It’s a fact that your roof is one of the most important parts of your house and is the one thing that provides the building structure, the building occupants and the building contents with protection from the elements. Many roofs are in a state of disrepair but homeowners ignore this until the roof gets worse or until the weather gets worse.
With regular maintenance and the early identification and fixing of any problems you can usually avoid the big problems that have equally big price tagsattached to them. Regular maintenance in this way will also help extend the life of your roof New York.
Selecting flat roofing materials.
Flat roofs New York have extra difficulties associated with them. Because they do not slope rainwater does not automatically run down the roof and drain off. It is absolutely vital that flat roofing materials are as water resistant and water tight as possible to prevent serious damage to the roof itself and to the rest of the building and it’s contents. New types of flat roofing material are being used and while these offer more in the way of protection they are also more expensive as a general rule. There are still three main types of flat roofing materials that are used on a regular basis on new and older houses.
Built up flat roofing materials New York.
Built up roofing is basically just that. Built up roofing consists of laying down several layers of tar and water resistant materials and then covered with gravel. This is quite an old technique but the introduction of new waterproof materials has seen the strength and durability of this technique increase. The gravel acts as a good fire resistant layer and can be made to look very attractive. It is usually the cheapest of the flat roofing materials available, however, it is very heavy and may require strengthening of the joists. It is also impractical to use on residential houses that are being lived in because it smells terribly. The gravel itself can clog gutters and other vital aspects of water drainage.
Modified Bitumen flat roofing.
Modified bitumen is another stalwart in the world of flat roofing materials. Once upon a time it was necessary to use torchdown techniques that involved burning the roll of material onto the roof, however it is now possible to get adhesive varieties, thus cutting out the potential fire hazard that is sometimes associated. The mineral surface that is used to create modified bitumen can be created in light colors, effectively reflecting the heat and sun. This will cut down on your energy bills during the summer months, and it can even be installed by any avid (and competent) do it yourself fanatic.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Got Shingles?
Shingles cover 80% of America’s homes, but they are far from being all the same. Today’s shingles come in a large variety of colors, styles, and materials to meet any homeowner’s demands. Before we look at the different types of shingles available there are some other elements we should first consider.
Climate - shingles treated with zinc or copper New York are resistant to algae and fungus. This is something you will definitely want to have if you live in a damp, humid climate such as Florida, or Louisiana.
Building Codes - In some areas local law restricts certain roof types. The number of shingle layers a roof can have may be limited as well. A quality roofing contractor will be able to help make this decision with you.
Roof Pitch - The slope of the roof is something else that will be a factor in deciding which shingles are right for your home. Again, this is where a qualified professional New York can help guide you in the right direction.
Roof shingles are made with many different kinds of materials to suit a large range of needs. We will examine some of the major types of shingles, what they are made of, and how long they will last.
Asphalt Shingles - Often called composite shingles; asphalt shingles are widely popular due to being lightweight and relatively inexpensive. They are made by permeating a fiber material with asphalt. Since the late 1950’s manufacturers have constantly worked to improve quality by utilizing modern synthetic materials. The newer fibers being used make synthetic asphalt shingles more fireproof than their organic predecessors. They also absorb less asphalt; making them lighter also. Both types are covered with various colors of ceramic coated mineral granules. This not only adds to the beauty of the roof, but also protects the roof from the suns ultraviolet rays and increases the fire resistance. Granules of copper or zinc are used to fight algae growth. Most asphalt shingles have spots or strips of thermoplastic adhesive on the bottom side. This adhesive heats up in the sun, creating a bond with the roof which increases wind protection. With a life span of 20+ years asphalt shingles deserve serious consideration when choosing a roofing system for your project. Visit http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Shingle.html for more details.
Architectural Shingles - While made with the same types of materials as regular asphalt shingles; architectural shingles New York offer a more refined look. With their attractive thickness they can be made to resemble wood shakes or slate. Architectural shingles tend to be a bit more expensive, but they are easier to install than some other types. It is not unheard of to find premium laminate shingles with 50 year warranties.
Wood Shingles - Are usually cut from cedar though some other woods such as pressure treated pine are also used. Wood shingles are smooth and uniform, but with a lot of variety in look because of the natural grain. Wood shakes are similar to shingles, but are left rough. This type of shingle should last for 30-50 years, but expect to pay more than you would for asphalt shingles.
Climate - shingles treated with zinc or copper New York are resistant to algae and fungus. This is something you will definitely want to have if you live in a damp, humid climate such as Florida, or Louisiana.
