Energy Saving Building Products That Lower Utility Bills

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2013-07-28T05:40:00.001-07:00

Cut Commercial Roofing Cost with Roof Coatings

2013-01-25T08:29:00.001-08:00

Cut Cost on Commercial Roof Replacements

Myrtle Beach Hotels and Other Commercial Buildings, Cut Roof Replacement Cost With Roof Coatings

For many businesses, building maintenance is an essential cost of doing business. Maintaining a visually appealing appearance, protecting merchandise, or offering a clean hotel room, can be the difference between success and failure, in competitive tourist markets like Myrtle Beach, SC. Even with good marketing and advertising, a customer is likely to make their final decision on whether or not they will do business with you, based on the appearance and cleanliness of your building/store. Just like a bad score from the health department can deter customers from a restaurant, a leaky roof resulting in mildew and other foul smells, can run customers off, even after you draw them in the doors. A leaky roof not only poses the risk of losing potential customers, it can also add to the risk of having major structural damage. Just like with health care, prevention is the best way to protect your buildings structural soundness, and overall appearance.

There are many reasons why business owners often neglect their roofing systems, however one of the main reasons, is the cost associated with roof replacement. Roofing products are often expensive and labor intensive to install, resulting in high replacement cost to the building owners. Many factors play into the high cost of roof replacement such as manufacturer's warranty's, new regulations in the production of roofing materials, and the need for skilled labor to install roofing systems. Another big factor in the past, associated with labor cost, has been the need to remove the old roofing system in order to install a new roofing system. Roof tear off is priced the same as installing a new roofing system. Re-roofing over shingles with a second layer, and installing metal roofing over top of shingle roofs, has been going on for years. However, these methods are not acceptable by most manufacturer's warranty requirements, and also add a lot of extra weight to a roof framing system designed for holding only one layer of roofing.

In recent years, due to a sluggish economy, and a push towards more environmentally friendly products, roofing product manufacturers have made strides into improving their products to help lower roof replacement cost, and improve sustainability. To help customers lower roof replacement cost, and improve their own company's sales, many new roof coating products have hit the market, which have lowered roofing cost for commercial building owners and homeowners a like.

Roof coatings, are roofing products that can be installed over most existing, low slope roofing systems. Low slope roofs, or more commonly referred to as flat roofs, are often used on commercial buildings. They offer many advantages to commercial building owners, such as being able to put HVAC systems on the roof, ease of maintenance, and improved storefront appearances. The major disadvantage is the cost of flat roofing systems, as there is a smaller market for flat roofs, resulting in higher cost of low slope roofing products. Just as with residential roofing systems, flat roofing systems also need replacement, on average, after about 20-30 years. Advancements in roof coatings, have helped eliminate some of the cost associated with replacing a flat roofing system, and offer the same warranty lengths as traditional flat roofing systems. Roof coatings can go over most all existing flat roof systems, eliminating most tear off cost associated with traditional flat roof replacements. Roof coatings are also light weight, and will not add any significant amount of weight to structural members. Being able to eliminate half the labor cost associated with replacing flat roofing systems, has resulted in huge savings to commercial building owners in need of a new roof. Also, in addition to lower roof replacement cost, roof coatings are also energy efficient, helping building owners lower utility cost. By eliminating waste associated with tearing off old roofing systems, also helps the environment.

So if your a business owner or commercial building owner in the Myrtle Beach, SC or coastal Carolina areas, and in need of a new roof, then give MBS Services and Construction Company a call today. We can come out and assess your situation, and tell you how a roof coating can save your company money on roof replacement cost, and lower utility cost for most business owners. If your roof is already leaking, and your worried about structural damage, our company uses thermal imaging technology which can pinpoint insulation and structural damage, which also lowers cost for insulation and structural roof repairs. So give us a call today, or contact us through any of the contact methods listed below. Thanks for reading, and we look forward to helping business, hotels, and homeowners in the Myrtle Beach area with their next roofing projects.

MBS Services & Construction Company
530 Piedmont Ave.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
Website: http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

EPA Regulatory Fees to Raise Spray Foam Insulation Cost in South Carolina

2012-09-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

EPA Regulations Hit Spray Foam Insulation Contractors With Huge Cost in 2013

Hurry and get your home spray foamed before the tougher EPA restrictions start. New restrictions are set to double the cost of the most energy efficient "green" building products on the market like spray foam insulation. With spray foam insulation being the best insulation product on the market to homeowners and businesses in the Myrtle Beach, SC and Coastal Carolina areas, and has a 100% faster payback on investment compared to solar energy products. New regulations in transportation fees, testing, and inspections, will now cost homeowners almost $2,000 more in spray foam insulation cost then in past years.

If you have ever been interested in spray foam insulation for your home or business in the Myrtle Beach SC and surrounding areas, then now is the time to install it in your home or business. Beat the regulation start date and save up to $2,000 in regulatory fee cost. With tax credits this year being up to $30% of the installation cost, this may be the last time that homeowners can take advantage of current prices. This is usually a pretty good tax deduction for most homeowners and businesses, offering incentive to invest quickly into better insulating your home with spray foam insulation. If your a homeowner or business in the Myrtle Beach, SC or surrounding coastal Carolina area and want more information on spray foam insulation, then contact us today and take advantage of low pricing on spray foam insulation.

MBS & Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: (706)-951-0158 (Dan)
Website: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

Using the Federal Reserve Stimulus 2012 to make Home Improvements

2012-09-16T20:45:00.002-07:00

Federal Reserve Pumps More Stimulus Money Into US Economy

With a Slow economic recovery over the past 3 to 4 years, the United States Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernacke announced another stimulus program to help stimulate the economy. Announced on September 13th, the Federal Reserve committed to low interest rates until 2015, and an open ended quantitative easing program, with the Federal Reserve buying 40 billion dollars in mortgage backed securities without end, according to BusinessInsider.com. BusinessInsider.com has a full transcript of the announcement and press conference with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernacke (http://www.businessinsider.com/federal-reserve-decision-2012-9). This will allow banks to have more capital and improve loaning abilities of banks all around the country.

What this means to Myrtle Beach, SC area residents and the surrounding North Carolina and South Carolina coastal areas is more lending opportunities for first time home buyers, businesses, investors, and car buyers. The Federal Reserve is hoping that by taking these drastic measures, it will spur homeowners and businesses to expand, and make improvements to existing properties and infrastructure. As many local Myrtle Beach hotels and businesses have been putting off building improvements, due to volatility, and a slower than expected economic recovery, this move by the Federal Reserve should open up more lending sources for many hotels and businesses. Also, the Federal Reserve is hoping that this will give homeowners access to low interest capital for home improvements, especially energy efficient home improvements that reduce carbon emissions. Homeowners have been in the same situation as businesses, putting off many home improvement projects for months and years. Look for banks to ease requirements for equity line loans for homeowners, first time home buyer programs, investment property loans, and small business loans.

With most small businesses surviving the after effects of the recession in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area, yet not profiting like they were before the recession, it is good news. This means access to more capital to invest into real estate, much needed building improvements, advertising investments, and other key tools needed to make their business plans work. Myrtle Beach is quickly becoming one of the best beaches in America to visit, with TV spots on Fox News, ABC News, and many other news outlets. This has definitely attracted a lot more first time visitors to the Myrtle Beach area. Attracting repeat business is key to hotels and resorts in the Myrtle Beach SC area, differentiating your hotel or business from the competition can make all the difference in attracting more customers to your location. Improving building structures and maintaining existing structures, is key to keeping your property attracting customers. Projects like roof replacements can not be overlooked for long, without causing major damages. Many hotels are taking these opportunities to invest in more energy efficient roofing systems. With energy efficient building design improvements in the past years, many hotels and business are saving money on key repairs like roof replacement cost. There are many roof coating products now that have better ratings then traditional roofs. In addition they also have lower material and labor cost then traditional roofing systems, reduce energy cost, and tax credits available to business owners, covering up to $1.30/sq. foot on installation cost.

It has never been a better time to improve your building structure or hotel in Myrtle Beach. With pricing so low for most of these products, not only will you get a great deal, you will also make your hotel or resort stand out from the rest. Environmentally Friendly customers really look for businesses that use products that can be labeled "green" and carry the Energy Star rating requirements as well. Advertising your business as an environmentally friendly and "green" hotel can also add more ways to differentiate your product or service from the rest of the competition. See the Energy Star web page for information on Gaco Western S-2000 roof coating ratings, the most popular and best warrantied roof coating system in the Myrtle Beach area: http://downloads.energystar.gov/bi/qplist/roofs_prod_list.pdf?8662-14e5

Also check out the Energy Star federal tax credits for commercial properties at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_comm_buildings and for residential properties at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index .

With increase in tourism to the Myrtle Beach area, quantitative easing by the Fed will also help rental home investors maximize their investments as well. With tax credits paying for some of the initial investment cost in many "green" and Energy Star rated roofing products. Energy Star rated roofing products help lower the cost of energy bills in addition to being more durable. Standing seam metal roof systems is one of the most popular systems for homes in the Myrtle Beach area. Standing seam metal roofs not only help with energy efficiency for the home, they also last 4 times longer than traditional shingle roofs, and less maintenance. Long term investments into roofing will help rental property owners lower roof replacement cost and roof maintenance cost in the future. With most rental property owners taking this approach, it will lead to more profit, and increase long term sustainability of the property as well. Homeowners have an even better incentive to invest in Energy Efficient Home Improvements, as it saves 30% or more to use Energy Star Rated building products in the home versus traditional building products. Long term savings on energy bills benefits both homeowners and rental property owners a like.

