The Top Trends in Roofing that Improve Your Home’s Street Appeal

Trends in the development of today’s roofing systems show the efforts made to establish a balance between energy efficiency and environmentally friendly concepts, on the one hand, and aesthetics, on the other. Regarding this year’s roofing trends ( which are expected to last in the coming years!), these are the most important aspects:

  1. Color is critical

This year, when you choose the color for your roof cover, the inspiration comes from nature.

Blue can be a good choice – a soothing color that evokes the ocean. No matter how the shadow falls on the roof, choose blue if you want to create the impression of serenity. Or you can opt for dark gray, a sophisticated and contemporary color. Consider combining gray with a contrasting color, for a dramatic effect.

As general advice, a good roofer Houston TX contractor suggests that when you want a new color for your roof, take into account the exterior design elements, starting from the color of the walls and up to the shades of the surrounding landscape. Also, do not forget to consider the color of the neighboring roofs! It is important to take into account the aesthetic rules of your area. To maintain the chromatic harmony, choose a shade that does not stand out too much or disturbs visually. This does not mean that you cannot show your personality by choosing an original design that will make the difference you want.

roofer Houston TX

  1. Environmentally friendly is beautiful

The importance of eco-friendly products and practices is growing, so it is desirable to turn to sustainable construction and achieve complete harmony from the inside out, up to the roof, through environmentally friendly practices.

The beginning of this new century reveals an increasingly obvious ecological trend in most areas. Significantly developed in the automotive industry in recent years, this trend is slowly but surely embracing the construction industry. And what part of a building can be easier to adapt to the new ecological trends than the roof? Turning to eco-friendly roofing materials is a very responsible attitude these days, not to mention that there are several such solutions that will help you improve your home`s street appeal.

Green roofs are one of the best examples, if not the best.

With the development of a broader vision of sustainability, it is important to remember that, from the point of view of the construction life cycle, the environmental impact of any building comes from energy consumption and the use of renewable and sustainable materials.

Green roofs go beyond the significance of contemporary architecture and add new value to the role of buildings in urban planning.

They are designed not only to bring the natural element back to the urban environment, but also to provide solutions to important problems such as the “urban thermal island” effect and storm water management.

Solar panels and, more recently, solar tiles are other solutions that will improve your home`s street appeal, if you combine them with a roof with modern architecture. Solar roofs are expected to become increasingly popular and power the buildings of the future.

What Is Involved in an Annual Furnace Inspection and Why Should You Care?

If you hang around your HVAC specialists, you’ll probably hear the term “sequence of operation.” That  is a sequence that has to be followed when checking to see how (and whether) your furnace operates during an annual inspection, and depending on the type of furnace you have, it can get pretty tricky. Electric furnaces, for instance, will involve safety checks having to do with the electric system and the risk of electrocution, while a typical gas furnace will require the furnace repair Denver CO experts to check for gas leaks and making sure that, if there are any, they can be properly contained as soon as possible.

The first items on a typical gas furnace checklist, after checking the thermostat, which is standard for every type of furnace, is to locate the furnace and HVAC system, determine its energy source and method of heating, and check to see if it’s operational.

Safety is key, so a big part of the first checks that a professional furnace repair Denver CO contractor will perform will have to do with making sure there are no gas leaks and that there is nothing obstructing the furnace or no large temperature or pressure build-up that could lead to safety hazards.

furnace repair Denver CO

One of the main things you can expect from an annual furnace inspection is that the furnace repair Denver CO experts will perform a thorough visual inspection. Of course, even though almost anyone could typically do that, the trained eye of your technician can spot a lot of things most people can’t, such as minor issues with parts and areas of the main system, such as leaks, corrosion and improper ventilation – all of which can be detected just by looking in the right areas.

Additional items should also include the following:

  • Checking the integrity and operation of the induction motor;
  • Evaluating how well the pressure and limit switches are able to contain any detected problems;
  • Making sure that the hot surface ignitor – or electronic spark ignitor, depending on the system – is working properly;
  • Checking to see if the gas valve receives power and opens up properly;
  • Additional checks, which are equally important, involving the flame sensor, the exchanger, the blower motor fan, the filter and the duct system.