Building Codes - In some areas local law restricts certain roof types. The number of shingle layers a roof can have may be limited as well. A quality roofing contractor will be able to help make this decision with you.
Roof Pitch - The slope of the roof is something else that will be a factor in deciding which shingles are right for your home. Again, this is where a qualified professional New York can help guide you in the right direction.
Roof shingles are made with many different kinds of materials to suit a large range of needs. We will examine some of the major types of shingles, what they are made of, and how long they will last.
Asphalt Shingles - Often called composite shingles; asphalt shingles are widely popular due to being lightweight and relatively inexpensive. They are made by permeating a fiber material with asphalt. Since the late 1950’s manufacturers have constantly worked to improve quality by utilizing modern synthetic materials. The newer fibers being used make synthetic asphalt shingles more fireproof than their organic predecessors. They also absorb less asphalt; making them lighter also. Both types are covered with various colors of ceramic coated mineral granules. This not only adds to the beauty of the roof, but also protects the roof from the suns ultraviolet rays and increases the fire resistance. Granules of copper or zinc are used to fight algae growth. Most asphalt shingles have spots or strips of thermoplastic adhesive on the bottom side. This adhesive heats up in the sun, creating a bond with the roof which increases wind protection. With a life span of 20+ years asphalt shingles deserve serious consideration when choosing a roofing system for your project. Visit http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Shingle.html for more details.
Architectural Shingles - While made with the same types of materials as regular asphalt shingles; architectural shingles New York offer a more refined look. With their attractive thickness they can be made to resemble wood shakes or slate. Architectural shingles tend to be a bit more expensive, but they are easier to install than some other types. It is not unheard of to find premium laminate shingles with 50 year warranties.
Wood Shingles - Are usually cut from cedar though some other woods such as pressure treated pine are also used. Wood shingles are smooth and uniform, but with a lot of variety in look because of the natural grain. Wood shakes are similar to shingles, but are left rough. This type of shingle should last for 30-50 years, but expect to pay more than you would for asphalt shingles.
Choose Copper Roof Shingles?
The world is full of copper lovers, and lovers of the copper roof New York are by no means an exception. There are essentially two different types of copper roof you can buy, there is the solid copper roof that consists solely of sheet copper on your roof.
It is very resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly, as you can imagine. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.
Can I use copper roof shingles?
One of the advantages that copper roof shingles New York offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably. As long as you are prepared to pay approximately $4 per square foot (compared to $1 for standard asphalt but up to $15 for solid copper) there is unlikely to be any good reason why you can not use copper roof shingles on your roof.
What kind of life can I expect from copper roof shingles?
This is something of a confusing issue. Asphalt roof shingles will normally only last 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. However, the copper sheet itself will last an average of about 150 years. Obviously the copper roof shingles themselves will only last as long as the asphalt roof shingles that are found underneath the copper.
The cost of copper roof shingles.
Copper roof shingles New York are by no means a cheap alternative to other styles of roofing but if you like the look of copper and you want a longer life than asphalt shingles can offer then copper roof shingles are an excellent option. The copper sheet doesn’t an excellent job of protecting the asphalt shingles underneath effectively giving them an extended life of around 30 to 40 years.
The copper sheeting also protects the shingles from most general wear and tear meaning that with good, regular maintenance you won’t need to have repairs done too often. On a yearly basis copper roof shingles do work out cheap but not overall and not for the initial installation.
Standard asphalt roof shingles usually cost around $1 per square foot, whereas solid copper roofing will set you back around $15 per square foot. Copper roof shingles are available at approximately $4 to $5 per square foot so they are 4 times more expensive than asphalt but considerably cheaper than a full solid copper roof. However, you are undoubtedly paying for the attractive looks of a copper roof but for less money than covering the entire roof in an expensive metal.
It is very resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly, as you can imagine. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.
Can I use copper roof shingles?
One of the advantages that copper roof shingles New York offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably. As long as you are prepared to pay approximately $4 per square foot (compared to $1 for standard asphalt but up to $15 for solid copper) there is unlikely to be any good reason why you can not use copper roof shingles on your roof.
What kind of life can I expect from copper roof shingles?
This is something of a confusing issue. Asphalt roof shingles will normally only last 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. However, the copper sheet itself will last an average of about 150 years. Obviously the copper roof shingles themselves will only last as long as the asphalt roof shingles that are found underneath the copper.
The cost of copper roof shingles.
Copper roof shingles New York are by no means a cheap alternative to other styles of roofing but if you like the look of copper and you want a longer life than asphalt shingles can offer then copper roof shingles are an excellent option. The copper sheet doesn’t an excellent job of protecting the asphalt shingles underneath effectively giving them an extended life of around 30 to 40 years.