The old rule of thumb in investing is to buy low and sell high. Well products and services haven't been this low in 10 years in the Myrtle Beach area, meaning you are investing at the lowest price in the labor market as well. As labor rates will rise with increased demand, investments into your properties will be better to do sooner than later now, helping to maximize long term payback rates of investing in Energy Star rated building products.

MBS & Co. specializes in repairing, replacing, and installing energy efficient roofing systems in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. With their owner Daniel Sullivan having 20 years experience in commercial roofing and residential roofing business, he has strived to find the best and most energy efficient products for the Myrtle Beach area, at the most affordable prices for Myrtle Beach hotels, businesses, and home owners. If your a business or homeowner in the Myrtle Beach area in the market for a more energy efficient roofing system, at half the cost of traditional roof replacements, then call Dan today at 706-951-0158. Dan can give you free roof inspection and roofing service estimate on your home or business.

We hope this article has been helpful in helping to keep our fellow local businesses informed of the newest products and news related to the building markets in the coastal Carolina area. Visit our website for more information at: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

MBS & Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

Energy Efficient Home Improvements Are Good Retirement Investments

2012-09-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

Why Energy Efficient Home Improvements Are Good Retirement Investments

As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age in the United States, many are left wondering what are good investments to make in preparation of retirement. Most individuals and families nearing retirement age already know the most publicized ways to invest, with investments such as Roth IRAs, stocks with high dividend yields, paying off home mortgages or refinancing into lower fixed rate mortgages, and other safe financial investments. We all see the commercials saying invest in this fund, invest in this commodity, yet sometimes we fail to see the best investment right in front of us, our home.

While regular home maintenance is essential to all homeowners, complete remodels are often done to improve appearance and curb appeal to homes. While completely remodeling a home may not be the best investment for homeowners reaching retirement age or on a fixed income, some home improvements can not be avoided, often making a remodel a sound financial investment. Some of these essential home improvements include roofing, painting, insulation, HVAC systems, and hot water heater replacements. While roofing and painting can improve the overall appearance of the home they also maintain protection against the elements. Insulation, plumbing, and HVAC repairs are essential to quality of life and improving energy efficiency of the home. Either way, most of these repairs and maintenance projects are unavoidable, so the intention of this article is to make sound investments into your home that can help retirees and fixed income families save big money over the long term. With rising energy prices and improvements in products such as paint, roofing materials, and hot water heaters; home improvement can be a wise investment for those reaching retirement age.

If you are a homeowner considering improving your home, or in need of a home repair, investing into a "green" energy saving building product could save you a lot of money in retirement. Investing a little more money into a more durable, energy efficient product; homeowners can lower utility bills, leading to more money for food, travel, and family outings during retirement.

Being in the energy efficient home improvement business, we have done energy efficient home improvements for hundreds of customers with the intention of saving money, however a recent customer brought to our attention that they were treating these investments in their home, as part of their overall plan for retirement After going into further detail, the homeowners explained to us that they were trying to lower their utility and maintenance cost while still working, so that they would have more expendable money on a fixed income during retirement. Here are some of the products and services we provided to the customer and reasoning the customer gave us for going with a better and more energy efficient product, while incurring just a slightly higher cost of material in the short run.

Installing a Metal Roofing System - While metal roofs run slightly higher in cost then traditional shingle roofing systems, the customer knew that by going with metal roofing, this would be the last roof they ever had to install on their home. In addition to being the last roof, the customer is going to have a lot less maintenance cost with metal vs. shingle roofing.
Re-insulating the home - While the customer had a well insulated home with fiberglass insulation, their insulation was beginning to sag and lose R-value. The selling point of using spray foam insulation was its better R-value rating, and also the durability of the product that will last the life of the home, far outliving any human being that may occupy the home now or in the future.
Upgrading the HVAC system - While the customer had the proper duct work and other hardware related to heating and cooling the home, the customer was making a unit switch to a better Energy Star rated heating and cooling unit, that will result in energy savings that will offset the cost of upgrading the unit.
Installing a Solar Panel Hot Water heater - depending on whether you have a gas or electric hot water heater, this is usually number 2 on the list of appliances that use the most energy in the home. By eliminating this cost all together, the homeowner will save big money in the long term by not having this major appliance pulling on the gas or electric bill.
Installing a Energy Monitoring System - while energy monitoring systems are limited in the savings on energy they can create, they are often inexpensive and a good way to tell if your major appliances are reaching the end of their life expectancy. While some appliances may still work properly, the older they get the more energy they start to use to run at maximum efficiency. By being able to identify appliances that are going bad or getting old, the customer can maximize the life of their current appliances, while being able to replace inefficient appliances with newer appliances with better energy star ratings. They will save money both with replacement cost and energy cost.
Lifetime Paint on the Exterior of the Home - while we at MBS & Co. do not sell or install lifetime painting services, we have noticed an increase in the use of these services by homeowners that we have done work for. Painting is necessary usually about every 7-10 years using traditional paint products, however these lifetime paint products offer a great advantage to those reaching retirement age.

As you can see from the improvements this customer made, their are a lot of ways to prepare your home for retirement. While still working, this customer has developed a plan to lower home maintenance and home energy cost in the future, by making improvements that will show big savings in the long run and all throughout retirement. In addition, the products and materials these customers are using will also reduce home maintenance cost in the long run as well. While we sell a lot of our products on just energy savings alone, retirement planning is just another added benefit of making more energy efficient home improvements, that has been brought to our attention. We all know that saving money leads to a more financially stable future for anybody.

If your a homeowner in the North Carolina or South Carolina area looking to make energy efficient home improvements to your home, then please contact us using the information below:

MBS & Company
530 Piedmont Ave.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
Website: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

Hurricane Isaac Raises Gas and Energy Prices in South Carolina

2012-08-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Isaac To Cause Increase in Energy Prices

Hurricane season is always a time for concern for southeast coastal areas like South Carolina, and this year is no exception. With the arrival of Hurricane Isaac in the gulf, this will be the first named storm to hit the United States this season. Though South Carolina and other east coast areas were spared a direct hit from the storm, Hurricane Isaac is still dumping rain and bringing storms to the South Carolina area. After missing Florida, tropical depression Isaac was able to make it into the gulf area and develop into a powerful, slow moving hurricane, also breaking up outer bands of the storm allowing it to dump rain all the way into South Carolina.

Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico not only threaten and damage states in the coastal area of the gulf , they also effects the majority of the United States energy prices. With the majority of the United States oil and natural gas production being located in the states along the gulf's coastline; Hurricane Isaac has forced oil and natural gas companies to halt production until the storm passes. With the lose in production, Americans can expect to see gasoline and natural gas prices to rise in the near future. Most news coverage and analysts are predicting to see spike in the price of gasoline and natural gas to linger around for weeks to come.

The prices of building products also tend to fluctuate with gas and energy prices, as it requires gasoline to get materials to suppliers, in addition to suppliers having power bills, and other related energy cost in storing the materials. Also, when hurricanes and other natural disasters occur, building products may also spike, because supplies will be directed to the hardest hit areas, limiting quantities of materials to other areas of the country.

If your a South Carolina resident who has received rain or storm damage from the outer bands of Hurricane Isaac, then you may need a contractor to help you with repairs. If you do sustain storm or rain damage, then now may be the time to make energy efficient upgrades. If your a homeowner or business in need of building repairs, then give MBS & Company of Myrtle Beach, SC a call today. With service areas all over South Carolina, MBS can help you with all your repair and remodelling needs. Contact us through any of the ways below, and we hope everybody comes out of this hurricane season safely.

Contact Information:

MBS & Company
530 Piedmont Ave.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
Website: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

Duke Power Lowers Utility Rates Before Increase in North Carolina & South Carolina

2012-08-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Electric Rates Going Down in North & South Carolina before Rate Increase

It was recently announced by Duke Power that they are going to lower 2012 electrical utility rates for a few months before, the state approved electric utility rate increase of up to 7% goes into effect for next year, 2013. Duke Power had previously sought and received permission from, both North & South Carolina energy regulators earlier in the year (2012), to increase utility rates to customers, by up to 7% in North and South Carolina. With better than expected revenues and bringing current projects in under budget, Duke Power will give customers a little break in the electric utility rate they are currently paying. They are hoping that this will offset some of the additional cost consumers will see when the rate increases in 2013.

Also, while waiting on the 2013 utility rate increase in North Carolina & South Carolina, homeowners and businesses will have more time, to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and buildings, providing even more savings against the 2013 utility rate increase. If you've been thinking about making energy efficient improvements to your home or business, then now is the time. Not only will this offset 2013 utility rate increases in the short term, it also increases long term savings on utility cost. In addition, to saving money against the 7% utility rate increase, there is a 30% tax credit on material cost for making home improvements using Energy Star products. There is no better time then then now, to make energy saving improvements to the home or business.

Here are some of the best Energy Saving Improvements a Home or Business can make:

Insulation - By upgrading your insulation system with a superior insulation system like spray foam insulation, homeowners and businesses can save up to 30% off heating & cooling cost.
Replacement Windows & Doors - Most energy is lost in the windows and doors of a building structure, so by upgrading to a more energy efficient door and window design, homeowners and businesses can see big savings in energy cost.
Energy Efficient Roofing - Metal roofing, UV roof coatings, and many other Energy Star rated roofing systems can lower the cost of utility bills for many homeowners and businesses.
Energy Monitoring Systems - Energy Monitoring Systems not only tell you where you are using the most power, they can also identify bad appliances, that may be using a lot more energy then you really thought.
Appliances Upgrades - If your appliances are old and in need of replacement, then by upgrading to a new Energy Efficient Appliance can show big savings on utility cost for both homeowners & businesses.

