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• Chimney Sweeps And The History Of The Chimney Sweep

  
  

  Coal became the primary source of residential heating with the start of the Industrial Revolution. When chimney fires in overcrowded towns began to emit hazy haze. A chimney sweep job was necessary to prevent flames from erupting in the household.Chimney fires can develop when the interior of a chimney becomes congested or partially clogged by a build-up of soot. Coal produces a sticky soot that is difficult to remove, and soot buildup on chimney edges necessitates scraping.

  Chimney Sweeps were required to keep people’s chimneys clean. They had long-handled brushes to which the sweep attached extension rods as the brush climbed the chimney. However, the brushes did get stuck on occasion.

  The simplest approach to get rid of the soot was to send small children or “climbing lads” to do it. Because some chimneys were incredibly thin – as small as 8 inches square – the smaller the boy, the better. Master Sweeps would purchase orphaned youngsters and take in young homeless children from the streets.

  These children ranged in age from 5 to 10, with the majority being under the age of seven, and some as young as four. These youngsters were tasked with cleaning soot deposits off chimneys. The chimney sweep master was in charge of feeding, clothing, and housing them while teaching them the job.

  The climbing lads’ working conditions were severe and nasty. It was a dangerous and filthy job for the guys to take on, especially without the safety gear and respirators.

  Many had bent spines and kneecaps, malformed ankles, eye inflammations, and respiratory problems as a result of their jobs. Many people also developed the first documented industrial disease, chimney sweeps’ cancer, which was caused by the continual irritation of coal tar soot on the skin.

  Unfortunately, these climbing lads have been known to choke and suffocate to death from inhaling chimney dust or becoming caught in the tight and complicated chimney flues. Many youngsters were wounded or killed after falling or being badly burned, so casualties were common.

  Sweeps were prohibited from employing children to go up chimneys by legislation in 1842, but this did not stop them from using their own children to undertake the dreadful labor. Some parents sent their own children (boys and girls) up chimneys as young as four or five years old.

  After years of agitation, the House of Lords ultimately passed an Act of Parliament in 1864 prohibiting the employment of children for chimney climbing. The Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers by Lord Shaftsbury set a penalty of £10 for violators. The Act had widespread support from the police, the public, and the courts, signaling the end of the era of the “climbing lads.”

  Professional chimney sweeps aren’t covered in soot anymore, but they are well-versed in the science of chimneys and fireplaces, as well as building codes. Chimney specialists now are trained to manage many types of venting systems, including chimneys and flues, as well as wood burners and pellet burners.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Ivan Saracino

• Signs Of Foundation Issues

  image provided by Air Mechanical – heating and cooling services

  The symptoms of foundation problems might be misleading since they can mimic the symptoms of benign diseases. For example, do brick cracks or that small crack in the basement wall mean nothing, or are they a sign that the house is sinking into the ground? Other indications, such as door frame/window frame separation from masonry or doors that are out of square, are not even near the foundation. Foundation repair Canyon Lake can tell whether there is a problem with the foundation that must be addressed quickly.

  How To Recognize Foundation Problems Around The House

  Examine each room of the home. Examine the walls carefully, paying specific attention to the junction of the wall and the ceiling

  Foundation InspectorProblems with a house's or slab foundation can cause walls to split from the ceiling. Cracks splintering up the walls, any wall bending outward or molding, and baseboards breaking from their mitered corners are other red flags. 

  Simply put, foundation problems are frequently caused by the movement and shifting of the earth beneath your property. These are some of the signs and symptoms of these issues:

  • Moisture in the basement/crawl area
  • Basement insects
  • Floors that are uneven and drooping
  • Walls that have cracked and bent
  • Crooked doors
  • Chimney crack
  • Standing water beneath the home

  Repair Procedure

  So, how much time should you estimate for the repair process? Not surprisingly, the response is highly dependent on the severity of the injury. To give you an idea of how long some of these processes will take:

  • Crack repairs: Several hours
  • Bowing walls: several days
  • Piers: up to a week

  Influencing Factors On The Timeline:

  The size of the house (an 800 sq. foot home foundation is a quicker fix than a 3,000 sq. foot home)

  • utilized materials (drilled piers, for example, use pouring concrete which requires drying time)
  • The scope of the issue (if your foundation needs to be stabilized, then the more piers required – the longer it takes)
  • The season (if the ground is frozen, projects can be delayed)

  Is It Safe To Live In A House That Has Foundation Issues?