The method through which your HVAC circulates air throughout your home is just as essential to evaluate as the rest of the system. After all, if the filter is too old or the layout of the ducts and vents hasn’t been established properly, there is a risk that, while your HVAC is working just right, the heat doesn’t make it all the way to its destination. So, some rooms might be much warmer than others, even though your thermostat might be set pretty high.

In many cases, the process through which everything is checked for integrity problems, contamination, leakage, lack of proper construction and health hazards will be quite thorough, and it will determine whether or not any serious changes or repairs might be needed. In some instances, your technicians will inform you of certain, immediate repairs that will be needed in order for the furnace to stay in operation. If these changes are required for safety purposes, then they should be your top priority, and depending on the severity of the issue, you might not be able to even use the furnace anymore, until they are resolved.

What Are the Main Signs of a Roof That Needs to Be Replaced?

roof repair Gaithersburg MD

In many instances, homeowners believe that repairing a roof is a better choice than replacing it entirely. After all, it’s cheaper, you don’t have to deal with that much hassle, and the whole project is over sooner. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out so easily, and there are a lot of cases when it’s usually best to just install a new roof altogether:

  1. Probably the main reason most roofs are replaced is age. The projected lifespan of a roof depends on the quality of its materials, the sturdiness of its construction and how well it can be upgraded and reinforced to prevent damage from setting in during storms, fires or even periods of intense sunlight. Projected lifespan can vary from 15-20 years for the cheapest asphalt roofs, to more than 100 years for a well-designed concrete or slate roofing system.
  2. When you buy a new home and the roof it has is not the proper one for the area, leaving it as it is can often lead to a lot of damages that will cost a lot of money to repair over even a short amount of time. Most experts recommend that you hire a roofer to learn about the best roofing materials for your area, and then aim for a complete re-roofing job with a better material.
  3. One or more leaks will not generally show whether or not a roof needs to be replaced. There are countless cases when an experienced roof repair Gaithersburg MD contractor can fix multiple leaks in just a few hours without them returning. Also, newer roofs are typically less affected by water damage, and their interior structure is more resilient than older ones. However. When typical repairs don’t tend to help much and new leaks keep springing up almost during each new storm, then you might want to consider having your roof replaced.
  4. Internal damage may also be an essential factor. Even for a newer roof that hasn’t been affected too badly by storms and hail, issues such as poor ventilation and condensation forming inside its interior structure – most especially the decking – can lead to mold and severe damage that needs to be repaired by removing at least part of the roof first. If the damage spreads to enough areas, it’s usually more practical to replace the entire roof altogether.
  5. Improper installation is an undesirable but very real issue that happens when homeowners hire an inexperienced or unskilled residential roofer to handle the installation of a new roof. In some cases, the installation work was so bad that the entire roof had to be scrapped and the project redone. This is just one of the reasons why it’s important to find the best roofing contractor for your money.

If you ask roofing and real estate experts, they’ll tell you that, whether you want to live in your home for decades to come or sell it for a profit, it’s typically best to consider hiring a roofer to tell you whether or not you should have your roof replaced or repaired. While keeping in mind the guidelines presented above, think about calling your friendly local roofing Gaithersburg contractor to provide you with a complete roof inspection and guide you on the best choice to make.

What Are the Top Roofing Products to Use in Austin TX?

Austin, the capital of Texas, is a great and very special city in many ways, one of the features that make it so special being its capricious climate. Located in a transition zone between arid and humid regions, the city gets mild, short winters and long, very hot and often very dry summers and mild, pleasant springs and winters.

When local building owners look for materials to be used on their roofs, the climate that dominates the city is surely among the most important factors to have in mind, but the process should include the weighing of other aspects as well. Here are some of the criteria that you should use when picking the material for your next roof as well as some options that have been time-tested and proved very efficient.

roofing Austin

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Materials

Besides resistance to the types of extreme weather that can affect your city,  roofing Austin experienced contractors substantiate that the other aspects to have in mind while browsing roofing materials include price, durability, aesthetics and energetic performance.