These are just a few ways homeowners & customers are making their homes & businesses more energy efficient. The best way to find out what option is best for your home or business, is to call a Energy Efficient Expert, like MBS & Co. of Myrtle Beach, SC. We have service areas all over North Carolina and South Carolina, so if you have any questions or are interested in a free estimate, then contact us with the information provided below.

Thanks to all our readers for making this a informative block, we appreciate all the compliments as well. Please remember to leave comments, and ideas for new topics, on our Energy Saving Home Improvement blog.

MBS & Company
530 Piedmont Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
Website: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

Top Five Energy Star Building Products in South Carolina

2012-08-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

MBS & Co.'s Top 5 Selling Energy Star Products for 2012

When homeowners or business owners contact us to help them lower their utility cost and improve sustainability, they have usually done research on a few of our products. Most clients know that Energy Star building products really help reduce energy cost, especially in the hotter climates found in South Carolina, yet many still have questions on what is best for their project. Generally speaking, most clients are in need of a service already because of an existing failing product, or they are building new and looking to get a better return on investment, then what traditional building products can offer.

With that in mind, our list is going to look a lot different then what you see government and other "green" energy website lists look like. The major reason for this, is that we have specific information, specific needs, and specific goals from our customers, allowing us to accurately and functionally develop a energy efficiency plan specific to that individual customers need. Another reason why our list may look different from others, is that many customers budgets simply do not have the capital to afford items like solar panels and wind turbines that you see in the news and other "green" energy websites.

The good news about our list, is that our list includes affordable Energy Star building products, that most homeowners and small businesses building budgets can accomadate. Not only are the products on our list more affordable for customers, they also have a faster payback rate on investment. Also be sure to note, that this list is just from our company's sales and customer feedback information, however our products really do seem to be a more sustainable way for homeowners and businesses to go "green", save utility cost, and improve energy efficiency.

So without further a do, here is MBS & Co.'s top five Energy Star rated building products in 2012 for the South Carolina area:

Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Coatings - This is a shocker to us as well, but with the combination of a weak economy and aging building structures, we have done more roof coating projects this year then we have insulation products. Insulation can often be overlooked by many homeowners and building owners, but when the roof leaks, they have to get it fixed. The great thing about Gaco Western roof coatings is that they not only minimize replacement cost, they also improve energy efficiency
Spray Foam Insulation - Usually our number one seller, spray foam insulation can reduce utility cost for customers by up to 40% or more in some cases. A poorly insulated home or building can really run up cost in the dog days of summer when temperatures are in triple digits, and all that cool air the A/C produces goes right out the building if its not probably insulated.
Energy Star Rated Metal Roofing - Always a top seller, metal roofing is one of the oldest ways homeowners and building owners have been able to reduce energy consumption. Even before energy efficiency became an issue, metal roofing was used to help keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Rock Wool Insulation - Rock wool insulation has been around a long time, however it has been making a big comeback since more consumers are concerned about their carbon footprint on the enviroment. Although not as good of an R-value as spray foam, rock wool insulation still outperforms fiberglass, giving customers big energy savings.
Crawl Space Encapsulation - Encapsulating a crawl space can give homeowners and business owners big energy savings. Not only does this service save energy, its also the best way to eliminate moisture and prevent mold from growing in crawl space areas.

As u can see from our list, roofing and insulation play a vital role in improving the energy efficiency of a building structure, and MBS & Co. is proud to be a contractor that can offer these energy saving solutions to South Carolina residents. Though not a comprehensive list of all the services we provide, we hope this list will give homeowners and business owners some ideas on how to improve energy efficiency, when taking on a new building project or remodelling project in the South Carolina area. MBS & Co. also sells and installs solar panels and other high end renewable energy products, however we often find customers prefer the more affordable Energy Star options listed above.

If your interested in taking your home or business "green" and improving overall energy efficiency of your building structure in North Carolina or South Carolina, please feel free to contact us through any of the ways listed below. Thanks for reading our blog, and stay tuned for more useful information and reviews on Energy Star rated building products.

MBS & Co.'s Green Initiative Project - South Carolina - Myrtle Beach

2012-07-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

MBS & Co's Green Initiative Challenge to Myrtle Beach, SC Area Businesses

What is the MBS & Co's Green Initiative Challenge?

As hotels and resorts in the Grand Strand area are making upgrades in the next coming season, MBS & Co. would like to issue a challenge to property owners that when investing in remodelling. to consider remodelling with Energy Star Rated "Green" Building Products. If building new let us come out and give you an estimate as well, as it is cheaper because of no removal cost.

What are some of the best selling Energy Star Building Products in 2012?

We have already been able to save a few hotels already money on reroofing cost with an excellent Energy Star Rated Roof Coating product called, Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone. Using thermal imaging we can pinpoint troubled areas of the roof that need repair, and leave the rest, saving big money on roof replacement cost. S-2000 Silicone roof coating systems are so versatile and can be applied on top of a lot of different roofing surfaces. By using Energy Efficient Roof Coatings, commercial building owners in the Grand Strand can save money on utility cost as well. In addition to roof coatings, we also have Energy Star rated meteal roofing systemss, as well as a variety of other roofing products that can lower utility cost.

Our biggest Energy Saving product however is spray foam insulation. What many hotel and resort owners are finding is that open cell spray foam insulation can not only save them money on heating and cooling cost, it is also a good soundproofing device offering another ammenity that not all hotels and resorts can provide. With the combination of Energy Star rated heat pumps, hotels have been able to reduce energy consumption tremendously by using superior insulation systems like open cell spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is also a popular choice for homeowners as well in the Myrtle Beach, Conway, and surrounding Grand Strand.

Also, solar panel investments generally have a better payback rate for commercial buildings. Many hotel and resorts who launder there own linen have used solar power to run there washing and drying machines, which was a big part of their energy bill every month. Renewable energy sources have always paid off for commercial building owners who use appliances that take a lot of energy. There are also many federal grants, tax credits, and other initiatives out for solar panels that isn't offered on other Energy Star Rated Building Products list.

What do building owners in Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand recieve in return?

If you choose MBS & Co. we will include your business on our webpage as a member of the Myrtle Beach, SC community, your company stepped up and used a "green" product to help reduce energy consumption. We would like to make Myrtle Beach, SC the 'greenest' tourist destination in the United States. Myrtle Beach, SC has been getting a lot of good reviews since the addition of the boardwalk, and we think by setting a standard for energy efficiency can be could marketing material, as well as good for the enviroment. Our goal is to help partner in advertising Myrtle Beach Hotels, Resorts, and Rental Companies in association with the use of Energy Star Rated Building Products. I addition to all of this, your business will also see a huge and fast payback on investment in the amount of saving you will see on utility cost. It's a win-win situation for both the building owner and the enviroment.

Why is MBS & Co. pushing a Green Initiative this year?

Another major reason besides our concern for the enviroment, is the threats and rumors of utility companies raising prices in the upcoming years. With major tax credits available, now is the time to lock in your energy savings, and fend off the upcoming rate increases coming from power companies in the Grand Strand area. Many power companies are offering incentives for businesses that make "green" building improvements.

How do I get in touch with MBS & Co.?

MBS & Company
530 Piedmont Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
Website: http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Thanks for reading our blog, and stay tuned for more informative information on businesses going "green" in the Grand Strand.

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficient Roof Coatings | Gace Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems | Mold Guard | Air Barriers | Commercial Roof Coatings | Roof Coatings | Silicone Roofs |

MBS & Co. Now Sales and Installs Mold Guard Products

2012-07-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

MBS & Co. Now Selling Mold Guard Products

Being one of the top companies in the southeast at selling and installing spray foam insulation, the idea came about improving our spray foam insulation product. Mold Guard was a no brainer for MBS & Co. of Myrtle Beach, SC. We all know that mold prevention is the best way to defend against mold, and with the addition of Mold Guard spray on products, we can enhance the ability for your home never to have a mold issues. As a matter of fact we will warranty the product for 25 years and if you ever have a mold issue where Mold Guard is sprayed, it will pay for remediation, remodel, and all cost associated with the issue. You can not beat that kind of warranty there. We look to be adding more information on our new product lines, so stay tuned to this webpage for updates.

We will be offering this service to customers in Myrtle Beach, SC and also the rest of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. This product is very affordable, and any homeowner adding on, building a new home, or remodelling should consider using Mold Guard. 1 in 4 people in the United States has mold allergies, so its best not to take the chances. For more information visit Mold Guard's website at the link below, or call Dan at 706-951-0158 for a free estimate on your home. We are also looking for general contractors looking to differentiate their new homes on the market, by offering a mold guarantee that other contractors may not be able to offer, so call MBS & Co. today if your a home builder in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia.

For more information on Mold Guard products, visit their website at: http://www.usamoldguard.com/index.html

MBS & Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
Company Website: http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Roof Coatings | Gaco Western Roof Foam | Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Coatings | Commercial Roofing | Industrial Spray Foam Insulation | Spray Foam Roofing | South Carolina Roofing Contractors | North Carolina Roofing Contractors | Georgia Roofing Contractors | Lower Utility Bills |

Gaco Western Silicon Roofing Systems - S-2000 Energy Star Rated

2012-07-14T08:22:00.001-07:00

Recent S-2000 Silicone Roof Coating System Projects

by MBS & Company in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2012

Gaco-Western Roof Coating systems are becoming more and more popular now with commercial building owners. Not only are they energy efficient and help in saving on energy consumption, there also more cost-effective for a lot of building owners then completely re-roofing. Here are some of the photos of some of the recent Gaco Western S-2000 Silicone Roof Systems that MBS & Co. has installed in the Myrtle Beach, SC area in the last few months.