  Many individuals believe that a foundation problem is dangerous. While a foundation problem can be dangerous, it is unlikely to cause the floors to cave in anytime soon. You may live in a house with foundation problems; in fact, many people do (sometimes without realizing it). Most problems take years to grow into a big enough condition to endanger people's lives.

  Secondary difficulties arise as a result of foundation flaws. For example, if your foundation is weak, your house may settle, resulting in cracked walls, uneven flooring, doors that won't close, and a variety of other problems. You will save money on repairs if you solve your foundation problems before they develop secondary problems.

  The longer you leave a house's foundation in deterioration, the more likely it is that you will have to deal with more damage to the rest of your home, which will either cost you more money or reduce the value of your property when it comes time to sell.

  The Foundation Of A House Is Critical

  Most homeowners understand the importance of a home's foundation, but how vital is it? The answer is “extremely.” Your foundation does more than simply support your home construction, while that is an important component of it: it also keeps out harmful groundwater, resists the impact of the soil surrounding it, and aids in the insulation of your home.

  Essentially, if you value the home that is supported by the foundation, you should prioritize having a solid, strong foundation.

  A house foundation is analogous to a spine. It keeps everything standing straight. You are uncomfortable if your spine is not in good health. The longer you wait to have it treated, the more pain and suffering you will endure. If a home's foundation fails at any moment, you're going to be in big trouble.

  Note

  The foundation of your home offers the sturdy foundation required to resist severe winds. Cracks in the concrete, uneven flooring, and doors and windows that don't close correctly due to sinking are all signs of foundation problems. Don’t put off making a call until you have a possible problem on your hands. Call a professional now for a free estimate of the soundness of your foundation and to discover how to avoid any structural damage or settlement.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by John Hurd

• How to Buy A New Construction Home: What You Need To Know

  
  

  So you’ve decided on a new construction home. Buying a new construction home is an exciting time. You get to be part of the design process, and you can choose from many different floor plans. However, it is important to know what you are getting into before making such a major purchase. Here are some things that every buyer should know before buying a new construction home:

  Construction homes start when one of two things happen:

  You start your own home plan:

  If you are starting your own home plan, then be prepared to make the major decisions. This includes choosing where the house will go on the lot or which builder is going to build it for you. The exact process of creating new construction homes varies greatly depending on what type of floor plan that buyer purchases.

  Select one of the pre-designed floor plans:

  If you are choosing a pre-designed floor plan, then the builder will work with your architectural firm to design and build the house. The buyer won’t need to worry about making all of those decisions. However, it is still important that buyers know what they are getting into when purchasing this type of home because there may be some surprises.

  New construction homes can be more expensive than resale homes.

  This is because they are often built with the latest technology and architectural trends, so you get what's new without having to wait for it to become a standard in older models.

  New construction homes are usually sold as is.

  It can be a hassle to have an inspection done on new construction and then negotiate with the builder, so you’ll need extra money for unforeseen repairs.

  • You don't always get a say in what finishes you want inside your home or landscape preference outside.This means that if you want something really specific, you may not have a lot of options.

  • The builder is often the seller, so this can result in an unfair negotiation process (like if they ask for more money than what the property actually cost).

  • New construction homes are usually sold as is and come with all fixtures included. This means that builders won't typically take back the appliances or other fixtures for a service refund.

  You should have an idea of how long it will take and what you can expect from the process.

  This way, you’ll be able to prepare for delays (which are unfortunately very common). For example, if your builder tells you that they don't anticipate any delays then this is a good sign that there might actually be some surprises.

  New construction homes will have an inspection prior to delivery.

