Household Fixes

If it’s time to get a new roof, perhaps the biggest decision you make will be what type of roofing shingles you use. Don’t think you are simply limited to what you already use, there are plenty of choices out there to give you the look and durability you want. Of course you also want to stay within your budget, and if you plan on installing it yourself, you need something relatively easy to work with as well. True there are other options besides shingles, but this clearly remains the most popular choice. So what kind should you get?

There are primarily three types of shingles to choose from. And each of them has pluses and minuses. All have different costs, lifespans and looks. The good news is that all are durable, and will probably last as long as you live in your home.

The most popular choice for homeowners remains asphalt shingles, and it’s easy to see why. Consider that these are the least expensive ($15 to $25 per square), they are fire resistant, and come in many different styles and colors, and you’ll quickly understand why if you drive down any neighborhood street, you’ll find the majority of the homes are roofed in asphalt. As an added bonus, because they are lightweight and flexible, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install. And durability is not a problem either, as these will last up to 30 years with proper care.

But that doesn’t mean these are the perfect shingles for everyone. Do you live in a high wind area where tornadoes and hurricanes are commonplace? If so you might want to look at other alternatives, since these shingles will be damaged by high winds. And make sure they are specially treated since they can also be vulnerable to mold as well. And even though they can last up to 30 years, other shingle types will last much longer.

And while asphalt is still the most popular, slate shingles are gaining in popularity. If you want your home to have a more natural feel, this could be the option for you. Again you’ll find a wide range of styles and colors to match your home, and you can get a look different from anyone else in the neighborhood. When it comes to durability, slate (or stone) shingles are tough to beat. They can last more than 100 years, so you’ll probably never need another roof.

But slate also has some disadvantages. It is extremely heavy, which means not all homes can accommodate it. In many cases the rafters need to be reinforced just to prevent the roof from caving in. And putting on a slate roof is not a job for the do it yourselfer. It breaks easily and will need to be installed by a professional. And that’s not to mention the cost. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $850 per 100 square feet.

You’ll find our third option in a lot of high end neighborhoods. Wood or shake shingles can be simply gorgeous. Treated wood is used for these. Cedar is a popular selection, but spruce or pine can also be used. And you’ll find these shingles are relatively easy to install and very durable. Properly treated they can last about 50 years.

But there are problems with shake roofs as well. The biggest one is that they are not fireproof. Not only is this dangerous, it can be expensive. In many places having a wood roof will cause your insurance costs to skyrocket. And while shake is not as expensive as slate, it’s still more expensive than asphalt. Chances are you’ll be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Shake roofs also need more maintenance. If not maintained properly, the wood will rot, splinter, or mold.

Only you can decide what roofing shingles will be best for your home, so carefully measure the pluses and minuses of each of the options. Asphalt is always a popular choice because it looks good, it will last, and is relatively inexpensive. If money is not a problem, then slate may be just the roof you are looking for. But whatever you choose, we highly recommend using a professional to install it unless you really know what you’re doing. Sure it may cost more up front, but think of the money you’ll save by not having to call someone to repair and fix any problems that may pop up.

Tags: Home, Home Improvement, home repair, Roofing, roofing shingles, shingles
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It is a known fact that the worldwide energy crisis is growing and for that reason governments and environmental protection organizations are trying to motivate people to cut down their use of energy. Among the best ways to accomplish this is to use energy efficient light bulbs. These bulbs not only reduce the amount of energy needed, but as an added bonus they also save you money.

All you have to do is change the light bulbs you use and replace them with energy efficient ones in order to reduce your electric bill by hundreds of dollars every year. There are many differences, though, between the various types of light bulbs and it is a fact that most people don’t know about this or how they can save money using them.

The first thing you need to do is become familiar with the various kinds of lighting available. Lighting can be separated into three general types and they are incandescent, discharge and light-emitting diodes. Incandescent lamps are the oldest variety and are easily recognized by the glowing filaments inside of them. They are the most common type of lighting used, but are also the least efficient of all the options.