When it comes to pricing, roofing materials show dramatic differences. You also need to know that material prices can vary from one supplier to the other and they are higher in peak periods, such as in spring, but lower when the weather reduces the number of ongoing roofing projects, so shopping around and picking the best period to buy your materials are very important.

Roofing materials are different in terms of their lifespan as well – standard asphalt shingles can stay on your building for around 20 years, metal roofs are warranted for 40 years, while clay and cement tiles can offer a durability of up to a century.

Each roofing material is different in terms of thermal performance as well, some options, such as clay, offering better insulation, while others, such as standard asphalt shingles, are materials that need a little help in the form of insulation to prevent energy exchange.

The Materials that Work Best in Austin

Here are your best options:

  • Clay and cement tiles – these tile types are heavy and not the cheapest option, but their durability, their classic charm, their superior resistance to the elements, including heat and storms, make the choice a really good one;
  • Metal – the range of metal roofing materials is incredibly wide, allowing you to choose from numerous different alloys, styles and shapes. The most common alloys are aluminum, corrugated steel, stainless steel, copper and zinc-coated varieties, while the most common styles include large sheets, shingles and tiles;
  • Impact-resistant shingles – these special shingle varieties are extensively tested before they reach the store to check for their resistance to being hit by hail as well as to high winds. The material is among the most expensive asphalt shingle varieties, but still cheap compared to other materials. Impact-resistant shingles are lightweight and they come in a wide range of colors and textures, so no matter what style your building features, you will surely find the impact-resistant shingles that match it.

What Roofing Systems are Best for Florida?

roofing Boca Raton

When it comes to roofing in Florida, not all materials are suitable for the local climate. Experienced roofing Boca Raton companies confirm that you need materials manufactured to withstand the constant heat and humidity specific to the Sunshine State and able to hold up against tropical storms or even hurricanes.

Ceramic roofs

Here are some of the many benefits of this type of roof:

  • Ceramic tile is a natural product, obtained by burning it at over 1000 ° C, which ensures its durability. A ceramic roof has a lifespan of over 100 years. From this interval, the warranties cover more than a third, so, in the long run, this type of roof is a very good choice.
  • Ceramic tiles can reduce energy costs by up to 30% and adapt to each season, absorbing or releasing heat and ensuring exactly the environmental comfort you need. It is not only a durable material, but also an economical one, because what is defining in estimating the value of a roof is its lifespan and not the purchasing costs.
  • The anti-condensation foils and the vapor barrier that are part of a complete ceramic roof system form a protective layer that prevents water from entering the building. Ventilation systems, in turn, help evaporating condensed water. There are also complete and safe solutions for lighting and access to a ceramic roof.
  • Last but not least, ceramic tiles provide an aesthetic aspect to any building, besides sealing it safely.

Concrete roofs

Concrete has many advantages and positive characteristics, being another material suitable for Florida roofs:

  • Impermeability
  • Color consistency and smooth surface
  • Weather protection
  • Dimensional accuracy and practical use
  • High mechanical strength
  • Natural components

Metal roofs

Metal is another excellent material for Florida roofs and here’s why:

  • Extended warranty period: Depending on the material and the manufacturer, there are metal roofs that can last between 40 and 70 years, with minimal maintenance requirements.
  • Resistance in extreme weather conditions: Metal roofs will successfully withstand even the harshest weather conditions. They will not be affected by high winds, they will not change their shape or properties as a result of impact and, if properly maintained, they will not be attacked by corrosion.
  • Lightweight: A metal roof does not apply pressure to the structure of the house, being much lighter compared to most roofing solutions. For example, while concrete tiles can weigh up to 20 kg/ sqm, metal solutions weigh between 2.5 and 7 kg /sqm. Due to this property, metal roofs can be installed even over an existing roof.
  • Quick and easy installation: A single sheet metal plate generally covers over 1.5 sqm of roof. Also, having a much lower weight and being extremely malleable, the installation time of the roof can decrease significantly. This also translates into lower labor costs.
  • The only downside is that a metal roof requires an additional thermal insulation system. Although metal can reflect the sun’s rays (which decreases heat transfer indoors), it is not a good thermal insulator and requires some additional work to improve its insulation performance.

