Tag: home renovations

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Rubber Roofing

7 Things You Should Know About Rubber Roofing Materials

Rubber roofing materials aren’t always the most common or well-known; but they offer many benefits. Here’s what to know about this type of roof material.

You’ve heard of metal and asphalt shingle roofs, but have you heard of rubber roofing materials? Many people haven’t; and they’re missing out on a great roofing material that can provide many benefits to a home or business owner.

If you’re looking for an energy efficient, long-lasting, and affordable option when it comes to roofing materials, consider rubber. Alternatives like metal are great but they’re very expensive and labor-intensive to install; rubber, however, is quite the opposite.

Consider these top seven benefits of rubber roofing materials for your next roofing project for your home or business.

 

What is rubber roofing?

It’s first important to understand what, exactly, rubber roofing is, as many people have not heard of this concept.

Also known as “ethylene propylene diene terpolymer”, rubber roofing materials are often seen in commercial applications more so than residential. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be useful in the latter.

It can vary in thickness and sheet size, as well.

There are many benefits of rubber roofing materials; from energy efficiency, to durability, here are the seven most popular benefits of this type of material.

 

1. Rubber roofing is very affordable.

Rubber roofing materials are, first and foremost, very affordable.

Prices obviously depend on where you’re at in the country and the nature of your project, but much of the time you can buy rubber roofing for under $10 per square foot.

This is markedly cheaper than options like asphalt shingles or metal.

In addition, rubber roofing is very easy to install, meaning you’ll spend significantly less on labor costs. The material is very lightweight and usually comes in large sheets, making it rather quick and easy to install compared to other roofing materials.

 

2. Rubber roofing is incredibly durable.

Another great benefit of rubber roofing is that your investment will probably last a lifetime.

Usually rubber roofing materials are installed as one large sheet, or several large sheets depending on the grade and shape of the roof.

This means there are no shingles that can fall off and need to be replaced. Many rubber roofs are estimated to last at an upwards of 50 years!

Likewise, there are few seams that will ever need repair or resealing.

For this reason, rubber roofing is incredibly watertight. You won’t have to worry about leaks. And, if for some reason one of the seams does leak, it’s a simple fix that doesn’t involve a great deal of labor like asphalt shingles would.

 

 

3. Maintenance is easy.

In the off chance that your rubber roof will need any maintenance, it’s maintenance that you, the homeowner, will likely be able to do yourself.

Rubber roofing materials are relatively simple which makes its ownership easy and low stress. Repairs are minimal by nature. You may opt to paint it every ten years or so, but this is not required for it to function as it should.

 

4. Rubber roofing materials are environmentally conscious.

Rubber roofing is one of the most “green,” environmentally-friendly roofing options available on the market today.

It is a sustainable roofing material and is completely recyclable at the end of its life.

It can also help your home be even more energy efficient and environmentally conscious.

 

5. As stated above, it’s energy efficient.

Rubber roofing is an economical choice not only because its affordable to purchase and install, but it can also save you money on energy costs, which has the secondary benefit of being great for the environment.

Rubber reflects the sun’s heat, which will keep your home cool in the summer.

It’s also an excellent insulator, which will keep the warmth inside during the winter months.

 

 

6. It helps you keep your structure safe.

Whether you own a home or a business, protecting that structure and all that is contained within it are probably foremost on your mind much of the time.

Rubber roofing materials help your home stay safe and protected for a number of reasons.

First, it can handle extreme temperatures–both hot and cold–without sacrificing quality and durability. In the hottest of summers it will keep protecting your home, and it’ll do the same in the coldest of winters.

It’s aforementioned watertight qualities can also help keep your home dry in wet or moist weather. This will not only keep you comfortable, but will protect against water damage that can negatively impact the value of your home down the road.

Perhaps most importantly, rubber roofing is fire resistant. Compared to other materials like wood or asphalt roofing, rubber roofing won’t feed a fire.

Lightning, brush fires, and other fires won’t ever be able to ignite a rubber roof. In addition, a rubber roof can help reduce flames which can buy you precious time in the event of a fire.

 

7. You have many design options to choose from.

Rubber roofing can come in a number of different textures and colors.

You’re not limited to one color in a plain, flat texture; you can determine what shade and shape looks best for your home and install that style to reap the benefits of rubber roofing without sacrificing aesthetics.

