Close Look at Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros and Cons

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12 December 2016

Home Improvement

Roofing- Pros and Cons

There’s no dearth of options for those mulling a new roof installation. Choosing the correct roof for your home is imperative to ensure that you get full functionality and lifespan. The final decision should be taken after considering different factors such as the owner’s location, the roof’s weight, and the cost, warranty, and lifetime of the product. This blog post discusses, five popular roofing options for homeowners taking time to look at their advantages and shortcomings:

1. Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are unarguably the most common roofing option for homeowners in US, all thanks to their affordable nature and ease of installation. Moreover, many roofers also follow the practice of reinforcing shingles with organic materials or fiberglass, which has a positive impact on their durability and moisture resistance.

Pros

Asphalt shingles come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. They are easily available and the most economical roofing option available on the market.

Cons

Asphalt has a short lifespan when compared to other materials, and also incapable of providing proper insulation.

Best suited house styles: Traditional sub-urban houses

Cost: The cost of installing asphalt shingles can be anywhere between $70 to $120/sq.ft. and they can last for 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

2. Clay and concrete tiles

The use of clay adds to the roof’s texture and elegance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Clay and concrete tiles are heavy roofing materials and should be installed by professionals to avoid accidents and damage to property.

Pros

Clay and concrete tiles are highly durable and fire-resistant. They are also known for their energy efficiency. Installing a concrete roof can, therefore, help you lower energy costs.

Cons

Both clay and concrete are heavier than other roofing materials and usually require additional framing to function smoothly. The materials are also expensive and you may have to shell out a considerable amount of money to install clay/concrete tiles.

 Best suited house styles: Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes.

Cost: Prices fluctuate in the range of $300-$500/sq.ft. Concrete tiles have a lifespan of 40-50 years provided you follow maintenance schedules without fail.

3. Metal roof

Metal roofs are available in two types, panels, and shingles. Some of the common metals used by roofers who specialize in metal roofing are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. If you’re considering a metal roof, it is advisable that you first consult your provider on the type of metal you should use after considering all the important factors.

Read also: Avoid these 4 Mistakes during Multi Family Housing Renovation

Pros

Metal roofs are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and also offer better protection against solar radiation. They are also long-lasting and recyclable.

Cons

Installing a metal roof can be a costly decision and you may have to shell out anywhere between $100-$800/sq.ft. to install a metal roof.

Best suited house styles: bungalows, cabins, and contemporary and cottage-style homes.

Effective life: With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last anywhere between 40-75 years.

4. Slate

Opting for a slate roof is a prudent decision if you need to avail a variety of designing options. Slate roofing comes in different colors like black, green, grey, red, and purple. It lends a touch of style and elegance to your roofing.

Pros

Slate roofs are durable and equipped with fire-resistance properties. You can also recycle slate to reduce costs and save the environment.

Cons

Apart from being expensive, slate is also heavy, making any plans for a DIY approach strongly inadvisable. Moreover, the quality of the materials can vary if you plan to use imported slate.

Cost: $600/sq.ft. And above. The effective life of slate roofs can extend up to 100 years and more.

5. Wood shingles and shake

Wood shingles are handmade and available in attractive shades of gray. When opting for wood roofing make sure the material is class a certified and includes shingles with a fire-resistant coating.

Pros

The use of wood shingles lends a rough yet artistic look to your roof. The shingles are made from natural materials like cedar, and redwood and are environment-friendly.

Cons

There are high chances of the roof sustaining significant damage when exposed to moisture, high temperatures, and rainfall. Moreover, fire codes in some states may prohibit the use of these materials.

Best suited house styles: Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.

Cost: $100-$150/ sq.ft. You can expect the roofing to last around 25-30 years.

The blog discusses five popular roofing choices available to homeowners. You should, however, not limit yourself to these choices. Consider exploring other options before making a final decision. Consult your contractor and ask them to share their thoughts on your choice. You must also factor-in the maintenance costs and schedules associated with each option before you.