As you can see from the photos, the Gaco Western S-2000 Roof Coating Systems leaves a nice, clean finish and becoming an extremely popular choice among commercial building owners. More Energy Efficient and More Affordable, you can have your building's roofing needs taken care of for the next 10-20 years at an affordable cost. Give us a call today at 706-951-0158 or contact us thru one of the ways below.

See more on Gace Western products on their website at: http://www.gaco.com/silicone.html

MBS & Co.
530 Piedmont Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Roof Coatings | S-2000 Gaco Western Silicone Roof Systems | Commercial Roof Repair | Air Barriers | Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation | Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation | Energy Efficient Home Design | Gaco Western S-1000 & S-2000 Roof Coatings |

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Moves to New Location - More Convenient Location

2012-07-14T05:42:00.001-07:00

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction has a New, More Convenient Location

Thanks to all our customers that have made it possible to move out of our garage into an office building to better serve our customers. Having 20 years experience in ther roofing industry, we must say its been an economically challenging time making the conversion towards green energy products, but it has been well worth it seeing all the money we are saving customers on their utility bills. Not to mention reducing energy consumption is good for the enviroment. Here is our new address and bare with us while we update everything on our marketing materials and you can still get in touch with us through Phone, Website, and Email:

MBS & Co.

530 Piedmont Dr.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

At our new location we can also help save money for our customers by providing materials at a lower cost, as we have space for buying in larger quantities resulting in a better discounted price to us as a consumer. We hope that by offering lower prices for materials we can get more homeowners and business owners interested in making building improvements using Energy Star Rated Products. Also, 30% of the cost can be taken of homeowners taxes in 2012 and the IRS is also offering various tax credits for businesses as well although different for different industries so contact your accountant for more information. This makes using better Energy Star Rated products more affordable, and helps to lower overall carbon emmissions every time a homeowner or business owner decides to go green. For more information on our services, please visit our website or look through our blog post for products and services we offer in the North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia areas. Thanks again to all our customers, and we look forward to helping many more start saving money on their utility cost today.

MBS & Co.

530 Piedmont Dr.

2012 Tax Credit Information for Energy Star Rated Home Improvements

2012-07-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

2012 Tax Credit Information for Energy Star Rated Home Improvements

One of our most common questions when people curious about spray foam insulation is 'How do spray foam companies compete with cheaper fiberglass insulation systems?' Well the answer to that question is the tax credit. The past 2 years the tax credit for spray foam insulation had gone down, but this year the IRS has decided to again add incentive for homeowners and business owners that are looking to reduce energy consumption. In 2012 the tax credit for having spray foam insulation is much better then it has been in years pass, giving homeowners 30% of the cost of having a Energy Star Rated Home Improvement. With 30% of the cost being paid for in the form of a tax credit, the cost of making a home improvement with Energy Star Rated materials has come down drastically. As anybody that has ever bought an appliance or electronic with the Energy Star ratings, they're generally a little higher in price yet also a much better product usually as well too. Energy Star products also payback the difference in cost in the form of energy savings as well.

So what's all this mean for the homeowner in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia? Well this means that now is the time to improve the energy efficiency of your home. With utility companies seeking and getting rate increase approvals from North Carolina and South Carolina utility regulators, now is never a better time to reduce energy consumption. Spray Foam Insulation, Solar Energy, Energy Efficient Roofing, and Energy Monitoring devices can lower your power bill tremendously. Spray Foam Insulation can save 33% and more on heating and cooling cost alone. For more information on Energy Star tax credit information, go the Energy Star Tax Credit web page at:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

If your a homeowner in NC, SC, or GA looking to make a Energy Star rated home improvement, give us a call today with any questions or information. We carry the best home improvement products that can lower utility cost for homeowners. We have free estimates, so give us a call today.

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Roof Coatings |

Understanding Spray Foam Insulation - Common Spray Foam Terms & Definitions

2012-07-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Common Spray Foam Terms & Definitions

As an industry professional in the spray foam insulation, and other foam products, we often forget when trying to educate our customer during the initial consultation that we use terms and words that might not make sense to the customer. As in any industry where your repeating a process over and over, slang is developed, and when we carry it over as a sales professional or customer service representative by accident, and it can often make it hard for the customer to envision the final product and energy savings model. So the point of this blog post is to list some of the common terms used in the spray foam insulation industry, and exactly what these terms mean, and why these terms have been developed and used by spray foam insulation contractors in the South Carolina & North Carolina areas. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about spray foam insulation:

Q: What is the "building envelope"?
A: The building envelope is simply the area that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space. The building envelope is very important when determining energy efficiency and spray foam insulation is the only way to achieve the best building envelope design.

Q: What is the difference between Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation vs. Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation?
A: There are a lot of differences between open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation, however the scientific difference is that cells in open cell spray foam stay open and the cells in closed cell spray foam insulation are closed. This lends to the differences in look, feel, and qualities. Where as open cell is good for attic rafters and walls in most homes because of price and insulation building codes, closed cell is a better product for crawlspaces, outdoor areas, and areas prone to moisture. The best way to find out what is better for your project is to ask a spray foam insulation professional.

Q: How much will installing spray foam insulation save me on my utility bills in North Carolina and South Carolina?
A: Spray foam insulation generally saves homeowners in the Carolina's 33% or more utility cost. Results vary depending on size, age of home, and other factors, however most of our customers see 33% or better in savings on utility cost.

Q: What kind of tax credits are available for installing spray foam insulation?
A: There are tax credits for installing energy star rated home improvement products for up to 30% of the cost with no upper limit. Tax credits apply to new and existing homes, in addition to principal residences and second homes. Rental Property does not qualify for these tax credits. Spray Foam Insulation is an Energy Star Rated Home Improvement product. Tax Credits will expire in December of 2016. For more information visit the Energy Star tax credit information section on their website at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

Q: How much more does spray foam insulation cost vs. traditional fiberglass insulation?
A: Spray Foam Insulation generally runs about 50% more in initial cost then traditional fiberglass insulation, however the payoff on investment for spray foam insulation is almost 3 times faster than with traditional fiberglass insulation. Also, spray foam insulation is a lifetime product, meaning it will be the last time you have to insulate your home. Larger tax credits are also more common for spray foam insulation, helping to make spray foam insulation almost as affordable as fiberglass insulation if your willing to wait on the tax credits.

Q: Can I install sheet rock or other wall coverings over spray foam insulation?
A: Yes. Spray Foam Insulation can be scarfed or cut back flush with wall studs, ceiling rafters, or roof rafters, making sheet rocking or interior finishes simple and easy, and also eliminates worries about moisture in problem areas.

Q: How long will it take to install spray foam insulation in my home?
A: For most average size homes it generally takes 1-2 days to install spray foam insulation. Installation times may vary determining on size of home, amount of existing insulation needing to be removed, location of areas needing to be sprayed, and prep time to insure customers valuables are protected from foam over spray. Most homes in NC and SC will see a 1 to 2 day turn around for installation of spray foam.

Q: Will Spray Foam Insulation make my home feel cooler in the hot North Carolina and South Carolina summers?
A: Yes. Not only will spray foam insulation lower your utility cost in the hot Carolina summers, it will also make your home a more cool, and comfortable place to live in. Even with the huge savings some of our customers see, the biggest response we get from homeowners after installing spray foam insulation is how much more comfortable their home is.

Q: What is the R-Value of Spray Foam Insulation?
A: Spray Foam Insulation generally has a R-value of 6.0/1 inch thickness. Spray Foam Insulation has the best R-value of any product, and the r-value is protected better than any other product as well. When fiberglass insulation starts to sag, it loses R-value. Spray Foam Insulation will never lose its R-value making it a far more superior product then traditional fiberglass insulation.

These are just a some of the most common questions we receive when giving a free estimate to homeowners looking to install spray foam insulation in their homes. When giving a free consultation to a homeowner we try to explain these answers a little more in depth and more specific to their project type, however this can give most folks an idea of what to expect from having spray foam insulation installed in their home or business. We hope that this blog post has been helpful to those looking to spray foam insulation as an energy saving home improvement project, and please feel free to leave questions for us to answer in our comment section on our blog. If your a homeowner or business owner in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, and looking at having spray foam insulation installed in your home or business, then please contact us thru one of the methods listed below.

MBS & Company
1357 Wycliffe Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.myrtlebeachinsulation.com

Energy Efficient Home Design | Energy Efficient Building Designs | Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Dry Crawl Space Systems | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits | Energy Efficiency Testing | Roof Coatings

Closed Cell Spray Foam - Superior Air Barrier

2012-07-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

Closed Cell Spray Foam as an Air Barrier

Air barriers are simply the system or systems used to control the air flow between conditioned and unconditioned space of a building. Air barrier systems are rated using what is called a perm rating, which simply is a measuring devices for the air flow between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. There are many products that can be used for an air barrier, and requirements for air barrier perm ratings, and are defined by local and International Building Codes and Standards. Without going into much detail on how the perm rating and building codes come up with standards for minimum ratings, as they change often and vary from city to city and state to state, some of the factors that a contractor or builder needs to consider when choosing an air barrier are as followed:

Air barriers must meet or exceed local building requirements.
Exterior Climate
Interior Climate
Wall Construction - (Block, Wood, Concrete, etc.)
Life Expectancy of the Building or Structure
Type and Placement of ties and anchors for the Exterior Veneer of the structure.
Design Load of the Wall.
Insulation Placement and R-Value of Insulation
Budget Cost

There are two predominant type of air barrier systems, fluid applied membranes and self-adhering sheet membranes. Determining which one is best for your project should be determined using the factors listed above, and matching them with the best products available for your building. Most single family residential projects can meet and exceed building requirements for air barriers with exterior sheathing, house wraps, and the type of insulation used in the wall. Residential properties generally do not carry the same load designs as commercial properties, lending to wall construction that can meet or exceed air barrier requirements with traditional building products. Commercial building construction is generally where architects and designers run into problems in getting the required perm rating to pass building code requirements.

