Archive for November, 2009


If you own your home, you know what it’s like to hear the pitter patter of a rainstorm against your windows. If you live in a colder region white, fluffy snow may be more the norm. Whatever the case, your home’s best defense is the same: the roof. And for many of those that are fortunate to be home owners, the last line of defense of the roof is the same. Asphalt shingles are an extremely common roofing material, and for a good reason. They are flexible, holding up in heat, rain, and cold. They are also easy to install and cheap to replace, especially if you just need to get on the roof to replace one shingle tab that blew off in the wind. So if asphalt shingles are so great, why would anyone want a roof that was produced by metal roofing machines? While it may not seem like an obvious solution to your roofing needs, metal roofs are actually a surprisingly good value for what they deliver. And some homeowners are starting to take notice and come around to the benefits of a metal roof.

Metal roofing isn’t what it used to be. When most people think about a metal roof, a dingy shack in the middle of nowhere comes to mind, with an ugly, mismatched corrugated metal roof lying flat across the top. While there are still a fair share of dingy shacks out in the middle of nowhere, thankfully the contemporary homeowner has many more options at their disposal. Metal roofing is made from a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. All have their pros and cons, from durability to looks. While the type of metal roof may mostly be a personal preference, there are some considerations. For example, if you live in an area where hail is common, it may make sense to find the most durable material possible. For the most part, however, any of these types of roofs, made with roll forming equipment, are going to be beautiful and practical additions to your home.

Metal roofing is durable, attractive, and will most likely never have to be replaced over the course of your home’s life. So what is stopping metal roofing from becoming the norm rather than just another option? Cost, for one, is a big issue. If you don’t plan on owing your house for a long time, you may be passing along some of the benefit of the metal roof without recouping any of your initial investment. Another consideration is the noise of a metal roof during a rain or hail storm. To some, it’s beautiful music. To others, they want to tear their hair out. The roll form machines will continue to pump out metal roofing, so if your house needs a new roof in the next couple of years, this is certainly an option to consider.

Samco metal roofing machines produce high quality metal roofing. Samco’s roll forming equipment can also create all types of metal creations, including shelving, garage doors, and just about anything that involves bending metal. Trust Samco for superior roll form machines and technology.

Exterior Wood Beams – Wood Repairs

If you live in a moist climate in the winter and a dry climate in the summer and you have exterior wood beams exposed to these elements. You could develop wood beam problems over time. If wood beams are properly maintained and painted often they could last for a long time. Wood beams can last many years if properly taken care of.

Exterior wood beams that are used to hold up roofs, patios and decking can suffer from wood rot if not taken care of. Let’s take for example a wooden beam located in a patio holding up a section of a large roof. The span of the roof being is only 10 feet long. As we look at the exterior wood beam. We noticed the upper corner of the beam is soft and rotted.

The beam damage is roughly the size of a baseball. The wood beam itself is a 6 x 10. Do we need to replace this beam even though the damage is not real big. The answer to this question is yes, any amount of damage to a wood beam takes away from its structural strength.

If you have a wood beam holding up the roof and the beam fails you could end up replacing a large section of your roof as well as the damaged beam. Replacing the damaged beam is usually a difficult task. The beam is usually sandwiched between two walls and will have siding or stucco around it.

If you’re lucky enough to have the wood beam sitting in a saddle or on top of a wood post this will make your job easier and will require less skill. If however the beam is located between two walls this will require shoring up the roof and removing the beam.

Beam replacement should be left to professionals. This is not often as easy as it looks and could create a safety hazard if not done properly. I have seen beams replaced by homeowners or handyman and the damage that was done after the repairs, was worse than just leaving the beam alone in the first place.

The biggest problem with exterior wood beams is that they are usually holding up large amounts of weight. If the beam is removed without the proper bracing and shoring of the roof or floor area you could have a larger problem than you started with.

Exterior beams over time seemed to develop large cracks or splits in dry weather. These large cracks and splits weaken the structural strength of the beam adding more stress to the beam itself leading to structural failure eventually.