 

Things to Ask Your Window Replacement Company

Window replacement is a substantial investment, especially if you are planning to replace multiple windows or if your windows are not standard size. The related costs include not only the price of the windows, but the labor fees charged by your window replacement company, so here are some questions to ask before you choose your Castle Rock provider of window replacement services to make sure that your receive the best craftsmanship.

Questions Related to Licenses and Insurance

You should only work with a Castle Rock window replacement contractor that is correctly licensed and insured, so don’t forget to ask to be shown copies of the relevant documents. Most states do not allow contractors who have not undergone the required licensing procedure to provide window replacement services and liability, workers’ compensation and property damage insurance are also mandatory in almost every state.

The Services Included

The process of window replacement involves more than just removing the old windows and fitting the new ones into the openings – window replacement is complete only when the wall around the new windows is finished, too and in many cases, the new frames also need to get painted. To avoid any misunderstandings and unexpected costs, ask the contractor about what their standard service includes, whether it includes finishing and painting or you will be required to pay for these additional services separately.

It is a good idea to discuss the fate of the old windows as well – the most comfortable way to handle that aspect is to choose a Castle Rock contractor that includes the handling of the disposal process into its rates.

Castle Rock window replacement

Recommended Products

You should be able to rely on your Castle Rock window replacement contractor for information regarding the brands and types of windows that work best for your building, so ask the specialist to tell you about the brands and product they work with and to tell you why specific products work or should be avoided in your case.

Questions about the Contractor’s Policy

Most good quality windows come with 20-year warranty for the glass and 10-year warranty for non-glass components, but beside the warranty offered on the product by the manufacturer, you also need your contractor to provide you warranty on the craftsmanship. The length of labor warranty depends on the contractor, so make sure to discuss the issue with the entrepreneur that you are planning to hire.

Questions about Permits

Some types of window replacement projects can be carried out only after having obtained a permit for the project first, others don’t require any permit. The category that your project belongs to depends on the building codes applicable in your area, so ask your window replacement contractor about the need to get permits, too. Not all window replacement contractors handle the process of getting the permits for you, so make sure to find out whether or not yours does. If the contractor does not take care of obtaining your permits and you are fine with that, ask for some guidance about how to proceed – any contractor should be familiar with the process.

Money Saving Tips for Basement Remodeling

Basement remodeling projects can be done on a budget, but the related costs can easily get out of control if you fail to plan carefully and to spend in a smart and disciplined way. Here are some tips to help you have your cake and eat it, too – in other words, to have the basement that you have always dreamed of without having to break the bank.

Don’t Rush the Project

Giving your project more time will make it possible for you to get the best material prices and to find the best and most affordable contractors as well. Properly researching materials and procedures also takes time and it is essential for the right results.

Things that Are Worth Investing Into

You will need to be prepared that your basement remodeling project will include processes where you will probably not be able to find bargains and you will need the very best materials. Two examples are the components of the electrical system in your basement and the insulation. Having the best switches and outlets, integrated into a well-designed and professionally installed electrical system is essential for the safety and the proper operation of your basement, while insulation of the right type and thickness is crucial for the thermal efficiency of your space.

Create a Design that Is Attractive and Budget-Friendly at the Same Time

Adding walls to separate areas that serve different purposes is the most expensive way to configure your space and it is also a bit dated. Using wide open spaces and adding visual space dividers, such as different flooring materials and textures, different wall colors or a row of shelves is a much more modern and much cheaper way to delimit the space in the basement.

Flooring is also a component on which you can save a lot without compromising quality, comfort and appearance. Given the fact that the most expensive flooring options, such as hardwood, wall-to-wall carpets and cork are not suitable for basements because they are sensitive to moisture, the best option for your space is also one of the cheapest solutions: vinyl. The flooring sheets made from the synthetic material are resistant to heavy traffic and they also come in so many different styles that you can surely find the perfect fit for your basement.

basement refinishing Centennial contractors

Know Your Skills and Your Limits

You might think that the cheapest way to remodel your basement is do all the work yourself and save the money paid to contractors. This is true only if you are an experienced DIYer, not only self-confident, but also skilled and able to handle all the processes required.