Commercial buildings generally have more sophisticated exterior design loads for walls because of the size of the building, design of the building, and safety of the occupants inside the building. As we have mentioned earlier, all of these factors play a role in determining what requirements an air barrier must meet, leading to commercial buildings needing a higher perm rating for air barriers. Meeting and exceeding these standards with traditional building can be a real challenge for architects and engineers. Also, new standards have been put in place for energy ratings, leaving most architects with only one option: closed cell spray foam insulation. Most building plans will have specific requirements recommended by an engineers, so no need to worry about having to use a confusing formula to calculate it. Here are some pictures from a recent job we applied closed cell spray foam insulation as an air barrier on a commercial construction job in North Carolina:

If you are interested in having a closed cell spray foam insulation barrier installed in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, then give Dan a call today at 706-951-0158 or visit us on the web at:

http://www.myrtlebeachenergysavers.com

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Mold Removal | Air Barriers | Vapor Barriers | Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |

Cathedral Ceilings - Eliminating Energy Loss With Spray Foam Insulation

2012-05-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Cathedral Ceilings & Spray Foam Insulation

A cathedral ceiling is a great way for an architect to make a room appear or feel bigger then it actually is. Cathedral ceilings are made by actually using the underside of the roof line as the finished ceiling of the room or space they are in. Just as with any ceiling, designers can pick a number of different coverings and materials to go on the wall, from tongue and groove decking to expensive stained hardwoods, however the most commonly used material in most homes is Sheetrock. By creating this beautiful look in a home, no matter what wall covering the designer decides to choose for a cathedral ceiling, it creates a insulation nightmare for a lot of contractors and homeowners. What homeowners and contractors both fear when insulating a cathedral ceiling space, is the little air space created by traditional fiberglass insulation bats, that ultimately lead to condensation. This tricky area to insulate can often lead to homeowners and builders leaving it uninsulated, instead of looking into the product options available to take out that nightmarish word to homeowners called condensation. By leaving the wall cavity empty, or under insulating, poorly insulated cathedral ceilings can lead to huge energy losses, especially in homes or buildings where they take up a large areas of heated and cooled space. With a large area of your ceiling exposed directly to the temperatures that the roof is taking, especially the extreme summer heat in the Carolina's, your spending a fortune cooling your home in the summer. What we intend to do in this blog is to educate homeowners and building owners on the insulation products available to be installed in a cathedral ceiling space, and eliminate the one factor that condensation needs, and that is air, leading to an airtight insulated cathedral ceiling. Most products can be retrofitted into existing cathedral ceiling spaces, making rooms feel more comfortable, while lowering power bills at the same time.

First, lets talk a little more about condensation first.

What is Condensation?

Condensation is the opposite of evaporation. It takes place when water vapor in the air condenses from a gas, back into a liquid form. Sometimes in your ceiling if you have insulation with a vapor barrier on it.

By knowing what condensation is, we can come up with a solution that if we can eliminate the air in that space, then we can eliminate condensation as well. The problem with most homes is its not that the builder didn't know about products that could be used in cathedral ceiling spaces, its that the products that insulated the best in those situations were really expensive, up until about a decade ago when major technological breakthroughs and tax credits, leading the way to lower material prices. Cathedral Ceilings is also becoming another popular topic on home improvement shows, with second story rooms with cathedral ceilings being victims of huge energy losses, not to mention being very uncomfortable to live in. With this knowledge, and more availability to lower cost superior insulation systems like spray foam insulation, builders and home designers can incorporate these breakthroughs in insulation technology into their building design.

But what about the current homeowner with cathedral ceilings with hot rooms losing energy?

Good News! Foam Insulation, in addition to a number of other products can be retrofit in between the finished ceiling surface and the plywood decking of the roof. Injection Foam, and other advanced insulation methods can not only reduce homeowners energy bills, but also make rooms with cathedral ceilings much more enjoyable to live in as well. If your reading this article and live in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia then you know how hot the summers can get. With foam insulation it will make your A/C finally feel like its working again. There's no comparison to the feeling we get when we see a homeowner or business owners A/C go off for the first time on a hot summer day. By eliminating the energy loss, not only did we eliminate the heat coming in from the roof, we have also encapsulated the cool air into the living space, making for a much more energy efficient building envelope.

Now to most homeowners, some of this may sound confusing. So its best to call your local spray foam insulation contractor. A quality insulation contractor also knows that this is the best option as well, and can often get a better rate for spray foam insulation then the average homeowner. If your a homeowner or business owner looking to lower your utility bills in North Carolina, South Carolina, or the Augusta, Georgia area then call MBS Construction Co. today at 706-951-0158. We are networked throughout the southeast and get the lowest rates on spray foam insulation materials in the region. Also be sure to visit us on the web at our website link below.

Soundproofing & Spray Foam Insulation

2012-05-11T04:46:00.001-07:00

Spray Foam Insulation & Soundproofing

As you can see from some of our other blog posts, one of the advantages spray foam insulation offers to customers is the soundproofing quality that spray foam insulation offers to homeowners and business owners. Being that spray foam insulation is the best insulation product on the market right now, it also provides the best and most affordable way to soundproof a room, building, or home. With cities and towns across the United States moving more toward urban development, soundproofing has become a concern of many of our customers. Living in a busy neighborhood, near a loud business, or if you just have a neighbor who likes to crank the blower up at 6 in the morning, spray foam insulation can reduce the outside noise you hear in your home or business. Soundproofing is more commonly requested from commercial building owners and businesses, however it is increasingly becoming popular in homes such as soundproofing the bathrooms and master bedroom. Given all these different applications, what we have found is spray foam insulation is the best, most affordable way to soundproof a home or building. What we intend to explain in this blog post is how and why spray foam insulation is the best way to soundproof your home or business in South Carolina.

First, lets start with commercial buildings and businesses, and why they want or need soundproofing qualities. When most people think of needing a soundproofed room or building, they generally think about the music industry and recording songs or soundtracks. Although spray foam insulation helps with the acoustics in a building or room, most of our commercial clients are generally looking for a quiet conference room, reducing noise from a noisy business neighbor, or just looking to offer their customers a nice, quiet place to study or rest. Although our customers have many different reasons for soundproofing their building, however spray foam insulation meets or exceeds all soundproofing standards for our clients. Another big reason why commercial building owners and businesses look to Spray Foam Insulation for a soundproofing barrier is the lower price of installation vs. traditional acoustical insulation. In addition to being more affordable, spray foam insulation is also easier to install, not needing the fasteners or adhesives to hang traditional acoustical insulation.

It's probably easier for most readers to see where a business or commercial building may need soundproofing, but why are homeowners soundproofing their homes? Their are many reasons why our customers soundproof our homes, however the main reasons seems to be to enjoy a good night's rest. We have had many homeowners where one member of the family works 1st shift, and another family member works 3rd shift, making sleeping a challenge for some. A soundproofed master bedroom in the home has helped these customers be able to enjoy there sleeping times, no matter how odd they are. Another big reason why a lot of homeowners are getting their homes soundproofed is they now have kids who are older and like to stay up a little later then the parents. A lot of teenagers like loud music, loud video games, and computer apps that can make some of the craziest sounds at any time. Soundproofing their homes, parents and kids alike can enjoy more privacy and their different noisy activities they may have. No matter what our homeowner customers have thrown at us for a reason for soundproofing, spray foam insulation has met or exceeded the needs our clients have had. Soundproofing in new homes can be really inexpensive when the rest of the home is being installed with spray foam, as walls being soundproofed take half the material that a fully insulated wall would take.

In conclusion, spray foam insulation has helped both business owners and homeowners soundproof their buildings or homes, and reduce or eliminate unwanted outside noise. Spray foam insulation also is a very versatile soundproofing product, allowing it to be applied in many places traditional insulation can not get. Taking only half of the material a spray foam insulated wall would take, soundproofing with spray foam insulation is also a more effective and affordable way for homes and business to achieve the sound reduction qualities they are looking for. So whether your a reader looking to find a soundproofing product for your home or business. Spray foam insulation is the best way to soundproof a structure. If your a homeowner or business owner in the South Carolina area looking to soundproof your home or business, we ask that you please contact us with any questions you may have, or for a free estimate. Stop being interrupted and disturbed by outside noise, and soundproof your home or business with spray foam insulation today. Contact information listed below.

Roof Coatings & Energy Efficiency

2012-05-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

Roof Coatings & Energy Efficiency

In recent years, more and more building owners are installing roof coating systems on their buildings as a way to lower energy bills and improving roof performance. With energy and utility cost rising in North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as across the nation, businesses and homeowners alike are trying to find ways to lower utility bills. Many roof coating systems have Energy Star ratings, and can lower utility cost by up to 20% for many of our clients. What we want to talk about in this blog post is the many advantages of using roof coating systems, and how much they cost in relation to traditional roofing products.

First, lets talk about some of the advantages a roof coating system can offer to a building owner. As we have already stated, roof coatings have a lot of products with Energy Star ratings, making them energy efficient roofing systems. Another reason why many building owners are using roof coating systems is because of the easy maintenance and repair roof coating systems offer. The ease of maintenance and repair using this product, also is another reason why this product is so versatile. This versatility that Roof Coating systems provide also allows it to be installed and applied in many different situations, making it a more affordable for building owners to replace their roofing system. Roof coatings are also easier to install then other commercial roofing systems, making it a popular choice among building owners.

