Roofing Material Selection: Things to Consider

The roof is one of the most important parts of a building because it protects your property within from all physical elements like sun, rain, and so on. There are so many types of materials in the market today but this should not intimidate you in any way. When you get some professional advice, you can select the kind of material that is within your reach and one that will serve its purpose in the best way possible. Some of the things that can help you decide on the best roof include:

Cost - The quality of your roof should be a great consideration when you are selecting a material. However, you need to be very realistic about your budget. Budgeting should be done way before you start hunting for a roofing material. This will help you know the limits you are working within and how achievable your dream roof is. It is also worth noting that a high price doesn't always guarantee quality.

Longevity - Durability is one of the things that everyone wants. It is never a good thing to keep on replacing roofs every few years. Before you get a roof installed, it is important to ask the contractor the projected duration of time that the material will last. As such, you can determine whether you will be saving money in the long run even if the initial cost is a bit pricey.

Installation and maintenance requirements - This is another very important point. You need to know how long it will take before you need a roof replacement or maintenance. You also have to consider how hard it is to install the material and whether it needs any kind of regular upkeep. You need to get this question answered early enough so as to be prepared for what lies ahead.

Design and colors - The roof is one of the most significant parts of your property and it is something that will be visible to many people and therefore cannot be ignored. You therefore need to consider aesthetics when choosing a material. The style and color that you settle for should boost the appeal of your property, not take it away. Your home or building's architectural style can determine the kind of materials that you are allowed to use. Asphalt shingles, for example, are perfect for many styles. However, with historic homes, tile roofing seems to be better, for commercial buildings, you may need metal roofs or built up roofs depending on the style that has been used to construct them.

Roofing application - You may be adding a new roof to a new structure or replacing a roof. These two scenarios make all the difference on the material that you choose. For new roofs, you can explore deeper since you don't have any existing components to work with. With replacement roofs however, you already have some components in existence.

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Why Ventilate Your Home Today

A clean indoor environment is of great importance due to the many hours that you spend within your home. The indoor air that you breathe in should be fresh and clean to ensure that you do not get any respiratory complications. The only way your home can have a continuous supply of fresh air is through effective home ventilation. As long as your home has adequate ventilation, condensation which leads to a damp home will not take place. The structure of your home will not suffer decay and will remain intact for a long time.

There are different methods of ventilating your home such as the natural method. Natural ventilation is the free flow of air into the home from doors, windows and openings around the building. However, if you are living in a home that is insulated, you will need to have a mechanical ventilation system that will air your home.

Source: UNSPLASH

Mechanical Ventilation - You can opt to use mechanical ventilation in order to effectively get rid of stale air from your home. You can decide to install fans in the specific location where moisture build up and pollution is originating from in the home. For instance, you can install fans in the bathroom, kitchen or on the sub floor to get rid of moist air and replace it with drier air from outside. You can also decide to use whole house ventilation where the entire house is ventilated by a set of fans which bring in the fresh air and duct systems which get rid of the stale air.

Heat Recovery Ventilator - A heat recovery ventilator is an efficient home ventilation system which captures the heat from the outgoing stale air to heat up the incoming fresh cold air. It is made up of a fan which brings in the fresh air and another fan which gets rid of the stale air. The system has a core where the exchange of heat from the stale air to the clean air takes place.

It is a good idea to contact a ventilation expert who will assess your home from the ground to the roof. The expert will then recommend a ventilation system that will effectively air your home. You should ensure that the system which is installed is quiet enough and has a warranty.

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How to Care for Your Tile Floor

Many home owners choose tiles for their floors. This is mainly because they are water resistant and are easy to clean. Needless to say, tiles will also ear out in time and if they’re not care for appropriately. Keep your tiled floors looking great with these tips and tricks.

Source: UNSPLASH

Basic Maintenance
This involves the usual sweeping or vacuuming of floors to remove any dust or debris before using any cleaning products. Clean your tile floor using a damp mop at least once each week to decrease wear and abrasion from grit and soil. Do this more frequently for heavy traffic areas.

