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Hot summer = hot roof but the solution is not what you think

July 15, 2017 by Brooke Greenhouse - CGB, CAPS, CGP

It’s been really hot lately…contrary to conventional wisdom it seems venting your roof won’t help according to this “ask the experts” article in Fine Homebuilding.

For decades, codes and well-intentioned builders put a lot of effort and thought into making sure there is good venting for our roofs/attics.

A few years ago, the code changed from a concept of equal intake (at the soffit area near your gutters) and exhaust (at the roof peak). Nowadays we have more soffit venting than ridge venting and this works better.

However, recent research is showing that venting does not do much to keep you cooler. Roof color and material have more impact than ventilation.

In our experience some roofs, cape cods with living space especially, can benefit from added mechanical ventilation which makes sense because a motorized fan moves a lot more air than other methods.

We also have clients that have had re-roofing done with metal that is vented report lower temperatures and this is most likely because the new surface redirects the heat before it can move through the roof into the attic.

At Cayuga Country Homes, we believe in learning all we can about building science to build the best homes we can for our clients, rather than sticking with outdated ideas.

You can read the original article ask the experts

Filed Under: building materials

Working hard to pay off your mortgage? Maybe you shouldn’t…

June 27, 2017 by Brooke Greenhouse - CGB, CAPS, CGP

Mitchell Thompson, CFB wrote a very interesting article in Investopedia.  For decades the American Dream has been to own a home and work towards paying off the mortgage to be debt-free.

With mortgage interest rates today at historic lows, there is a strong argument to be made that mortgage debt can free-up your money for other things.  As a simple example, most people are better off paying down other consumer loans before concentrating on their mortgage.

Likewise, borrowing more for upgrades may be a very powerful investment in your future.

Examples of upgrades with long-term $$$ benefits

  • Longer-lasting materials including thicker roofing shingles, better flooring or countertops may last as long as you own your home and avoid replacement costs in the future for you.
  • Added insulation can lower your energy bill for the life of your home.  Remember – every $1 you spend on your energy bill is MORE than $1 you need in income before taxes!
  • Universal design features such as wider doorways, walk-in showers, grab bars and more make it so you can live better in your home today and allow you to live in your home longer.

Powerful stuff to think about!

Here is a link to the article:

“Why You Shouldn’t Pay Off Your Mortgage”

Of course, for financial advice, talk to a professional.  If you don’t know one, contact us and we can tell you more about a very competent advisor.

Filed Under: finance, mortgage

Site Launch

February 14, 2017 by cayugacountryhomes Leave a Comment

Our new website is finally up. We’ve worked hard to get a beautiful new site ready and we’re proud to show it off. Thanks for reading our blog. We have lots of great blog posts in the works. Please check back or contact us now to find out how we can help you.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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What people say about us…


If your budget is under $150.00 per square foot, then…I would highly recommend…Cayuga Country Homes. I have known both Brooke and Cheri for years and they are the most knowledgeable and reputable modular builders in our area.

Dean - Ithaca

Brooke and Cheryl are top notch. They offer their clients outstanding service from the beginning process of home building to moving in to your beautiful, brand new, Cayuga Country Home. They have a broad wealth of knowledge and expertise that they draw from and they keep the homeowner informed and involved with every step of the home building process.

Karen - Lansing

Thank you for your prompt response to our malfunctioning garage door. The repairmen came just as we were leaving so we know you got them on the job promptly. Thanks a bunch for the service and for offering to come out last night.  That was especially nice of you and had the weather been awful we might have taken the offer! 

Sue - Trumansburg

If your budget is under $150.00 per square foot, then…I would highly recommend…Cayuga Country Homes. I have known both Brooke and Cheri for years and they are the most knowledgeable and reputable modular builders in our area.

Dean - Ithaca

Brooke and Cheryl are top notch. They offer their clients outstanding service from the beginning process of home building to moving in to your beautiful, brand new, Cayuga Country Home. They have a broad wealth of knowledge and expertise that they draw from and they keep the homeowner informed and involved with every step of the home building process.

Karen - Lansing

Thank you for your prompt response to our malfunctioning garage door. The repairmen came just as we were leaving so we know you got them on the job promptly. Thanks a bunch for the service and for offering to come out last night.  That was especially nice of you and had the weather been awful we might have taken the offer! 

Sue - Trumansburg


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