With all the advantages that roof coating systems have, it would lead one to believe that this is an expensive roofing product. However, roof coating systems remain fairly low in price compared to other traditional roofing systems. As with most other roofing products, roof coating systems are priced by the square foot, making it easy for customers to see exactly how much product will be needed to complete their project. Prices for roof coating systems vary from project to project, with the main pricing factor being the size of the roof. Also, removing an existing roofing system to replace with a roof coating system, may also raise the price of installation, as trash and waste cost are figured by weight. Overall, a roof coating system is a very high performance roofing system, at a very affordable price.

In conclusion, here are some of the major advantages a roof coating system can offer building owners and homeowners in North & South Carolina:

Energy Efficiency - Lower Building Utility Cost
Low Maintenance & Easy to Repair - Reduce repair cost from storm damage.
Versatility - Can be installed on most flat roofing surfaces.
Easier to Install and Replace
Affordably priced roofing product for commercial building owners.
Energy Star Rated Colors

As seen in our blog post, roof coating systems provide many advantages over a traditional roofing system, and also another way building owners in North & South Carolina can lower energy consumption and help save the environment. We hope this information is helpful, and if your a North or South Carolina building owner looking for a new commercial roofing system, then contact us at the information below.

New EPA Regulations Increasing Energy Cost

2012-04-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

New EPA Regulations May Raise Energy Bills

Recent regulations passed by Congress are enabling the EPA to crackdown on energy providers across the country. Fears by experts are theses new EPA regulations are going to make energy cost for homeowners and businesses skyrocket in the near future. To help fend yourself against these potential rise in energy cost, you should call us today for a Free Home Energy Audit, or Free Business Energy Audit today. We sell and specialize in installing state of the art insulation the the Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas of South Carolina. We also provide HERS ratings, BPI certifications, blower door testing, and much, much more. Fight High Energy Cost by improving your home or building's energy rating with Spray Foam Insulation and other Energy Saving Home and Building Improvements.

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction
1357 Wycliffe Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.myrtlebeachinsulation.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |

New Spray Foam Insulation Rig

2012-03-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Check out our new Spray Foam Rig!

Brand New, State of the Art, conditioned material space, spraying only the best foam in the South Carolina area. Spray Foam Insulation saves big on energy bills, especially in beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC. We service both commercial, residential, and industrial clients, so if your interested in saving money on your energy bill, give us a call today at: 706-951-0158

Enjoy the Pictures

Tax Credits available to most customers on many energy efficient home improvements in the Myrtle Beach, SC and Horry County area to most residents. Call us today if your interested in lowering your utility bill, we can help offset recent Duke Power rate increases in South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

706-951-0158

http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Promote Your Business by Going "Green"

2011-12-15T08:01:00.001-08:00

Using "Green" Initiatives to Grow Your Business

With a growing population in the United States and throughout the world, global warming and other environmental issues are becoming a real concern for businesses and individuals looking to create a healthier environment. With the rise in awareness and concern for the environment, many companies and individuals are looking for more sustainable living solutions and learning how to decrease their personal and business's carbon footprint on the earth. Simply cutting off the lights, using less water, converting to newer energy saving light bulbs, and other simple methods of lowering energy usage, though helpful, are just not cutting it for some businesses and homeowners. Businesses tend to use a lot more energy then individuals, leading to many business owners looking for other ways to reduce carbon emissions and decrease the carbon footprint their business has on the environment. However, when looking to go "green" with their buildings and store fronts, many business owners are confronting the same problems that homeowners do, which is the cost of making "green" improvements to their buildings and offices. Although "green" building products have dramatically dropped in price due to better research and development of products, more competition in the industry, and the availability of "green" building products, yet "green" building products are still more costly then conventional building products. What we intend to tell you in this article, is some of the ways that company's are using their "green" initiatives to help promote their business to help offset initial cost of investment, in addition to having a lot lower utility cost.

As more and more people are becoming more conscious of the environmental issues we as a culture have encountered, it only makes sense that more and more of your customers are going to have more environmental friendly attitudes when seeking out products and services. Major corporations like WalMart, Lowe's, Home Depot, and other major retailers have caught on to this trend, and are taking their businesses toward being "greener" and more environmental friendly. Big box retailers have large buildings and consume large amounts of electricity, water, and other natural resources. Not only do they consume a large amount of natural resources, a poor economy is also making it more and more important to be able to differentiate your company from the competition anyway you can. Smaller businesses have also caught on to the trend of taking their business "green", and are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment as well. Clients and potential customers to these businesses are taking note of these "green" initiatives, and is often the deciding factor in making their choice between competitors with similar services and products. Here are some of the ways some of the businesses we work with are implementing "green" initiatives into their business and buildings.

Motion Sensored Lighting in restrooms and other less frequented rooms.
Motion Sensored Pluming fixtures.
More Energy Efficient Insulation systems like Spray Foam Insulation and Rock Wool Insulation.
Energy Efficient Roofing Systems like White TPO or PVC Roofs, Metal Roofing, Cool Tile Roofs, Spray Foam Roofs and other more energy efficient roofing systems.
Solar Energy and other renewable energy sources.
Using Hybrid Vehicles and other automobiles with better gas mileage in their vehicle fleets used by employees.
Energy Monitoring Systems to help target wasted energy consumption.
Installing Energy Star rated appliances and electronics for business use.
And many other ways of reducing energy consumption as they become available.

As you can see their are many ways that businesses can reduce energy consumption, and lower the carbon footprint their company has on the environment and land. At Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company of Myrtle Beach, SC, we have seen an increase in the number of estimates and jobs that we are doing for small businesses and large national chain businesses, with many just looking to lower their utility bills, thus reducing overhead expenses for their business, in addition to being concerned about the carbon footprint their company is leaving on the environment. Power companies and other utility services are also offering tax credits and other incentives for businesses that are taking a proactive approach to lowering energy consumption, and reducing their carbon footprints on the environment as well. Though not all areas of the country has utility companies that offer incentives to their commercial customers for reducing energy consumption, its still another benefit a lot of businesses are seeing for making a move toward a greener business. Even though reducing the money companies have to pay in utility cost and overhead expenses, many companies are seeing their businesses improve through gaining more customers by promoting their "green" initiative in their marketing and advertising campaigns. Through feedback from our commercial clients, we have seen many small businesses grow market share in their industry, simply because customers want to use a business that is concerned about the environment as much as they are.

As a construction company that specializes in the "green" building industry, we can testify that most of our client base are homeowners, that are concerned about their impact on the environment. So it only makes sense that when shopping for goods or services, these customer are going to take note of the companies that are making an effort to decrease the impact their business has on the environment, in addition to companies that are trying to make the world a better place to live in. We have seen many of our small business owners and commercial clients thrive in a weak economy from promoting their "green" initiatives in their marketing and advertising campaigns, by letting their customers know that their business is concerned about the environment. Being creative and inspiring is one of the keys to successful promotion of your business, so including "green" initiatives is just another way that companies can improve their advertising and marketing strategies. Here are some of the ways that some of our commercial clients are using their "green" initiatives to promote their businesses in marketing and advertising campaigns.

Posting your "green" improvements on Social Media Networking sites, indicating the advantages and reductions in carbon emissions that your business is receiving from going "green".
Indicating in print ads that your company just went "green" to help improve the environment, and can offer a more competitive price to customers, from a reduction in overhead cost related to energy savings from "green" initiatives.
Making press releases in the media, that your company is going "green" to help reduce their carbon footprint on the local community and creating a more long term sustainable approach to doing business.
Being able to add your business to special sections on utility company websites, listing service websites, and other websites that have special marketing sections for companies participating in "green" business initiatives.
Using "green" initiatives as a sales tool when telling customers about your product or service in face to face selling of products and services. Sometimes just mentioning your company is about more than just making profits can sell a customer on your business or service.
Keeping foot traffic when making improvements or expanding your business through construction of more office space or retail space. By telling your customers that your improving the environment when remodeling or improving your building, can help take some of the stress and loss of foot traffic that construction processes can often bring.

As you can see their are a lot of ways you can use "green" building initiatives to promote your business, and with a slow economy in the US at the moment, any little competitive advantage a business owner can get in the market is valuable. Maintenance, improvements, and repairs on your office building or store front is simply one of the cost of doing business; so why not use "green" building products when making these improvements. Not only will you be improving long term sustainability of your business through lower utility cost, you'll also let your customers know that your business is as concerned about the environment just as much as they are. In conclusion, we hope that we have been informative in letting our readers and customers know about some of the hidden benefits that making "green" improvement to your business can be beneficial, and in the end your helping to improve the environment for everyone. If your a business owner in the North Carolina and South Carolina area looking to take your company "green", then give us a call today. We specialize in "green" construction so we have a competitive advantage in helping to take a business into a "green" initiative program. Thanks for reading and stay tuned to our blog for more product reviews and uses of "green" building products in the home and business.

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |

Electric Utility Rates Increasing In North Carolina & South Carolina

2011-12-01T09:38:00.001-08:00

Utility Rate Increases In North Carolina & South Carolina

How Homeowners and Businesses Can Lower Utility Usage

As most homeowners and business owners in North Carolina and South Carolina are probably aware, many of the electric companies are raising their utility rates to consumers. Duke Power, Santee Cooper, and other major electricity providers in the Carolina's are already in discussion with state lawmakers about the rate increases, citing the cost of doing business and making the move to more renewable energy sources as the need for rate increases. Most people in the Carolina's will agree that the power companies should be looking for greener and more environmentally friendly ways of generating electricity, however it comes at an economically challenging time for most Carolinians. Duke Power recently agreed with South Carolina lawmakers about a 7% rate increase to consumers of their power in South Carolina. See the link below for more information.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20111130/ARTICLES/112011018?tc=ar

As you can read from this article it seems almost inevitable that the power companies will succeed in getting some kind of rate increase, so that means power bills for most homeowners are going to rise. The purpose of this blog post is to educate homeowners and business owners on how they can fight the rate increases with a more energy efficient home, leading to less power consumption from the major sources of electricity usage. What we will discuss in this blog post is the appliances and biggest users of electricity in your home, ways to cut down on electricity usage of these appliances, and long term sustainable home improvements that will lower utility usage in the home.