The copper sheeting also protects the shingles from most general wear and tear meaning that with good, regular maintenance you won’t need to have repairs done too often. On a yearly basis copper roof shingles do work out cheap but not overall and not for the initial installation.
Standard asphalt roof shingles usually cost around $1 per square foot, whereas solid copper roofing will set you back around $15 per square foot. Copper roof shingles are available at approximately $4 to $5 per square foot so they are 4 times more expensive than asphalt but considerably cheaper than a full solid copper roof. However, you are undoubtedly paying for the attractive looks of a copper roof but for less money than covering the entire roof in an expensive metal.
Do Reflective Roof Materials Work?
The temperature of your roof plays a very important part in a number of different environmental factors within your home. If your roof collects heat without reflecting any then your home will get incredibly hot during the summer months meaning you will have to pay more for energy bills to keep your air conditioning running or face long sweaty days with no reprise from the searing temperatures. This extra heat can also cause a build up of moisture inside your roof and eventually cause damage to the timber structure; this damage may manifest itself in the form of cracks, warped materials and leaks. Also in winter your home will get very cold and you will have to pay more for heating to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. There are essentially four main types of reflective roofing materials you may want to consider using for your roof.
Reflective roofing materials – metal roofs.
Aluminum, brushed stainless steel and other materials are used to create the metal roof New York. They are usually durable and hardy giving you an extended life on your roof and homeowners with metal roofs have reported savings of 20% on their annual energy bill. Don’t forget that cooling buildings accounts for an incredible 1/6th of all the energy that is used in the average home. The problem with metal roofs is that while they prevent the heat from being emitted in your home they actually trap it and so they do not actually reflect the heat as well as other types of reflective roofing material. If combined with a polymeric coating they become even more efficient and you could realize greater energy reduction within your home.
Reflective roofing materials – roofing tiles.
When considering roofing tiles New York as reflective roofing materials the most important factor to consider is the color of the tiles. Anyone who has been out on a summer day wearing a black t-shirt will know that dark colors do not reflect heat and anything they protect gets very hot very quickly. The same is also true when considering reflective roofing materials. Whether you choose ceramic or fabricated concrete you should select a light color that will do an effective job of reflecting the heat away from your home.
Reflective roofing materials - Roofing membranes.
Again, with roofing membranes New York it is important to opt for the right kind of color. Lighter is always better, and if you opt for the darker membranes that give your roof a similar appearance to that of one using slate shingles it will have very little reflective quality to it and you will need to pay through the nose for your air conditioning and you might also face damage to the roof itself.
Reflective roofing materials – metal roofs.
Aluminum, brushed stainless steel and other materials are used to create the metal roof New York. They are usually durable and hardy giving you an extended life on your roof and homeowners with metal roofs have reported savings of 20% on their annual energy bill. Don’t forget that cooling buildings accounts for an incredible 1/6th of all the energy that is used in the average home. The problem with metal roofs is that while they prevent the heat from being emitted in your home they actually trap it and so they do not actually reflect the heat as well as other types of reflective roofing material. If combined with a polymeric coating they become even more efficient and you could realize greater energy reduction within your home.
Reflective roofing materials – roofing tiles.
When considering roofing tiles New York as reflective roofing materials the most important factor to consider is the color of the tiles. Anyone who has been out on a summer day wearing a black t-shirt will know that dark colors do not reflect heat and anything they protect gets very hot very quickly. The same is also true when considering reflective roofing materials. Whether you choose ceramic or fabricated concrete you should select a light color that will do an effective job of reflecting the heat away from your home.
Reflective roofing materials - Roofing membranes.
Again, with roofing membranes New York it is important to opt for the right kind of color. Lighter is always better, and if you opt for the darker membranes that give your roof a similar appearance to that of one using slate shingles it will have very little reflective quality to it and you will need to pay through the nose for your air conditioning and you might also face damage to the roof itself.
Do You Need a New Roof?
This is the first question many roofing contractors New York get asked when dealing with a new potential customer. Often the answer is that repairs will do the trick. Other times a new roof or re-roof will be in order. We will discuss some common problems that occur and try to determine the best course of action for each. I’d like to note here that it is always best to seek the advice of a reputable, qualified professional. Early detection of problems is by far the most desirable option available. Yearly inspections by a knowledgeable, licensed professional can save you a ton of money in future repair, or replacement costs.
