The roof is a very important component of every home. The roof saves us from whatever is dished out by the nature like rain, winds, cold or heat. We sleep and live in our homes with a great comfort due to this all-important roof. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take care of the roof so that it can take better care of us. As nothing in this world is everlasting, there always comes a time in every home when the replacement of the roof is necessary.
The signs for the replacement of the roof can be like when the smaller leak spots turn into big unmanageable patches or the cracks are developing in it. To go for which kind of roof is a tough decision and would depend on various factors like budget, maintenance cost, architecture of the home etc. For replacing, metal roofing particularly Copper roofing could be a very viable and durable option if you are residing in a bungalow, ranch or any contemporary building. For Copper Roof Nassau County has many experienced roofers. Call your experienced roofer and ask him about the various possibilities and aspects regarding Copper roof like the shade and compatibility with your home structure.
Along with the roof replacement, if you are also looking for the siding then in Bronx Vinyl Siding could be a very viable and cost effective. In Bronx you should contact the various distributors who have got the proper certification in the vinyl siding. They would provide you the complete information about all the shades and colors that are available in the Bronx along with there proper pricing. Vinyl siding is a very durable option and if you have complete knowledge then it can also be installed and maintained properly by you saving you some bucks. Vinyl siding withstands the various mood of the nature and does not fade as it used to when it was launched initially.
Sturat enjoys writing and sharing articles on topics like Copper Roof Nassau County and Bronx Vinyl Siding.
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Eaves are the part of the roof that overhangs from the building wall line average five hundred millimeters wide. This area is covered by a boarding of timber or PVC tongue and groove, gypsum or weather proof materials. If this part of the building is not covered or is damaged due to weather, it could lead to rodents or birds nesting in the open ceiling. Its important to cover since rodents are a health hazard and birds droppings could damage the ceiling space.
When a developer intends to fix the PVC eaves boarding, measure the area to be worked on. Cut the pieces of timber to form the mesh like supports called brandering. This is done by nailing timber battens along the fascia boards and wall lengths. After nailing the battens lengthwise, cut smaller pieces and nail along the width of the eaves. This timber battens should be fixed at intervals of six hundred millimeters center to center distances.
Prepare the area to fix PVC eaves boarding by positioning a gauze wire to stop crawling insects from entering the ceiling. Again cut the PVC to be fitted the size of the eaves width. This are fixed by inserting into each groove provided on the strips. Nail the first piece on the brandering and then insert the next into the groove and nail the edges to keep, firm. Continue this process until the whole length of the eaves is finished. Clean off any dirt marks.
Once the PVC eaves boarding is fixed by joining the pieces, nail timber quadrants on the edges. This is done by nailing them along the fascia boards and wall line to hide the joints. Ensure that they are nailed straight and apply under coat. Apply three coats of gloss paint on the timber quadrants and fascia boards to protect from extreme weather. Again use some thinner to clean off any paint marks appearing on the PVC eaves to give a good finish.
Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.
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Many people are now waking up to the call of renewable energy as an alternative to oil which is not only harmful to our mother earth but costly. Among the most commonly alternative sources of energy is solar energy. Solar panels are already popular with most of the people. They are normally fitted on the roofs to tap solar rays which are then converted to electric energy. The latest technology which uses the same analogy is solar roofing shingles.
Solar roofing shingles are roofing materials made of photovoltaic cells that are able to take in solar energy from the sun. Just like the solar panels, the rays are converted into electric energy and stored into backups. The electric energy can then be used for residential as well as commercial requirements. Solar shingles are laid on the house roof just like the sheets or tiles, not only to shield your roof but also supplying you with electricity to power your home.
Photovoltaic technology unlike most power - generating technologies is friendly to the environment. The shingles are coated with thin film to absorb sun's rays without causing environmental pollution, no noise and require no fuel to run them other than the sun. Solar shingles can save you more than 60% of your monthly power costs.
