How much does vinyl siding cost in 2024? Materials, installation and other factors  USA TODAY

Read more here:
How much does vinyl siding cost in 2024? Materials, installation and other factors - USA TODAY

4 high-ROI projects to prep for cooler weather from Westlake Royal  LBM Journal

Read the rest here:
4 high-ROI projects to prep for cooler weather from Westlake Royal - LBM Journal

Exterior cladding on building walls

Siding or wall cladding is the protective material attached to the exterior side of a wall of a house or other building. Along with the roof, it forms the first line of defense against the elements, most importantly sun, rain/snow, heat and cold, thus creating a stable, more comfortable environment on the interior side. The siding material and style also can enhance or detract from the building's beauty. There is a wide and expanding variety of materials to side with, both natural and artificial, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Masonry walls as such do not require siding, but any wall can be sided. Walls that are internally framed, whether with wood, or steel I-beams, however, must always be sided.

Most siding consists of pieces of weather-resistant material that are smaller than the wall they cover, to allow for expansion and contraction of the materials due to moisture and temperature changes. There are various styles of joining the pieces, from board and batton, where the butt joints between panels is covered with a thin strip (usually 1 to 2 inches wide) of wood, to a variety of clapboard, also called lap siding, in which planks are laid horizontally across the wall starting from the bottom, and building up, the board below overlapped by the board above it. These techniques of joinery are designed to prevent water from entering the walls. Siding that does not consist of pieces joined would include stucco, which is widely used in the Southwest. It is a plaster-like siding and is applied over a lattice, just like plaster. However, because of the lack of joints, it eventually cracks and is susceptible to water damage. Rainscreen construction is used to improve siding's ability to keep walls dry.

Thatch is an ancient and very widespread building material used on roofs and walls. Thatch siding is made with dry vegetation such as longstraw, water reeds, or combed wheat reed. The materials are overlapped and weaved in patterns designed to deflect and direct water.

Wood siding is very versatile in style and can be used on a wide variety of building structures. It can be painted or stained in any color palette desired.

Though installation and repair is relatively simple, wood siding requires more maintenance than other popular solutions, requiring treatment every four to nine years depending on the severity of the elements to which it is exposed. Ants and termites are a threat to many types of wood siding, such that extra treatment and maintenance that can significantly increase the cost in some pest-infested areas.

Wood is a moderately renewable resource and is biodegradable. However, most paints and stains used to treat wood are not environmentally friendly and can be toxic. Wood siding can provide some minor insulation and structural properties as compared to thinner cladding materials.

Wood shingles or irregular cedar "shake" siding was used in early New England construction, and was revived in Shingle Style and Queen Anne style architecture in the late 19th century.

Wood siding in overlapping horizontal rows or "courses" is called clapboard, weatherboard (British English), or bevel siding which is made with beveled boards, thin at the top edge and thick at the butt.

In colonial North America, Eastern white pine was the most common material. Wood siding can also be made of naturally rot-resistant woods such as redwood or cedar.

Jointed horizontal siding (also called "drop" siding or novelty siding) may be shiplapped or tongue and grooved (though less common). Drop siding comes in a wide variety of face finishes, including Dutch Lap (also called German or Cove Lap) and log siding (milled with curve).

Vertical siding may have a cover over the joint: board and batten, popular in American wooden Carpenter Gothic houses; or less commonly behind the joint called batten and board or reversed board and batten.

Plywood sheet siding is sometimes used on inexpensive buildings, sometimes with grooves to imitate vertical shiplap siding. One example of such grooved plywood siding is the type called Texture 111, T1-11, or T111 ("tee-one-eleven"). There is also a product known as reverse board-and-batten RBB that looks similar but has deeper grooves. Some of these products may be thick enough and rated for structural applications if properly fastened to studs. Both T-11 and RBB sheets are quick and easy to install as long as they are installed with compatible flashing at butt joints.

Slate shingles may be simple in form but many buildings with slate siding are highly decorative.

Wood clapboard is often imitated using vinyl siding or uPVC weatherboarding. It is usually produced in units twice as high as clapboard. Plastic imitations of wood shingle and wood shakes also exist.

