How to Select the Best Roofing Materials for Your Home

A roof is an essential part of the home that keeps you safe from various elements. When constructing a new house or planning to replace the roof, it’s crucial to understand how to choose suitable roofing materials.

There are various types of materials, and you need close attention when deciding on your best choice. Appropriate roofing materials offer just more than roofing and also add value to your home. They add a classic finish and make the house look beautiful.

Making the right choice will help you get a bang for your buck and enjoy a comfortable stay. Below are some of the best roofing materials for your home.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material. They come in various types. Asphalt doesn’t require much work, and you can install it yourself. They’re light and less costly compared to other materials.

 

Asphalt lasts for many years. The lifespan is between 15 to 30 years, and some go even for a more extended period. Most people prefer these types of materials, although they may not be environment-friendly due to asphalt. They can also wear out quickly when under harsh weather conditions.

Metal

Metal is a durable type of roofing material. You only need proper maintenance and care to last for more extended periods. The beauty of this type is that they reflect sun rays in the home and maintain low temperatures. They’re also fire and insect-resistant. You might experience a noisy environment during the rainy season. It’s best to note that metal materials are more expensive.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are made from redwood, cedar, or pine trees. They create a beautiful exterior of the home. Wood shakes are quick to root since they’re prone to various elements such as insects and mods. Such are costly and hard to install, and you may need to hire a roofing expert.

Slate

Slate materials are suitable for large houses of over 3,000 sq. Ft. They create a natural look to the home and are fire and insect-resistant. Slate saves you on cost since they require minimal repairs and maintenance. They’re also costly and cumbersome. You may need more support from a roofing contractor.

Tile

Tiles create a beautiful finish to the home. They’re robust, insect, moisture, and fire-resistant. Tiles respond well during temperature changes, making them energy efficient. They’re also expensive.

Solar Glass

Solar glass has a longer lifespan and comes with a lifetime warranty, boosting its rating and making it one of the homeowners’ best choices. They are cost-effective and also energy-efficient, although you’ll incur the high cost of installation.

Summary

The best choice of roofing materials will give you a quality roof and make your home have beautiful architecture. You’ll also keep off from constant repairs and maintenance, saving you more costs in the long run. Be sure to investigate roof cleaning methods when choosing your materials. Your major factor should be choosing materials that are energy efficient.

ATR041722

 

Exterior Cleaning Advice for HOA Members

When many people clean their homes, they only focus on the inside of it. However, it is just as important for you to clean the outside of your home. You could get in trouble with the Homeowner’s Association if your home is not well-maintained. There are several ways that you can keep the outside of your home looking great.

 

row of clean exterior homes

 

Clean Out the Gutters

You will need to clean and inspect your gutters at least once a year. If your gutters do not receive regular maintenance, then your roof can suffer damage. Before you clean your gutters, you will need to remove the debris. You can use a plastic gutter scoop. You can also use a leaf blower.

After you have removed all of the debris, you can take a garden hose and rinse out the gutters. If there are any leaks in your gutters, then you will need to have them repaired.

Remove the Stains From the Driveway

Your driveway is prone to staining. Oil and antifreeze can cause stains to develop on your driveway. Your driveway can also be stained by fungus, mold, and mildew. That is why you will need to clean your driveway on a regular basis.

Bleach is effective for removing just about any stain. You will need to apply it to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area after you have applied the bleach.

Use a Pressure Washer

One of the best things that you can do to keep the outside of your home clean is to pressure wash it. However, before you pressure wash your home, you will need to make sure that the settings are correct. The material that your siding is made out of will determine what pressure setting you will need to use.washing concrete steps

Pressure washing will remove mold, algae, and moss from your home. It will also remove dirt and grime. You can also pressure wash decks, patios, and porches. Look into hiring a professional. This could save you time and aggravation going forward.

Clean the Windows

Window cleaning can be a boring chore. However, it is important for you to wash your windows once or twice a year. If you live near a dirt road, then you may have to wash your windows more often. Washing your windows will make your entire home look better. You can use a squeegee and soapy water to clean the windows. You can also use a water hose to clean the windows.

