Recent studies including one by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition shows that installation of reflective metal roofing can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs. This means less money out of your wallet, less dependence on energy resources and less general air pollution in your neighborhood.
The secret to metal roofing’s energy savings is in its variety of finishes. The basic, unpainted roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by a traditional asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated roofing systems in metal not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home. This is done because it works to re-emit most of what solar radiation is absorbed. Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation. That’s a lot of savings, and it’s why metal is fast becoming a popular residential roofing option.
Most roofing that is metal, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation. Erie Construction in Evansville, Indiana offers you a long-term solution in roofing. An option that will protect your home and put money in your pocket.
If you are really serious about trying to sell your home, local real estate experts whatever you do don’t rush to hire the first realtor you meet. Talk to at least three neighborhood specialists. Ask each listing agent to give you a marketing plan that explains what they will do to market and sell your home. In addition, ask the agents to prepare a comparative market analysis for you.
Next up, you will want to move out bulky and excess furniture. Now, you need to start thinking about making repairs and possibly some updating. Not all resale repairs will pay off. Old, outdated, bathrooms and kitchens are major deal breakers. Buyers nowadays don’t want to think about having to tackle these areas. Not only because of the money involved but the inconvenience as well. Realtors say, potential buyers are also turned off, by a roof that is past its prime. If you really want to impress, a metal roof is sure to do that. Metal Roofs are durable, reliable and are becoming more popular that traditional asphalt roofs. Buyers are sick of replacing traditional asphalt roofs every ten to twenty years. With new metal roofing materials, they can relax because they know it will hold up for years and years to come. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry and will come out for free and give you a price you won’t be able to beat anywhere.
Now that you’ve done some updating, you need to make sure your home looks the part. You can hire a professional stager, ask your agent to help stage or stage it yourself. You will get more for your home if it is staged.
Lastly, do not select an agent based on suggested sales price. Some will overbid each other to get the listing. But do not overprice. Homes that are overpriced often sell for less than market value. Good luck!
For more information about metal roofs take a look at this article : “Why Asphalt Roofs are losing the popularity contest.”
Climbing a ladder is single-handedly one of the most dangerous things you can do. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 500,000 people are rushed to emergency rooms for ladder accidents every year.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, of these 500,000 injuries, approximately 300 people die each year. Safety experts say ladders are one of the most dangerous tools in your shed. The number of injuries may be lowered however if homeowners would follow a few safety tips. For starters, always let someone know you will be working on a ladder. Also, make sure you always come down a ladder facing it. Never with your back to it. Next, inspect the ladder before stepping on the first rung, and make sure it has been well maintained. Lastly, when planting the base of any ladder, place your feet on a firm, level surface, not on rocks or boards.
Unfortunately, even after following these ladder safety tips, doctors say, homeowners are going to get injured. In fact, the number of emergency room visits from ladder injuries totals more than those for lawn mowers and home workshop saws combined. Bottom line, ladder accidents are serious, so the best advice is is to hire a pro for any job that requires a ladder. You’ll be glad you did!
If you want your outdoor area to get your guests attention, designers say lighting is key! Forget typical ceiling fans and create different levels of lighting with gas sconces, chandeliers and table lamps. Designers say, nothing flickers like real flame in a gas lantern. If you really want to make a statement, how about a gorgeous chandelier made of iron, crystal or blown glass as a sophisticated accent piece for covered outdoor rooms?
Water features are another way to make your outdoor space feel like you‘re on vacation all year round! An artistic water feature or beautiful pottery placed carefully in the landscape can bring the surrounding plants and hardscape to life. Depending on the color scheme and style of the garden, picking up one accent color used elsewhere in the design is a great way to tie in the decorative elements with the rest of your outdoor space.
Oh and designers say if you really want a space you never want to leave, don‘t cheap out. In other words, don’t skimp on the furniture just because it’s for the outside. Never cut corners when buying what will probably end up being a focal point of your space. Designers say, cheap furniture can really destroy the look of a carefully planned outdoor retreat.
If you’re trying to spruce up your backyard but don’t know how to–we’ve got the perfect solution! Nothing does a better job of anchoring an outdoor living room than an authentic outdoor fireplace. Nowadays, more and more people are opting to go on a “staycation” you know staying at home versus shelling out big bucks on an expensive vacation. The big reason, gas prices and the down economy.
Outdoor fireplaces continue to grow in popularity with the outdoor room boom fueling the fire. Many people don’t want to spend big money on an expensive vacation, but they want their home to feel like they’re on vacation year round!
Homeowners are now demanding fire places, not just fire pits in their outdoor living rooms. There is a certain romantic ambiance that surrounds an outdoor fireplace. The glow of the flickering flame invites guests to sit down, relax and enjoy life. Properly designed fire features encourage conversation and sooth the soul. Many home improvement stores hold classes that teach homeowners how to build the outdoor fireplace of their dreams. If this intimidates you, hire a good contractor and make sure you get references, and get a written estimate up front!