September 11, 2001 Let Us Never Forget

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Where were you when the news came from New York City on September 11, 2001? It is a day I think none of us will ever forget, but what is also truly important is that we tell our children and our grandchildren about that day and not let it be something that slips into history; Don't let it become one of those things that our children or grandchildren say, "9/11 ummm" when asked in history class. This most horrific event is something that even know sends shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes.

I will never forget the images, the videos, or the commentary. And politics aside, no matter which side of the aisle you root for, we all came together and decided that whoever had done this will know that they have messed with the wrong people. For the first time in a long time Americans came together as one to fight evil.

I remember seeing on the news the first footage of the twin towers and thinking, "This is a joke or something". No way this really happened. And then there I sat glued to the T.V. as reporters came on, as citizens amateur videos were shown of the crashes and then of the collapse of the towers. So incredibly awful. So heartbreaking.

And then later at Ground Zero seeing the destruction and our President, damn near in tears swearing that we would find the people responsible, that no one was going to come onto American soil, do this and get away with it.

In the time that's passed, I haven't always agreed with how things were handled, what things were done or not done. But I do believe that they were all decisions came from the heart and the hope that they were best for America.

I hope that we have now healed somewhat. It is something I don't think any of us who witnessed it will completely heal from, or ever forget. But I do hope that we have mended our hearts a little. 

To America, I say we need to stay as one people, to let the world know that no matter the religion, race, age, economic stature, or sex, we love our country and NO ONE will do this again. EVER.

To the first responders on 9/11: Nothing is adequate enough so I will just say Thank You.

To the survivors: I have no idea what you went through, what that was like, how terrifying it must have been. But I hope in time you have been able to let go of the terror, to live a normal happy life.

To those who lost someone on 9/11: I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been more than a decade and yet I'm sure it sometimes feels just like yesterday that your loved one was beside you. While our pain is not the same, we grieve with you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Have a Blessed day everyone. Let Us Never Forget.

Attic Innovations ~ 936-442-8926 ~ www.atticinnovations.com ~ atticinnovations@gmail.com

Early Halloween??

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Does anyone else have child obsessed with Halloween? My son, 11 years old cannot start the Halloween costume shopping too early. Already he has most of his costume and is planning the decorations for the yard.

And the scarier the better, I think. He would really love for everyone to run screaming from our house with no candy. That's what I believe! But I guess we're only kids once. Why not let him enjoy it right? But man, I've never seen anything like it.

So do you have kids that are really into Halloween? Do they want to scare, look pretty, look cool? Do you have any special Halloween traditions? These are all things I find pretty cool about people. How we are all the same and yet all very different.

We all want the same things like love, security, money, happiness. But how we go about it is usually so different than the next person. Fascinating to me.

So I didn't talk about Energy Efficiency today. Or windows, or insulation, or roofing. We'll save that for another day. Today was a reflection day to think of all we have, all we want to work for, and to enjoy our children while we can. You all have a wonderful day.

Attic Innovations - 936-442-8926 - www.atticinnovations.com - atticinnovations@gmail.com

Preparing Your Home For Winter

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

I know, it's still 90 degrees out. Why in the world would I be posting about Winter? Well, because it creeps up faster than you realize. Right now it is still hot but before we know it the fronts will start coming through and the cold weather with them.

Many people realize that they need to do things during the Summer to help keep there homes cool and to lower energy bills, but they don't really think about Winter.

In the winter, you want to be sure your home is properly insulated and that you have double pane windows that are sealed against the cold air outside.

Think of insulation like a nice winter coat. When it's cold outside you put on a coat to keep the cold out and your warm body heat in. Insulation does the exact same thing for your home. If you don't have enough insulation you will find that your home never gets quite warm enough. 

Your windows play a big role too.  If you have old single pane windows they will not repel the cold air. And if they are not properly sealed you will actually feel cold drafts in your home. If you can walk by your windows in the Winter and feel a temperature change in your home or feel a draft, it's time for new windows. With insufficient windows it seems your heater either runs all the time, or shuts off only to come back on within minutes.

With Properly installed insulation and insulated double pane Low E windows. You will notice that you turn your heat on, your home will reach the temperature you set, the thermostat will shut off and stay off, sometimes for hours. This significantly lowers your energy bills. Plus you will be much more comfortable in your home without having to bundle up or constantly adjust the thermostat.