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Repair Home Appliances

How To Repair Home Appliances and Use Humidifiers

Appliances are built to be sturdy and durable. You buy one device, year after year, and they function well. However, without proper care, over time, you will begin to take tools for granted. The result is when your equipment breaks down, and you break down along with it. You do not know how to fix it, and you do not see the reason it stops working. This means you have no clue how to fix it too. This can lead to several problems in the household. From small fights to full-blown breakdowns. We have all experienced what goes on in the house when the boiler or the refrigerator breaks down without warning. Human beings have a tendency to forget. In other words, we feel that these mechanical devices will take care of themselves. We forget that just like any other machine, they too require regular maintenance and upkeep. In this article, we will look at how you can perform basic repairs on your household items. So what do you do? You can call in an expert to fix the problem, or try to fix it yourself, or get a neighbor that is super quick with electronics to fix the appliance for you. This guide is to give you all the advice you need to start fixing your home appliances. We are from Markham. However, appliance repair in Markham is not tricky and relatively simple. Most appliances use the house's electrical system. Small appliances require less electricity and electronics like an air fryer, and air conditioners will require more power. If you are cutting down electricity bills, you will need to cut down some of the appliances that require you to use more energy. Here are how to repair home appliances and use humidifiers: Repairing Home Appliances: Make sure that any gas or electric source is turned off when you want to test whether the appliance is working. If you need to disassemble the appliances parts, you need to call an expert to help you. This could be dangerous. Some appliances parts can be replaced fast, and the pieces are cheap so that you can grab them from a professional. If you cannot find the parts that you are looking for, try shopping online to substitute that part with a similar one. There have been thousands of cases reported every month, which deal with personal injuries at home. Most of the time, people are trying to fix something themselves without proper training or safety. You can get seriously hurt, even while fixing a common blender at home. It is important that you follow the manual and if things get difficult, you need to call in an expert from the service center. Which Are The Best Humidifier in Toronto: So how do we get the best humidifier in Toronto? How do we install it? Today we will be looking at the best humidifier installation in Toronto. Power humidifiers are a one-stop home solution. This equipment can maintain the moisture in the air by using water tanks to diffuse moisture into your living room. This will lessen the dryness in the living room and for people that do not want to have dry air in the house, using a humidifier is the best option for you. However, you don't have to fill in the water in the tank every day because these humidifiers are connected to a direct water supply. These power humidifiers are the best way to keep the house with cold air. They can help bring down the temperature and maintain a pleasant feeling within the household. They also help in the circulation of air, so that you do not feel stuffy or claustrophobic at times. There are three types of humidifiers: 1. Drum Humidifier: One of them is a drum humidifier. It is cheaper than other types of a humidifier, but you need to check it frequently so that it doesn't get moldy. 2. Steam Humidifier: The second type is the steam humidifier. It has a lot of steam in it, keeping the air around it moist, and it doesn't get moldy fast. 3. Flow-Through Humidifier: The third type is called a flow-through humidifier, and it doesn't require high maintenance. It can be bought anywhere, and it doesn't grow mold either. However, you will need to keep changing the filter pad.  Call us to get a quote today to fix a humidifier at your home. Different types of humidifiers have different investment costs. Their outputs are also different. It is important that you select the ones, which are most suited to your needs and requirements. Why a Humidifier is essential for a Healthy Household? Most of the time, airborne bacteria are the main reasons why our loved ones and we fall sick. If you are not using a humidifier, you are inviting all these bacterial germs, viruses and infections into your household. This is why getting a humidifier from a trained professional is necessary. A humidifier, which is not maintained and its filter changes can also be a reason for bad health or someone falling sick. If you are installing one, try to ensure that you do the maintenance of the same routinely. If you feel that you will not be able to do it, ask for trained assistance and professional support. For families who have kids or young adults or babies, getting a humidifier becomes a necessity. It helps you maintain a decent temperature at all times. For growing kids, this is important. Conclusion: We all feel that getting a humidifier installed in the house might be too huge an exercise. However, whether it is in terms of investment, or in terms of regular maintenance and upkeep, a humidifier is a sound investment. Many families believe that getting a humidifier is a decent investment for the long run. Families, which opt for one, see members falling sick less often than those families who do not install a humidifier. What are some of the brands, which you trust when it comes to humidifiers? Do let us know in the comments section below. 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Air Cooler