  This is called “lien free” and means that you don't need to pay for anything other than your down payment until closing day. The home must be finished by this date in order to receive your new home warranty.

  More things to keep in mind:

  • You can customize many aspects of the construction process, from deciding on finishes to selecting floor plans and layouts. The more time you take in this step, the better it will be for everyone involved.

  • Construction schedules are often published online or available at a nearby builder's office (usually by appointment only).

  • You are allowed to have a contractor or builder come with you during the construction process. This is for your peace of mind and helps avoid any miscommunications that might arise between builders, subcontractors, and potential buyers.

  Summary

  As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when buying a new construction home. By educating yourself on the process and what's involved in making this type of purchase, then you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not it is something that you want. The rewards for investing in your own dream house are worth the effort.

  partnered post • cc-licensed photo by Gilbert Mercier

• 5 Top Comfy-Contemporary Living Room Design Ideas

  
  

  Creating a comfortable and contemporary living room is easier than you think. Whether you are looking for a new design or want to update an old, tired space, these 5 top comfy-contemporary living room design ideas will have something that suits your needs. You'll find some cozy seating areas with elegant yet simple designs, as well as fresh spaces with coastal influences and bright colors. So whether you like the idea of more traditional styles or prefer modern looks, there's something on this list for everyone!

  One thing that distinguishes contemporary designs from modern ones is the former's flexibility. Contemporary styles undergo changes with time, so they're never completely “modern” or stuck in one era of style. One example? Today, you can find a combination of all sorts — traditional and rustic as well as sleek and minimalist — in today’s world under this label “contemporary design”.

  When it comes to the best contemporary living room design ideas, there are a few things you have to keep in mind: first and foremost, anything goes. You can combine different styles as long as they look good together. Second, try not to make your space too formal—contemporary designs tend toward casualness instead! Finally, add some unexpected accents if you want to achieve that perfect balance between what looks comfortable but stylish at the same time.

  Contemporary Living Room Design Idea #1

  Whether it’s dark wooden floors or plenty of white space with pops of color here and there (or both!), incorporating hardwood into your home is an excellent choice for contemporary living room designs. Just remember, you're making a space that YOU love! Less is often better than more – don't feel the need to follow a certain style guideline—mix and match colors, textures, patterns, and more.

  Contemporary Living Room Design Idea #2

  Incorporating a few modern elements into your home is an easy way to give it that contemporary vibe, even if you're living in the suburbs or on a smaller budget. Think of adding large-scale artwork and statement lighting fixtures for visual interest. If you’re feeling extra creative, go ahead and have fun with unusual color choices! Using monochrome tones can help make furniture stand out without looking too busy—and prevent overwhelming your space. 

  Contemporary Living Room Design Idea #3

  Comfort is key when you're designing your living room! Softer upholstery fabrics are very popular right now for their versatility in any space as well as ease of upkeep (hello no vacuuming needed!). Try one solid color or patterned fabrics with different shapes like circles or stripes. If you want to go bolder still, try adding bright accent pillows on an otherwise neutral sofa instead of going all-in with a ton of wild prints everywhere! The trick here is not to let your furniture stand out without looking too busy—and prevent overwhelming your space.

  Contemporary Living Room Design Idea #4

  While you may have a space that's small, it doesn't mean it has to feel claustrophobic! In fact, with the right choices in items and colors (more neutral tones are fantastic for making rooms look larger), you can give any room or apartment an instant boost of lightness and openness. Everyone wants this feeling when they walk into their living spaces, so make sure yours delivers on these feelings by adding lots of windows and skylights as well as mirrors nearby. Even hanging lighter paintings above furniture will open up a darker area like a fireplace mantle quite easily!

  Contemporary Living Room Design Idea #5

  Creating your own comfortable corner can make your contemporary living room truly feel like YOUR space. By adding a corner sectional for you and your family to cuddle upon, or by creating a cozy reading nook with lots of pillows, bookshelves nearby, and perhaps an upright piano in the opposite corner (or even a TV if you prefer). Create your own cozy corner in the living room with the best couches.