A much better way – and also one that saves you a lot of money on the long run – is to undertake only the project phases that you really know how to accomplish and to leave the ones that need in-depth professional knowledge and special tools to basement refinishing contractors. That way, you might have to pay for the work of your contractors, but you will be ultimately paying for professional work that will serve you well for a long time.

How To Clean Your Roof

The roof influences very much the overall appearance of the building, so the choice of materials used to build or renovate it requires special attention, especially as the roof is also a fairly large investment. Shingles and tiles are now made from increasingly better materials and manufacturers offer long warranties. But what is often ignored is that the roof needs periodic maintenance and cleaning, just like any other building component, to remain in good shape. 

Why do you need to clean your roof?

  1. For aesthetic reasons

The first reason why you must consider cleaning your roof periodically has aesthetic considerations. Regardless the shape and architecture of your building, the roof plays an important role in the exterior design. It does not represent exclusively the element that protects the building, but it also visually influences its overall aspect.

We probably all know that distinct fresh and elegant air of a new building; a significant part of it is due to the vivid colors and shine of the roof. But time puts its mark on it; dust, mud and other debris accumulate on the roof, forming deposits that rain cannot wash completely. Some types of shingles are also prone to the development of moss and other vegetation. As such, the colors of the roof coating materials tend to change and fade over time.

  1. For practical reasons

Besides being unsightly, a dirty roof develops other vulnerabilities that will decrease its lifespan.  Dirt and biological factors may allow serious damage to shingles and the entire roof system. Moss and algae fill the spaces between shingles and tiles, allowing moisture and, eventually, leaks. Dirt also absorbs water and prevents its natural drainage through the gutters, allowing the development of harmful bacteria that you do not want around the house.

Many roofs are built not only to protect, but also to provide thermal insulation for the buildings. If they are covered by dirt, moss or algae, they lose much of this ability.

Centennial rrofing company

How to clean a roof

Centennial roofing company specialists recommend to clean the roof annually, to remove leaves and other debris Attentions should also be given to the gutters and downspouts. If they get clogged because of dry leaves, ice etc., you may experience leaks and also witness the apparition of corrosion. For this reason, it is advisable to include the roof cleaning operation in your annual maintenance schedule.

The surface of the roof should be cleaned with a soft brush and pressurized water (at a low pressure level, to avoid damaging shingles granulations and other protective layers). Use organic detergents, to prevent damaging the roof coating materials and the vegetation around the house.

Periodic cleaning and maintenance of the roof involves lower costs than replacing it. Use professional cleaning services and you will not have to worry about doing this operation on your own or affecting the structure of the roof.

What does a professional roof cleaner offer?

  • eradication of algae, moss, mildew, lichens, and bacteria
  • cleaning dust, mud, smog, soot
  • cleaning the drainage system
  • cleaning dirt and debris fallen around the building
  • protecting the vegetation from the action of chemical agents used to clean the roof

What Is the Most Common Cause of Roof Leaks?

Roof leaks cannot be entirely prevented or avoided – the strong winds associated with tornadoes or hurricanes, very large hail stones, excessive rain and unexpectedly lengthy and heavy snowing can affect even the strongest, best-kept roof –, but there is very much that homeowners can do about the number one cause of roofing leaks: neglect.

roofing companies in Lincoln NE repair leaking roofs

Many building owners expect their roofs to deliver perfect performance from the moment that the installation is complete until the roof is removed for replacement and never do any preventive maintenance until their roof starts leaking, so what can be defined as the principle cause of leaks on any type of roof is the lack of attention, of maintenance and of timely repairs to address roof faults while they are still minor. Here is how neglect can damage your roof and how proper maintenance can prolong your roof’s leak-free life.

