Month: February 2018

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of a home. Not only is it important for aesthetic reasons but for functional purposes too. A roof is responsible for keeping a home dry and protecting it from external elements. Because of this, choosing a roofing material is a decision that should not be made hastily. If you’re looking to upgrade your roof, consider one of the popular roofing options discussed in this article.

Metal: Metal roofing is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. After a hurricane, tornado, or ice storm rips through an area, some of the only roofs left standing have metal roofing.  Metal roofs also come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper, all of which are recyclable and thus a great environmentally friendly option. Not only can it be utilized to harvest rainwater, but with its high solar reflectance it can keep heating and cooling energy use low. In fact, choosing a metal roof can help homeowners save as much as 25% off of their annual energy expenses. Furthermore, metal roofing requires very little maintenance.

Asphalt: Asphalt is one of the most common residential and commercial roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective choice and are relatively easy to install. Additionally, asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles. This makes it a common choice due to the fact that it can match well with many architectural styles. Because of their durability and water-shedding capabilities, asphalt shingles are suitable for a wide range of climates.

Flat Roofing: Low slope or flat roofing can be a great option for many homes. Homes that have porches or other additions may have a flat roof system. There are many different material options for flat roofs, which makes it easy to match with the rest of the structure. However, if you’re designing or re-doing a project with a flat roof, it’s important to let a professional handle the job. Because of the low slope feature, if the roofing is not done properly, it can lead to water draining issues. Working with a professional will allow homeowners to rest assured their new flat roof not only looks good but functions properly too.

It’s important to remember that every roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages. Because of this, it’s important to trust your local roofer to help choose the right roof for you.

Everyone wants to have a safe, functional, beautiful home. We spend so much time and money making sure the inside of our homes are incredible. We paint everything to match our version of the perfect aesthetic. We put in functional furniture and shelving to make our lives a breeze, and we even install home security systems to protect ourselves and our families 24 hours a day.

Something that many homeowners overlook is putting those same style, function, and safety features on the outside of the home as well. What is the perfect way to do that, you ask? Fencing. A 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey revealed that pergolas, decks, and fences were projected to be the top three most popular outdoor structures of the year. And putting up fencing in your yard has incredible benefits. Here are just a few, given to us by Zillow. 

Privacy
This one is pretty obvious, but fences offer amazing privacy. Imagine you are enjoying a nice picnic dinner with your family in your backyard, and all you can see and hear are your neighbor’s rowdy kids splashing and screaming in the pool next door. Putting up a fence will give you the privacy you need to relax and enjoy the summer days and nights outside with your loved ones.

Safety
Your children and pets will be safe and sound playing in a fenced-in yard. They have the ability to roam without the danger of going outside the limits of your property. Fences also prevent strange animals or people from wandering into your yard while your kids or pets are outside. Fencing also provides a safety net for your neighbors’ children so they cannot stumble into your yard and fall into your swimming pool, for example.

Noise Reduction
This one goes hand and hand with privacy. If you live on a busy street and/or you have neighbors that are very close by, having a fence up can reduce the noise from your surroundings. According to Zillow, “an 8-foot-high solid fence can knock 6 to 10 decibels off traffic and other ambient noise. Fences can reduce noise levels by 60 percent to 85 percent, depending on fence height, elevations, and noise frequencies.”

Design
Last but not least, you can add a lot of aesthetic appeal to your home by adding in fencing. There are many different styles to choose from, so you can pick the one that is just right for you. Having a fence in your yard can both define your property boundary and attract the eye through thoughtful landscaping, according to Zillow.

Remember these awesome advantages to having fencing in your yard the next time you think about home improvement. It’s not just the inside that counts, it’s the outside too.