 

Conclusion

Rubber roofing is a lesser-known option when it comes to unique roofing options, but it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked as it can provide a number of benefits to home and business owners.

Since it comes in large sheets, it’s installation is relatively easy for professionals, making it affordable for you.

You’re not limited to one style or color; there are actually quite a few to choose from.

In addition, any problems that arise–though they’re not expected because rubber is so low maintenance–can likely be solved by you, the homeowner, without having to resort to costly labor expenses.

It’s not only affordable and long-lasting, but it can also keep your home safe from water damage and fire. It’s environmentally friendly, as well, and can ensure that your home is kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Ultimately, rubber roofing materials are an excellent consideration if you’re in the market for an affordable and long-lasting roofing option.

If you choose those roofing material, you’re sure to end up with a great look, peace of mind, and energy efficiency.

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Home Improvement

9 Ways to Turn Your Tired Home Into a Modern Home

If your home is looking a bit tired and dated just now then it is definitely worth considering how to turn it into a modern home. The good news is that there are some incredibly simple home improvements that will give it an immediate positive impact.

Benefits of Modern Home Improvements

Creating a modern home is easier than you think, and there are many simple and cost effective ways to give new life to your dated house. Trends are constantly changing, and your personal taste may change as well. These cheap improvements will turn your old, tired house into a beautiful modern home in no time!

De-clutter It

There is no doubt that a cluttered home can look out of touch. Maybe you have gathered a lot of junk and pieces of furniture that you don’t need over the years without even really noticing. Thankfully, this is one of the easiest problems to solve in any house, although it may take a fair bit of time to get rid of some of the clutter. You need to try and be ruthless when getting rid of anything that is currently bringing down the overall feel of the house. If there are some old pieces that you can’t bear to lose but that no longer look right, then consider storing them in the attic or garage for a while. You should soon see whether or not this simple step helps to create the modern home you’re looking for.

Get Rid of the Carpet

Carpets can date a home badly, especially if the design is old fashioned or it is now worn and faded. Getting a more modern look on the floor can have a dramatic effect on the whole house. Wooden flooring or a nice vinyl covering could give you a far more contemporary look without very much effort at all. This is also a good starting point to decide whether you are going in a modern home or contemporary home direction, as there are some differences to take into account.

Add More Light

A dark and dimly lit home can look extremely unappealing to anyone entering it. On the other hand, a bright and attractively lit property can seem a lot more modern and pleasant. The simplest solution is to add stronger bulbs. If this doesn’t do the trick, then adding lamps, spotlights and other types of lighting can give you great results. By adding modern home decor and lighting, you can instantly change the look, and feel, of your tired house. It makes the whole house look, and feel brighter and lighter. In other cases, adding extra mirrors around the house or fitting glass doors can let more light flood into the rooms that most need it.

Try a Splash of Paint

Could a fresh coat of paint make the old place look modern and appealing again? If your walls are covered with faded old paint or tired looking wallpaper, then this could be a very sensible move. Painting the walls in your house is easy enough to do, if a little time consuming. The best idea is to set aside a weekend in which you can stay at home and concentrate on doing this to a high standard with bright, modern colors.

Fit New Windows and Doors

Other parts of the house that could be lowering its overall look are the windows and doors. If they look as though their best days have come and gone, then it is time to make some changes. Fitting more contemporary doors and windows will give your property an instant boost. Installing new windows and doors can also bring additional benefits such as improving the house’s energy efficiency and cutting down on the outside noise that creeps into the home.

Use Lighter Curtains

Heavy curtain fabrics can also make a surprisingly big difference to the look and feel of any room. As well as blocking out the light, they can also give off an old fashioned and even oppressive look. By adding curtains that are lighter in both fabric and color, you can improve this aspect of the home in a matter of minutes. You might want to keep the heavier curtains handy for the winter months, but use something brighter and more appealing for the rest of the year to create that modern home you’re looking for.

Change the Color Scheme

Using the wrong color scheme can seriously damage the look of any property. Generally speaking, dark and heavy colours or those that could be classed as “heritage” tend to make any room appear more dated than it really is. If you are looking for a more modern home look, then try out a few bold and modern paint colors such as yellows, nearly whites and oranges. You might want to use a few sample pots to see how these interesting colors work, especially if it is a big shift away from the tones you are used to having on the walls. If the colors look good but don’t go perfectly with your furniture, then you need to decide whether the time is right to change the furniture as well. Otherwise, you can keep looking for the ideal color.