  Try a modular sofa in an outdoor-friendly fabric to accommodate all of your guests. The sleek design makes it easy to style, while the color hue is neutral enough that you can add pops of color or keep things simple for an understated look. It's also really comfortable! The soft cushions are perfect for curling up after work and watching movies together as a family.

  We hope you found this article helpful in designing your living room. With all of these great design ideas for the comfy contemporary living room, it’s time to get started on your next project.

  If you're thinking about rearranging your living room or adding in more sources of light, then learn more about how to make your home more energy-efficient, and don't forget to look into your local regulations!

  Check out our blog post on simple ways to make your home more energy-efficient here!

  partnered post • royalty-free image by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

• Understanding Energy-Efficient Doors

  
  

  In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in interest in energy efficiency. People are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment and are seeking to reduce this. Part of this includes an increased number of eco-friendly houses.

  However, the good news is that you don’t need to move to make your home more energy-efficient. You simply need to make a few improvements, starting with your commercial doors.

  If you select high-quality energy-efficient doors from the Parkwood doors range you’ll get better energy efficiency and you’ll still have a stylish-looking door that compliments your home.

  What Makes A Door Energy Efficient

  One of the biggest parts of energy efficiency is the ability to retain heat or cool air. In short, to prevent air from moving from one place to another and adversely affecting the temperature. 

  Energy-efficient doors have an insulating layer incorporated into their design. That means the heat or cool air is trapped in your home, reducing your need to heat it and therefore saving you money.

  Naturally, the reduced heating or cooling requirement means less impact on the environment, making it a double win.

  Factors To Consider When Choosing An Energy-Efficient Door

  Most exterior doors have a small amount of glazing in them, it allows light into the house and helps you to see who is at your door.  However, glass lets out much more heat than wood. If you have a glass pane in your door make sure it is double or even triple-glazed. This helps to lock the warmth in your home. 

  You should also spend a moment looking at the U rating. This is a standard that applies to all doors. The better it is at preventing heat from escaping the better the U rating. This translates as a lower number. 

  In short, the lower the U value number the better the door is at being energy efficient and the more desirable it should be.

  Think About The Material

  While steel doors offer the best possible security, they are not good for retaining heat. Metal is an excellent conductor and will transfer the heat of the property through the door. Obviously, if the door has an insulating layer in the middle this will help.

  But the best option is to use a solid wood door that is naturally insulating and available in a huge array of colors. 

  You should note that PVC doors are very popular as they look great. However, they are generally not as efficient at retaining heat. If you choose this type of door you’ll want to make sure there are no draughts around it In other words, have it fitted by a professional. 

  Don’t forget, on, cold winter days you can improve the energy efficiency in your home by using heavy curtains and blinds over the doors and windows. This can even make your home feel cozier. 

  There are energy-efficient versions of every type of door. All you have to do is look for the one that suits your needs and personality, then invest.

  partnered post • cc-licensed photo by Spencer Means

• 8 Steps to Create Amazing Digitally Staged Pictures

  
  

  Digital staging is an advanced home staging process and digital marketing tool that realtors use as an alternative to traditional home staging. It allows for the transformation of an empty room or home into an intricately decorated and fully furnished interior and sometimes the exterior too. It has a competitive advantage over home staging as you don’t have to incur the costs of furnishing and decorations associated with the latter. The main goal of digital staging is to ensure that clients can effectively visualize the potential of an empty property while holding on to their Benjamins. And you can ask professionals if you need more understanding of digital home-staging.

  To create art, you must have a meticulous working process to ensure you don’t falter as you strive to achieve your goal. It requires you to pay close attention to the last detail. Below are 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you create digitally staged pictures fit to be classified as masterpieces:

  Ensure Your Original Photos Are Of High Quality

  Always strive to achieve photorealism when carrying out digital staging. While it may sound like a daunting task, you can easily achieve photorealism by using original photos that are of high quality. I cannot stress this enough, Invest in top-notch, quality digital cameras. You will have to dig deep into your financial pocket, yes, but the outcome will be worth every cent. If you cannot acquire such cameras or if you don’t have an eye for photography, then you can consider hiring professional photography services. At a market price of course.