Tips for Preventing Damage
If you have to use scouring powders and sealants, test them on a small area before cleaning the full area. Use a sealer on grout joints shortly after installation and use products compatible with cleaning grout joints. After cleaning, rinse the entire area with clear water to remove any cleaning solution residue. In the event that tiles are broken or damaged seriously, don't remove them yourself as inexperienced hands can widen the extent of the damage. Let a qualified tile contractor do the job.

Things to Avoid
Acid or bleach based cleaners shouldn’t be used for routine maintenance. Avoid wax-based cleaners and oil-based detergents, and use sealants on grout joints only. Steel wool pads or any scouring pads containing metal shouldn’t be used on tile because they can hurt its quality.

Do invest in high-quality floor mats and protective pads under heavy furniture for an extra layer of protection to your tile floors. Place floor mats at entrances and exits. They collect and trap corrosive substances like dirt, sand, oil, grit, asphalt, or even driveway sealer that can be tracked in. Placing mats in high-traffic areas like in front of vanities, kitchen sinks, and stoves is an effective way to reduce tile wear.

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Home Improvement Trends You Should Know This 2018

Source: UNSPLASH

With the turn of the year comes a slew of new ideas and concepts. Home improvement trends seem to change dramatically each year and it can be difficult to keep up with the new ideas.One key thing to keep in mind when reviewing the new trends that are anticipated for this new year is to be realistic regarding your abilities so that you do not become overwhelmed.

Bold and Birght Colors - One home improvement trend that has been emerging over the past few years is adding color to your interior walls and furniture. However, the colors this year are a sharp departure from the neutral tones that have been the palate of choice in the past, with deep, rich hues taking their place (McDonough, 2017). Colors are also not just relegated to the walls and furniture, as kitchen cabinets and appliances have also experienced an increase in the demand for splashes of welcoming color. This can be seen in the 2018 selection for Color of the Year, which is a deep teal called Oceanside by Sherwin Williams, that was inspired by adventure and creative thinking (Winterfeldt, 2017). If painting is not your forte, you might opt to hire a professional painter to bring your idea to life.

Outdoor Theme - Although trees and plants can be seen dotting the landscape throughout Colorado, it can be a bit chilly during the winter months. One way to combat the chill, but still enjoy nature is to bring plants inside so that you can enjoy them year-round. While houseplants have never really gone out of style, this year will experience a growth in the number of plants that are purchased for interior decorating. However, bringing nature inside is not just relegated to plants, as evidenced by last year’s Pantone’s Color of the Year, Greenery, which is reminiscent of moss-covered stones (The Family Handyman, 2017). Interior decorators can help to incorporate greenery, whether it is through introducing houseplants to your home or selecting green hues that work with your existing interior.

Don't Forget Comfort - One recent trend, known as hygge, was introduced to the design world a few years ago, but the Scandinavian practice of comfort, coziness, and celebrating the little pleasures of life has been in place as a design aspect to address the boredom and darkness that often occurs during the winter months (Hygge House, 2017). Building off the Danish trend, in 2018 additional foreign influence will be seen in the interior decor practices. For example, the Swedish trend of lagom and the Japanese trend of wabi-sabi will take the interior design field by storm (Tardiff, 2017). While lagom and wabi-sabi can be used on their own, they are also complementary, as each focus on embracing the imperfections and simplicity in design (Tardiff, 2017). Well-worn accent pieces can help to bring about your own version of hygge and comfort.

Go Green - While the presence of houseplants and green hues have been touched on as being influential trends of 2018, going green will also be a highlight of the year regarding decorating and home renovations. With the trend of homeowners tending to stay in their homes longer than previous generations, investing in sustainable technology and building materials are also expected to make a splash in 2018 (Amaya, 2017). This would include the sourcing of sustainable materials, such as bamboo, as well as investing in solar panels, energy-efficient windows and appliances, as well as reflective paint and shingles for the roof (Nichols, 2017).