Attic Innovations is and insulation contractor and also installs radiant barrier, windows, roofing, and attic ventilation. We install Owens Corning blown in fiberglass insulation and offer windows by Simonton and Wincore, both of which offer lifetime warranties on their windows. They are great products. Give us a call today!

Attic Innovations ~ 936-442-8926 ~ www.atticinnovations.com ~ atticinnovations@gmail.com

The Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation

Maybe you're building a new home. Or maybe you're getting ready to re-insulate your home. Either way, you know insulation is important to help you keep your home more comfortable. But did you know it can also help lower your energy bills? But with all the choices out there, why choose fiberglass? Glad you asked:

Money Savings - When insulation is installed correctly and correct R-values are reached, fiberglass insulation will save you lots of money annually and pay for itself long term.

Sound Proofing - Fiberglass insulation is a great choice for sound proofing. If outdoor noises seem louder than they should you may not have enough insulation in your walls.

Economics - Fiberglass insulation is cheaper than foam insulation. In fact, in can be half the cost of foam insulation but with the same, or even better, benefits.

R-Value - R-value measures an insulation's effectiveness. The more efficient the insulation, the higher the R-value. Fiberglass insulation has a higher R-value than some other insulations.

Are You Ready For Insulation?

Now that you've seen the benefits of fiberglass insulation, are you ready to use it in your home? To learn more about insulation or Attic Innovations, visit our website at www.atticinnovations.com or Contact Attic Innovations Today! You can also call us at 936-442-8926

Attic Innovations - www.atticinnovations.com - atticinnovations@gmail.com - 936-442-8926

Windows - So Many Choices!

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

When it is time to replace your windows, you may be surprised that there are so many options out there! I mean, a window is just a window, right?  WRONG! There are many options that can help with energy efficiency, choices to go with your decor, etc. So how do you sift through all the clutter? Luckily this post today will help you look at your choices and make a good decision for your home. You can always call Attic Innovations for a free energy analysis and help with your replacement windows!

First, your basic window choices: 

Basically you will have the choice of single hung or double hung. This is a personal preference. Single hung windows are your basic windows that slide up/down or left/right to open. Double hung windows will actually unlatch and swing in to allow for easy cleaning.

Secondly, your glass options:

Your glass options consist of double pane, triple pane, and impact resistant;

Double Pane: Double pane windows consist of two panes of glass with air or gas between the panes, which creates and insulating glass unit. This is the most common option chosen for replacement windows.

Triple Pane: Triple pane windows consist of three panes of double strength glass that creates two separate air spaces for increased resistance to heat transfer. 

Impact Resistance: A laminated glass made with a durable inter-layer in between two layers of glass which increases safety, sound control, UV protection, and energy efficiency. These windows are great for coastal areas.

You can also get Low E Coated glass along with your choice of window: Low E coated glass reflects infrared light, keeping heat inside in the winter, and outside in the summer. It can also reduce fading to carpets, artwork, wood floors, and drapes by blocking damaging UV rays. This is a great choice in Texas' climate.

Attic Innovations Recommends Simonton Windows because in our opinion they are the best quality with the best warranties. Remember all windows and window companies are NOT alike. Hopefully this helps a little bit, and if you have more questions feel free to call Attic Innovations at 

936-442-8926. We'll be more than happy to help you decide which windows are best for you.

www.atticinnovations.com ~ atticinnovations@gmail.com ~ 936-442-8926

High Energy Bills This August

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Whew! What a week. I apologize for missing last week, but it couldn't be helped. I took the family to San Antonio for a Summer Vacation and boy was it HOT! Are we all enjoying this heat yet? I know I'm not, and let me tell you what is going on in your home if it isn't energy efficient:

1. Your attic is on fire! Not literally, obviously, but it will feel like it. And the hotter your attic, the more your air conditioner must work to cool the rest of your home. This is because heat from your attic sits right on top of your ceiling, and will heat your living space as well.

2. Your A/C is begging for a break! When temperatures are this hot and your home is not energy efficient, your A/C will seem to run all the time... That's because it is! If your home is allowing in too much heat then each time your A/C shuts off your home will immediately become hot and your A/C will turn right back on.

3. Your wallet is asking, "what the heck is going on?" When your A/C runs all the time, your money runs right out of your wallet. It costs a lot of money to have air conditioning running at all times. 