There are a number of benefits that come with solar shingles. They give you the same durability, protection and flexibility as asphalt shingles. When it comes to their outlook appearance, they are attractive. They are made to conform to the standard roof for the normal house constructions. They come in a variety of shades giving you an option to choose your favorite. In fact, many people like the aesthetic beauty that they provide to the house roof. With solar roof shingles, you don't have to worry about roofing materials as they provide perfect roofing shingles. Solar shingles are light in weight and the cost of Installations is normally low.
Before fixing solar shingles on your house roof, there are a number of things you need to put into considerations. First, you need to ask yourself if you really need them. Most certainly, you do. You can fix them either on a new house that had not been roofed or you can replace existing roof with the solar shingles as a source of electricity for your house. In either case, the shingles need to be fixed carefully. They should be fixed on the sides that receive sunlight most and areas that are free from shades. Depending on your energy requirements as well as financial ability, the whole roof or part of it can be roofed with solar shingles.
Many governments are advocating for the use of renewable energy sources. As a result, they have subsidized solar energy equipments to encourage more people to turn to this alternative source of energy which is eco friendly as opposed to the oil-based energy sources. You need to check out with the relevant authorities and see if such grants are available in your area.
Find out more about solar shingles and solar roof shingles. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Virgin_Sam |
Metal Roofing Contractors - Should You Hire a Contractor to Install Your Metal Roofing?
0 comments Posted by ariya at 08:03While the cost of installing a metal roof can seem prohibitively high to some people, there has been a recent trend amongst home DIY enthusiasts of trying to install metal roofing themselves. Essentially, these people are trying to get the durability and energy-efficiency benefits of metal roofing without having to shoulder the cost incurred by hiring a metal roofing contractor.
While the frugal thinking that informs these efforts is admirable, there are a lot of good reasons you should find some other way to diminish your metal roofing costs. While there are a few companies out there that make metal roofing shingles specifically designed for the amateur to install (from panels that pretty much clip together by hand to those requiring little more than the standard tool arsenal of screw gun, hammer, metal snips, caulk gun, and tape measure) these uniformly shaped shingles will only work on homes with a very regular roofing structure.
But your typical home doesn't have that. Odds are your home has a sidewall, a chimney, a dormer or a skylight somewhere up there, and the average homeowner trying to work around such structural irregularities without any panel-reshaping is almost bound to leave weak spots that make the internal structure of the roof vulnerable to water damage, possibly decreasing the lifespan of a roof which, properly installed, could last half a century without maintenance. The cost of installing a metal roof on your own could, in reality, be that you'll need to get the entire job redone by a professional. When even a simple mistake like leaving a mark on one of your metal panels with a lead pencil instead of duct tape can lead to massive corrosion and compromise the integrity of the roof, is it really a risk you want to take?
This is the reason that, unless your house is featureless and box-shaped, calling on the services of a metal roofing contractor is often the most sensible way to go. Odds are, a skilled contractor is probably not going to charge you nearly as much as he would to install clay, fiber glass or asphalt shingles, as the lightweight and easy, clip-on installation of metal shingles makes their assembly a far less labor-intensive job.
You should ensure that your contractor intends to use a brake, the name for the portable hydraulic cutting tool employed by roofers to shape irregular roof panels on site. If he doesn't, odds are the job will stretch out far longer than necessary, costing you more and leaving parts of your roof open to the elements. In the long term, hand cut panels are also likely to be poorly shaped, reducing the visual effect of your roof.
If your contractor does try to charge you the same rate, you should probably seek quotes from numerous metal roofing contractors, or better yet, ask around amongst your friends and family for referrals. This is how most contractors get business, and knowing that you're tied to a network of past and potentially future clients will make that contractor much more eager to please with quick service delivery.
Learn more about Metal Roof Installation and Metal Roofing Contractors at DurableMetalRoofs.com.