Since plastic siding is a manufactured product, it may come in unlimited color choices and styles. Historically vinyl sidings would fade, crack and buckle over time, requiring the siding to be replaced. However, newer vinyl options have improved and resist damage and wear better. Vinyl siding is sensitive to direct heat from grills, barbecues or other sources. Unlike wood, vinyl siding does not provide additional insulation for the building, unless an insulation material (e.g., foam) has been added to the product. It has also been criticized by some fire safety experts for its heat sensitivity. This sensitivity makes it easier for a house fire to jump to neighboring houses in comparison to materials such as brick, metal or masonry.

Vinyl siding has a potential environmental cost. While vinyl siding can be recycled, it cannot be burned (due to toxic dioxin gases that would be released). If dumped in a landfill, plastic siding does not break down quickly.

Vinyl siding is also considered one of the more unattractive siding choices by many. Although newer options and proper installation can eliminate this complaint, vinyl siding often has visible seam lines between panels and generally do not have the quality appearance of wood, brick, or masonry. The fading and cracking of older types of plastic siding compound this issue. In many areas of newer housing development, particularly in North America, entire neighbourhoods are often built with all houses clad in vinyl siding, given an unappealing uniformity. Some cities now campaign for house developers to incorporate varied types of siding during construction.

A predecessor to modern maintenance free sidings was asphalt brick siding. Asphalt impregnated panels (about 2 by 4ft or 0.61 by 1.22m) give the appearance of brick or even stone. Many buildings have this siding, especially old sheds and garages. If the panels are straight and level and not damaged, the only indication that they are not real brick may be seen at the corner caps. Trademarked names included Insulbrick, Insulstone, Insulwood. Commonly used names now are faux brick, lick-it-and-stick-it brick, and ghetto brick. Often such siding is now covered with newer metal or plastic siding. Today thin panels of real brick are manufactured for veneer or siding.

Insulated siding has emerged as a new siding category in recent years. Considered an improvement over vinyl siding, insulated siding is custom fit with expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) that is fused to the back of the siding, which fills the gap between the home and the siding.

Products provide environmental advantages by reducing energy use by up to 20 percent. On average, insulated siding products have an R-value of 3.96, triple that of other exterior cladding materials. Insulated siding products are typically Energy Star qualified, engineered in compliance with environmental standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to reducing energy consumption, insulated siding is a durable exterior product, designed to last more than 50 years, according to manufacturers. The foam provides rigidity for a more ding- and wind-resistant siding, maintaining a quality look for the life of the products. The foam backing also creates straighter lines when hung, providing a look more like that of wood siding, while remaining low maintenance.

Manufacturers report that insulated siding is permeable or "breathable", allowing water vapor to escape, which can protect against rot, mold and mildew, and help maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Metal siding comes in a variety of metals, styles, and colors. It is most often associated with modern, industrial, and retro buildings. Utilitarian buildings often use corrugated galvanized steel sheet siding or cladding, which often has a coloured vinyl finish. Corrugated aluminium cladding is also common where a more durable finish is required, while also being lightweight for easy shaping and installing making it a popular metal siding choice.

Formerly, imitation wood clapboard was made of aluminium (aluminium siding). That role is typically played by vinyl siding today. Aluminium siding is ideal for homes in coastal areas with much moisture and salt, since aluminium reacts with air to form aluminium oxide, an extremely hard coating that seals the aluminium surface from further degradation. In contrast, steel forms rust, which can weaken the structure of the material, and corrosion-resistant coatings for steel, such as zinc, sometimes fail around the edges as years pass. However, an advantage of steel siding can be its dent-resistance, which is excellent for regions with severe stormsespecially if the area is prone to hail.

The first architectural application of aluminium was the mounting of a small grounding cap on the Washington Monument in 1884. Sheet-iron or steel clapboard siding units had been patented in 1903, and Sears, Roebuck & Company had been offering embossed steel siding in stone and brick patterns in their catalogues for several years by the 1930s. Alcoa began promoting the use of aluminium in architecture by the 1920s when it produced ornamental spandrel panels for the Cathedral of Learning and the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in New York. The exterior of the A.O. Smith Corporation Building in Milwaukee was clad entirely in aluminium by 1930, and 3-foot-square (0.91m) siding panels of Duralumin sheet from Alcoa sheathed an experimental exhibit house for the Architectural League of New York in 1931. Most architectural applications of aluminium in the 1930s were on a monumental scale, and it was another six years before it was put to use on residential construction.