Exterior Inspection
A thorough exterior inspection should be the first step in making a decision on whether to replace or repair a roof New York. A frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles. High winds as well as improper installation can cause shingles to become displaced. Some regions of the country (especially in the southeast) may have shingles permeated by algae or fungus which can lead to damage of the roof decking material. Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents may also be a source of potential problems. Checking rain gutters for granules and bits of rotten wood may also indicate trouble. It should be mentioned that loose granules found after application of new roofing should not alarm you, this is normal; on older roofs this indicates the need for replacement. Buckling of shingles may be a result of improperly installed felt, or shifting of the roof deck. Though there are other things to look for while inspecting the exterior of your roof an interior inspection is most likely to be the deciding factor when asking “Do I need a new roof?”
Interior Inspection
An interior inspection can be instrumental in deciding whether or not to go with a new roof New York. Deteriorated decking or decking that sags between the rafters (sometimes visible during an exterior inspection) is a sure sign that superficial repairs such as replacing a few shingles will not suffice. If both the decking and rafters are badly damaged it is time to consider a new roof. Re-roofing (placing a new roof over the existing one) when there is extensive damage to rafters and/or decking can lead to major future problems, even roof collapse in areas with heavy snow.
Exterior Inspection
A thorough exterior inspection should be the first step in making a decision on whether to replace or repair a roof New York. A frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles. High winds as well as improper installation can cause shingles to become displaced. Some regions of the country (especially in the southeast) may have shingles permeated by algae or fungus which can lead to damage of the roof decking material. Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents may also be a source of potential problems. Checking rain gutters for granules and bits of rotten wood may also indicate trouble. It should be mentioned that loose granules found after application of new roofing should not alarm you, this is normal; on older roofs this indicates the need for replacement. Buckling of shingles may be a result of improperly installed felt, or shifting of the roof deck. Though there are other things to look for while inspecting the exterior of your roof an interior inspection is most likely to be the deciding factor when asking “Do I need a new roof?”
Interior Inspection
An interior inspection can be instrumental in deciding whether or not to go with a new roof New York. Deteriorated decking or decking that sags between the rafters (sometimes visible during an exterior inspection) is a sure sign that superficial repairs such as replacing a few shingles will not suffice. If both the decking and rafters are badly damaged it is time to consider a new roof. Re-roofing (placing a new roof over the existing one) when there is extensive damage to rafters and/or decking can lead to major future problems, even roof collapse in areas with heavy snow.
Choosing the Right Roof
Aside from choosing the right contractor for your roofing project New York perhaps the most important decision you will have to make, is choosing the roof itself. There are many options to choose from and many factors to consider, sometimes making it a very difficult decision indeed. A good roofing contractor can help you in making the right choice.
As you begin the process of deciding which roofing system is right for you, there are many questions you must ask yourself (and the contractor). How long will the roof last? This is a big question and one that ultimately depends on the type of system used. Some are designed to last for twenty years and others are built to last fifty or more.
Weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow will also need to be considered. Are there wildfires or intense heat in your area? If so heat resistant materials may be necessary in order to get the most out of your new roof.
Is the desired material too heavy for the existing roof structure? If you have an older wooden home it may not be able to support clay tile or other heavier materials.
Will the new roof New York compliment the style of my home? If you own a historic home you may want to apply the same material that was originally used, or a modern material (such as plastic polymers) that can match the look.
There are even synthetic materials that look like wood. Also, you will need to consider whether or not your roof has the right slope to accommodate the type of system you would like.
You will also need to determine if the local building codes allow using a particular roofing system New York. Again this is where a reputable, fully licensed and insured contractor can spare you a lot of headaches. And if there is a community association (you know the people that tell you what color your house can be) you may want to check with them as well.
As you begin the process of deciding which roofing system is right for you, there are many questions you must ask yourself (and the contractor). How long will the roof last? This is a big question and one that ultimately depends on the type of system used. Some are designed to last for twenty years and others are built to last fifty or more.
Weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy snow will also need to be considered. Are there wildfires or intense heat in your area? If so heat resistant materials may be necessary in order to get the most out of your new roof.
Is the desired material too heavy for the existing roof structure? If you have an older wooden home it may not be able to support clay tile or other heavier materials.
Will the new roof New York compliment the style of my home? If you own a historic home you may want to apply the same material that was originally used, or a modern material (such as plastic polymers) that can match the look.
There are even synthetic materials that look like wood. Also, you will need to consider whether or not your roof has the right slope to accommodate the type of system you would like.