So, what can you do? Call Attic Innovations for an Energy Analysis! It's free and we NEVER try to sell you something you don't need. We will simply go over the major points of energy efficiency and see how your home stacks ups. Then we'll make recommendations as to what will help you make your home energy efficient and more comfortable. All the things mentioned above will benefit from insulation, radiant barrier, attic ventilation, or energy efficient windows. But not all homes need all those things. Call an expert and get your home where it needs to be to stay comfortable and save some money this Summer. 936-442-8926

ATTIC INNOVATIONS - TOM DECKER

936-442-8926 ~ www.atticinnovations.com ~ atticinnovations@gmail.com

Double Pane Windows: Are They Worth It?

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

So, you're thinking of replacing your old single pane windows with new replacement double pane energy efficient ones. That's great!  Replacement windows can keep your home cooler, quieter, more hypo-allergenic, and save you money on energy bills. They are a wonderful investment.

Not only do double pane windows block noise, and keep that awful heat out of your home, but they will also keep pollen, dirt, and dust out . Pollen levels in our area can reach record highs and old, leaky, single pane windows allow microscopic particles into your home to settle on surfaces. Replacing your windows with vinyl double pane windows will help alleviate allergy problems along with keeping your home cleaner.

Energy loss from windows account for almost 25% of the heating and cooling costs for the average American family according to the Department of Energy. By installing energy efficient, double pane windows you can drastically reduce that number. A clear glass, double pane vinyl framed window can reduce energy usage 18-24% depending on the time of year and the climate! Using less energy also means that you're burning less fossil fuel and creating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Purchasing a cheap window because the price sounds great could be a major negative. If the window is made improperly, has seals that fail, or with improperly spaced glass, your energy efficiency will not be what you expect and you may end up with leaky windows and more money spent on repairs. So be sure you choose a company that installs quality windows and offers  warranties.

Attic Innovations      

936-442-8926   atticinnovations@gmail.com - www.atticinnovations.com

What Is Energy Efficiency?

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

What is energy efficiency? Energy efficiency means using less energy while providing or using the same service. There are other meanings but for our purposes this is the best one. 

Examples of energy efficiency include replacing single pane windows with energy efficient double pane windows. The new windows prevent the heat in your home from escaping in the Winter and keep the cool air from escaping in the Summer. Because of this the A/C runs less and saves energy. Another example is when you replace an appliance, like a refrigerator or washing machine with a new energy efficiency model. The new model provides the same service but uses less water and electricity. Therefore these new models have created energy efficiency.

Installing insulation keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Insulation performance is measured by R-value.  A high R-value means more insulation power.  Depending on the the place of installation, the R-value recommendation will differ. For the biggest energy saving, add insulation in the attic. If you look across your attic floor and your insulation is level or below floor joists, you definitely need more insulation. But just because you insulation covers the floor joists doesn't mean you don't need anymore. The recommended level for most attics is R-38, around 12-15 inches. Although in very cold climates R-49 is recommended.

If you have any questions or to have a free energy analysis on your home, give us a call. We can help make your home more energy efficient with insulation, radiant barrier, windows, attic ventilation, and even roofing. Only a energy audit will be able to tell you exactly what you need to help in your home. 

Attic Innovations

936-442-8926 - atticinnovations@gmail.com - www.atticinnovations.com

Complete Energy Efficiency: How It All Works Together

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Well, good morning all. Today we are talking about complete energy efficiency, or complete home insulation systems. I'm sure most of you have heard about Insulation, Radiant Barrier, Ridge Vents, and Attic Fans. But you may not know exactly what they are, what they do, and how they work together.

On their own, each product is great, but to get the best value out of these products, some homes need more than one or all of them. So today we will talk about how they all work together to make your home more energy efficient and more comfortable. First I will break down what each item is and how it works and then move in to putting them together.

Insulation: Insulation is a product that reduces heat loss or gain by separating areas that very in temperature such as separating the temperatures in your attic and home.  Insulation works by blocking heat or cold, just like when you wear a sweater and a jacket in the winter to keep the warmth in your body from escaping.

Radiant Barrier: Radiant Barrier works by reflecting the radiant heat created by the Sun. This heat will hit your roof and, without radiant barrier, will penetrate your attic making it unbearably hot. When radiant barrier is in place, up to 85% of this heat is reflected back into the atmosphere before it can penetrate your attic, keeping your attic and A/C components cooler to begin with. Think of the windshield cover you put in your car to reflect the sun while your car is parked at the mall.