Another type of light bulb that is a little bit more energy efficient is discharge lamps. It is important to understand how discharge lamps work. Discharge lamps are characterized for using glowing gas. Fluorescent lamps as well as high-intensity discharge lamps also fall under the category of discharge lamps.

Light-emitting diode light bulbs are the third kind, but are not often found in homes. Knowing that discharge lamps use glowing gas and incandescent lamps use a glowing filament is important, especially since the glowing gas is the much more energy efficient choice.

Still, it is important to understand the deeper side of efficiency when it comes to these different types of light bulbs. As a consumer, it is your job to understand the product you are buying and how it can help you save money. The term luminous flux refers to the amount of light that is emitted from a lamp.

This measurement is measured in lumens or lm. Incandescent light bulbs that are 60W emit approximately 700lm. On the other hand, a 58W tubular fluorescent lamp emits about 5000lm. As you can see, two light bulbs that cost about the same emit different quantities of light.

It is important to realize that there is also a term that is used to describe lamp efficiency. The term that is used to describe lamp efficiency is referred to as efficacy. There is actually a formula that you can use to figure out what the efficacy is. The formula is actually a ratio between the amount of light that a lamp produces and the amount of power that it needs to produce that amount of light.

The best way to keep our electricity bills lower is by using light bulbs that are significantly more efficient. By using these light bulbs you will not only save money, but you will save energy which in turn then helps to save the environment.

Tags: energy efficient, environment, family, Home, Home Improvement, home repair, house, interior design, led, light fixtures, lighting, remodeling
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A lot of homeowners want to remodel their basements but they lack basement remodeling ideas. A lot of them do not know where to start. The basement is a dark, unused part of the house, but it also has lots of open space to work with. Instead of viewing the basement as something negative, make use of its available features and turn the space into something you and your partner can enjoy for years.

A lot of couples get turned off with the idea of spending quality time in their basements. The basement is a place where no one thinks of congregating in so why not transform it into a romantic getaway? A good old lock for your door and curtains for your windows can easily make your basement into a more private and romantic space for you and your partner. Of course, you need to take extra measures as well, particularly in the case of an emergency. You can easily install a fire alarm and doorbell on the basement door so that others can reach you in case something happens.

Let us explore the possibilities. Let us talk about decorating the basement to create a romantic space. There are several basement remodeling ideas that cater towards making a space more inviting, relaxing and dramatic. These are key words to keep in mind when trying to recreate a romantic getaway. You do not have to travel the world to experience that romantic flare in your home.

Keeping out distractions is a good way to start. Thus, you should clean out your basement first and foremost. Make sure it is impeccably clean and that there is no clutter lying around. Basements are well known for being storage hubs, where useless things accumulate in there for no particular reason. Make sure you get rid of all those useless items. Its your choice to install a TV in your refinished basement, however, if you really want the space to be a romantic getaway, have a small TV in the corner or consider reserving it only for the living room upstairs.

For a relaxing, romantic feel, include thick, plush rugs. Since the basement could experience dampness or leakage, it may not be a good idea to get a wall-to-wall carpet. An alternative is to install a subfloor and use area rugs. You may also want to install heating systems for your floor to keep your basement warm and dry all year round.

Another great option is a mini bar in your basement. Its quite romantic to have good wine around, so you may want to build yourself a mini bar in one corner. You do not really need a huge cellar in your basement”keep a few good bottles of wine and that will be sufficient.

Having music around would be great for a romantic get away so it would be a great idea to work on the electrical system for the sound system. If you are considering a hi-tech sound system for your basement, make sure your electrical system will accommodate this.

Of course, you should not forget the lighting. You would not want the space to appear like a storage room with fluorescent lights. A traditional or portable fireplace can generate a romantic ambience in the basement. You may merge this with low wattage and colored lamps, directional lights and surface mounted spotlights to create the ultimate romantic setting. These are just some basement remodeling ideas to create a romantic getaway.

Tags: basement remodeling ideas, Home, Home Improvement, home repair, interior design
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