Extreme climates where temperatures very over 40° in one day seem to suffer the most damage to exterior wood beams that are not properly maintained. Beam maintenance will require painting and keeping moisture away from them.

Be aware of structural beams in or around your house. A little painting now and then can save you thousands of dollars over the life time of your house.

Greg Vanden Berge has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.

His website http://gregvan.com provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book.

Visit us now for Vista Home Improvement.

There are many things a homeowner can do to change their curb appeal. A once boring yard can look wonderful with a few plants and a gorgeous fountain. As well, a once flat and plain roof can easily be replaced with a new roof that can add character and appeal to an old home. There are many choices available for homeowners and business owners alike when it comes to new roofs.

One of the most popular choices for new roofs is metal sheeting. Many people think that you are limited when it comes to metal sheeting; however, there are several types of metal roofs available on the market. For instance, steel and aluminum are available in many colors. As well, they are very durable choices for new roofs. The roof lifetime for both these type of metal roofs are between thirty and fifty years. Metal roofing is usually priced by the running foot and sold in three foot wide pieces. Prices vary from manufacturer and location, but you can expect to pay around $3 to $8 a square foot. Metal roofing comes in varying grades and colors; all of this determines the price you will pay.

A new trend in metal roofing has hit the construction arena, stamped metal. Stamped metal is a growing fad that many homeowners’ are choosing for their new roofs. Available in tiles that resemble shingles, slate, tile and even wood shakes; although, these are currently very costly, in the future, most likely the price will drop. Today’s metal roofing compared to the metal roofs found on old farm houses in the south are much more durable and hold their new-like appearance. Special coatings are applied to keep the metal from fading and oxidizing over time due to sun exposure and rain. As well, in the past, metal roofing was known to dent and scratch very easily; today’s new roofs that have metal sheeting can enjoy the benefits of technological advances that prevent this from occurring.

Another more expensive type of metal roofing is copper sheeting. Although, copper is very expensive, it is very durable and therefore a new roof of copper will last a homeowner up to 100 years, over a lifetime. Copper is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and most homeowners that use copper pay a high price for this look on their new roof. In fact, with the rising costs of metals in the United States, a new roof of copper sheeting can run you around $10 per square foot.

New roofs that are sheeted with metal are a great form of energy savings, as well. Many manufacturers even offer special radiant coatings to improve them even more. A new roof that has been replaced with cool metal roofing products can save a homeowner up to 40% in summer cooling utility costs. Because of the reflective qualities, coupled with the pigments and coatings used in metal roofing; the homeowner will enjoy reduced costs in energy bills throughout the year and for the lifetime of the new roof.

For those of you that prefer a green stand; environmentalists’ suggest going with a metal roof made of recycled materials. Standing seam metal sheeting is basically recycled metal. It’s easy to install because it can be placed directly over asphalt shingles. As well, it’s maintenance free and is very durable.

At Roofer911.com we offer a free roofing directory for roofers who specialize in roofing repairs, roof replacement, and much more. Join today!

Building Green With Steel

Over the years many developers, builders and architects have put their focus on creating environmentally responsible or sustainable buildings. Steel buildings fit these requirements beautifully! Using a steel building for your next building is an environmentally sound choice as well as a safe one, as steel can be recycled and then remanufactured into new pieces that retain their structural integrity. Steel offers many advantages over wood-frame construction over and above their environmental benefits.

In the past steel was primarily used for railroads and automobiles, today though it is quickly becoming the choice material for new buildings. Due to steel’s resistance to both fire and earthquake it is a favorite building material for areas where these risks are predominant, such as California and Hawaii.

Steel is lightweight, making it easier to work with and cheaper to ship and store than lumber. Steel buildings are also easier to carry and move around a jobsite, so there is less strain put on construction workers who are putting together steel buildings. Steel buildings are manufactured to strict standards to ensure quality, and they do not contain twists or knots like traditional building materials, nor will they ever get them so you’re building with straight parts when you build a steel building which of course, saves in labor and frustration.

