the visual appeal will maximize your chances of having a good appraisal.
While your home is being inspected don't follow the appraiser from room to room causing distraction. Instead, allow the inspection to go smoothly. In case the appraiser has any questions, be close by to answer them. The time to mention the things you think are important is either before or just after the inspection.
In conclusion, the best thing you can do to increase the perceived value of your home is to get it ready before the appraisal. Clean it, put fresh paint where needed, and clear the clutter inside and out. You should also make any minor repairs needed and be sure to manicure the front and back yards!
Both Realart & Connie Sanders are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Realart has sinced written about articles on various topics from Management Software Solutions, Home Improvement and Infants And Toddlers. Contact Foam Comfort today for a free no obligation estimate for a and save more on energy costs.. Realart's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Connie Sanders has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Writing and Mortgage. Understanding mortgage guidelines is the key to getting a good mortgage. That is why Connie Sanders built . This site and mortgageunderwriters.com will t. Connie Sanders's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.