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Quick Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive

Giving your kitchen a fancy update can be costly and time-consuming. But did you know that there are tricks you can do to make it look expensive without breaking the bank? Below are a few of these tried-and-tested techniques.

1. Change your kitchen wall colour. Consider painting the walls in your kitchen with a light colour. Light colours reflect light and make your kitchen space look bigger. They can also hide scratches and other blemishes in your cabinets, counter tops and walls.

2. Change your lighting. Get an electrician to install chandeliers, dimmers or other light fixtures in your kitchen. This can create a good feel - something which standard lights can't provide. Mix and match them so you can have a lighting system that complements your personality and activities in your kitchen.

3. Clear your counter space. Clutter can easily make your kitchen space look small and messy. Hide small appliances like blenders, coffee makers, rice cookers and toasters inside cabinets. Take them out when you need to use them and put them back as soon as you're done with them.

3. Reinvent your cabinets. If you can't replace your old cabinets, repaint them to match your kitchen wall. Try changing your cabinet doors to high-gloss doors or glass doors to show your nicest kitchenware. You can also change the handles pulls and even hinges of your cabinet door with fancy pieces. This will make your kitchen look more appealing.

4. Invest in quality kitchen appliances. Quality kitchen appliances are quite costly but they can save you a lot of money in the long run. Why? It's because they are durable. For example, cooktops made from cutting-edge materials can satisfy your cooking needs for a long time. Also, they usually come in a classic design that can match the overall look of your kitchen.

Do you want more tips on reinventing your kitchen without burning holes in your pockets? Check out this infographic from Bourne Bathrooms.

From Visually.

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Beat Pests at Your Home with These Steps

In any home, one of the main concerns that most people face is a termite or pest infestation. Such is the nuisance that it has destroyed several homes and every year, millions of worth of properties are wasted due to an infestation. For successful removal of these pests, observe the following steps.

Identifying the problem: Before implementing any solution, it is necessary to ascertain the problem from its root. What kind of termites and pests are infesting, what kind of solution is needed is one of the few things you should cater to.

Removal of any stagnant water. Water that has accumulated for a long time breeds these organisms. If you have any standing water in your house or offices, remove them immediately. Some of the things that you can do is fixing leaking pipes and change the water in plant pots.

 
Keep the kitchen in tip top condition. Kitchens are where most of your garbage will be and that why it is important to empty the trash can every day. Things like half eaten fruits, vegetables, food crumbs will only attract insects.

Keep food in containers. If you are keeping your food intact in fridges, then that's a different thing altogether. But if it's out in the open, make sure it is kept in air tight containers. Besides keeping your food fresh, it will also prevent insects from feasting on it.

Keep your home clutter free. Vacuum carpets regularly along with corners of your house. If there are stacks of newspapers or magazines in your house or home appliances have dust in them, you should clean them immediately.

Make sure doors and windows are sealed. Often rodents and other insects enter houses through unclosed windows and doors. Precisely for this reason, you should ensure that all doors and windows are sealed properly, and there are no openings, however, short it may be.

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How to Care for Your Wooden Exterior Door

Investing in wooden exterior doors is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home. Aside from the aesthetics and the security benefits, solid wood doors are simply so much more durable than those made from other materials. To ensure they last as long as they possibly can though, you need to take good care of them.

As exterior doors are exposed to the elements, your wooden doors will naturally have to withstand more abuse than your interior doors.Direct sunlight, heavy rain, snow and ice, and dust and debris blown by the wind can all damage the finish on doors. Since the finish protects the door, over time this damage can wear away the finish and then start damaging the actual door.

Minor weather damage to wooden exterior doors is fairly simple to deal with, but if you're not familiar with the process it might pay to hire someone. For doors with a varnish finish, it's recommended to replace the finish almost every year. After removing the door, lightly sand the finish off with a fine-grit sandpaper. Use a paint scraper to get rid of any chips, but be careful not to gouge the wood. Brush the dust away with a rag dampened with mineral spirits.