Add Some New Pieces of Furniture

In most cases, it isn’t really strictly necessary to get rid of all the furniture and replace it with new, modern furniture. The truth is that it could be just a few pieces dotted around your home that is making it seem older and more dated than you would like.

You could start the renovation process by trying to work out which pieces of furniture are those that you most need to change. These are likely to be the heavier pieces that dominate rooms and cut down on your open spaces.  By replacing them with lighter and more modern home pieces, you will see a big change. You might decide to move away from wood and go for metal, glass and other modern home materials as well.

Look at the Little Details

With a bit of luck, your house might be just suffering because of a few little details. Could it be that you need to change the electrical sockets, the lamp shades and the ornaments in your home because they are showing their age? By taking a good look around you will hopefully identify which of these items you need to change. If you just can’t see it all clearly enough, then you might want to get in someone to help by giving a fresh opinion. By carrying out one or more of these changes you should see a great new look taking shape in your house. Best of all, none of these points should really cause you too much hassle or take up too much of your time.

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Blog Home Improvement

Summer Home Renovations: It’s The Right Time to Rejuvenate Your House

With summer already underway, it is time to prepare your home for a fun-filled vacation. More importantly, summertime is the best time to begin home improvement projects before the wind and rain of wintertime. While the sun is out, work on these summer home renovations to get your home back in shape.

Time to Power Wash

When the sun is out, it is time to bust out the power washer. Give your home exterior and walkways a high-power wash to get rid of grime and build up. If you plan on painting your house, you will want to use a power wash beforehand so that the paint can adhere to the walls properly. This is one of the most simple summer home renovations, because you are just cleaning and maintaining your current exterior.

Repair Your Windows

Whether you need an air conditioner during the summertime or have a large wintertime heating bill, sealed windows can help. Caulking the seals around windows and doors will help you to save on your energy bills. This simple project only requires a caulking gun, caulk and a putty knife. If you have never caulked anything before, try practicing on a spare piece of lumber first. You need to have a steady hand and consistent pressure when you squeeze out the caulk. If your windows are beyond repair, you can easily replace them during the summer.

Consider Metal Roofing Options

A new roof can help to boost your home’s value and increase the energy efficiency of the home. Metal roofs tend to last longer than asphalt shingles and require minimal maintenance. Whether you want a metal roof or something else, you will want to install it during the summer. Later on, you will need your roof to keep out the elements. Right now is the best time to install a new roof for the best energy efficiency and a higher home value. For in-depth projects, hire a metal roofing contractor to inspect the roof, identify problems and fix it.

Install a New Deck

One of the most popular summer home renovations includes creating the perfect outdoor area. If you were thinking about getting a porch or a deck for barbecues, right now is an excellent time to do it. Decks are extremely easy to install, and they can be made in just a few days or less. If you already have a deck, it is fairly easy to fix and replace new boards. A deck can increase the value of your home, so it is a worthwhile investment to make. More importantly, it improves your outdoor living space for the perfect summertime meals, picnics and barbecues.

Buy a Ceiling Fan

Hot days and rising temperatures mean that you need a new way to stay cool. Air conditioning units are effective, but they can add hundreds of dollars to your electricity bill. For a cost-efficient alternative, consider installing a ceiling fan. The entire project takes less than a day to complete, and a ceiling fan will allow you to stay cool while lowering your electricity bill.

While springtime is actually better for landscaping, you can still get landscaping done during the summertime. You can use this time of year for additional home projects like painting the house or installing ceiling fans. Use the next few months wisely. These summer home renovations will grant you an unforgettable summer, and your home will be in excellent shape for wintertime.

 

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Blog Home Improvement

How to Plan a Home Renovation

If you are thinking about having a home renovation done in the near future, you will want to develop a reasonable plan for getting the work done. Below are some of the main points homeowners should keep in mind when preparing to have their homes wholly or partially renovated.