In the first few years after World War II, manufacturers began developing and widely distributing aluminium siding. Among them Indiana businessman Frank Hoess was credited with the invention of the configuration seen on modern aluminium siding. His experiments began in 1937 with steel siding in imitation of wooden clapboards. Other types of sheet metal and steel siding on the market at the time presented problems with warping, creating openings through which water could enter, introducing rust. Hoess remedied this problem through the use of a locking joint, which was formed by small flap at the top of each panel that joined with a U-shaped flange on the lower edge of the previous panel thus forming a watertight horizontal seam. After he had received a patent for his siding in 1939, Hoess produced a small housing development of about forty-four houses covered in his clapboard-style steel siding for blue-collar workers in Chicago. His operations were curtailed when war plants commandeered the industry. In 1946 Hoess allied with Metal Building Products of Detroit, a corporation that promoted and sold Hoess siding of Alcoa aluminium. Their product was used on large housing projects in the northeast and was purportedly the siding of choice for a 1947 Pennsylvania development, the first subdivision to solely use aluminium siding. Products such as 4,-6,-8-and-10-inch (100,150,200 and 250mm) by 12-foot (3.7m) unpainted aluminium panels, starter strips, corner pieces and specialized application clips were assembled in the Indiana shop of the Hoess brothers. Siding could be applied over conventional wooden clapboards, or it could be nailed to studs via special clips affixed to the top of each panel. Insulation was placed between each stud. While the Hoess Brothers company continued to function for about twelve more years after the dissolution of the Metal Building Products Corporation in 1948, they were less successful than rising siding companies like Reynolds Metals.[1][2]

Stone and masonry veneer is sometimes considered siding, are varied and can accommodate a variety of stylesfrom formal to rustic. Though masonry can be painted or tinted to match many color palettes, it is most suited to neutral earth tones, and coatings such as roughcast and pebbeldash. Masonry has excellent durability (over 100 years), and minimal maintenance is required. The primary drawback to masonry siding is the initial cost.

Precipitation can threaten the structure of buildings, so it is important that the siding will be able to withstand the weather conditions in the local region. For rainy regions, exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) have been known to suffer underlying wood rot problems with excessive moisture exposure.

The environmental impact of masonry depends on the type of material used. In general, concrete and concrete based materials are intensive energy materials to produce. However, the long durability and minimal maintenance of masonry sidings mean that less energy is required over the life of the siding.

Various composite materials are also used for siding: asphalt shingles, asbestos, fiber cement, aluminium (ACM), fiberboard, hardboard, etc. They may be in the form of shingles or boards, in which case they are sometimes called clapboard.

Composite sidings are available in many styles and can mimic the other siding options. Composite materials are ideal for achieving a certain style or 'look' that may not be suited to the local environment (e.g., corrugated aluminium siding in an area prone to severe storms; steel in coastal climates; wood siding in termite-infested regions).

Costs of composites tend to be lower than wood options, but vary widely as do installation, maintenance and repair requirements. Not surprisingly, the durability and environmental impact of composite sidings depends on the specific materials used in the manufacturing process.

Fiber cement siding is a class of composite siding that is usually made from a combination of cement, cellulose (wood), sand, and water. They are either coated or painted in the factory or installed and then painted after installation. Fiber cement is popular for its realistic look, durability, low-maintenance properties, fire resistance, and its lightweight properties compared to traditional wood siding. Composite siding products containing cellulose (wood fibers) have been shown to have problems with deterioration, delamination, or loss of coating adhesion in certain climates or under certain environmental conditions.

A younger class of non-wood synthetic siding has sprouted in the past 15 years. These products are usually made from a combination of non-wood materials such as polymeric resins, fiberglass, stone, sand, and fly ash and are chosen for their durability, curb appeal, and ease of maintenance. Given the newness of such technologies, product lifespan can only be estimated, varieties are limited, and distribution is sporadic.