Then, reapply several coats of varnish to the door. Several thin coats are more effective than one thick coat. You can also apply a coat of polyurethane afterward to give an extra layer of protection.Painted doors are a bit easier to maintain. Simply wash the door with a light soap, and lightly sand or scrape away any chipped paint. Then apply at least two coats of paint, until the color looks solid and full.

Even with more serious damage, such as dents, deep scratches, or gouges, it's possible to restore your wooden exterior doors and have them looking great once again. You'll need some epoxy wood filler or paste, as well as some exterior vinyl spackling compound.

Use a wood chisel to scrape the area down, clearing out any loose or damaged wood. The wood filler will work best when the hole is as clean as possible.

Mix the epoxy on a disposable surface according to the instructions. Then fill the hole with the epoxy, until it's level and just below the surface of the door. Let the epoxy dry completely, and then apply the spackling compound so that it is perfectly smooth with the door's surface.

Next, use some fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the area to even it out. Then use exterior paint primer to prepare the area, and finish with paint that matches your door.

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The Why and How of Bathroom Renovation

We start and end our days in our bathrooms and yet many of us don't see them as being the most important part of the house. For this reason, some people aren't spending enough time or money remodeling their bathrooms or at least making them comfortable. Below are a few reasons you should consider bathroom improvements.

1) Bathrooms reflect their owners' character. Friends and visitors can easily learn about your lifestyle or personality by the way you keep your bathroom. Urine stains in the toilet bowl and toothpaste marks on the sink show a lot about your cleaning habits. On the other hand, scented candles and matching soap dishes give people a positive hint about your preferences.

2) Bathrooms are places of relaxation and inspiration. Are you stressed out? Have a luxurious soak in a warm bath. You could even light some therapeutic candles to make your bath more relaxing. Great inspiration for your business or life relationships will suddenly pop into your mind when your whole body is relaxed.

3) Bathrooms are perfect hiding places. Do you need a quick break due to an emotional upset? Go to the bathroom if you don't want to be bothered by anyone. A clean, spacious and fragrant bathroom always offers a comfortable sanctuary to those with broken hearts and dampened spirits.

So, how can you begin your basic bathroom renovation? Here are some tips.

1) Hang a stylish mirror over the sink.  A framed mirror makes your bathroom look bigger and more modern.

2) Choose appropriate lighting. Consider your overall theme when deciding on the colour, shape and size of the lights that you install in your bathroom.

3) Purchase a good quality toilet. Quality toilets nowadays offer comfort and style. So they make a good investment in the long run.

4) Select durable flooring. Chipped or cracked bathroom tiles are unpleasant and hazardous. Replace them with ceramic, marble or stone tiles. These are both durable and stylish.

Do you need more bathroom improvement tips? Read this detailed infographic from Bourne Bathrooms.

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Home Painting Tips for Beginners

Home makeover shows got many home owners interested in giving their respective residences a lift. Although they have the iron will to get this done, the greater challenge lies on their lack of funds to hire professionals to do the work. Here are some of the basics which can get beginners started with their first painting project.

Wrap up. With the use of newspaper and masking tape, cover all the lamps, fans, fixtures, light switches, faucets and cabinets attached to your ceilings and walls. You do not want them dotted with coat drips, right?

Patch up. How does your wall look like? Do you spot any holes, cracks or chips? If yes, smoothen these areas first. Apply ample patching paste on them with the use of putty knife.

Clean your walls, baseboards, ceilings and crown moldings. Using a feather duster may not be enough especially in the presence of thick dust. Wipe these parts with damp cloth to avoid dust from flying off. Never paint over unclean areas. Painting a house covered with dust can cause peeling of dry coat.

Select your coat. The two important things to consider here is the color and the type of paint. Perhaps, you already have a color combination in mind. It would not hurt to ask the opinion of other people regarding your choice. This is advisable especially if you have housemates. Purchase gallons of test paint. Cover certain wall sections with your chosen colors to see if the outcome fits your taste. Moving forward, choose the best type of coat for your walls. Do you need wall protection? Then go for oil-based coats. They could be pricey though. Do you need ease in cleaning? Purchase latex-based coats. Stains on walls covered with latex-based paint can be quickly cleaned with soap and water.