  You should also have an eye for detail. For spaces with tons of natural light flooding in, always ensure you avoid sun glares in your photos. On the flip side, if the space is artificially lit, you should first make sure that the lighting isn’t at all harsh.

  Define the Task At Hand and the Interior Style You Want To Adopt

  Always put the client’s needs first. You should have a clear understanding of the target market in order to come up with a fitting style tailored to fit their needs. Visual references, information on the potential clients and style is all you need before embarking on this glorious venture. If you are targeting a large family then comfort and child-friendliness should top your list.  A few factors might also influence your choice of interior style. For example, the income levels of your target clients. If they are high-end clients, then don’t be afraid to splurge a little. Digitally.

  Recreate the Room in 3D Using Digital Staging

  You can then come up with a 3D model that shares the same parameters as the house on the ground. You may include architectural details like walls, doors, and windows to give you an overall feel of the space. Keep in mind that a natural look is more desirable. Hence, light, and shadows should perfectly match that of the environment.

  Decorate and Furnish the 3D Scene

  Digital staging software usually comes with a library of high-quality, adjustable 3D models that are categorically sorted by room. All you need to do is drag and drop or click a button. Easy peasy. You can also take advantage of the database of the top-notch textures that come embedded with the software. This is to make items appear much more realistic. With most software, you can easily upload and add your own textures if the existing ones are not your cup of tea.

  Set Up the Lighting

  Good lighting is essential if you want to achieve a photoreal effect. You can regulate the levels of lighting and adjust it so that it perfectly matches the original image. Ensure that you efficiently capture the light and shadows in every nook and cranny of the original photo. If you want to go the extra mile and stand out from your peers, you can showcase both evening and daylight in your digital staging.

  Make Use of Camera Views

  Struggling to find the right camera angle when taking a selfie can be a pain. Well, the pain is also felt when it comes to digital staging. Professionals can easily tell the accurate positioning of a camera just by looking at a photo. Don’t falter just yet. They too started with a series of hits and misses. Getting the right camera angle and perspective will help you match the digitally staged room to the original picture of the actual room or house.

  Render

  Watch the magic happen. After setting up the scene and all the components like furniture and potted plants added, you can select the resolution settings that meet your goal. All you need to do now is push that red button. Click on the render button that is.

  Fix it in Post

  After finalizing the rendering process, you can now transfer the images to 2D graphic editors. You cut out the falling shadows and all the furniture arrangements which you eventually paste onto the original photo. Sounds like elementary arts and crafts class but it requires you to work meticulously to ensure seamless integration and fitting.

  Final Thoughts

  Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional for digital staging services, ensure that you never compromise on overall quality. Whether it takes you a day or even months to post astounding results, always trust the process. Who knows you could easily be the next Jeff Bezos of the digital staging industry?

  partnered post • image from unsplash

• Selling Your Home As-Is Versus Spending On Costly Renovations

  
  

  It’s been no secret that housing in the United States has been at a premium for the past year and a half, and though there has been some recent news that prices may be stabilizing, it begs the question: Is it better to sell now or hold off and hope for the market to continue its hot streak? Some analysts are concerned that housing may be operating on a bubble and that the bubble may burst any day. 

  However, the price imbalances, scarce inventory, and lack of sanity in sales prices show signs of slowing. Does that mean that the housing market will suffer a correction or housing price fall such as witnessed in 2008? Whether you believe that the market will suffer a correction or if the rate of appreciation will continue if you’re thinking of selling your home, are you looking to sell quickly, or are you willing to invest some money and make renovations with the hope of securing top dollar for your property? 

  While it ultimately is your decision alone, there are a few pros and cons to selling your home without putting any renovations before putting it up for sale. Renovations can be complicated, they take time and money, they aren’t easy, and there’s no guarantee that they will fetch a top offer.

