How to Know When to Make Exterior Energy Efficient Home Improvements

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sears Home Services. All opinions are 100% my own. I love to save money. I cut coupons, shop sales, and delay making purchases to save a few bucks. Heck, I even pick up pennies off the sidewalk because I know the value of a dollar. As Ben Franklin said "A penny saved, is a penny earned." You all probably know how much I love garage sales {I even wrote a book about it!}, I know that I can buy a treasure for just a few quarters. There are some exterior energy-efficient home improvements {roofing, siding, and windows} that you can make that will increase not only your home savings but up your comfort level too. Not to mention, some of these changes will provide you with a huge return on investment when you go to sell. That's money in your pocket! So how do you know when you need to make these investments and what should you do? I'm sharing what I know so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.

How to Know When to Make Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Roofing

Know how your mom always told you to wear a hat when it was cold outside? If you took it off, not only your head got cold but your whole body. That's pretty much what a good roof does for your home. An energy-efficient roof can provide comfort by maintaining the optimal indoor temperature. It can help keep the elements out and maximize energy efficiency all year round. Not only that, your monthly bills can be lowered and you can save money putting money back into your pocket.

So, how long does a typical roof last?

The average roof lasts 20-25 years. Sometimes a roof will need to be replaced sooner if there is weather damage or if there were poor quality materials used initially.

What to watch for

Make checking your roof yearly part of your yearly home maintenance.  Look for any lifted or missing shingles, damaged edges and rotted wood or rust spots. If you see any of these things, call your Sears Home Expert for a free in-home consultation. Here are 5 problems to look for in roof maintenance.

Things to consider 

I like to bargain shop for the best price, but that's not always the best practice when you are making home improvements.  Consider any hidden costs or extras {labor costs, removal and disposal, etc...}.
If the company is offering a long-term warranty, will the company be around in 10 years to honor that warranty if needed? Sears Home Services has been serving clients for 125 years!  Don't put off roof maintenance, you may not need a full replacement but things can go south in a hurry with any roof leaks and may end up costing you more in the long run. Here are 4 questions to ask if you are replacing your roof.

Siding

We had to replace the siding in our first home and it wasn't a cheap but I will say that when we replaced it, it was nice that we didn't really have to think about it anymore. Low-maintenance and long-lasting updates are the best improvements to make, especially if you plan on living in your home for a long period of time.  New siding can increase your curb appeal and provide the update your home needs.

When should I replace my siding?

Look for rotting, warping and cracking. Keep your eyes peeled for any unwanted entry points that moisture or bugs could enter in. Pay attention to your energy bill. If it's creeping up, you may want to look for signs of damage and find out where air is escaping or entering. 

Really? Vinyl siding?

Stick with me here. Vinyl siding has come a long way and I think you will love the look and the budget-friendly option. It's durable, and virtually maintenance free. You never have to paint it and you don't have to worry about it chipping or fading. Plus, Sears Home Services now offers lots of color options. 

How to maintain vinyl siding

There is minimal maintenance required for vinyl siding, but there are some tips to maintaining it so that it will last and look it's best for years to come.

Windows

Windows provide more than just a pretty view to the outside. They also let in light and protect you from the elements. Windows have also improved over the years and can reduce noise. A good window can also add 10% to your energy savings which means more money in your pocket. You will also get about an 80% return on your investment when you replace your outdated windows with new ones.

How long do windows last?

Standards in windows have changed and improved in the last 20 years. If your windows are older than that, you can probably benefit from replacing your windows.

Keep your windows looking new

Here are 4 window cleaning tips. Ever wondered if newspaper is good for cleaning windows {I have!}, find out!   Want to know what the lifespan of your home's exterior is? Find out here.   Find current home improvement offers like save $500 on roofing or siding projects over $1500 or you can schedule a free in-home consultation from a Sears Home Services expert.  Have you made any of these improvements? Have you noticed a difference in your energy efficiency?
disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Sears Home Experts. All opinions are 100% my own.