Metal roofs used to only be seen on commercial buildings, but now it seems that they are gaining in popularity among homeowners. One reason why is that they are extremely strong and durable. Their toughness meets the strictest codes for wind, fire, and impact. Another big reason to consider this type of roof is energy savings. It is one of the most energy efficient roofing systems available. They are durable and weather resistant, having the highest UL ratings for fire, wind, and impact resistance. Another benefit is that it will last three or more times longer than traditional asphalt shingle roofing.

No matter where you live, summer temps are climbing higher and higher. Another reason, why this type of roof makes sense. Energy Star certified metal roofing materials reflect a high percentage of the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere. What this means is that your attic temperatures will be lower. Traditional, dark asphalt shingle roofs absorb solar radiation, making your attic a very hot place during the summer months. The higher the Energy Star reflectance rating your metal roofs have, the more money you save.

Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry because of the quality product we offer and our low prices. Give us a call so we can meet with you and give you a free estimate. Many of our homeowners say they’re biggest regret, is waiting as long as they did to go metal.

No matter where you look, metal roofs are gaining in popularity, and are everywhere! Experts say, metal roofs are growing in popularity for a couple of reasons. Besides the fact that they’re now made in a great many colors and styles, metal roofs are also much more reliable than they used to be years ago. They make a lot of sense for many reasons including the fact that they have a neoprene washer under the head which lasts much longer than the lead-headed nails that were used years ago.

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing segments of home improvement more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by today’s metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value. While other roofs quickly diminish in value as they age, metal roofs provide the following lasting benefits:

• Proven performance expectation of 50+ years
• Beautiful styles to match any home or neighborhood
• Interlocking panels for maximum wind resistance
• Fire resistance
• Energy efficiency by keeping homes cooler
• Low weight to help preserve structural integrity and life

Local realtors say, potential home buyers get excited when they see a metal roof because they know it will last a long time and requires little to no maintenance. In many instances it can be the deciding factor when it comes to making an offer.

We all know we need to do more to lessen our carbon footprint. But are there ways to do this without going to the extreme of selling your home and moving the family into a tent? Actually, you will be relieved to know that there are easy ways you can go green at home!

Here are a few tips.

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Save water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

Does your old, out of date bathroom need a makeover? If your ready to give your bathroom a makeover but don’t want to shell out a bunch of money, we’ve got some great ideas! If your budget is about $150, you can do a lot! Go out and buy paint, vanity hardware, towel and toilet paper storage, and accessories.

First take a look at the bones of your space. Molding, flooring and plumbing tend to be quite expensive to replace, so try to live with them. A bath with innate personality (yes your funky tile) will be showcased best by the addition of subtle accessories. A basic bath, with lets say, a black and white pattern or a simple limestone, requires more eye-popping accessories such as apple green or red walls.

Your sink faucet is another area you can easily update without breaking the bank. For a more consistent look, choose a faucet ($120 to $500) in the same metal that was used for the cabinet hardware It’s easy to overspend on sinks and toilets, so try and spend modestly on the toilet ($190 to $400) and splurge on your sink area.

Wallpaper is making a comeback in a big way. Bold prints, ethnically inspired designs and an array of grass cloths make wallpaper a bathroom luxury that far surpasses even the best paint job. However, the labor can get costly, so try to hang it yourself (if you are handy) or find a friend in the business who is willing to install it for $15 to $20 a roll. Good luck and remember, a beautiful bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

The bathroom is the new den, man cave, or mom cave! More and more, people are going to the bathroom to relax and even luxuriate after a day in the rush-rush world. Homeowners are upgrading the rooms, outfitting them with everything from soaking tubs to heated floors. But peace and quiet aren’t the only motivating factors. An upgraded bathroom helps sell a home and is a great investment.

One trend that is becoming big when remodeling a bathroom, is the shower. In small bathrooms, homeowners are tearing out the tub to expand the shower. Not only is the stall getting larger, it’s getting more airy, with much more glass. They want to feel like they’re going into a spa. Homeowners want to feel like they are on vacation all year round.

Noisy jacuzzi’s are also being replaced by soaking tubs. These jet-less tubs are often deep, insulated tubs. Notably missing: the huge amount of decking that typically surrounded many tubs installed in nicer homes in the ’80s and ’90s. Top designers say the master bathrooms are more than just bathrooms, they’re becoming sanctuaries. People want master bathrooms to be brighter and more sun-filled than before.

That means adding windows and even skylights to a bathroom. Another big trend in the bathroom scene is steam. People are discovering how wonderful it is to come home at the end of the day and de-stress.