Construction-grade steel already uses approximately 70% recycled content and generates very little waste during production. In fact, Absolute Steel buildings are certified to be 67% recycled materials. It is noncombustible and also resists insect infestation. When the steel is no longer needed (such as when a building is demolished) it can be fully recycled into new steel products.

Steel buildings are non-toxic and don’t off-gas, keeping the indoor air free of contaminants. It had a rigid composition that makes it the perfect choice for building in a high-wind area. Steel buildings do not absorb water or dry out so one never has to worry about cracking or rotting during the lifetime of the building.

Did you know steel is the most recycled material in the whole world, since any type of steel can be recycled endless times to make new steel products? It takes 75% less energy to produce recycled steel than new steel. In fact, for every ton of recycled steel produced, 2500lbs of iron ore is saved as well as 1000lbs of coal and 40lbs of limestone.

Steel is certainly the product that should be used to build a strong building, as it will not warp, split or rot, will not grow mold and is extremely resistant to wind, fire and insects. Steel also has about a 200 year lifespan, giving steel buildings more longevity than their lumber-built counterparts.

Although on the surface it would appear that steel framing is more expensive than wood, building with steel offers many advantages that certainly offset the cost. Steel allows for different, more complex designs and hold up better in extreme climates, which in turn leads to lower insurance premiums.

In closing, steel buildings are more energy efficient, have minimal maintenance, and are certainly more environmentally friendly than their wood counterparts. Old steel buildings that are no long maintainable can be 100% recycled into new building materials with a minimum of effect on the environment. If you are considering a switch to a building material that helps the environment while providing a safe and secure place for your business or family then a steel building should be at the top of your list.

For more information on steel buildings, visit AbsoluteRV.com

Construction home building is the “meat and potatoes” of erecting a home. There are several different stages that go into making one. Manufactured homes are made a lot quicker than custom homes, but they usually have cheaper materials and labor. The home plans that you choose will determine how long it takes to build your new building.

There are several different stages in constructing it from new home plans. First the ground has to be leveled. If the ground is not level, then the building will settle and the foundation will crack, or the building will sink into the ground. Then the base of the house has to be constructed.

This is usually pier and beam or a slab. Basic plumbing is added at this part of the building as well. Then they add some of the framework for the building. After the framework comes the walls and roof frame. The rest of the plumbing is added, and then the sheet rock and insulation.

They put the roof on, and then add the electrical work. The windows and doors are added, and then they put up the bricks or whatever will be the outside of the house. Once the outside is complete, then they move on to the inside of the house and add whatever is needed indoors. The last thing to be done is floors and painting, and then finally the yard. This process is used because it is the most efficient for following home floor plans.

Manufactured homes are made differently than custom homes. Construction home building for manufactured homes is usually accomplished all at once. If you are interested in buying one, then you look at the home floor plans that the company has available. Then it is possible to choose different features to customize the house. Paint colors and floor coverings are usually chosen at this time too.

The building company then finishes the house so the new owners can move in. There are many manufactured homes built in the ranch house plans style or in the Tudor house plans style. It is easy to build many of these kinds of houses. The home building industry has grown a lot in past years. This started in the 1950s and 1960s with the first manufactured homes. Now, most homes that are built are at least somewhat manufactured.

Construction home building has not changed much over the years. Home floor plans are built into 3-D homes. The main difference in new homes versus old seems to be the fact that manufactured homes are more popular now. While it is still possible to customize these homes, it is harder. However, the fact that the homes are cheaper keeps them popular.

Discover more information about construction home building from Mike Selvon portal, and get more insider small house plans tips.

Your real estate agent identifies a property that suits the description of your dream house; you rush to make the required down payment to book it formally. However, before you sign the contract, ensure that you have a home building inspection done. Many buildings look excellent from the outside, aided by expert cosmetic repairs done specifically to increase the market value.

Unless you are an expert yourself, it would be difficult for you to understand the home floor plans and identify the possible flaws in the building. Freshly painted walls, damp floors and newly installed doors and windows may indicate a clever cover up. Insist that you be allowed to see the home plans and have an inspection done before the deal is sealed.