You will also need to determine if the local building codes allow using a particular roofing system New York. Again this is where a reputable, fully licensed and insured contractor can spare you a lot of headaches. And if there is a community association (you know the people that tell you what color your house can be) you may want to check with them as well.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Metal and Wood Siding
Metal Siding
Aluminum and steel siding systems look similar to horizontal wood siding but don't require as much maintenance. These systems can be applied right over old siding but are easier to apply over solid sheathing.
Steel siding is the most durable in snow country, or in areas of severe cold. Both steel and aluminum siding are more expensive than vinyl siding, but they offer greater energy efficiency than vinyl, which translates into lower heating and cooling costs for years to come. Metal siding can also withstand more heat than vinyl, as in the case of fire.
If your home is sided with aluminum, you may be able to use some vinyl specialty parts. Otherwise, you can get custom-bent aluminum pieces for some architectural features, but these tend to be expensive and not very authentic looking. Sometimes it is necessary to paint aluminum siding just like wood. But, a paint job similar to one used for cars ensures a long life.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is milled in various patterns for both horizontal and vertical application. Wood siding is usually, but not always, applied over solid sheathing and a layer of building paper. Horizontal patterns are nailed through sheathing into studs; vertical patterns generally are nailed to horizontal nailing or furring strips. Horizontal sidings are always applied so that each board overlaps the one below it. In some cases, the edges are milled to interlock, as they are all vertical patterns.
Manufactured in sheet form, wood panel hardboard and plywood sidings are available in a standard width of four feet and standard lengths of eight, nine, and 10 feet. Made in a variety of thickness and patterns, sheet sidings are often applied directly to wall studs, without sheathing.
One benefit to choosing wood siding is that there are many options to choose from today. Some of the more popular choices include wooden lap board, tongue and groove siding, and split log siding, which resembles the interior of a log cabin.
With the many different types of wood siding available, it's easy to create a very unique exterior for your home. And, with proper maintenance wood siding will last you for many years to come.
Disadvantages of wood siding include possible mold growth, wood rot, or pest infestation. Proper maintenance, however, can prevent these
Aluminum and steel siding systems look similar to horizontal wood siding but don't require as much maintenance. These systems can be applied right over old siding but are easier to apply over solid sheathing.
Steel siding is the most durable in snow country, or in areas of severe cold. Both steel and aluminum siding are more expensive than vinyl siding, but they offer greater energy efficiency than vinyl, which translates into lower heating and cooling costs for years to come. Metal siding can also withstand more heat than vinyl, as in the case of fire.
If your home is sided with aluminum, you may be able to use some vinyl specialty parts. Otherwise, you can get custom-bent aluminum pieces for some architectural features, but these tend to be expensive and not very authentic looking. Sometimes it is necessary to paint aluminum siding just like wood. But, a paint job similar to one used for cars ensures a long life.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is milled in various patterns for both horizontal and vertical application. Wood siding is usually, but not always, applied over solid sheathing and a layer of building paper. Horizontal patterns are nailed through sheathing into studs; vertical patterns generally are nailed to horizontal nailing or furring strips. Horizontal sidings are always applied so that each board overlaps the one below it. In some cases, the edges are milled to interlock, as they are all vertical patterns.
Manufactured in sheet form, wood panel hardboard and plywood sidings are available in a standard width of four feet and standard lengths of eight, nine, and 10 feet. Made in a variety of thickness and patterns, sheet sidings are often applied directly to wall studs, without sheathing.
One benefit to choosing wood siding is that there are many options to choose from today. Some of the more popular choices include wooden lap board, tongue and groove siding, and split log siding, which resembles the interior of a log cabin.
With the many different types of wood siding available, it's easy to create a very unique exterior for your home. And, with proper maintenance wood siding will last you for many years to come.
Disadvantages of wood siding include possible mold growth, wood rot, or pest infestation. Proper maintenance, however, can prevent these
The Cost of Vinyl Siding
There are a lot of reasons that vinyl siding has risen to become one of the most popular materials on the booming home siding market, but perhaps the biggest of these is cost. Vinyl siding cost remains one of the cheapest options in the business, and when you combine that with a siding material that is attractive, durable, and nearly maintenance free, it's easy to see why vinyl siding remains a homeowner favorite.
How much does Vinyl Siding Cost?
As with any building material, the answer to this question is going to vary. Vinyl siding cost is dependent on many factors, including style, quality, thickness, durability, insulative properties, installation, and UV protection. As a ballpark figure, however, quality vinyl siding cost, along with installation, can run anywhere from $2 to $10 per linear foot. You can get cheap vinyl siding prices for as little as $1 per linear foot if you're willing to install it yourself, though keep in mind that this is a bottom tier material, and vinyl siding is worth spending a little extra on for reasons we'll mention in a minute.
