Monday, October 12, 2009

The Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofing

by Scott Rodgers

Metal roofs are increasingly gaining popularity due to their several advantages. They are very strong and light weight. They are fire resistant thus providing extra safety and these roofs have a longer life than other types of roofing material. Apart from this, their installation process is quite simple. Metals like copper, aluminum, steel etc are generally used for these roofs and these are available in a wide range of designs and color.


If a metal roof is installed correctly, it can last 20 to 50 years. The longevity of this type of roof will also depend on other factors such as exposure to wind and snow.


As metals are reflective in nature, they keep the home cool by reflecting the heat in the hot months making a home more energy efficient. Home with wooden roofs can experience intense heat in the attic because of the absorption of heat.


Another benefit of metal roofing is that, the risk of fire in a metal roofing is almost negligible as compared to other roofing types. Metal doesn't burn, which means that your house is much safer.


Although metal roofing has many benefits, its fairly expensive compared to other materials. The material typically costs $150-600 per square. However, these products typically have longer warranty periods which makes it worth the investment.


Metal roofs are typically quick to install and are assembled in sections or sheets. A contractor who is experienced in these roofs can install them very quickly. Plus, metal roofs weigh about 150 pounds per square, much less than other roofing materials that can weigh up to 900 pounds per square.


Metal roofing is less prone to leaks. It keeps water from leaking into the house. This increases the safety and security over other roofing materials like in case of wooden roofs, blistering and leakage can be a major problem.


If you take the do-it-yourself route, you should have complete knowledge of this domain and should also have all the required tools. Generally a professional roofer will handle such complicated tasks in a much better way as they experienced people.


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Every Roof Demands Regular Maintenance

by Scott Rodgers

Your roof could quite possibly be the most important component in your home. It keeps us dry and safe from the exterior elements. It is also the most expensive part of our house to have repaired.


Since most of us don't go up on the roof very often, we don't notice the little problems until they've grown into giant costly headaches. Here are some guidelines that can help you recognize the first signs of trouble and stop them in their tracks!


Use binoculars to get a clear view of the roof. You can use a ladder to see over your roof and which is actually essential for careful inspection. The changing weather conditions can affect your roofs so make sure to check your roofs especially after strong wind storms and after every fall.


The edges of the roof are the first place to get damaged. The shingles are folded along the edges and it very likely that during strong winds or rains they can turn into leaks. So make sure to check them before its too late.


Roof valleys should be checked for any holes or rusting signs as these have flashings around them which are a metal coating. Make sure to check other areas which have flashing surrounding them like the roof chimneys.


Next look for any missing, curled or loose shingles. Have these replaced as quickly as possible. Moisture leaking in from these areas can weaken sheathing, walls, and ceilings.


Gutters are another important areas of the roof. They direct the rain water to the down pipes thus saving your home from leaks. So they should work efficiently all year round. Check their drainage system and if you find some blockage there, get it cleared. Gutters should be kept dry and clean to protect the roofs.


These minor repairs are much easier to fix than replacing the entire roof and it can be very expensive as well. So take care of your roofs and examine them at least twice a year for any kind of defects.


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Making An Interest In The Landscape Shrubs

by Kent Higgins

Shrubs are often planted on either side of an entrance from one "room" to another, or to mark the corners of beds. Here they are seen in detail and must have some particularly good features, such as bloom, foliage color or habit of growth, to warrant the special position.



Do not scatter specimen shrubs around indiscriminately where they will distract attention from the design and main features of the garden. Spotty planting usually creates confusion and spoils the appearance of the garden.



In modern gardens a few specimens are often the only plants used. In this case, you have to he even more careful than usual to select shrubs that have the right texture and habit of growth to meet your particular needs.



Foundation Planting



In general, planting is grouped around the entrance and at the corners of the house to soften the angles. The sizes of such groups, and of the shrubs or snow bush plant in them vary with the size of the house and the massiveness Of its appearance. Small houses call for neat, small shrubs like Japanese barberry or sharp-leaved cotoneaster; larger houses of stone or brick need larger shrubs, such as Tatarian honeysuckle or mockorange, to match their appearance.



A few well-chosen shrubs at the entrance, and a few to mask bare corners, give a much better appearance than a belt of shrubs all around, over which the house must peek. You may add to this skeleton planting as you see fit by planting lower shrubs in the foreground.



Low-growing shrubs, snow bush plant or ground covers match the spreading, low lines of modern houses best, but sometimes a strong vertical line is needed to break the monotony.



Space Between Shrubs



Wherever shrubs are planted close to each other it is advisable to plant them in solid beds. If you have each shrub in a separate circle cut out of the sod, it gives the garden a spotty appearance and needs more work to maintain. Also, remember that shrubs grow rapidly and should be planted from 3 to 10 feet apart depending on the size at maturity. For example, lilacs and Tatarian honeysuckle each need a space of 8 to 10 feet at maturity and Van Houttei spirea at least 5 feet.


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