No matter how old or new the house is, don’t purchase the home without having it inspected, as you might end up spending a lot of money for repairs. Building inspectors are specially trained to watch out for problems that can cause you serious trouble in the future. These include structural problems, such as incorrectly built walls, partitions, basements, foundations and so on, as well as faulty plumbing and electrical issues.

For example, trees planted too close to the house, less than two meters distance, may cause the walls of the house to crack because of the growth and expansion of the roots. Another such example that would not be visible from homeplans is the proper connection of the down pipes and gutters. If these have not been professionally fitted, then it could result in water seepage into the walls, causing dangerous cracks and ugly damp spots.

Never under estimate the role of an expert. When you buy a place of your own you need to know that there are no hidden defects that will cripple you financially after you have bought the house. A home building inspection will identify such problems if any, and you will have the option to go ahead with the sale or look for another house. Most people think that studying the house floor plans will suffice; however, the building inspector will tell you that there is much more you need to know.

It is normal to be excited and happy when you find a house that suits your requirements like a glove. No matter how excited you are, do not rush into finalizing the deal until you have a home building inspection done. This will tell you whether the house you are planning to buy is worth the investment you are about to make. Often, there are flaws that cannot be identified by a cursory look at the houseplans and you could end up with serious recurring costs and plenty of trouble.

Discover more information about home building inspection from Mike Selvon portal, and get more insider small house plans tips.

Did you know that every time you cook, millions of grease particles are released into your home? Research suggests that tiny microscopic particles of grease can float in the air for days and adhere to almost any surface in the home through a process know as thermal plating. Once these particles find a dwelling place they can feed mold and bacteria serving as the breeding ground for a host of tiny unwanted and unhealthy guests.

This is the scenario in millions of homes–possibly yours, unless you have proper ventilation over your kitchen cooking surface. But how do you know the right size range hood to select for your specific needs and lifestyle? And how much power do you need?

The trend in today’s modern kitchen cooking appliances is toward larger commercial style cooking units. Viking, Dacor and Wolf are the leading manufactures of residential/commercial style cooking appliances, and all offer 60″ ranges capable of producing in excess of 120,000 Btu’s of heat. This is as much heat as the furnace generates in many smaller homes! These units quickly produce a bounty of smoke and grease when they are operating at full-force.

On the other end of the spectrum, most of us cook with a typical four burner range. These throw off one-third the amount of heat as the commercial style monsters, but they still must be properly vented in order for your home to remain odor and germ free. No matter which type of cooking unit you use, the idea is the same – it’s all about air flow. The bad news is there is no absolute formula for determining exactly how much air flow is the correct amount. The good news is that two different methods of calculation can be utilized allowing you as the homeowner to dial the number up or down based on how you live and cook.

Common sense dictates that the more heat a unit produces, the more air flow will be required to rid the greater amount of resulting grease and smoke. Let’s call this the Common Sense Rule. That said, the first calculation method we will look at is based on cooking surface size and range hood location. If the hood is mounted on a wall behind the range (as most are), then you will use the 40 cfm per linear foot of cooking surface rule. This method dictates that for a typical 30″ four burner range, you should employ at a minimum a hood able to move 100 cfm’s of air. But remember the Common Sense Rule. If you do a lot of frying or wok cooking and therefore produce an increased level of grease and smoke, you will likely be disappointed with a 100 cfm unit – go bigger. To extend this method to kitchen island cooking, the 50 cfm per linear foot of cooking surface rule should be used. With the same 30″ four burner range operating in an island, the minimum cfm’s are bumped up to 125, and as always, the Common Sense Rule is applied.

The second airflow calculation method commonly used in the industry is the 100:1 rule. This rule states that for every 100 Btu’s of heat a range generates, the hood blower should move 1cfm of air. Let’s say you have a four burner range and each burner produces 12,000 Btu’s of heat. You should explore hoods with a minimum of 480 cfm blower rating, then applying the Common Sense Rule as needed. Don’t forget to boost the number for island cooking applications.

By applying either of these two methods in combination with the Common Sense Rule you can be well on your way to ensuring that your home remains a clean, healthy and inviting place to be.