First lets start with the biggest villains of power consumption in your home. Number one is your HVAC system, especially if you have an electric furnace or heat pump. Homeowners with gas powered furnaces may not have to worry about electricity bills in the winter, however we all know in the Carolina's that our A/C's run a lot more then our heaters. Gas prices are also on the rise and fluctuate with the markets, so even homeowners with gas furnaces and appliances may also see a rise in their utility bills. Heating and Air Conditioning is one expense that homeowners really don't want to cut out, and is vital to healthy living in extreme temperatures. New HVAC systems have helped to cut down on the energy usage required to power them, however if your home isn't insulated properly then your not seeing the maximum savings that new technology in the HVAC world has to offer. Heating and cooling cost make up anywhere from 60% to 80% of utility bills for most home and business owners, so it plays a major factor in what your utility bills are going to be. Simply cutting the temperature of the thermostat up or down will not make up for the increases in utility prices that the power companies are seeking.

The next major consumer of electricity in your home or business is your kitchen and home appliances. Even if you don't fix a lot of meals at home, wash your clothes at the laundromat, most homeowners have a refrigerator and it will run all day, and this is an appliance that is hard to lower energy usage unless you buy a newer model refrigerator that has a higher energy star rating. Even after purchasing a new refrigerator, it is still going to run all day to operate correctly. The hot water heater also requires a lot of energy to heat water to the desired temperatures for a healthy temperature needed for washing and bathing. Again newer models of hot water heaters require less energy, however the bigger your family or office is, the more your going to use this appliances in your home or business. Washers and dryers also use a lot of energy as well, however homeowners can somewhat use these appliances less by wearing clothes for longer periods, using towels more than once, etc. Stoves, ovens, microwaves and other cooking appliances require electricity as well, but generally their uses are limited to cooking times only. Regardless of what you have in your home or business, your going to be using one of these appliances during the day.

Another major consumer of electricity in the home or business are your electronic devices. In the rapidly growing technological age, most homeowners and businesses have numerous devices that need power to function, or to charge battery operated devices. Obviously the more devices a homeowner or business has, the more power usage their going to need to make these devices functional. A lot of electronic devices also require the use of cable or wifi capabilities to function correctly, requiring another device that uses power to push the signal to all the gadgets that require a signal. So obviously the more devices you have, the more electricity your are going to consume in your home or business. These devices can be limited on their uses, however a lot of professionals are dependent upon these devices for their job, so it may not be a sustainable solution to power off these devices in order to save money on a utility bill. The savings from unplugging or limiting uses on these devices are minimal at best, however every little bit helps when trying to save money in economically challenging times.

Last but not least, lighting inside and outside your home or business also consume signifigant amounts of electricity. Most people don't like sitting in the dark at night, so its almost inevitable to see some energy consumption directly related to lighting in your home or office. A lot of homeowners also like to leave outdoor lighting on throughout the night for security reasons, in addition to aesthetically pleasing lighting devices that improve the appearance of your home or building. The reason we have listed lighting as the lowest consumer of power in your home is because it can be easily regulated, in addition to most people sleeping at night limiting the amount of required usage as well. There are also some creative ways some homeowners have gone to, that can eliminate the use of lighting at all, such as opening blinds during the day for sunlight, using candles at night, installing sky lights, and also using new energy saving light bulbs that require less wattage to put off sufficient light for the home. Even businesses have gone to including skylights and energy saving lighting systems to help reduce the amount of lighting needed to operate a business, so in our opinion this is one of the easiest ways to save on electricity without making significant improvement to the home or building.

By now, you can see that once all these appliances, electronics, and lighting devices are put together into one power bill, there are numerous ways that homeowners and business owners can reduce their power bills. Cutting back on using electronics, energy star rated appliances, recycling clothing use, etc. can all help to lower a power bill, however these changes are minimal in comparison to more long term sustainable improvements homeowners and businesses can make to drastically cut their power bills. What we want to discuss now are new technological advances in insulation, hot water heating, solar power, and other long term sustainable improvements that pay homeowners and businesses back over the long run in the form of energy savings. Even though it is free to keep a light off, this really isn't very enjoyable, and still does not protect the homeowner or business against another rate increase from the power company in the future. What we intend to do is list ways to improve the home or businesses sustainability plan, against rising energy cost in the long term. As with any long term investment it is going to require a little bit of capital up front to see energy savings over the long run.

One of the best ways homeowners and business owners can improve the long term sustainability of lowering utility cost, is by re-insulating their homes with a more durable product then fiberglass insulation. The life span of fiberglass insulation and a lower rated r-value also makes it an inferior product to some of the new insulation products on the market. Therefore it would only make sense to use a more sustainable insulation product to see better results over the long term, and thanks to the growth in popularity the prices of these products have fallen drastically in price in the last few years. Spray foam insulation, wall foam insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and rock wool insulation are the highest rated insulation products on the market right now. Spray foam manufacturers guarantee 33% savings or more after installation, giving the pay back for initial cost of installing, a quick return on investment. Other foam insulation products have high returns on investment as well, making it the most sustainable improvement a homeowner or business owner can make in regards to lowering energy consumption. Being lifetime products, it eliminates the cost of re-insulating again in 10-15 years as required with fiberglass to maintain the r-value ratings of the products. Retro Solutions Construction offers these products to our customers and we have received top rated feedback from customers, especially with our customers in older structures, seeing savings over 50% in some cases. These higher rated insulation products are also a more practical investment for homeowners and building owners across the board, as even new home and buildings will see a dramatic decrease in energy usage with these products versus traditional fiberglass insulation. Therefore, you can see why we think re-insulating the home or business is the number one way to improve sustainability against rising energy cost.

Some other ways that homeowners and businesses are improving long term sustainable energy savings is through the installation of new windows, energy efficient roofing, solar powered hot water heaters, buying energy star rated appliances, using home energy monitoring systems, and changing light bulbs to the new energy efficient models. Even though changing light bulbs may seem like a cheap way to improve energy efficiency in the home, most homeowners still don't replace a light bulb until the old one burns out. This is why we have listed these solutions secondary in our list, in addition to grouping them together. The major problem we see with our customers looking to save money on energy bills, is that they really not looking to replace a roof 5 years into a 30 year warranty to see a lower rated energy savings plan versus the energy saving they will see when using higher r-rated, more sustainable insulation products. Just as with the light bulbs, customers simply don't want to replace these items that are still functional until the timing is right. This makes sense as re-roofing a home or building can be very costly even with traditional shingles, and it doesn't make much sense to replace a roof until you have achieved maximum return on investment on what is already installed. However if you are at the end of the lifespan of any of these products, we recommend replacing them with a more sustainable product like the items listed above.

In conclusion, improving long term, sustainable energy savings is the right way to go when making a home improvement. Not only are you fighting back against rate increases being made by utility providers, your also making a difference in saving the environment by decreasing your carbon footprint. The improvements we have listed in this blog post also have been eligible for some big tax credits to homeowners and business owners in the past, so make sure to check into seeing what the government, and power companies in your area are offering to make the switch to these more sustainable living products. You may be surprised how little some of these improvements cost after tax credits and energy savings are calculated into the initial cost of installation. Business owners are also using going green as a way to market their company and improve their brand among enviromentally concerned customers as well. As always, we hope this blog post has been informative to our readers, and if your live in North Carolina or South Carolina looking into making one of these energy saving improvements we welcome you to give us a call for a free home or business energy audit and estimate. Thanks for reading and be sure to check in for new blog post on energy saving product reviews, tax credit information, and other useful information in helping to improve the environment and long term sustainability.

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |

How to Detect A Roof Leak

2011-11-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

How to Detect a Roof Leak

As most people know the roof of your home or business is vital to the protection of the assets and belongings within. The most obvious sign of a roof leak is water on the floor of the structure, however their are other ways to find a roof leak before it gets to that extreme. When a roof is leaking bad enough that water is making its way to the flooring system, their is probably already a lot of other damage to other aspects of the building. Most structures have a ceiling and insulation between the roof and the living space to help improve the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. If a roof is leaking bad enough to make it through the insulation and ceiling material, then you have probably incurred a lot of damage already. By this point your not only looking at the cost of a roof repair, but also cost to replace damaged insulation, sheetrock, and maybe even structural repairs as well.

In this blog post we hope to educate customers on how to detect a roof leak before it gets extreme. We are going to list common signs of a roof leak, common causes of a roof leak, how to prevent roof leaks, and reasons why you should use a roofing contractor instead of hiring a handyman to work on your roofing system. The first thing we want to talk about is how to detect a roof leak. There are a lot of ways homeowners can inspect their home without getting on the roof. Here are some signs we look for when inspecting roofs for homeowners.

Checking the plywood or underside of the roof sheathing material for dampness or water stains. This is the easiest way to spot a roof leak, as the plywood will retain water for a short period before it starts to make it through into the structure.
Checking the side walls or gable ends for water stains coming down the wall, especially where there may be a change in elevation on your roofing system. If you have a leak in this area, your probably not going to see it on the ceiling in the home because it may be going all the way down the exterior wall of your home causing major damages.
Looking for missing shingles, damaged tile, blown off metal, or any breaks or damages to the roofing material on the roof. These are obvious signs, but the underlayments on the roofing system will protect the home for a short period, however these repairs should be made immediately because underlayments are not designed to be exposed to the elements.
Water marks on the ceiling of your home. Even though most leaks that make it this far into the structure can cause a lot of damage, if you catch it on the first time then you can save a lot of money by having your roof repaired immediately.