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When it comes to metal roofing, many people may think of an old drab, dull tin roof sitting atop an old shack or something similar. As a matter of fact, for years metal roofs were strictly viewed as a cheap option that almost paled in comparison to old fashion tiled roofing and reduced the overall value of a property. Today, those old conceptions about roofs are being turning on their heads, especially due to the stylish options and well built construction - and as a result, metal constructed roofing is in high demand. Without a doubt, this style of roofing today leaves its ancestors in the dust - and it's winning new fans every single day.
If you were to ask any Brisbane roofing contractor what one of the most requested roof styles was today, metal roofs are normally the favourite any other option. What is it about today's roofing that's so special? First of all, it is important to note that unlike their predecessors, today's metal consrtucted roofing is extremely durable and rather than overwhelming a home's appearance, it can be used to complement its overall theme. The idea of old fashioned ugly metal roofing is a thing of the past.
Roofing Made of Metal
When people are looking for a re roofing Brisbane company to help them to decide on the type of roofing most suited to their house, they are often surprised with the massive options available when it comes to metal roofing. As an example, the is a common conception that Roofing made of metal is constructed out of tin. As a matter of fact metal roofing is constructed of Zincalume and Aluminium which is created via a very hi-tech multi layer process and is excellent product for strength-for-lightness and durability.
The good news with the durability of metal roofing is they outlast conventional roofing and end up cheaper in the long run. This doesn't mean you have to pay a fortune either as there are options available to suit virtually any budget, making metal roofs an attractive choice for all kinds of homeowners.
Are there more options with Metal Roofing?
From an architectural or aesthetic standpoint, metal roofing can lend a remarkably sleek, modern look to today's homes. This material can be used in many creative ways to give a home a really unique style. Designers love this style of roofing thanks to its versatility, weight and generally attractive look.
Those who prefer a more traditional look for their roof - but want to take advantage of the benefits of metal roofing can choose from a plethora of designs and different patterns. For instance, there are roofs constructed of metal available that resemble Spanish tile or slate. People who prefer the look of wood shakes will be able to find a pattern that suits as well.
The bottom line is that around Australia, people are choosing metal roofing not only for their proven benefits and the value they add to a home, but also for their style. Metal roofs have come a very long way indeed. It's no wonder that so many people are selecting this versatile material for their homes.
Metal Technology Roofing believes just about any Brisbane roofing contractor can tell you, metal roofs have been experiencing a major resurgence in popularity of late. This has a lot to do with their quality and many stylish options. People who are in need of re roofing Brisbane companies are often advised to consider using metal roofs; they have truly come a really long way.
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Installing a Standing-Seam Roof - Should You Really Do it Yourself?
0 comments Posted by ariya at 00:51If you're seriously considering a DIY standing-seam roof installation, you'd best bone up on your general knowledge regarding what is undoubtedly a great roofing solution. While successful amateur installations are not unheard of, your surest bet is to seek the help of a professional. Standing-seam roofs are made of numerous interlocking panels, which run vertically from the ridge, or edge, of the roof to its apex at the eave. The seam where any two panels interlock is raised just above the surface of the roof, allowing water to run off the roof without it dripping in between the panels. This simple structure belies numerous details of installation that, if not properly attended to, can lessen the efficacy and lifespan of the roof.
Also, should you choose to hire a professional accomplished in the craft of roofing, you're probably not going to find yourself looking at roof installation costs that are anywhere near as expensive as those of ordinary clay or fiber-glass shingle installation. Metal roofs in general and standing-seam roofs in particular are lightweight (between 1 and 2 pounds apiece), making them very easy to move around. They can also be installed over the old roof, which eliminates the time and manpower it might have required to tear the whole previous layer of roof off.
Properly installed, standing seam roofs are watertight, immune to the forces of wind and hail, fire retardant and require virtually zero maintenance aside from the odd hose-down every year or so. Indeed, they so improve the safety of your home that many insurance companies are willing to cut large amounts of money off the cost of their policies for homes with metal roofs.