  The pros to selling your home without renovations are that you can grab the advantage of a red-hot market and get your home sold well above what you probably paid for it. Cons to selling your home without putting any money into renovations are that you may miss out on top-dollar for your sale. When weighing the pros and cons of selling your home with and without any renovations, you need to factor in a few different things to help you determine the right course of action for you.

  Knowing The Risks of Spending Money on Renovations

  Before deciding on costly and timely renovations, there are three primary considerations to help guide you — know the market, check like properties, and consider the return on investment.

  1. Know The Market Conditions
     When you’re listing your property during a buyer’s market, your home needs to be in tip-top condition to get the best offer. However, in a seller’s market, when interest rates are lower and there is less inventory available, home sellers have the advantage of not investing too much into their property and still get great offers.
  2. Check Other Similar Properties
     Using a CMA, or Competitive Market Analysis, of similar properties will give you an idea of what homes like yours are selling for and their condition before the sale.
  3. What Is The Potential ROI
     ROI stands for “return on investment” and should be one of the critical factors in your decision-making on renovations. Too often, sellers think that if they invest X amount of dollars in their home, they will get an offer of X+ listing price. Too often, this is misguided and wrong. 

  In some cases, people are looking for “turn-key” properties, that is, a home that is ready to move in with a lot of top-notch upgrades and fixtures. However, there are even more buyers that are looking to put their touch on the house, so your renovations may not even be necessary.

  You may have an advantage over other sellers by investing time and treasure into renovating your home, but those advantages aren’t as necessary in hot markets. In addition, by putting money into your home, you may not necessarily recoup what those costs were, meaning your profit on the sale of your home may be less than it could be if you just let it be.

  In essence, sellers have the luxury of listing a property and testing the market most of the time. So, if you’re looking to sell your home, the best way to sell it is to get it on the market.

  The best strategy then is to make minor renovations such as patching up any possible cracks, touch up the paint where needed, and replace any fixtures that are broken or damaged then test out the price and the condition of the home as-is. There are advantages to this strategy of selling a house as-is, from possibly getting it sold without any costly repairs to finding what is acceptable to the market.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Alan Gold

• How to Buy A New Construction Home: What You Need To Know

  
  

  So you’ve decided on a new construction home. Buying a new construction home is an exciting time. You get to be part of the design process, and you can choose from many different floor plans. However, it is important to know what you are getting into before making such a major purchase. Here are some things that every buyer should know before buying a new construction home:

  Construction homes start when one of two things happen:

  You start your own home plan:

  If you are starting your own home plan, then be prepared to make the major decisions. This includes choosing where the house will go on the lot or which builder is going to build it for you. The exact process of creating new construction homes varies greatly depending on what type of floor plan that buyer purchases.

  Select one of the pre-designed floor plans:

  If you are choosing a pre-designed floor plan, then the builder will work with your architectural firm to design and build the house. The buyer won’t need to worry about making all of those decisions. However, it is still important that buyers know what they are getting into when purchasing this type of home because there may be some surprises.

  New construction homes can be more expensive than resale homes.

  This is because they are often built with the latest technology and architectural trends, so you get what's new without having to wait for it to become a standard in older models.

  New construction homes are usually sold as is.

  It can be a hassle to have an inspection done on new construction and then negotiate with the builder, so you'll need extra money for unforeseen repairs.

  • You don't always get a say in what finishes you want inside your home or landscape preference outside.This means that if you want something really specific, you may not have a lot of options.
  • The builder is often the seller, so this can result in an unfair negotiation process (like if they ask for more money than what the property actually cost).
  • New construction homes are usually sold as is and come with all fixtures included. This means that builders won't typically take back the appliances or other fixtures for a service refund.

  You should have an idea of how long it will take and what you can expect from the process.

  This way, you'll be able to prepare for delays (which are unfortunately very common). For example, if your builder tells you that they don't anticipate any delays then this is a good sign that there might actually be some surprises.

  New construction homes will have an inspection prior to delivery.

  This is called "lien free" and means that you don't need to pay for anything other than your down payment until closing day. The home must be finished by this date in order to receive your new home warranty.