Choose the right brush. This is part of house painting tips as well. Oil-based coats are best applied using brushes made of natural materials. Latex-based coats are best applied using brushes made of synthetic materials like nylon.

Prime the surface. Before applying paint, apply the primer first. The primer will cover all the patches applied over the holes and cracks on the wall. Be sure that your house is well-ventilated during priming. Open all your windows and turn on exhaust fans. Use roller brush for priming. Remove excess lint on the roller brush first with the use of a masking tape.

Get the proper mix. A section of your walls can get a shade darker or lighter than the rest if you are unable to mix paint properly. For this, you will need a big bucket and a paint stick with holes.

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Key Things to Remember about Custom-Made Cabinets

During a house renovation, most home owners focus on the beautification of their living rooms. They forget to pay attention to the bathroom and the kitchen. If you want a balanced renovated home, focus on perfecting these two parts of your house. In connection to this, you must consider having your bathroom and kitchen cabinets custom-made.

There are at least five key things which you must remember before searching for someone who can create customized cabinets for you. They are as follows:

 - base units and countertops; the base units sit on the floor
 - upper cabinets are installed in the walls; they can be divided into many sections
 - cabinets can be made of all wood or with a touch of glass doors
 - corner cabinets are perfect for reaching everything in the corner of a base cabinet or an upper cabinet
 - custom cabinets may include spice racks, pantries, sinks or pull out drawers instead of shelves in the base units.

Once you have scouted for a carpenter who will be creating your customized cabinets, you will have to create decisions regarding the appearance and features of your cabinets. You must be know exactly what kind of wood you want, the type of sink that will go best for your bathroom and your kitchen, and the appropriate cabinet colors that will match your bathroom's and kitchen's theme.

The standard base cabinet unit for bathrooms and kitchens is 35". Depending on your preference, you can have your base units made taller or shorter to accommodate your kids or someone who is in a wheelchair. Your cabinets must be practical to use and not just aesthetically appealing so you must express your needs and preferences during the planning stage.

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Four Ways to Boost Your Home's Value

Renovation is crucial if you’re planning to sell your old house. It can add value to your house and make it a top choice among potential buyers. It doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are low-cost home improvement ideas that can make your old house appear updated if not totally modern-looking.

Here are four tips that can keep your renovation expenses at a minimum and your sale profits at a maximum.

Create space. Buyers usually like an open floor plan. If your floor plan looks cramped, knock down some walls or doorways. This will allow space and air to flow inside your house. Buyers with a causal lifestyle look for houses with combined dining, kitchen and living areas. Incorporating movable kitchen islands and room dividers can also attract some picky buyers.

Create light. If you don't have a budget for skylights, you can create sun tubes or sun pipes that allow natural light to enter your house. These are cylinders made of a reflective material and a weather-proof plastic globe. They can lessen your usage of electric lights.

Paint all parts of your house. A coat of paint can make any old house look fresh. Hire a professional painter if you cannot paint neatly. You can also hire an interior designer if you don't have an eye for colors.

Consider landscaping. Landscaping to create your ideal space is not a new concept. Many homeowners in the past have resorted to it to improve the value of their residential properties. Landscaping is more than just adding plants to your yard. It involves fencing, improvement of lighting and installation of garden fixtures such as benches, gazebos and pathways.

 

Find a trusted realtor once you have completed all the necessary renovations. Wait patiently for the right buyer even though it takes you a little longer than expected. Realtors report any changes in the housing market or suggest selling options to their clients. So, you don’t have to be distressed while waiting. 

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How To Fund Your Home Improvement Project

Any home improvement project - whether done on your won or with the help of professionals - means added expenses on your part. This would be quite difficult to handle especially in the midst of a tight budget and you just can't put off the project as the security of your family is at stake. So, how are you going to survive this dilemma? Check out the following ideas. 