Establish a renovation plan

Although it may be tempting to remodel your entire home, or several rooms, practical concerns might limit what you can reasonably hope to accomplish in a given time frame. To create your home renovation plan, start with the area that needs the most attention. This could be an aging bathroom, out-of-date kitchen, or a decaying roof. Or you can choose a project that will render more usable living space. This could be remodeling the basement for extra storage space or for a family room. If the project goes smoothly, you can perhaps plan another one soon.

Select a qualified builder

When you have a plan, start looking for a suitable contractor or builder. Contact the chamber of commerce, ask friends and coworkers for referrals, or check online local listings. Contact at least two or three. Make sure you request photos of previous work as well as references you can contact. If they pan out, ask for a detailed quote for the home renovation you have in mind. Compare credentials, availability, and pricing to make your final selection.

Designate an affordable budget

A home renovation can be exciting and lead you to spend more than you originally intended. For example, when updating the living room by removing a wall, you may decide new windows and flooring are needed along with track lighting. You will also want to consider the cost of quality materials. It’s easy to spend more than planned, so work on a renovation budget that you can live with. Regardless of if you are paying at the end of the project or over several months and years on a home improvement loan, you want to stick to budget. Ask your contractor for a quote so that you can plan your budget.

Plan your home renovation project so that you won’t be caught by surprise or be tempted to overspend when the work gets underway. A little extra thought now can save time and money later.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Home Improvements for the Look and Structure of Your Home

Throughout the year, your roof and other areas of your home may start to fall into disrepair due to the effects of time and weather. Exterior damage diminishes the curb appeal of your house, and you are advised to make certain home improvements for its appearance and structure. Here are four types of home improvements to consider, regardless of if you want to improve the look or structure of your home.

Shingle Replacement

If you live up north, winter weather can ravage your roof. In the spring, it is recommended that you thoroughly examine your roof to see if any shingles were removed or broken during the winter. By contacting a roofing contractor, you can easily have your damaged shingles replaced.

Metal Roof Installation

Not everyone is willing to manage the upkeep of their shingle roofs. Some homeowners choose instead to invest in metal roofing, which is heartier than shingle roofing. Due to their impressive strength, metal roofs are capable of withstanding the effects of snow, rain, and wind. If metal is a viable roofing option in your neighborhood, you may want to consider it as a replacement to your current roof.

Rubber Roof Installation

Durability is also a key characteristic of rubber roofs. These roofing systems are ideal if you live in an area prone to poor weather conditions. In particular, they are commonly used in wet climates due to their waterproof exteriors. When looking to better fortify your home, you should consider contacting a contractor and having a rubber roof installed.

Additional Home Improvements

There are a range of other exterior home improvements that you can make to your home, including:

It is important to devote time to improving your home’s outer appearance. When you invest effort in making home improvements, you have the opportunity to boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value.

Keeping your home in top condition requires you to make renovations throughout the year. Roofing contractors are available to provide repair and replacement services and keep your home looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

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Home Improvement Blog

Home Renovations That Add Value to Your Home

If you are a homeowner, then you understand how important it is to have a favorable home value. While location and size play a role in the value of a home, the actual details of the home matter too. Therefore, you can easily increase the worth of your home with home renovations. Here are a few home renovations that may provide you with a return on your investment.

Install a New Roof

For older homes, updating the exterior is a wonderful way to increase curb appeal and add value at the same time. Installing a new roof is a great home renovation to consider if your exterior needs a pick me up. With a roof remodel, you can add updated materials to your home that can offer better protection from the outdoor elements. You can also customize the roof to match the other details of your home.

Makeover Your Kitchen

A kitchen makeover is one of the most popular home renovations that can add substantial value to your home. Most prospective homebuyers prefer homes with updated kitchens. If your space needs a transformation, consider adding new cabinets and countertops. You may also want to invest in updated appliances and hardware. When you are designing your new kitchen, try to make sure that it is functional.

Paint the Walls

Adding paint to your walls is an inexpensive and valuable upgrade to invest in for your home. Paint can make your home look more current, and it can also help the interior of your home to look cleaner. When you are painting the walls, try to choose a neutral hue that will be pleasing to a variety of people. This way you will get the most return from this renovation project.

Get started on these home renovations today if you are looking to increase the value of your home. Whether you are selling your home in the future or simply want to maximize your investment, they are wonderful options that will provide you with satisfaction for years to come.

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