  More things to keep in mind:

  • You can customize many aspects of the construction process, from deciding on finishes to selecting floor plans and layouts. The more time you take in this step, the better it will be for everyone involved.
  • Construction schedules are often published online or available at a nearby builder's office (usually by appointment only).
  • You are allowed to have a contractor or builder come with you during the construction process. This is for your peace of mind and helps avoid any miscommunications that might arise between builders, subcontractors, and potential buyers.

  Summary:

  As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when buying a new construction home. By educating yourself on the process and what's involved in making this type of purchase, then you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not it is something that you want. The rewards for investing in your own dream house are worth the effort.

  partnered post • cc-licensed image by Armchair Builder

• Eco-Friendly Roof Ideas to Update Your Home

  
  

  Have you recently decided it’s time to give your roof an update?

  With the rising cost of traditional electricity sources, many homeowners are looking for alternative options to save money, with the added benefit of being more eco-friendly. These green roofing alternatives are energy-efficient and reduce the need for standard heating and cooling systems within your home.

  Before updating your roof, consider available eco-friendly options, to help the environment and keep things cost-effective for you.

  Top 5 Eco-Friendly Roof Ideas

  When it comes to the best eco-friendly roof ideas to update your home, there are five that stand out. Each option has its benefits, providing your home with an eco-friendly roofing system that can help you save by investing in a useful alternative.

  Keep in mind, the best roof ideas for your home will vary based on your location. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to eco-friendly roofs, so you need to find what will work best for your home and the environment you live in.

  Solar Panels

  
  

  One of the most popular ways to make your roof eco-friendly is by adding solar panels. They can easily be added to any roof, making this an ideal choice for homeowners, regardless of your home’s size.

  To be effective, solar panels need sunlight. Solar roofs absorb the sun’s rays and convert their energy into usable electricity. Therefore, solar panels are not a worthwhile investment if you live in a place that doesn’t receive much sunlight. But, if your home receives an adequate amount of sunlight, then this may be the perfect option for you! Keep these things in mind before you make a commitment to this roofing option.

  While solar panels aren’t nearly as expensive as they used to be, it can be several years before you see any financial kickback. However, if you are in your forever home, solar panels are a worthwhile investment. On average, solar panels cost roughly $15,000-$25,000 for total installation. This can vary, depending on your needs and the investment you’re willing to make.

  For an eco-friendly roofing update, that will help you out financially in the future, solar panels might be a green alternative to look into.

  Metal Roof

  A metal roof is a highly durable, long-lasting option when it comes to eco-friendly roof ideas. They can stand up to severe weather and they don’t require much maintenance.

  For an even more eco-friendly option, choose a metal roof in a light color, like white, to drastically cut down your current energy costs. The light shade you choose will reduce the amount of sun that hits your roof, keeping your home cool during the day.

  Metal roofs can also complement a wide range of architectural designs, bringing a new style to your home.

  If you live in a colder climate with this roofing option snow will slide right off your roof. While a slight snowfall won't cause any significant problems, several inches could easily cause a collection of snow surrounding your home. Keep this in mind before committing to this roofing option, especially if you are in a colder climate.

  Green Roof

  
  

  By adding a green roof to your home, there are several eco-friendly benefits you will see.

  Due to the green insulation, it will be easier to cool your home and keep it comfortable during warmer months. This option is also beautiful, bringing the essence of natural beauty to your home. Whether you choose flowers or other plants, this will add more life to your home instantly.

  Green roofs help keep rain runoff under control, and as a result, improve stormwater management. This alternative can aid in keeping any dirt or contaminants out of the water running through the sewer.

  In addition, green roofs also help reduce the urban heat island effect, a situation where urban environments trap and absorb heat.

  Keep in mind, green roofs do require an extra amount of structural reinforcement. The added soil and plants can cause problems if your house cannot handle the excess weight, so you will need to prepare your roof with reinforcements if you want to utilize this option.

  Clay Tiles

  Another eco-friendly roofing alternative is clay tile roofing, with multiple benefits that will help the homeowner in the long run.

