It’s normal for people to mistake attic insulation for air sealing and vice versa. While they may seem to provide the same level of heat and cooling protection, one is most certainly better than the other. In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of attic insulation vs. air sealing so you can determine the most suitable option for your home.  What is attic insulation? The primary purpose of attic insulation is to maintain a desired temperature inside your home by reducing heat transfer between the living space below and the attic space above. It creates a thermal barrier between your home ..read more

Fire, earthquakes, and floods can strike at any time, catching you off guard in the comfort of your home. Although you can never predict when these emergencies will happen, you can implement several preventative measures, such as installing basement egress windows to set up escape routes you and your family can slip through in times of need.   In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about basement egress windows, including their purpose, building code requirements, placement considerations, and the benefits of installing them on your property. Without further ado, let ..read more

Winter isn’t over in Michigan just yet. We’re bound to see at least one more big storm before it’s over. However, just because there’s still snow on the ground, that doesn’t mean you need to wait for spring to make energy efficient upgrades. In fact, with window replacement and air sealing you can start saving on energy bills now. If you’re looking to keep your home comfortable and healthy for what’s left of winter, give WMGB Home Improvement a call! We can determine your home’s inefficiencies and provide valuable solutions that will provide year round benefits.    Reduce Heatin ..read more

With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, improving your Michigan home’s energy efficiency has become more affordable. Within the IRA are several new tax credits and rebates for energy efficient home improvements, and we’ll break them down here. There are plenty of resources with more information about the Inflation Reduction Act, but WMGB Home Improvement will go into how the Grand Rapids and Holland areas can benefit from these new energy rebates and tax incentives.  Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credit  Homeowners can now save up to 30% of the total costs of qualifying home im ..read more

Installing glass block windows is a great way to add light, improve security, and add value to your Grand Rapids MI home. Using glass blocks to replace basement well windows is a great way to brighten up your laundry room and keep bugs and moisture out. Another excellent location for the privacy of glass blocks is as a shower window — especially in the trending wet rooms many designers are adding to master bath suites. Really, glass block windows can work in many different locations around your home! Advantages of Glass Block Windows Glass block windows have withstood the test of time for a nu ..read more

Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency is about to get a lot more affordable thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). The new tax, climate, and healthcare law allocates billions of dollars to tax credits, rebates, and incentives that will help homeowners take on energy-saving home improvement projects, including new window and door installation, attic insulation, air sealing, and more.   Today, we’re going to break down some of the best IRA tax credits and incentives, and tell you how you can take advantage of them to save energy and money at your Michigan home as more i ..read more

Many full basements in West MI have windows, though they are often narrow and non-working. However, should you wish to convert your basement to bonus living space, like a media room, den, or extra bedroom, you’ll need to get up to speed on egress windows.  “Egress” is just a fancy word for exit—egress windows allow you and your family to escape in an emergency. That’s why they’re required by code for below-grade living areas. What Is a Basement Egress Window? An egress window is any window that fully opens to allow escape in a fire or other emergency. Egress windows also provide access in ..read more

Your attic is often a neglected area of your Grand Rapids MI home. Unfinished attics are often used for excess storage or to house ductwork for your HVAC system. Chances are pretty good that your attic is underinsulated — many homes in Michigan lack proper attic insulation — especially if you’re noticing any of these symptoms: High energy bills Uneven temperatures Ice dams on the roof Furnace or AC that runs constantly How Long Does Attic Insulation Last? It’s understandable to think, “Wait, my attic already has insulation in it!” And that’s likely true. However attic insulation can get ..read more

Think about the things that make your home safer for your family to live in. Maybe fire extinguishers come to mind, or smoke or carbon monoxide detectors—but window wells? It’s true! Your home’s windows can serve many purposes in the event of an emergency, such as a source of fresh air, or as means of escape, even in your basement. And, if you are preparing to finish the basement and add a bedroom in your Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, or Lansing, Michigan home, you might be surprised to learn that unless you already have egress windows with basement window wells installed, you ..read more

It’s easy to imagine how insulation might be installed in a new home. After all, when the walls are incomplete, you can fill them with insulation and seal it away under your drywall! But how about for existing homes with closed walls? Many Michigan homeowners wonder if it’s even possible to add insulation without causing a major mess inside your house.  WMGB Home Improvement is here to tell you that it’s very possible to add insulation into existing walls! Our trained experts know the ins and outs of installing all kinds of insulation in your Holland, Grand Rapids, or Wyoming, MI home. Bu ..read more