Attic Fans: Attic fans come in the powered or solar varieties. The work by circulating the air in your attic to help keep it cool. Attic fans work best with ridge vents and soffit vents.

Ridge Vents and Soffit Vents: Ridge vents are placed on the top peaks of  your roof and allow hot air to escape. Since hot air rises, excess heat naturally will travel upward toward the ridge vents and escape. Soffit vents are install on the underside edges of your roof and allow air that is circulated by your attic fans to be pushed out of your attic. Think of a getting in your hot car and rolling down the windows to allow the heat to escape.

So, how do these products work together? Well, here you go:

Radiant barrier initially blocks up to 85% of the radiant heat entering your attic keeping your A/C systems cooler. The attic fans will circulate the heat that IS in your attic. The ridge vents and soffit vents will allow that circulated air to be removed from the attic and insulation will block any heat that is left from excessively heating your home and keeping your A/C running less and energy bills down.

Some homes may not need all items for maximum efficiency. It depends on roof pitch, amount of insulation, etc. But a qualified energy efficiency expert will be able to tell you exactly what you need. Please don't hesitate to call or email if you have any questions. We will be happy to perform a free energy analysis for you and get you on the road to energy efficiency!

Attic Innovations - 936-442-8926 - atticinnovations@gmail.com - www.atticinnovations.com

Radiant Barrier: What Is It, How Does It Work?

The Low Down on Radiant Barrier

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Welcome to the Attic Innovations Energy Efficiency Blog. My name is Tom Decker. I am the owner of Attic Innovations in Texas. We specialize in making your home more energy efficient using insulation, radiant barrier, Low E double pane windows, attic ventilation, and even roofs. We service Houston and surrounding areas such as Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Montgomery, Tomball, Magnolia, Katy, Sugarland, and more. 

Today, I wanted to start with radiant barrier. What is it? What does it do? Why is radiant barrier important?
Well, that is what I am going to tell you today. Also, stay tuned to this blog for relevant information on the different products available today to help make your home energy efficient. I will tackle the myths, the truths, and shed some light on the different ways you can achieve energy efficiency and lower electric bills. Let's get started, shall we?

Radiant Barrier

Radiant barrier is installed in your attic to reduce heat gain and also to reduce energy costs. Radiant barrier is highly reflective and reflects radiant heat, so radiant heat is kept out of your attic. Cooler attic equals cooler home. Radiant heat travels in a straight line and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy.

When sunlight hits a roof, it is mainly the sun's radiant heat that makes the roof so hot. Most of this heat travels through the roof to the attic. The heat is then radiated into the attic, including the air ducts and floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer into the attic by reflecting that heat back out. Think of your car. When you go out on a sunny day and have to park your car in the sun, what do you do? Or what have you thought of doing? Well, most people will put up a reflective shield in their windshield. Why? Because the heat is reflected away from the car, keeping the car cooler.

The same principle applies to your home. When your attic is raging hot, and that attic is sitting right above the rest of your home, possibly housing your A/C unit as well, your home will also become hotter and your A/C will not keep up. Unless you install a radiant barrier to reflect some of that awful heat back out. Radiant barrier is most effective in hot climates especially when air ducts are in the attic. Radiant barrier can drastically reduce cooling costs in warm, sunny climates. But no matter what climate you live in, radiant barrier is most effective with a complete energy efficiency system, including insulation and ventilation, which I will discuss in my next post.

So, now you know you need radiant barrier. But there are many choices out there, how do you choose? Well let me break it down for you:

Radiant Barrier Spray: Radiant barrier spray was designed to reduce your attic temperatures and energy usage while also being eco-friendly when applied.  Not only does it block radiant heat from getting inside it will also radiate up to 85% of heat back into the atmosphere. Radiant barrier spray will also not interfere with electronics and cell service. It truly is a great product.

Radiant Barrier Foil: While radiant barrier foil does its job properly it does have some major cons. First off, it is more expensive as it is harder to install. Secondly, because the foil is thick and in sheets,many times it is difficult to install in your entire attic, so portions of your attic do not get coverage, thus defeating the purpose.. Also, with foil you will have cell phone issues like dropped calls. 

Attic Innovations only uses Heat Bloc Ultra Radiant Barrier Spray which is cost effective, easy to install, will not cause interference with your electronics, and will help keep your home energy efficient while lowering your energy bills. 

I hope this post has been informative. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions. Visit our site at www.atticinnovations.com   You can also email Attic Innovations HERE or call 936-442-8926