These are just a few ways to routinely inspect your home for roof leaks. Generally a roof leak can almost be detected immediately, however if a roof is installed properly, the underlayment will often offer some short term protection against a lot of water coming in your home. When we say short term, we mean until the rain stops the same day you find out you have a leak. Roof leaks come from a variety of causes, and can happen anytime, even after you get a new roof if your not using a qualified and licensed roofing contractor. Flashing, underlayment installation, vent installations, and other penetrations on the roof confuse a lot of handymen leading to an improper install of your roofing system. Not only will this require another trip from the contractor to repair the already new roof, it can also negate the roof warranty that most roofing material manufacturers offer with their products. Regardless of the age of your roof, a leak can happen at any time and for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of roof leaks:

Storm/Wind Damage - One of the most common causes of roof leaks on a properly installed roofing system still within the warranty of the roofing product.
Old Roof - Over the life of a roof, exposure to the elements begin to deteriorate the roofing system leading to failures in the product.
Improper Flashing - If steps in the roof, chimneys, skylights, etc. are not flashed properly then water will eventually find its way into the home. Flashing around these areas correctly are very important to installing a quality roof, so its important that you hire a roofing contractor that has the experience to know how to do this.
Missing Shingles/Damaged Tile/Raised Metal Panel - Sometimes roofing systems may be damaged by a neighbors limb, an animal, or a number of other reasons and obvious sign that your home or structure has a roof leak. Also some roofing systems can be damaged from walking on the roof improperly as well.
Skylight Damage - A number of our roof repairs come from damage or aging of a skylight. Skylights have a lot of different problems over the life of the window, so sometimes roof leaks either get in through the skylight, flashing around the skylight, and sometimes condensation. In these instances the skylight should be repaired or replaced immediately.

We hope this blog post has been informative, and helps you in preventing roof leaks and major damages to your home or business. The best way to prevent roof leaks if properly maintaining your roof system according to the roofing products manufacturer's recommendations such as cleaning the roof and keeping it free of leaves and debris. Maintenance recommendations vary from product to product, but the main thing is to keep your roof clean. Routine inspections, proper maintenance, and hiring a qualified and licensed roofing contractor can help make your roof last a long time and protect your home from the elements of the outside world. The owner Retro Solutions Construction Company of Myrtle Beach, SC has been in the roofing business for 20+ years and we look for the same qualities in the people we hire as you should as a homeowner. Training and hiring quality roofers is what makes us a successful and top rated roofing contractor in North Carolina and South Carolina. If you live in North Carolina or South Carolina and would like a free roof repair estimate or a free estimate on a new roof then contact us through the information listed below. Check out our other blog post for more home improvement ideas, product reviews, and other information on keeping your house in top notch shape.

Retro-Solutions Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: 706-951-0158
http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |

Energy Star Rated Metal Roofing Systems

2011-11-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Energy Star Rated Roofing Systems in South Carolina

Energy Star Rated roofing systems offer homeowners in North Carolina and South Carolina many advantages over a traditional shingle roofing system. Although shingle roofing systems are sometimes a cheaper alternative to metal roofing systems, a metal roof offers many more advantages over a traditional roofing system. Shingle roofing has come a long way in the last 20 years since we started in the roofing business, customers often have to pay more for shingles that have warranties and guarantees that are comparable to that of a metal roof. This is one of the main reasons that their has been a big increase in popularity among homeowners and business owners alike in using metal roofing when building new or replacing an existing roof. Most metal roofing systems have long term warranties on the metal itself, when properly maintained and repainted as required by warranty terms, and the technological advances in the paint industry have made some of the warranties of paint on metal roofs meet or exceed warranty terms of traditional 30 year shingles. For most homeowners a metal roof is a lifetime roofing product when installed, as most metal is guaranteed for 100 years or more when properly maintained. Maintenance on metal roofing is also more inexpensive then that of shingle roofs, and painting after the 20-30 year normal paint warranties on most metal products cost less then that of re-shingling a roof.

Now most homeowners and customers in search of a new roof already know that a metal roof generally outlast most traditional shingle roofing systems, although one advantage that metal roofing offers over traditional shingles is energy savings. Metal roofs have been proven to out perform shingles in energy savings by so much that most metal roofing systems meet the requirements for an Energy Star rating saving homeowners up to 20% in energy cost. Given such high energy savings this gives metal roofing a big advantage over shingles in that over the life of the roofing systems customers receive a huge payback in the form of energy savings on their utility bills. With utility cost rising all across the country, homeowners are searching for any way they can to cut down on energy consumption, and metal roofing is a unique way homeowners are cutting down on energy consumption. Energy savings with metal roofing or any other "green" building product also improves overall sustainability of the home or building with a metal roofing system.

Another reason that homeowners are making the switch to metal roofs is that it is becoming the new trend and style. Metal roofing offers a variety of colors and styles, making it a trendy way for homeowners to distinguish their homes from others in the neighborhoods. With standing seam being the most popular style of metal roofing, customers also have the options of a wide arrange of lap system metal roofing products as well. As metal roof manufacturers look to distinguish their products from competitors, homeowners are given a lot more options when choosing a metal roof in today's market. In South Carolina and many other states rich in tradition of preserving historic homes, metal roofing is also the perfect match to historical roofing systems. Metal manufacturers and experienced roofers, like Retro Solutions Construction Company of Myrtle Beach, can help homeowners match color and style from historic home roofing systems, thus speeding up the process of getting approval from historic home preservation committees.

The last major advantage that Energy Star Rated metal roofing systems have over traditional shingles is the tax credits that have been offered by the US government to help cover the cost of materials to homeowner and business owners. The US is a leading country in trying to help reduce energy consumption of individuals, and trying to lower the carbon footprint of homes and businesses in America. Metal roofing is a "green" building solution the the US government approves of, so they offer huge tax credit incentives to homeowners and business owners looking to improve sustainability.

In conclusion, we hope this has been a informative blog post on why energy star metal roofing is a good choice for homeowners looking for a new roof. We plan to have more blog post to come on other energy star rated roofing products like tile, white TPO, and other roofing systems that have received the coveted Energy Star rating. In summary on metal roofing systems, here are some of the advantages homeowners and building owners can benefit from by installing a metal roof in South Carolina:

Energy Savings
Lifetime Roofing Solution
Trendy, Popular Roofing System
Improved Sustainability
Tax Credits
Wide Variety of Style and Color Options
Historically Accurate Roofing Solutions for Historic Homes
Helping the Environment by lowering the Carbon Footprint

So if your a homeowner in the South Carolina or North Carolina area looking to install a Energy Star Rated Metal Roofing System, then give us a call today:

Retro-Solutions Construction Company
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
706-951-0158
http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |

Benefits of Rock Wool Insulation in Homes and Business

2011-10-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

ROCK WOOL INSULATION SYSTEMS

Rock Wool Insulation is a insulation product that is used in both homes and commercial buildings, that provides both a higher r-value then traditional fiberglass insulation, as well as a safer, greener product for the enviroment. Rock wool insulation is ofter referred to as stone wool insulation, mineral wool insulation, or slag wool insulation. The names alone of these green insulation systems can tell you a lot about what these products are made of.

Rock Wool Insulation, Slag Wool Insulation, or Mineral Wool Insulation is made of minerals and other naturally found products in nature, as the name suggest. Being that rock wool insulation is made of naturally found materials, it makes it much more safer for homeowners then traditional fiberglass insulation. Rock wool insulation is also a heavier product then traditional fiberglass insulation, thus preventing particles from getting in the air as easy as traditional fiberglass insulation. Usually when you see dust coming from rock wool insulation, it is normally ordinary house dust that has accumulated on top of the insulation itself.

Now brings us to the question of why homeowners and commercial real estate owners should choose rock wool insulation over traditional fiberglass insulation. There are many advantages that rock wool insulation provides over traditional fiberglass insulation, but the main reason being is that it provides a higher r-value than traditional fiberglass insulation, thus reducing energy consumption and lowering utility cost. Below is a list of some of the many benefits that rock wool insulation can offer when installed in a home or building.

Rock Wool Insulation Benefits

Higher R-Value than traditional fiberglass insulation.
Better thermal barrier then fiberglass leading to less energy consumption.
Soundproofing qualities reducing noise pollution from noisy neighbors or noisy machinery.
More fire resistant then traditional fiberglass insulation, making for better protection against fires.
Lower health risk to humans versus fiberglass insulation, thus reducing normal dust in homes as well.
Greener for the planet due to all the benefits listed above, thus improving the sustainability of your home or building.

Retro-Solutions Construction Company

Energy Efficient Roofing | Solar Energy | Energy Efficient Insulation | Green Building Products

NC and SC Licensed Contractors

Call Dan: 706-951-0158

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2012 Tax Credit Information for Energy Star Rated Home Improvements

Understanding Spray Foam Insulation - Common Spray Foam Terms & Definitions

Common Spray Foam Terms & Definitions﻿

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Spray Foam Insulation & Soundproofing

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Roof Coatings & Energy Efficiency

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New EPA Regulations May Raise Energy Bills

New Spray Foam Insulation Rig

Check out our new Spray Foam Rig!

Myrtle Beach Services & Construction Company

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

706-951-0158

http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Promote Your Business by Going "Green"

Electric Utility Rates Increasing In North Carolina & South Carolina

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Common Spray Foam Terms & Definitions