Solar Cell Roofing

 

Solar cell roofing made from solar shingles or solar panels is being increasingly incorporated into the construction of new residential and commercial buildings. In many areas, people are choosing to replace their conventional roof with a solar roof when it is time for maintenance. And most of these people would tell you that the long-term value, or short-term increase is resale interest, made it worthwhile.

A solar cell roof is called "building integrated", also known by the more complete name "building integrated photovoltaic" (BIPV). BIPV suggests that you would have needed that part of the structure built anyway, and you've chosen to use material that will also serve the purpose of generating power through solar energy. The first advantage of solar cell shingles or panels on the roof is obvious: some of the initial cost is paid by lowering the overall material and labor costs involved in the construction. The second advantage is that the BIPV does not stand out - it is a normal and expected part of the design and structure of the building. These two advantages often make bipv solar roofing the clear choice over rooftop wind turbines, raised solar panels, and backyard windmills which both stand out and cost a lot more to build and install.

In some parts of the world, often due to government subsidies, many new houses are built with solar roofs. Until recently, this was not the case in the U.S., UK, and much of Europe because the cost remained prohibitive. However, with the invention of what is called "thin film solar technology", solar roofing tiles, panels and shingles have become easier to fabricate and work with and are much more aesthetically pleasing. This technology is best for pitched roofs where shingles or small tiles are the norm. Large flat roofs, such as the tops of many commercial buildings, can have one giant layer of solar film, or large integrated panels.

Is Your Deck Safe?

Part of our job as affordable licensed building contractors in the Bronx and other Burroughs is making sure your home is safe. And one area that you might assume is safe and sound is your deck—but how can you be sure?

According to This Old House, decks are a common do-it-yourself construction project. If you want to tackle the project yourself that’s great, but read A Real Advantage Construction’s tips for making sure your deck doesn’t have dangerous structural defects.

Decks commonly collapse when they have been merely nailed on. Decks should be attached with bolts, rather than nails. While nails can stand up to the downward force of a crowd gathering on a deck, they can’t stand up to the outward force, which acts as a lever (forcing the deck away from the house). As a result, nails tend to loosen as wood swells and shrinks with moisture—making them offer less resistance to the prying forces.

A screwed-in connector, on the other hand, gains increased frictional strength courtesy of the wedging action of wood fivers along the shaft’s length. A lag bolt (think: a giant screw) has nearly nine times the pullout resistance of a nail (per inch of penetration). A true bolt, which is inserted into a drilled hole and fitted with a nut, boasts even more strength due to its metal-to-metal connection. With that said, these connectors may loosen over time, so look for signs like a widening gap against the house.

One tip to keep the connection between the house and deck dry is to add flashing to drain away, which will protect both entities. Of course, a freestanding deck eliminates this problem.