  This is a durable and lost-lasting option, with the ability to hold up for hundreds of years. Clay tiles have a longer lifespan than your typical roofing materials, making this a good option to consider when updating your roof. They are low maintenance, compared to other options, making it easier for homeowners to keep up with and maintain over time.

  Another added benefit of clay tiles is that they repel insects, resist fire, and they cannot rot. This means they will hold up, regardless of the elements, making this eco-friendly option a smart choice for any homeowner to choose.

  Wood Shingles 

  For a more eco-friendly option, consider swapping out your existing roof for wooden shingles. While wood shingles can come from various woods, they typically include recycled cedar shakes.

  Cedarwood shingles are ideal for repelling insects and they resist water better than other types of wooden roofs you will come across. These options are reasonable, but they do require a fair amount of maintenance and upkeep, so be mindful of this before you decide which option you want to stick with.

  Updating Your Home with Eco-Friendly Roof Ideas

  
  

  If you’ve been looking for ways to update your roof and be more eco-friendly while keeping things cost-effective, consider these green alternatives.

  To save money on traditional energy costs, invest in a roofing option that will not only help our environment but help save you money in the grand scheme of things. Even if you don’t see a financial kickback right away, the investment will make it worthwhile when you start seeing bills lessen over time.

  In this day and age, it is important to be environmentally sound and aware of things you can change to be more eco-friendly in your life. Simple switches, like updating your roof, can help the environment and make you more aware of the energy you’re using.

  To better the planet while lowering your energy costs, start by updating your roof. Choose an eco-friendly option that will help save the Earth, while you save money to make more green choices in the future.

  partnered post • images from Unsplash by Todd Kent, Vivint Solar, Chuttersnap, and Marcin Dziedzic

• How to Find Better Replacement Windows in Greater Toronto

  

  Whether you’re building a new home, renovating before you move in, or doing renovations to improve the value of your home before you sell, you want to know that you’re using the best materials available. Quality materials will do more to improve the value of the home, and if they’re used correctly, make the home more comfortable and durable.

  Windows are one of the most important materials your home will need. These tips will help you find the best replacement windows in Toronto.

  #1 Upgrade for Energy Efficiency

  If you’re going to replace your windows, now is the time to invest in energy efficient building materials. Today’s windows use a variety of materials and technology to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, including:

  • Low-emissivity glass that blocks heat from coming in through the glass

  • Argon gas fills that prevent heat transfer through the air

  • Vinyl for reduced condensation and better noise reduction

  • Superior installation

  Energy efficient windows can reduce heating and air conditioning costs year-round. Take advantage of new energy efficient technology for better results.

  #2 Experience Counts

  Look for experienced window manufacturers in Toronto with a history in the industry. You want to make sure that the supplier you’re working with is in a good financial position so that they don’t just disappear and leave you high and dry.

  History in the industry also means they likely have a wealth of reviews online that you can check out for yourself, as well as a reputation with the builders and contractors you’re working with. You can look them up on Homestars or another review site dedicated to construction. 

  #3 Installation from the Supplier

  For the best results with your new windows, you want installation from the supplier. Ask if the installer is a contractor or an employee of the supplier. An employee is preferable in case anything goes wrong. Rather than dealing with a middle man, you can go straight to the supplier to sort out the issue.

  It doesn’t hurt that the supplier will have better knowledge of the product, either.

  #4 Find Out Where the Windows Are Made

  Some suppliers purchase their windows from a third party, while others manufacture themselves. When you go with a manufacturer, you can get more information about the product you’re purchasing. Locally-made windows are also a superior choice because they build products for the local climate. It’s not just cold winters that homeowners have to deal with in the Greater Toronto Area, it’s also hot and humid summers that bring their own challenges.

  #5 Get a Walk-Through on Installation

  Last but not least, work with someone who can give you a walk-through on the installation process so that they understand the home and the project before showing up to do the installation. Get someone who will take the time to explain the materials and the installation process.

  Better windows will make a huge difference on your new home. Make sure you find the right source when you renovate.

  partnered post • image by myoceanstudio via Freepik