Gerry Snapke has been in the kitchen and cabinetry design business for nearly 25 years. As a custom cabinet manufacturer and kitchen designer he has a broad background in all aspects of the industry. Gerry is currently offering his services as freelance designer and can be reached through his web site at http://www.gsidesignconsultants.com

Home renovators everywhere will tell you of their effort to reinvent their rooms with the creative use of a multitude of materials. In the kitchen especially, changing anything from fixtures to floors goes a long way towards completely transforming the space.

In the spirit of this redesign, homeowners look for ways to maximize the impact for as little money as possible; and nothing works to that end like countertops – sometimes covering an expanse of a kitchen and completely changing the look at a relatively manageable price. For some, concrete countertops hold undeniable interest; but, as with any other countertop material, there are things to consider before making a purchase.

Some of the advantages of concrete countertops include the ability to customize the look of them; the pliability of concrete allows it to be sculpted, molded, and texturized to suit your own personal tastes. And choosing concrete countertops allows you to also choose the color or stain that will best complement the space. Ultimately, whatever look that you assign the countertops will set the tone of the entire kitchen.

Additionally, concrete countertops have a wider application in more traditional kitchens; you can use edge detailing and decorative inlays in order to help them blend into more conventional environments. Concrete is also incredibly heat resistant, and relatively easy to clean. Although it must be noted that, because of its incredibly porous nature, concrete is vulnerable to acids such as red wine and lemon juice; any spills of this kind should be immediately addressed.

For avid do-it-yourselfers, concrete countertops are easily maneuvered and installed. This can be an enormous selling point for those looking to save money on pricey professional installation. Budget conscious renovators will also find that this particular material is quite cost-effective and can create the look that you want in your kitchen at much less expense than stone or marble.

To find the concrete countertops that work best for your space, begin by doing some research online. A relatively abbreviated Internet search can yield comprehensive information concerning the types of countertops available on the market, the variety of styles and colors from which to choose, and the price points you can expect to pay. You may even be able to find some online deals offered by local stores.

Any home improvement store will likely have a large selection of concrete countertops from which to choose. Arm yourself with knowledge before making the journey through the stores so that you can get the best price possible; and work with knowledgeable employees who can help you determine what will work best with your particular kitchen.

If you are anticipating a do-it-yourself installation, be sure to do your homework on the challenges specific to concrete countertops; a little bit of preparedness will ensure that the job goes smoothly. If tackling the job yourself feels too overwhelming be sure to work with a reputable dealer who offers professional and affordable installation and will work closely with you to ensure that you get the results you desire.

Still looking for the perfect counter tops? Try visiting http://www.typesofcountertops.com – a website that specializes in providing counter top advice, tips and resources including information on concrete countertops

Renovating a kitchen requires an enormous number of decisions that must be made. Deciding what changes will make the most impact for your money is paramount to a successful renovation. For many homeowners, transforming the countertops will subsequently transform the kitchen; because countertops cover such a large area in the kitchen, it stands to reason that the design they reflect will ultimately determine the tone of the kitchen.

It’s no wonder, therefore, that a good portion of a kitchen renovation budget invariably goes towards new countertops. But, of course, choosing countertops depends on a number of factors including style, functionality, and budget. There are a number of very popular countertop materials on the market today but none boasts more popularity than ceramic material. In fact, ceramic countertop tiles are among the most popular way to transform a kitchen space.

Ceramic countertop tiles have long boasted a significant popularity with homeowners nationwide. At first glance it is easy to see why these tiles have enjoyed such longevity in the marketplace. Its colors, textures, and style are visually stunning and the nature of its design – sometimes even hand-painted – gives it an artistic, delicate quality that gives any kitchen a unique and creative flair.

But on closer inspection it will be noted that ceramic countertop tiles are anything but delicate. Rather it is a durable and long lasting material that homeowners appreciate for its resilience. In fact, ceramic tiles are resistant to heat, moisture, and stains and are a low-maintenance, highly attractive material.