More here:
Siding (construction) - Wikipedia

Introduction Cracked or broken vinyl siding is no reason for despair. A simple $5 tool gets the job done in 15 minutes. This article also includes some useful tips on how to get the best match possible for your original siding.

Vinyl siding is tough but not indestructible. If a falling branch or a well-hit baseball cracked a piece of your siding, dont fret you can make it as good as new in about 15 minutes with a zip tool and a replacement piece. Its as simple as unzipping the damaged piece and snapping in a new one.

The downside of replacing older vinyl siding is that it can be hard to match the style and color, and siding rarely has any identifying marks. The best way to get a replacement piece is to take the broken piece to vinyl siding distributors in your area and find the closest match.

If the old vinyl has faded or you cant find the right color, take the broken piece to a paint store and have the color matched. Paint the replacement piece with one coat of top-quality acrylic primer followed by acrylic house paint acrylic paint will flex with the movement of the vinyl.

Read more:
How to Replace Vinyl Siding (DIY) | Family Handyman

Siding gives you a great way to add color and definition to your house. There are lots of options these days to help you create the perfect faade and you want to choose carefully. While aesthetics are always important, you also want to consider the material's durability, ability to resist water, ease of installation and versatility.

"From a functional point of view, siding gives you protection," says architect Amy A. Alper. "From an architectural point of view, there's an interest now in using a variety of materials to highlight special features on a home. For example, using stone or Western red cedar to highlight an entry."

The low cost, versatility and easy maintenance of vinyl siding has helped it become the most popular siding choice in the United States. While some design professionals and homeowners are turned off by the "plastic look" of some vinyl siding products, the variety of colors and styles available helps explain this siding's popularity.

"The technology has changed dramatically, even in the last five years," says Max Bumgardner, sales manager for Sutton Siding & Remodeling, Inc. "All the manufacturers are competing to offer the best product."

Requiring few tools to install and available at home improvement stores, this is an option for those looking for a do-it-yourself product. Since mistakes can be costly, make sure to follow instructions from the manufacturer and take advantage of online how-to videos.

Commonly used for bungalow, Cape Cod and cottage exteriors, wood siding offers a rich look and is durable if maintained properly. If you are attracted to this look keep in mind that it requires periodic maintenance (chalking and painting or staining to prevent weather damage) and is susceptible to insect or rodent attacks. Depending on maintenance, your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years.

Wood siding comes in clapboard (also known as lap or bevel siding) as well as shakes and shingles. Clapboard siding uses planks of wood installed horizontally with an upper piece that overlaps the lower piece. Western red cedar and redwood, woods known for being attractive and durable, are considered the best choices.

More uniform in appearance but thinner than shakes, shingles give you a smooth and consistent look. They can be cut into different shapes to add visual interest to your exterior. Some manufacturers also offer shingles treated with fire-retardant chemicals, often a requirement in high-risk locations. Be sure to check into the local rules in your area.

Wood siding typically costs around $5 to $10 per square foot installed. That doesn't count additional cost for painting or staining.

Made from fired clay, genuine brick comes in different sizes and textures. Brick is commonly found on Colonial, Tudor and English cottage exteriors, providing a beautiful look that has been used for hundreds of years and has stood the test of time. These days brick siding is usually a veneer constructed outside of a home's wood frame structure, with mortar used to hold the bricks together.

Since water can penetrate brick veneers, a membrane installed between the brick veneer and house can protect the structure. Under normal conditions and when installed correctly brick siding can last the life of your house. Installing brick is labor-intensive, so the cost is on the higher end compared to other siding options.

Typically, brick siding costs around $6 to $15 or more per square foot installed.

Offering the look of masonry, stucco or wood at a lower cost, fiber-cement siding has become a popular siding choice for many homeowners. Fiber-cement siding is low-maintenance, non-flammable and termite-resistant. Available in a range of styles and textures, factory painting or finishes are highly recommended.

On the other side, fiber-cement siding could encounter possible moisture-related problems, and older homes built before the late 1980s may have siding that contains asbestos and requires a professional abatement contractor for removal.

The average cost is $6 to $12 per square foot installed (cost higher with trim), and the siding will last 25 to 50 years, depending on manufacturer.