Figuring the Vinyl Siding Cost for your Home
We've established that vinyl siding prices run $2 to $10 per linear foot, but what does that mean for your home when it comes to total cost? To figure that out, you'll need to multiply those numbers by the exterior square footage of your home. To get a rough estimate of your exterior square footage, add the length of your home to the width, multiply that by two, and then again by 10. For a 50 foot long home that is 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide that comes to 1,400 exterior square feet you've got to cover ((50+50+20+20)x10=1,400). Do a little more math and you'll find that your vinyl siding prices should run anywhere from $2,800 to $9,800, not including extras and unexpected expenses. As with any major home improvement job, the unexpected is the norm, not the exception. Vinyl siding prices are no different.
How much does Vinyl Siding Cost?
As with any building material, the answer to this question is going to vary. Vinyl siding cost is dependent on many factors, including style, quality, thickness, durability, insulative properties, installation, and UV protection. As a ballpark figure, however, quality vinyl siding cost, along with installation, can run anywhere from $2 to $10 per linear foot. You can get cheap vinyl siding prices for as little as $1 per linear foot if you're willing to install it yourself, though keep in mind that this is a bottom tier material, and vinyl siding is worth spending a little extra on for reasons we'll mention in a minute.
Figuring the Vinyl Siding Cost for your Home
We've established that vinyl siding prices run $2 to $10 per linear foot, but what does that mean for your home when it comes to total cost? To figure that out, you'll need to multiply those numbers by the exterior square footage of your home. To get a rough estimate of your exterior square footage, add the length of your home to the width, multiply that by two, and then again by 10. For a 50 foot long home that is 10 feet tall and 20 feet wide that comes to 1,400 exterior square feet you've got to cover ((50+50+20+20)x10=1,400). Do a little more math and you'll find that your vinyl siding prices should run anywhere from $2,800 to $9,800, not including extras and unexpected expenses. As with any major home improvement job, the unexpected is the norm, not the exception. Vinyl siding prices are no different.
Wonderful Vinyl Siding
Because people really like the look of real wood, the vinyl-siding manufacturers discovered long ago that if they took the time to mimic wood, it would make the plastic product more appealing. This is why you see cedar vinyl siding. The patterns of horizontal cedar as well as cedar shingles have been copied for years, and are quite popular products.
Vinyl house siding is appealing to many homeowners. If you live in an urban environment, all you have to do is periodically wash it just like your car to make it look like new. The color in vinyl siding is the same throughout each piece, so even if it gets scratched, you can't tell from a distance. It's fairly immune to denting in warm weather, but hail and other objects can shatter it if the conditions are favorable.
When you start to decide on a vinyl-siding color, take your time. If your house has wood siding on it now, the best way to select a color is to get small cans of paint mixed that match the vinyl siding and it's trim. Remember, you can do a two-tone mixture for your vinyl siding by using complimentary colors for the siding and various trim pieces.
Go ahead and apply the paints you like to smaller areas of your existing house siding, allow it to dry and then step back 50 feet to look at the colors. Look at the colors at different times of day to get the full range of color. Using this inexpensive method, you can make sure you get the perfect color. Who cares that your house looks funny for a few days? After all, the new siding will cover the paint.
If you're thinking of applying home vinyl siding to an existing house, you may want to consider taking existing siding off. Adding vinyl siding on top of wood siding can create issues at doors and windows where they tend to get slightly buried. Taking off the existing siding also allows you to add thicker foam insulation. There are distinct benefits to removing existing siding.
Vinyl house siding is appealing to many homeowners. If you live in an urban environment, all you have to do is periodically wash it just like your car to make it look like new. The color in vinyl siding is the same throughout each piece, so even if it gets scratched, you can't tell from a distance. It's fairly immune to denting in warm weather, but hail and other objects can shatter it if the conditions are favorable.
When you start to decide on a vinyl-siding color, take your time. If your house has wood siding on it now, the best way to select a color is to get small cans of paint mixed that match the vinyl siding and it's trim. Remember, you can do a two-tone mixture for your vinyl siding by using complimentary colors for the siding and various trim pieces.
Go ahead and apply the paints you like to smaller areas of your existing house siding, allow it to dry and then step back 50 feet to look at the colors. Look at the colors at different times of day to get the full range of color. Using this inexpensive method, you can make sure you get the perfect color. Who cares that your house looks funny for a few days? After all, the new siding will cover the paint.
