When looking for space beyond their walls, most homeowners only think of patios. These will no doubt give you the space you need, but you have limited options on just what you can do with them. In most cases, this extension is used for outdoor entertaining and relaxing. You, however, can get a fully functional space outdoors without having to set aside a high budget. This can be achieved by opting for a home extension.
When you want a fully functional space complete with insulated roofing in Brisbane, a home extension is the practical choice. Most homeowners are a bit apprehensive about an extension because they do not want to contend with the high energy costs. Thankfully, with the right choices, your extension might be among the most energy-efficient rooms in your home. Here are some must-haves for energy-efficient extensions.
Oriented Rooms
Room orientation primarily deals with how your extension will take advantage of solar energy. A north-south orientation of your construction will minimize direct sunlight in summer and reduce your cooling costs. The same direction also maximizes daylight during cold months. An oriented extension will primarily depend on your use for it. If, for instance, the extension will be used as a family or living room, it should ideally face south to maximize sunlight.
High Thermal Mass Materials
Thermal mass for wall construction materials denotes their potential to absorb and store heat energy. A high mass stabilizes temperature shifts within your extension and slows its rate of heat transfer. The construction materials with the highest thermal mass include water, concrete, brick, and stone. Carpeting, wool, and steel have the lowest thermal mass and should be avoided for an energy-efficient home extension.
Continuous Insulation
This is an insulation that remains uncompressed and runs continuously over your extension’s structural members and other fasteners. The structural members, in this case, are those that do not have thermal bridges. These bridges are the sections of your walls that allow energy and heat transfer to the outdoors at higher rates than their surrounding areas. Continuous insulation will increase the R-value of your extension, and eliminate condensation and air leakage. These will, in turn, minimize thermal bridges.
Air and Moisture Barrier
The prevention of moisture and air infiltration into your home extension is essential for energy efficiency. Moisture resistance, in this case, also averts the growth of mildew and molds and rot. A moisture barrier should be used with continuous insulation to boost your extension’s protection.
Cool Roofs
Asphalt shingles have high thermal mass and will absorb most of the solar energy in your surroundings. The other cool roof alternatives you have include clay, slate, and tiles. Nowadays, there are also new plastic roofing materials with light-colored pigments that reflect sunlight and keep your extension cool. Cool roofs are also more durable compared to conventional roofing materials.
Thanks to the above elements, your extension will be one of the most cost-efficient investments you make. Nearly all of them, however, require expertise to install. They are thus best handled by a professional patio contractor to guarantee that you reap their intended benefits.