Like any countertop, ceramic countertop tiles can be installed by a professional. But there are a great many do-it-yourselfers who find that the installation of this particular countertop is especially handyman friendly – because of the scope of the project. Such a project should clearly always begin with precise measurements.

Remember that in calculating the number of tiles that are going to be needed to cover the countertop, you should be sure to remember to allow for any specialty tiles; for example, those tiles that are necessary for edging or for a backsplash.

Additionally, keep in mind the kitchen sink – an oft forgotten piece of the puzzle. For example, if you are intending to install a flush-mounted sink, then you should make sure to do so before the backerboard is in place; if you are planning an undermount sink, then you should install this after the backerboard, or at least after the tiling is completely finished.

Be sure that you have all the tools necessary for the project on hand before you begin -including grout. And it may be wise to invest the time in an instructional course often offered free-of-charge in large home improvement retailers. Finally, before you go lay the ceramic countertop tiles practice the design on a tabletop before transferring it.

Before you grout between tiles be sure that everything is centered and looks the way you had envisioned. Once the tiles are in place and grouting has been completed you can finish the countertop with a lightweight sealant that will help protect the grout from moisture and maintain the integrity of the tiles.

Still looking for the perfect counter tops? Try visiting http://www.typesofcountertops.com – a website that specializes in providing counter top advice, tips and resources including information on corian countertops

Investing in a Geothermal Heat Pump System

You may or may not of heard of a geothermal heat pump system. If you have, than you have probably even though about installing a system and seeing how it works. I’ll give you all the details and the low down to what the system is, how it works and how much money save you save.

What is a geothermal heat pump system? : A Geothermal Heat Pump System (GHPS) is a system of pipes and tubes which run underneath a property and collect the warm air from the Earth and then transfer it to the home. No heat is created in the process; air is only transported from underground to above ground. This system can be used to cool or warm up the house depending on the needs of the consumer. The tubes collect the air from underground and then run parallel to your floors and release the free heat into the surrounding room.

How does it work? : A series of tubes, connected to a device called a heat pump, run underneath a home underground. These tubes are filled with a liquid, normally some sort of refrigerant, and the whole system works just like the tubes in a refrigerator. The tubes transport the liquid underground and then back up where they enter the heat pump. The pump then removes the heat from the liquid and the liquid enters the pipe system to once again receive the heat from the Earth. The heat removed from the pipes enters the house and warms it up. This process is reversed in the winter to cool down your home.

Why use a GHPS? : There are plenty of reasons why to use a geothermal heat pump system. In the long run it will save you money. The step up cost is large but after a few years, 2-10 on average, you will have saved much more money and evened up the costs of heating had you stayed with a conventional system. They provide a free source of constant heating that will never run out. They are quiet. It can be installed inside a home rather then having components built up in the outdoors, or having an air conditioner leaning out your window. The system is very clean and the average family can reduce their carbon footprint by 2.5 to 5 tons of CO2 per year. It quite low maintenance and the pipes don’t have to be cleaned out by any unnecessary means such as removal of the pipes. It has many uses such as heating up your floors, keeping your driveways and walkways snow free in the winter, hot water for appliances and hot water for any uses.

How much money can I save with a GHPS? : A system can save you 35-70% of your energy costs per year. From 400-1400$/Yr. As well as yearly savings, the resale value of a home can increase by over 20 000$ on average.

How much does a system cost? : For a typical 2000 sq. ft. home, a system can cost from 5000 to 12000$. On average, a typical geothermal system costs 10000$ to install for the first time. Many states and government programs offer incentives to buying and installing a system that will reduce the cost. As well as maintenance is rather cheap and rare in between. Systems typically last over 30 years before components need to be replaced.

Is a geothermal heating system a good investment? : Yes, if you can afford it. We don’t want anyone going into long-term debt with the massive initial cost of the system, however if you plan accordingly the amount of money you’ll get back by the system will be enormous. You’ll be doing yourself a good deed in saving a lot of money in the long run, and you’ll also be doing the Earth a good deed by reducing your carbon footprint. The initial cost of a system may be large, but the overall savings are greater.

Investing in a Geothermal Energy Heating System
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