Traditional stucco is made from building sand, Portland cement, lime and water. A waterproof barrier paper and galvanized-metal screening are applied over wood walls before stucco is added to provide a good base for the stucco and protect the walls underneath. While stucco can be applied to homes with brick and stone surfaces, the classic look is commonly found on Mediterranean, ranch and Spanish-mission exteriors.

Because stucco is very rigid, careful installation can help reduce the possibility of unwanted cracks. When stucco siding is properly installed and maintained, it can last the lifetime of the house.

Stone and stone-veneer siding

The natural beauty and durability of stones like granite and limestone are appealing to homeowners who want a siding that adds texture and visual interest to their exterior. Because stone is more expensive than other siding options and can be difficult to add to an existing home concerns about costs should be considered.

More lightweight and less expensive than natural stone, stone-veneer siding comes in natural and synthetic materials. There are many styles available that help enhance your home's curb appeal. Annual cleaning with a hose and inspection of the siding helps ensure it will last the life of the house.

The average cost of stone is around $10 to $30 per square foot installed, and if maintained properly, can last the lifetime of house.

Go here to read the rest:
Top 6 Exterior Siding Options | HGTV

Why Choose Vinyl House Siding?

Vinyl siding offers the traditional look of wood with the low maintenance performance of vinyl. Compared to other traditional building materials, vinyl siding doesnt need to be painted or stained.

Our vinyl exterior cladding is designed for durability where you live. It can stand up to harsh weather conditions including high heat, extreme sun, hail and high winds. Our insulated vinyl siding can help increase your homes energy efficiency. Allowing your home to stay at the optimal temperature regardless of the weather outside and potentially saving you money on heating and cooling expenses.

There are several reasons you may want to consider replacing your existing siding from improving the value of your home to adding curb appeal. If you notice any of the following, its time to replace your siding.

Replacement vinyl siding is a cost-effective option for your home. Its durable, low-maintenance design can potentially save you money on maintenance and replacement costs down the line. There are a variety of factors that influence the cost of replacing vinyl siding including the style, accessories, home size and installation costs. To get a cost estimate for your home, use the how to buy tool to find an installer or distributor near you.

Original post:
Vinyl Siding - Replacement Vinyl House Siding - Ply Gem

Localized flash flooding is possible Monday into Monday night as a cold front will push through the Rio Grande Valley, the National Weather Service in Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley reports.

The NWS said there is the chance for strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging wind and hail along with localized flash flooding.

Total rainfall of 2 to 3 inches over a couple of hours in poor drainage areas of the Valley will result in 1 to 2 feet of water depth and nuisance flooding, the NWS reports.

Because there is a marginal risk for severe weather, damaging winds and hail are the primary concerns.

There is moderate uncertainty as to where the heaviest rain will set up, with the Lower and Middle Rio Grande Valley favored for the heaviest rain at this time, according to the NWS.

While there is some uncertainty with regards to severe weather potential and flash flooding potential, there is high confidence in a feels like temperature drop of 20 to 30 degrees from Monday afternoon to Tuesday. Minor coastal flooding, high surf, and dangerous rip currents will also be possible following the cold front, meteorologist said.

The severe weather threat is expected between noon Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday. The flash flooding threat is also expected through the same time, but could be extended into Tuesday afternoon, according to the NWS.

Strong to severe storms may include gusty winds up to 60 mph, with pea to nickel sized hail possible.

The NWS report there is still time to prepare for the severe weather and urge motorists to and residents to do the following:

>>Check tire tread wear and pressure and repair/replace.

>>Check brake pads/shoes for wear and replace if needed

>>Check windshield wipers for dry rot and replace immediately to give a clear view

>>Remove debris from drainage ditches, cleanouts, and canals to be on the safe side

>>Check roofs, siding, etc. for loose items and fasten down.

>>Protect/tie down/move outdoor ornamentals, inflatables, holiday decorations, etc.

>>Have a plan to protect life and property (vehicles) before any hail falls. For vehicles, plant to move them to a garage or carport ahead of time.

Read this article:
Flash flooding possible Monday as cold front will push through the Valley - Brownsville Herald

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, the City of Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and a number of community partners announced the launch of the Rooftops Repair Financial Assistance Program.