If you're intent on going through with your DIY standing-seam roof installation, however, here's a few tips. You'll probably want to lay down some kind of waterproof plastic membrane over the existing roof structure, followed by a good layer of roofing paper which will ensure that water stands no chance of making it through and into your home. Don't neglect to fill in the roof's valleys (the spaces between roof surfaces). Then you'll need to cover the roof's peak with a preformed ridge-cap, which you'll need to get made to order unless you really intend to go into the roofing business professionally.
When it comes to shingles, there are a few companies, such as Permanent Roofing Systems, that design shingles specifically made for DIY metal roof installation. There are four-way systems of shingles that can be made to interlock with each other by hand or with minimal use of tools. Get someone from the manufacturer, or a qualified person at your local construction outlet, to show you how to fit the pieces together, which should be in a staggered pattern for the best visual effect. It's possible to buy their shingles pre-assembled in sheets, making for the easiest possible solution to your roofing needs.
That said, there are going to be certain circumstances under which pre-made shingles just won't be enough, and that's when you need to swallow your pride and call in the pros. On roofs with irregularities - things like sidewalls, chimneys, dormers and skylights - standing seam panels will need to be cut to size on-site, which requires the use of a sophisticated piece of machinery called a brake - a hydraulic shear with teeth sharp enough to cut panels to just the right length without damaging their ends. That's one feat it's very difficult for a human saw-wielder to replicate.
If under such circumstances you persist in your DIY efforts, the odds are that patch jobs around irregular areas are either going to look bad or result in your standing-seam roof being compromised, leading to leaking and other forms of weather damage, such as the negative effects that swelling ice can cause when caught between panels.
Properly installed standing-seam roofs are subject to warranties of up to fifty years, given the nigh-on invulnerable hardiness of the materials. So don't skimp now - a once-off investment could leave you with a roof that lasts a lifetime.
For more interesting articles on DIY Standing-Seam Roof Installation check out http://www.DurableMetalRoofs.com
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An average homeowner's education never ends--this is especially true for first time homeowners. For the very handy among us, building terms, types of repairs and an understanding of how to locate wall studs seems to have been ingrained from birth. For a homeowner with less repair experience, each and every necessary repair comes with a sense of urgency to learn how to fix it.
New Homeowners and Home Repair Crash Courses:
It's typical for crash courses in plumbing and electrical work to occur fairly early during the time a first time homeowner takes ownership of his home. Other big repairs, thankfully, don't come up as often. While this is easier on the wallet, it also delays the homeowner's education on various aspects of their homes. Roofing is one such area.
While it's impossible not to notice if the plumbing works as you turn on a faucet, or if the electricity is running when you flick a light switch, whether or not you have a healthy roof is something that's considered less frequently. Along these lines, it's logical that the first time a homeowner really thinks about their roof will be because there is a problem that has arisen.
Take a roof leak as an example. Once the homeowner notices a wet and buckled ceiling, they can get ready for that crash course in roofing, because at the very least, a roof repair is in order. Peel back a few extra layers of the source of the problem and many times the homeowner discovers the inevitable, the roof has begun to fail and a new roof is in order. When this happens, be prepared to bring in a professional for an opinion.
- Did you know: Most asphalt shingle roofs are designed to last for 30 years. The roof's expected life can be shortened if the roof is exposed to heavy winds or becomes a victim of roof hail damage.
Professional Roof Repair Contracts Assess the Roof:
As a roof repair contractor is brought out to examine the roof and identify the problem area, roofing terms will start flying. Think of this as the vocabulary section of your crash course in roofing, and ask about as many of the unfamiliar terms as you can. Writing some of the terms down to research later is also a good idea; in the long run, your new roofing knowledge could be helpful.
To get you started, here are a few common roof terms used by roofing contractors that could be confusing for the average homeowner, and could have contributed to a common roofing problem:
Cricket: A wood-framed structure that diverts water away from chimneys, walls or other vertical roof projections and penetrations; also called a saddle.
Flashing: Metal or other flexible material used to seal the roof and prevent leaks around any projection or intersection, such as pipes, chimneys, dormers, valleys or adjoining walls.
Plumbing boot: A prefabricated covering, usually of flexible material, used to seal around a penetration; also called a pipe boot or roof jack.