If you're thinking of applying home vinyl siding to an existing house, you may want to consider taking existing siding off. Adding vinyl siding on top of wood siding can create issues at doors and windows where they tend to get slightly buried. Taking off the existing siding also allows you to add thicker foam insulation. There are distinct benefits to removing existing siding.
Vinyl Siding on Your Home
Vinyl siding is a fascinating building material. . As happens with many other building products, vinyl siding pushed and bullied aluminum siding out of the spotlight. I clearly remember my childhood home getting aluminum siding on it. The cost, in 1958, was $400 for labor and material.
If you've seen how fast vinyl siding can be installed, you may be easily tempted to read a vinyl-siding how-to booklet or guide. If you've been hypnotized by a home-improvement television show that tempts you into thinking you can tackle installing vinyl siding yourself, wake up. It's not as easy as it appears. It takes considerable skill to get professional results. What's more, you need help in most cases as well as an assortment of ladders and hand tools.
Vinyl-siding colors usually are muted, lighter tones. There's a reason for that. Deep colors absorb and retain the sun's heat. Vinyl siding reacts violently to heat, and expands significantly. If you don't install vinyl siding correctly, it can buckle, warp and distort from the sun's rays. Deep colors would simply make the situation worse. Some paints can be applied to this siding to create different vinyl-siding colors, but beware painting vinyl siding a dark color.
When you obtain a vinyl-siding cost estimate, don't panic. Rest assured that there is a significant cost for the material, especially for all of the trim pieces that are necessary when the siding abuts windows and doors as well as inside and outside corners. Vinyl siding is a product made primarily from crude oil. If the price of oil is high, vinyl-siding material costs will also go up accordingly.
Then there is the labor involved. Don't underestimate the amount of time and effort required for a typical vinyl-siding installation. There is a considerable amount of time spent in setup, trimming, dealing with utility penetrations in walls and even fighting insects. Dealing with wasp and bee nests is common, especially in warmer months. If you watch siding installers, you'll quickly discover that they spend little time installing the siding. The trim work, caulking and fitting take up a majority of time on the average job.
If you've seen how fast vinyl siding can be installed, you may be easily tempted to read a vinyl-siding how-to booklet or guide. If you've been hypnotized by a home-improvement television show that tempts you into thinking you can tackle installing vinyl siding yourself, wake up. It's not as easy as it appears. It takes considerable skill to get professional results. What's more, you need help in most cases as well as an assortment of ladders and hand tools.
Vinyl-siding colors usually are muted, lighter tones. There's a reason for that. Deep colors absorb and retain the sun's heat. Vinyl siding reacts violently to heat, and expands significantly. If you don't install vinyl siding correctly, it can buckle, warp and distort from the sun's rays. Deep colors would simply make the situation worse. Some paints can be applied to this siding to create different vinyl-siding colors, but beware painting vinyl siding a dark color.
When you obtain a vinyl-siding cost estimate, don't panic. Rest assured that there is a significant cost for the material, especially for all of the trim pieces that are necessary when the siding abuts windows and doors as well as inside and outside corners. Vinyl siding is a product made primarily from crude oil. If the price of oil is high, vinyl-siding material costs will also go up accordingly.
Then there is the labor involved. Don't underestimate the amount of time and effort required for a typical vinyl-siding installation. There is a considerable amount of time spent in setup, trimming, dealing with utility penetrations in walls and even fighting insects. Dealing with wasp and bee nests is common, especially in warmer months. If you watch siding installers, you'll quickly discover that they spend little time installing the siding. The trim work, caulking and fitting take up a majority of time on the average job.
Leaks in the Roof
A skylight is an excellent source of both warmth and light for your home and they can enhance the overall appearance of your house as well as giving you a little extra air when required. There are a number of different factors that can lead to a leaky skylight but the most common factor is an improperly fitted or installed skylight. This inadequacy is usually brought about because having a skylight fitted by a professional roofing contractor can cost a lot of money, and people tend to revert to a handyman or, often worse still, doing it themselves.
Without proper knowledge of construction regarding the skylight fitting and the roof surrounding it, though, can lead to disastrous results. Even the inadequate fixing of an existing leaky skylight can make things worse. Roofing contractors tend to charge quite a high cost to fit a skylight because they would rather work on better paid, roof installments. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a reputable and highly skilled roofing contractor who will complete the job at a reasonable price. However, because fitting a skylight is a skilled job, as is all roofing, you will need to pay more to have one fitted properly by an expert when compare to paying a handy man to fit it.
The damage a leaky skylight can cause.