The Risks of Dirt and the Importance of Roof Cleaning

Roofs are surfaces on which airborne debris, such as the feathers, the dust, the dried leaves, small twigs and other forms of dirt can easily deposit and accumulate. When it rains, the debris on the roof surface absorbs moisture and keeps it in, preventing the roofing surface underneath from drying properly and sufficiently quickly. Prolonged exposure to moisture can compromise the integrity of the roofing components, causing shingles to deteriorate, damaging the seams, even causing rot or infestations with fungi or algae. If the topmost surface of the roof is weakened, moisture can easily penetrate the deeper layers of the roof as well, damaging wooden components, such as the beams of the support structure.

Fortunately, the damage caused by accumulated debris can be easily avoided with roof cleaning. Choose a day when the sky is overcast and the air is not too hot, climb up on the roof, remove large debris, such as twigs and leaves, by hand or with a broom, then use an air blower to remove dust, too. You can finish the process washing the roof with your garden hose or with a pressure washer, but if you have a shingle roof, don’t use a very strong jet because it might remove the topmost protective layer of granules from the surface of the shingles.

When you are done cleaning the roof, remove the debris and dirt that has accumulated in the gutter pipes, too – clogged gutters that fail to direct water away from the roof and from the walls is just as dangerous for the roof as accumulated dirt.

Inspection and Repairs

Roof cleaning represents a major part of roof maintenance and an essential step for preventing leaks, but it is not all that you need to do. When your roof is clean and dry, you should also inspect it, inch by inch, to locate any faults that need repair, such as cracked or chipped tiles, missing components, curling, buckling or blistering shingles. Have roofing companies Lincoln NE specialists replace damaged components as soon as you can and perform a thorough check of the gutters, followed by thorough cleaning and timely repairs on those components as well.

How to Find a Good Electrician Who Can Truly Help You Out

How To Find The Best ElectricianSo your home was flooded, and many of your electrical outlets and appliances were heavily damaged. You might even be afraid of walking into your home for fear of tripping over a wire or touching a cable that might present an electrocution hazard. Or, alternatively, you might simply have purchased a new home that has some problems with its electrical wiring or features older wiring that has to be inspected more thoroughly by a real expert.

 

Regardless of the reason, finding a dependable electrician can be essential and even life-saving on occasion. So make sure you follow the tips below, before calling up the first electrician you find in the Yellow Pages.

 

Expand Your Horizons

 

The first thing you must do is gather your resources. Where should you look to find the best Littleton electrician, and what should be your criteria for rating them and choosing the best from among them, once you find them?

 

For the purpose of answering this question, it’s important to check online, especially on local listings and ads, and not just limit yourself to the Yellow Pages or TV ads. Also, make sure you check the company’s credentials, reviews and ratings before you even consider contacting them.

 

How to Do Your Homework Properly

 

Research might sound boring at first, but it can mean the difference between finding a cheap and unreliable service and locating the best electrician in town.

 

The first thing to do once you find a few electrician services is to check their online ratings and reviews as they appear in online directories and on online maps. Also, make sure you check their BBB rating and find out about any complaints that were filed against the company in recent months.

 

Find the Kind of Electrician You Need

 

Not all companies can provide you with the type of service you need. So, before you decided to meet up with an electrician, make sure you look up their website and services, and call them up to inquire whether or not they can help with your particular issue.

 

Some electricians might specialize in commercial projects and have very little experience with residential homes in your area. Others might be better equipped to handle upgrading services, rather than finding illusive problems and repairing them. Keep these considerations in mind when you call an electrician and ask for details about their services.

 

Important Preparation Tips

 

Before actually hiring an electrician, it’s important to meet with them in person and discuss a few things. First, be as thorough and detailed as possible about what you need and what items you want serviced. Prepare a list in advance, if it helps, and present it to the electrician before anything else.

 

Any questions you have about the project, it’s best to ask them in advance – that means before they even give you an estimate. Your questions could help reveal details that you never even thought of, some of which might have a bearing over whether or not the electrician in question can even take on the project in the first place.

 

Finally, make sure the electrician knows about money-saving electrical fixtures and outlets, and that they are knowledgeable about the newest and most modern ways and standards associated with improving safety and avoiding fire hazards in your home.