Over a three-year period, the program will provide up to 650 low-to moderate-income eligible households in the City of Toledo with financial assistance for roof repair or replacement.

The 2021 Toledo Survey completed by the Land Bank evaluated six problem conditions for every structure in the City of Toledo. These conditions include exterior paint/siding, roofs, porch-foundations, windows, doors and fire damage.

Nine thousand one hundred and seventy-four (9,174) structures were observed to have roofs in need of repair or replacement.

This is an exciting partnership with the City of Toledo, the Federal Government, and a number of community partners to help residents with roof repair or replacement, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said.

This doesnt solve the whole problem but it is a step in the right direction and something worth celebrating.

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will prioritize roof repair to prevent further deterioration of owner-occupied residential properties by utilizing $2.6 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, $300,00 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and private bank partner (s) loan products to establish and administer the City of Toledo Rooftops Financial Assistance Program (Rooftops).

Rooftops program partners will include Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHH), DHCD, the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union and participating lenders.

The rooftops program is another tool in our toolbox to preserve housing in Toledo, Director Rosalyn Clemens, Department of Community Development said.

Repairing your roof is probably the single most important investment you can make for preventing further decline on a property. That is why we are focusing on this program.

For more information or to apply for the lottery visit: toledo.oh.gov/rooftops

###

Go here to read the rest:
of Toledo | City of Toledo Department of Housing and Community - City of Toledo

"Beware of my rules": Hideki Kamiya responds to allegations from Hellena Taylor, leaving Bayonetta community upset

Modified Oct 16, 2022 12:44 AM IST

The upcoming hack-and-slash offering, Bayonetta 3, has been a recent subject of controversy after the original voice actor, Hellena Taylor, was replaced. To add to the mess, the studio's key employee Hideki Kamiya recently took to Twitter to mitigate the damage after Taylor stepped up to elaborate on her absence. Now, new information has come to light, citing Platinum's pay of a meager 4,000 USD for her services as the reason behind her departure.

Among the things Hideki said in his tweet was this bit:

Before the emergence of the recent piece of news, fans had expressed concern over replacing the voice actress with Jennifer Hale. With the new information, they are even more upset and siding with Taylor.

After Taylor's four-part post addressing her fans to boycott the game to respect underpaid workers, Kamiya himself seems to have stirred the hornet's nest. His tweet hinted at Taylor's recent revelation as a form of lie, ending with "BEWARE OF MY RULES."

With that, he openly addressed the fact that any fans who dare bring up this controversy will be blocked right away. Yet gamers have begun to berate him despite his track record of blocking sprees.

Fans are sympathizing with Hellena Taylor and even advocating for her recasting, in addition to being serious about the boycott:

Twitter users didn't drop the issue, commenting under a clearly deflective post about food from Hideki:

As expected, fans who are getting on his nerves are being blocked as well.

Since Hideki Kamiya is the respected game director behind iconic names like Devil May Cry and Okami, this turn of events is very disappointing for many. It is strange that the studio could not afford to offer Taylor a better pay; she has worked with it in the past. This is even more baffling considering the fact that Nintendo is footing the bill for this third entry, which is set to be a Nintendo Switch exclusive.

The Japanese gaming giant has hired world-renowned actors such as Chris Pratt and Jack Black for the upcoming Super Mario movie by Illumination. Perhaps Taylor's meager pay has something to do with Bayonetta's co-owner SEGA? Fans will just have to wait for an official response.

Overall, this is a bad situation for the studio's workforce as well. The title being exclusive to one platform is already expected to see fewer sales. And this controversy, with Taylor being underpaid and Kamiya's response to it, threatens sales for the game even further.

At this point in time, Bayonetta 3 is trending on Twitter, with many users fuming over the situation. As such, an official statement from publisher Nintendo is at least very likely to happen. Bayonetta 3 is set to release on October 28, 2022.

More from Sportskeeda

Fetching more content...

See the article here:
"Beware of my rules": Hideki Kamiya responds to allegations from Hellena Taylor, leaving Bayonetta community upset - Sportskeeda

For years, Emily Kosmerl knew her East Side home needed insulation.

The house, built in 1915, was drafty and expensive to heat sometimes as much as $500 a month.