By the time a roofing contractor has climbed up and looked around the roof, he'll be ready to make a recommendation on how to best fix the problem. In the case of a leak, perhaps that flashing can be repaired, making the roof watertight once again. If a small fix won't solve the problem or if the roof is near or over 30 years old, it might be time for a roof replacement. In that case, get ready for many more vocab words, because the crash course isn't over yet! Before you know it, you'll be able to discuss the pros and cons of different roofing materials and methods with any roofing contractor.
Tim McLoughlin is a reliable Atlanta roofing contractor and expert on roof hail damage. His company, KTM Roofing is a renowned among Atlanta roof companies.
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Hot Temperatures Putting Your Utility Bill Through The Roof? Find Out How To Make Your Home Energy Efficient
0 comments Posted by ariya at 23:46High energy prices have been on the rise in the United States. There are ways that you can make your home hot weather ready while keeping cool in the summer.
The first thing you may want to do is get an energy audit to see how energy efficient your home really is. An energy auditor will come to the home and check all major appliances, heating and cooling systems, as well as windows, doors and insulation. The entire structure of the home will be assessed and get an overall rating. This rating will also come with a report that will give suggestions on how you can change the home, or make improvements to it so it is more energy efficient.
There are some things you can check in your home to identify areas that are in need of improvement. Check your garage walls, basement, attic and attic stairway to see if there are any major drafts or areas where the insulation is old or in need of replacement.
Check your central air conditioning system every spring and have it serviced. This will make sure that it is working properly and efficiently so that money is not wasted on leaks. You may also want to clean or replace the filter once every two months and always seal any leaks or holes around pipes, whether they be plumbing or heating.
Hire a contractor to seal any leaky ducts so that airflow is distributed equally and the equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
Are your windows single or double pane? If they are single pane, you may want to consider installing double pane windows with high performance glass. This ensures that there are fewer drafts in the house.
Consider a programmable thermostat that can regulate the home's temperature even when you are not home. That way, the air conditioning will not cool the home when you are not home, or in the evenings when the air conditioning may not be as necessary.
When you install window coverings, curtains, drapes or blinds, it helps seal off the windows and doors from both any drafts and the sun. It can help keep your house cool in the day by protecting the home from the sun's hot rays.
Consider ceiling fans as an alternate source of cooling. These ceiling fans do not use as much energy as air conditioning and keep a bedroom very cool.
If you have room around the property of the house, consider planting a tree. A tree can act as a natural cooling system for a house or bedroom window so that the sun is not in direct contact with the home. When the sun is not shining directly on the home, it can greatly decrease the heat that enters in the house.
If you can not plant a tree to shield the house, you may want to invest in applying a reflective coating to the roof. This reflective coating will redirect the sun's rays, bouncing the heat off of the home. A dark roof absorbs a lot of heat, so if you have one, consider getting a light roof that will also reflect the sun's rays.
There are many options for energy-saving appliances. Some of them can be great investments, but always check the energy claims to see if it really is saving you energy and if it is something that you could use in your home.
If you feel that energy conservation in your home is something that you can achieve, but need help with the investment to make all the improvements in your home, you may want to check out an Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM). You can get a loan towards the improvements of your house if the overall savings in the utilities are greater than the cost of the home improvements. Ask your energy auditor to help you determine the break even point where your costs match your savings, and savings will begin to take place. In the long term, great savings can be reaped by performing these home improvements.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages are a lot like normal mortgages, except you use the money for home improvements. Interest rates are usually low and payments and terms are negotiable. There are many lenders who offer this mortgage, so ask around or go to your local bank to see if there is someone who can help you. There are more papers to fill out and you must get an energy audit before applying for an EEM. The energy auditor can assist you and the lender in getting everything ready for the application process of the EEM. It takes the work off of both you and the lender.
By making home improvements you can save a lot of money on your utility bills and at the same time conserve energy. It's a win-win situation for both your pocket book and environment.
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