ROOFING MATERIALS, INSULATION, AND HOUSING SYSTEMS

Roofing Materials: provide a watertight protective layer for the house

Most common type used Thin Help keep houses in warmer climates cool. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Thick Must be treated with fire retardant and decay- resistant chemicals Expensive. Wood Shingles (Shakes)

Cedar Shake Roof

Slate and Tile Used more often in warmer climates Very heavy; requires extra, stronger support Very durable Very expensive.

Slate Roof

Tile Roof

Aluminum, tin- plated steel or copper Mid-priced. Metal

Metal Roof

Copper Roof over Bay Window

Keeps heat indoors in winter and outdoors in summer – means lower heating and cooling bills Rated by it’s R-value. The greater the R- value the better it insulates (ex. R-38 is better than R-22) Should be thickest over the ceiling. Insulation

Comes in rolls that are used in Attics Floors Walls Around pipes and ducts. Blanket Insulation

Used between concrete and earth around foundation walls on one side of the footing on the outside studs. Board Insulation

Used in spaces that are difficult to reach such as Attics Inside frame walls In cores of concrete blocks As filler between other insulation. Loose-fill Insulation

Can be used in any space Conforms to the shape where it is used Expands when sprayed so must be careful not to overfill. Foam Insulation

The PANEL BOX is a large metal box that receives power from the electric company The PANEL BOX divides the power into individual circuits Circuits are protected from too much power by fuses or circuit breakers. Electrical Systems

Circuit Breaker Fuse Box (mostly older homes)

Electricity runs to outlets or receptacles Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI outlets) help reduce the risk of electric shock in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors.

Forced Air System: air heated by a furnace and travels through ducts to rooms

Radiant Heat: uses wiring in ceiling, floors, or baseboards to “radiate” heat.

Heat Pump: heats or cools the house as needed. Most efficient in areas with mild to moderate winter climates.

Portable Heaters and Air Conditioners

Pipes are located in the floor, walls, and/or ceiling Shut off valves stop water to separate parts of the system without shutting off water for the entire house.