Kosmerl and her husband, Paul, poked around enough to know why.

There was no insulation, she said. It wasnt insulated when it was built, and it wasnt insulated later.

Ethan Featherstone of Accurate-Airtight Exteriors applies spray foam insulation in the attic of a residence in Sussex. The new Inflation Reduction Act includes billions of dollars worth of incentives for weatherization and other energy-saving measures.

They got an energy audit, but because the siding likely contained asbestos they would need to insulate the walls from the inside, which seemed too daunting.

We did everything else that was suggested lightbulbs, low-flow shower heads, Kosmerl said. This project was just too big and pricey.

In January, their boiler gave out after less than 10 years.

People are also reading

The Kosmerls decided to weatherize the house and replace their boiler with a smaller, more efficient model. They had the house air-sealed from the basement sills to the rafters. Their contractor filled the attic with insulation and drilled holes between each stud to pump the walls full of foam.

The cost was more than $18,000, even after a $1,200 state rebate, which they expect to eventually recover through savings on their utility bills.

While they were able to plan and save for the expense, the price tag is out of reach for many families. That could change next year, thanks to incentives in the new Inflation Reduction Act.

While the landmark bill is expected to spur the nations fastest-ever buildout of clean energy resources, it also includes billions of dollars to make homes more energy-efficient, which experts say is the single most cost-effective tool for slowing climate change.

Urbanek

Its an unprecedented amount of money going to energy efficiency, said Lauren Urbanek, senior energy policy analyst for the Natural Resources Defense Council. It has the potential to be pretty transformative.

Unlike previous federal clean energy tax credits, which favor those who can afford the up-front cost of things like solar panels, many of the IRAs programs are aimed at low- and moderate-income households and disadvantaged communities.

Green Homeowners United estimates that more than half a million Wisconsin households including tens of thousands in Dane County will qualify for rebates that could cover up to 80% of the costs of weatherization and in some cases the full cost of a new heat pump.

Its going to be a huge opportunity for us to upgrade a lot of homes, said Kevin Kane, co-founder and chief economist for the West Allis-based company that seeks to help people conserve energy. Almost every home will have access to some amount of incentive.

Policy analysts say energy-efficient measures such as weatherization are the most cost-effective tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Not pie in the sky

Passed by Congress this summer, the IRA includes nearly $370 billion for clean energy and energy savings, the nations largest-ever investment in slowing climate change.

In combination with existing policies, its expected to reduce the nations greenhouse gas emissions by about 40% by 2030, according to two independent analyses.

Scientists warn emissions need to be cut in half by 2030 and eliminated entirely by 2050 to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Much of the money will go to subsidize wind, solar and other forms of clean energy generation, but the bill includes $25 billion to help make existing homes more energy efficient and tens of billions more for broad greenhouse gas reduction programs that could include home retrofits, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

Energy efficiency is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions: Its one of the cheapest solutions, improves comfort and health, and saves consumers money on their energy bills.

Theres not one simple answer, but in general we think energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way of getting savings, said Lowell Ungar, director of federal policy for the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, which found that the nation could cut greenhouse gas emissions in half just by improving efficiency of buildings, industry and transportation.

This is not pie-in-the-sky stuff, Ungar said. This is doing what we already know how to do.

And while conservation alone wont eliminate all carbon emissions, it will make the transition from fossil fuels easier and cheaper.

It makes it a heck of a lot easier to actually make the grid cleaner when demand is less, Urbanek said. You dont have to put up as many solar panels.

Policy analysts say financial incentives are also crucial for getting new technologies into the mainstream, like they did with LED lighting.

Its going to really push along and help us get to where we need to go, Ungar said.

Crunching the numbers

Kane said the law will supercharge his companys mission to do right by the planet, right by homeowners and right by workers to help people fight climate change from home.

By crunching data from the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Kane estimates there are more than 510,000 low- and moderate-income households that would qualify for an $8,000 rebate on a high-efficiency heat pump, which is essentially an air conditioner that also works as a heater.

Kane said in many cases that would completely offset the cost.

Frost said the4-3 Supreme Court rulingthata mere appearance of bias by a public official is not a due process violation left him little choice.