ATR031824

Tips for Keeping Happy Tenants in Your Rental Property

It is a lot harder for you to get new tenants than it is for you to keep your current ones. The best thing that you can do to retain tenants is to keep them happy. You can keep your tenants happy by doing the following.

Fulfill Maintenance Requests Quickly

One of the reasons that tenants get frustrated with their landlord is because it takes too long to get the repairs done. That is why it is important for you to fulfill maintenance requests as soon as you can. You may also want to offer things like carpet cleaning or professional cleaning. This may give them an incentive to renew their lease.

Go Over the Lease With Your Tenants

Many tenants do not know exactly what is expected of them. There may be things in their lease that they do not understand. That is why it is a good idea for you to go over it with them. You should also tell your tenants that they can ask questions if there is something that they need clarification on.

Encourage Tenants to Sign a Longer Lease

Every tenant has different rental needs. There are some tenants who only need a place for a few months. However, if you have a tenant who does not plan on moving, then you should encourage them to sign a longer lease. You should also give them a discount for signing a longer lease.

Send Out Reminders When the Rent Is Due

People today are busy. That is why even if a person knows that their rent is due on a certain date each month, they still may forget to pay. You can make things easier for your tenants by sending out a reminder a few days before the due date. You should also waive the late fee if the tenant has consistently paid on time.

Keep Everyone Safe

Safety is one of the most important things that tenants look for in a property. You should do everything that you can to stay safe. Make sure that the property is well-lit. You can also hire a security guard.

Reward Your Tenants

Everyone loves rewards. There are several ways that you can reward your tenants for staying. For example, you can give them a gift card when they sign their lease.

Enforce the Rules

Rules help everyone live in peace. You should encourage everyone to follow the rules and make sure that they are enforced. There should also be swift consequences for anyone who decides to disregard the rules.

Top Paint Choices for Office and Commercial Spaces

A lot more thought should go into the color you paint your office than what you paint your walls at home. Choosing something that is aesthetically pleasing for the office is still one of your goals; however, it takes a backseat to choosing colors that promote increased productivity.

Colors have been found to increase or create emotions in humans by the University of Rochester. For example, greens and blues are generally known to increase energy; however, this isn’t the type of feel you want for an office space. It is also ill-advised to paint the walls of an office any bright color because it simply doesn’t represent the aesthetic that an office space should have. So what are good colors for office space?

Best Paint Colors for the Office

Yellow

More specifically, a white with a stronger yellow undertone. Shaded White by Farrow & Ball is perfect here. Yellow is shown to stimulate emotions that could lead to more creative ideas. It is also generally a happy color. Avoid any brighter shade of yellow. It won’t embody the mood you’re going for.

Blue-Gray

If professionalism is what you want your walls to represent then blue-gray is an obvious choice. Gentleman’s Gray by Benjamin Moore is a great example of a blue-gray that exudes the professional vibe you may need. It contains the perfect blend of seriousness but doesn’t bring down the mood like a plain gray might.

Brown

Depending on the type of job, brown could be perfect. It is perfect for law firms because it brings a feeling of legitimacy to the office. Tudor Brown by Benjamin Moore provides the exact feeling any law firm should exude.

White

Some businesses will benefit from white walls. White gives people a feeling of urgency. It could be perfect if you are an office space that sees lots of customers and visitors. White promotes people to get in, do what they need, and get out. It could get customers out of the door faster on a busy day. Strong White by Farrow & Ball and Super White by Benjamin Moore are two distinct whites that are worth checking out. Pointing by Farrow & Ball is a great off-white that will still promote that urgency you may need without making it look like a doctor’s office.

Conclusion

As you can see, the colors of your walls could change the entire atmosphere of your office space. It’s okay to break from the normal colors you may see if your office space is used for the entertainment industry or similar. For example, a talent agency office could elect to use brighter colors than an accounting firm. Professional painters may have some good ideas for you as well. 

ATR052222