Perhaps, you do not want to be dependent on anyone. You do not want to owe anyone any amount of money. Look into your reserves. Have you got cash savings which you can tap? Bonds that are near maturity are great to consider as well. These options leave you indebted to no one. However, they eat up all the reserves which you might need to spend on  more important things.

If you do not have anything to pull out of your pockets, a credit card is the most convenient option you may use. The good thing about credit card is the presence of money. Since you will have enough fund for all the things you need, you might end up overspending. The additional expenses can be a debt that would take years for you to pay.

You're the only one who can decide on the best option for you to take. In doing so, be wise in taking an action that would not make you end up with more liabilities.

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Professional Scaffolding Help For Huge Home Renovation

No matter how prudent you are in keeping your house in top condition, time will come when bigger home maintenance problems will arise. They could be a result of an accident, calamity or test of time set upon your house. In cases like these, getting help from professionals would be most advisable.

The upper part of the house usually gets worn out first particularly in  the event of heavy snowfall and storm.  The roofs, for one, could leak any time and eventually give when the materials get soaked big time. When the walls directly connected to the roofs get damaged as well. An overhauling of the second floor might be needed. Apart from contacting expert carpenters, hiring a scaffolding company must be considered. This is because use of portable scaffolds would no longer be enough.

As workers toil on the second floor of your house, you can ask your scaffold provider added features that will provide extra security for the lower part of your house and make it suitable for use while the renovation is ongoing. Void protection, for example, can create decks that can serve  double purpose - a platform on which workers can stand and  a shield for the people who are staying underneath. Another good thing about void protection is that the decks can be removed and fitted again to give way for construction materials needed to be brought up the second floor.

The key to getting the best for your scaffolding needs for a big home renovation is contacting only the big names in the industry.  Why? You can be assured that they are providing with  you quality and licensed  products and their workers have undergone training in the proper installation of the framework. More so, they provide customer service 24/7.

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Easy Ways To Save On Home Improvement Projects

One of the most challenging aspects of implementing home improvement projects is having more than enough money to fund these as soon as you can. That is why we need to work double time especially if borrowing money from family or from bank is not an option for you. Here are some tips on how to plan and start your home improvement projects while saving more money in the process.

Make a list of your home improvement projects.

It is best to do this so you can prioritize which project should go first, next and last. This will also focus your money on just one project and prevent overspending on buying materials and supplies you might not need at that time.

Rent or borrow some supplies to save on costs.

Call your family and friends and ask them if they can lend you some supplies that you will need. There is no need to buy power tools if your brother has a complete set to lend you right away.

You can also rent some of these tools from big hardware stores. If you cannot find a spot inside named 'supplies for rent' then ask a customer service staff about it. Just do some paperwork and take the power tools home.

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What Is Home Improvement?

Perhaps, you have already heard the term home improvement many times and yet you still do not have an idea what it really means. This post can help you get a clear understanding of what it means and the many  procedures it involves.

More often than not, home owners desire to improve the present conditions of their homes when there is  a big event that will be happening in their homes and a lot of people will be invited to witness it. By checking out some home magazines and lifestyle blogs, they get an idea on how to go about the task well.

Home improvement is not all about decorating. It involves making several changes in the structure of a home to enhance its appearance and usefulness too. These may be done by the home owners themselves or by hired professionals.

The following are some points which are considered in home improvement tasks:


Comfort
-this can be achieved through installation of several systems like ventilation, insulation and procedures to make basements waterproof are part of this process.

Maintenance and Repair
-this deals with the repair of leakages and replacement of damaged duct systems, repair of chimneys for better ventilation and mending roof tear-offs.

Saving Energy
-this includes installation of thermal insulation, replacement of damaged windows, improved lighting and use of energy-efficient lights

Safety
-here, fire and burglar alarms and storm cellars that stand natural calamities are needed; making your home childproof is also important.

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