A leaky skylight causes relatively minimal damage in the short term, however over the long term this damage can become significant so you should make sure that the drops you saw coming off your skylight are actually condensation and not the first tell tale signs of a leak. You may end up having to replace wallpaper, carpets and worse still making structural repairs to the inside of your house (although only usually in extreme circumstances). A leaky skylight may also be indicative that you have bigger problems with your roof so you should get someone out to check it as soon as possible.
Without proper knowledge of construction regarding the skylight fitting and the roof surrounding it, though, can lead to disastrous results. Even the inadequate fixing of an existing leaky skylight can make things worse. Roofing contractors tend to charge quite a high cost to fit a skylight because they would rather work on better paid, roof installments. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a reputable and highly skilled roofing contractor who will complete the job at a reasonable price. However, because fitting a skylight is a skilled job, as is all roofing, you will need to pay more to have one fitted properly by an expert when compare to paying a handy man to fit it.
The damage a leaky skylight can cause.
A leaky skylight causes relatively minimal damage in the short term, however over the long term this damage can become significant so you should make sure that the drops you saw coming off your skylight are actually condensation and not the first tell tale signs of a leak. You may end up having to replace wallpaper, carpets and worse still making structural repairs to the inside of your house (although only usually in extreme circumstances). A leaky skylight may also be indicative that you have bigger problems with your roof so you should get someone out to check it as soon as possible.
Melting Snow and Roof Leaks
Looking after the roof of our house is the first and possibly most important step to caring for the long-term life of any house. Roof leaks are obviously a big problem in any house but knowing the correlation between melting snow and roof leaks can help you to prevent one of the major problems that many houses face. When snow melts and runs down the roof it often refreezes at it reaches the edge of the roof and the gutter.
You’ve probably stood back in awe looking at these ice dams that form, but these can cause havoc with the integrity of your roof. However, they are relatively easy to prevent and doing so will undoubtedly save you money and heartache in the future.
How ice dams form.
The warmth from your house melts the snow on the top of your roof because this is the warmest part of your roof. As this melted snow runs down the roof underneath the snow it then reaches the roof edge, which is at sub zero temperature; this drop in temperature causes the snowmelt to refreeze creating the dams that you often see on people’s houses in winter. The weight of these dams can cause a problem itself, however, the real problem occurs when further snowmelt collects in pools against the dams. This water eventually runs through the roof and into the house. Understanding this connection better melting snow and roof leaks is the first step to preventing it, and you basically have two options in order to do so.
Control the roof temperature.
There must be sub zero temperatures in order for the snow to be created initially, there then must above zero temperatures to melt the snow and there must be further sub zero temperatures to create the ice dams. Without all three of these factors you will not suffer from ice dams. For instance your shed is very unlikely to suffer ice dams because the entire surface of the roof is at a sub zero temperature. This means there is no build up of ice around the eaves. It is virtually impossible to keep the whole of your roof at temperatures above zero during very chilly winters, but it is possible to keep a new roof entirely at sub zero temperatures without compromising the temperature of the house. In order to avoid melting snow and roof leaks you need to have very good insulation, ventilation and an effective air barrier. This keeps the warm air in and the roof at a constant temperature thus eliminating melting snow and roof leaks from occurring.
You’ve probably stood back in awe looking at these ice dams that form, but these can cause havoc with the integrity of your roof. However, they are relatively easy to prevent and doing so will undoubtedly save you money and heartache in the future.
How ice dams form.
The warmth from your house melts the snow on the top of your roof because this is the warmest part of your roof. As this melted snow runs down the roof underneath the snow it then reaches the roof edge, which is at sub zero temperature; this drop in temperature causes the snowmelt to refreeze creating the dams that you often see on people’s houses in winter. The weight of these dams can cause a problem itself, however, the real problem occurs when further snowmelt collects in pools against the dams. This water eventually runs through the roof and into the house. Understanding this connection better melting snow and roof leaks is the first step to preventing it, and you basically have two options in order to do so.
Control the roof temperature.
There must be sub zero temperatures in order for the snow to be created initially, there then must above zero temperatures to melt the snow and there must be further sub zero temperatures to create the ice dams. Without all three of these factors you will not suffer from ice dams. For instance your shed is very unlikely to suffer ice dams because the entire surface of the roof is at a sub zero temperature. This means there is no build up of ice around the eaves. It is virtually impossible to keep the whole of your roof at temperatures above zero during very chilly winters, but it is possible to keep a new roof entirely at sub zero temperatures without compromising the temperature of the house. In order to avoid melting snow and roof leaks you need to have very good insulation, ventilation and an effective air barrier. This keeps the warm air in and the roof at a constant temperature thus eliminating melting snow and roof leaks from occurring.
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