A separate program will provide instant rebates on home improvements like insulation, window replacement or air sealing that reduce energy use by 20% or more.

Homeowners can receive a $2,000 rebate for projects that cut use by 20%, and $4,000 for projects that save at least 35%, or up to half of the total project cost. For households earning less than 80% of the median ($64,700 for a family of three in Wisconsin), the rebates are doubled and can cover up to 80% of the total cost.

The bill also includes incentives for owners of multi-family buildings and other landlords, helping renters who are often left out of such programs.

Its going to be a huge opportunity for us to upgrade a lot of homes in the area, Kane said. For many people, theyre going to be paying very, very little, especially in terms of heat pumps.

Weatherization contractors say they will need to recruit and train more workers to meet the demand stimulated by rebates and tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Creating jobs

The incentives will also be a boon for weatherization and HVAC contractors.

Weve been waiting for something like this for a long time, said Torrance Kramer, president of Accurate-Airtight Exteriors, an energy-efficiency construction company that does energy audits, insulation and building envelope consulting. Itll change the dynamic of how we do business.

Kramer, whose company insulated Kosmerls home, said he expects the incentives will bring in more business from northern Wisconsin, though it might also force him to be more selective in the jobs he takes.

That will leave opportunities for other folks, he said.

Kramer said hes already looking for more workers.

As every other contractor, its a really big challenge for us, Kramer said. Im an insulator. You want to go crawl around in a tight, itchy space?

Kane is working with labor unions to set up training programs for the industry.

Were going to hire people lots and lots of people, Kane said. Were letting people know this isnt just a gig. Its a career path.

Workers with Accurate-Airtight Exteriors remove old insulation from the attic of a residence in Sussex. The Inflation Reduction Act includes rebates of up to $4,000 for retrofit projects that reduce energy use.

Guidance sought

Its unclear exactly when and how the IRA funding will be distributed and administered.

States are waiting on the Department of Energy to issue guidance before they submit plans for approval, which Urbanek said likely wont happen until sometime in 2023.

While the DOE has yet to announce Wisconsins share of the state-administered programs, its likely to be at least 10 times what the states ratepayer-funded conservation program Focus on Energy currently budgets for residential incentives.

But Urbanek said state- and utility-sponsored conservation programs will still be essential to solving the problem.

Its unprecedented ... but it is not enough, Urbanek said. Even $9 billion is not going to be enough to reach every single home and building.

The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, a group of local governments representing more than a third of the states population, called the bill a once in a lifetime opportunity to supercharge energy efficiency.

The group has urged the Public Service Commission to adjust Focus on Energys goals to stack state and federal incentives and leverage the state program to help more people take advantage of the federal funds.

With the help of professional facilitators, attendees will spend the day coming up with immediate actions and long-term strategies to address climate change in Wisconsin.

But regulators, who are crafting goals for the next four-year period, say they dont yet know enough about how the IRA funds will be distributed.

Making any changes based on that legislation is extremely premature, PSC Chair Rebecca Valcq said. It may be another year before we get guidance on some of these programs.

Wallace Kennedy of Accurate-Airtight Exteriors seals gaps in the attic of a Sussex home to keep heat from escaping. Air sealing is a crucial element of weatherization, said Dylan Crye, residential program director for Focus on Energy, who likens insulating without sealing to wearing a wool sweater on a windy day.

Welcome comfort

Despite the high cost and missing out on the coming incentives Kosmerl said her weatherization investment was worth it.

Shes expecting to see big savings on her utility bills this winter, and she was surprised this summer to discover how much quieter and more comfortable the house was, even without air conditioning.

Our house is staying so much cooler, she said. We always thought about the heating bill in winter, but our summer is so much more pleasant too.

While she missed out on the IRAs weatherization rebates, Kosmerl is interested in the bills incentives for heat pumps, which can heat and cool spaces.

Im really keeping an eye on those, she said. Wed really like to get to a point where we have air conditioning.

Its going to be a huge opportunity for us to upgrade a lot of homes. Almost every home will have access to some amount of incentive.

Kevin Kane, co-founder and chief economist forWest Allis-basedGreen Homeowners United

Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Original post:
Report: More than half-million Wisconsin homes could qualify for new weatherization incentives - Madison.com