Air Cooler – Description, Pros, Cons, Reviews, Ratings…

What can be better than buying an air cooler to beat this summer heat? The growth of technology has made our lives efficient and easy. We are free to use a wide range of technologies in our day to day activities in a simpler way that we can ever imagine! I was tired of summer heat and I think even you are! So, your choice to buy an air cooler is the best one. I know you are seeking for the best air coolers at an affordable price.  During summer, air cooler acts as a welcome relief and provide us refreshment. Air coolers make us feel vigorous. We have numerous choices to buy the best air coolers but there are certain things to keep in mind before proceeding to buy an air cooler for yourself. Best Air Coolers to Buy in this Summer: You must have searched offline as well as online stores but yet to find the best air cooler for your home. So, here is the list of best air coolers to buy in this summer, 1. Cooler Master (CPU Air Cooler): This air cooler is legendary with 212 RGB with nickel-plated Jet black fins,  aluminum top cover, and premium look. It consists of direct technology with 4 heat pipes. In addition, it provides superb airflow and heat dissipation. Cooler Master will allow you to customize your RGB devices without the requirement of a software or RGB capable motherboard. It also prevents dynamic heat loss and enhances cooling performance. Pros: 4 heat pipes. 212 RGB. Consist of a smart fan sensor. Fan bracket design. CPU socket support. Brushed Nickel Fins Direct contact technology. Versatile. Cons: No preset thermal paste. Ratings: 4.5 out of 5. 2. Personal Evaporative Air Cooler (Evapolar evaCHILL): This cooler will work both as a personal evaporative air cooler and humidifier portable air conditioner fan. It is perfectly suited for children and sleeping adults because it consists of high-quality and unique sleeping aid.  It includes a weight-less design that creates a sense of purity(non-organic materials) and lightness. This air conditioner you can carry anywhere. It has simple to understand the user control pad. This air cooler is built from mineral nano-fibers. Pros: No harmful materials. Leakage proof system. Large water tank. Consists of fully biodegradable evaporative pads. Portable devices. Purifies air. Lightweight. LED backlight. It maintains a comfortable temperature. The user control pad is easy. Cons: It is not for personal use. Ratings: 3.8 out of 5. 3. Air Cooler and Heater (Costway): Costway is a portable air conditioner with fan filter humidifier ice crystal.  It decreases temperature through evaporation of water and purifies the air. You can use this anywhere office, home, dormitory, etc.  This air cooler can be used for numerous purposes such as heating, cooling, humidifying, and fanour cooling. It is like a 5 in 1 heater and cooler and makes your place healthy. This air cooler and heater can be your best choice because it is not only light in weight but also customizes your cooling. Pros: User-friendly LCD control panel. Lightweight. 5 in 1 heater and cooler. Multifunctional. Customizes your cooling. 4 caster wheels. Easy to carry and store. Reduces temperature through water evaporation. Cons: Doesn’t cool for long. Ratings: 4.1 out of 5. 4. Evapolar EvaSMART Personal Evaporative Air Purifier, Cooler, and Humidifier: Evapolar is one of the best air coolers and very easy to carry anywhere. Using evaporative technology, it creates your own personal climate. The most amazing thing about this device is that you can easily manage this cooler with your mobile app. This cooler is for personal use and spread coolness naturally the same way as other coolers. It purifies and humidifies the air. Evapolar consists of evaporation technology that has many benefits such as energy-efficient, silent, powerful, etc. Pros: Compatible. Energy-efficient. Cleans dust particles from the air. User-friendly. You can easily manage this with your mobile app. Amazon Alexa compatible. Natural evaporative technology. Cons: It only cools the area in front of the device. Ratings: 3.3 out of 5. 5. Personal Air Cooler: Description: This air cooler is perfect for office dorm nightstand. It purifies the air quality. It has three wind speeds such as high, medium and low that are adjustable. On the other hand, you can customize this air cooler. It is a built-In LED mood light that means it consists of seven different colors with color-cycle options. 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Image source Read Also: How To Repair Home Appliances and Use Humidifiers How To Pick The Perfect Flooring For Your New Home Best Plumbers in Singapore by SG HomeNeeds

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Fire Protection

How Does Structural Fire Protection Work?

If you’ve ever lost sleep over the idea of your home or commercial property catching fire, the chances are that you’re not alone. Make no mistake; this is a truly devastating prospect and one that could carry an immeasurable human and financial cost. In the case of a commercial fire, there’s also a wider range of consequences in terms of your business and the people that you employ. Even if the fire occurs when the structure is empty, the cost of repairing the damage could be seismic while a number of jobs could be lost within a relatively short period of time. With this in mind, structural fire protection is absolutely crucial to the safety of your premises and the people who work within it. Here’s a breakdown of structural fire protection and the purpose that it serves: An Introduction to Passive Fire Protection (PFP) and Structural Fire Protection: At the heart of this concept is Passive Fire Protection (PFP), which includes four main items and areas of safeguarding. The first and most important of these is Structural Fire Protection, which has essentially been designed to introduce measures that protect structural components such as steel and join systems from the effects of fire. But how exactly do these measures work? It’s partially accomplished through the use of a fireproofing material, while another option is for developers to prioritise the application of concrete throughout the build wherever possible. In terms of materials, there’s a host of options at the disposal of developers and building professionals. The most widely used include endothermic materials such as gypsum-based plasters and cementitious products, such as those sold extensively through suppliers such as CCF. These materials play an integral role in modern construction, as they help to minimise the damage caused by fire while also enabling developers to comply with contemporary building regulations. What Role Does Structural Fire Protection Play in PFP? Along with the use of core fire-stopping materials that aim to minimise the spread of fire across barriers, structural protection materials provide preventative measures that stop blazes from gaining momentum from the moment that they start. These work comfortably alongside compartmentation measures, which are included as the second part of the current PFP legislation. These measures include fire barriers, partitions, firewalls, and smoke alarms, which are deployed widely throughout commercial buildings and across an array of strategic locations. The role of these barriers is clear, as they combine to alert people to the presence of a fire while preventing it from spreading quickly within a short space of time. Sprinklers may also be included as part of these measures, although these work quickly to neutralise fires when they start in specific locations. This represents an extremely effective preventative measure, particularly in the case of small or accidental fires that have not been exacerbated by an accelerant. Read Also: Pre-Opening Inspections On Residential Buildings 5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster

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