Tag: house

by Incredible Planet Staff

Make your Green Home Dream come true


Homes

Big Ways To Go Green At Home And Live A More Sustainable Life

As we face a growing concern over global warming and the need to limit our energy usage, many families are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. From the obvious to the innovative, there are literally hundreds of ways to go green and make your home more sustainable over the long term. If you’re having trouble knowing where to start, here are a few recommendations that you might not have considered.

Ditch the Post Office

Let’s face it. The holidays are the only times we really need to depend on old snail mail. In today’s digital age, nearly all of your bills can be received paperless. While most utility and financial organizations will let you know of the option, ask the billing department in cases where you’re unsure. Some businesses will even offer you a discount for switching to paper-free billing.

Additionally, get your name taken off as many mailing lists as possible. First, the junk mail is just a waste of paper and, if you’re honest, you don’t even look through most of it. Secondly, there’s probably not anything you receive that you can’t find online. Look at the most recent shopping flyer you received. It probably has the company’s website listed someplace. Just save the site address in your bookmarks and put an end to the waste of paper.

Watch Out for VOC in Your Purchases

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds and these are the substances that give off that chemical odor from new carpets, furniture, paint, and building materials. The odor is caused by the evaporation of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. While some people like the smell and refer to it as a “new” smell, it can actually be damaging to the eyes, respiratory system, and central nervous system. VOC products contribute to indoor air pollution, making it 5-10% higher than outdoor air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency has tested products containing VOC chemicals and found that they can make air pollution content as much as 100 times greater than outdoor air pollution. When shopping for these types of products, watch for labels that guarantee the product is VOC free. They may be a little more expensive, but they won’t put your health at risk.

It’s Time to Replace Your Incandescent Light Bulbs

In most households, lighting comprises 12% of the home’s energy consumption, so looking for ways to reduce this expense is an important factor in going green. Incandescent light bulbs should be replaced with LED and CFL bulbs, which can save as much as 75% on your energy usage. In addition to using less energy, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs last longer. They will typically outlast incandescent bulbs by 10 to 25 years.

Use Organic Cotton Bedding and Linen

Therapists often speak about quality sleep which is essential for healthy living. Standard linen used in your bedding hampers this by triggering allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, headaches and fatigue. Swapping your conventional sheets for organic linen is one of the quickest ways to reduce your exposure to toxins. Choosing organic bedding is a right way to incorporate a greater environmental awareness into your everyday life.

Invest in a Composting Bin

A large portion of the trash produced in homes comes from food scraps and leftovers. The simplest way to get rid of these unwanted scraps is to throw them in the trash. However, that means they’ll take up valuable landfill space, where they will serve no purpose. Instead, invest in a composting bin, so you can turn those food scraps into fertilizer. A typical composting bin runs between $100 and $600. It may be worthwhile to invest in a higher end model with a removable bottom hatch for removing the fertilizer and a secure top lid to prevent pests from creating a problem.

Collect Rainwater

Water is our most valuable resource and we’re only now beginning to realize that our supply of freshwater is limited and diminishing. To save on water consumption, collect the rainwater that falls on your roof and in your yard. Otherwise, much of that water will end up flowing into the street, collect contaminants, travel through the sewer system and end up released into the area’s natural bodies of water. Set up barrels to collect the rainwater that falls on your roof. This may involve hiring someone to clip and alter your gutters, so they can be redirected to the barrels. The savings on water will pay for that expense. Rainwater can be used for gardening and watering houseplants.

Reuse Containers and Supplies

The internet is filled with nifty ideas for reusing everything from old containers to unused crafting scraps. In addition to reducing waste, this can help you explore your creativity, make better use of what you have, and create some truly unique homemade gifts for your loved ones. How challenging you get us up to you, but many projects don’t require more than some glue, thread, and basic tools. The best way to be sustainable is to reduce your waste as much as possible and crafting is a great way to do that.

Upgrade Your Appliances

This includes everything from your refrigerator to your air conditioning system. As for household appliances, look for the Energy Star rating and compare energy usage for different brands of the same items. Additionally, have a professional evaluate your heating and air conditioning units to make sure they’re as efficient as possible. If it’s an older home, updating the system may provide significant savings on your monthly energy usage.

Smart Home Tech is an Invaluable Resource

Smart home technology is helping people reduce their energy usage in big ways. Many systems allow homeowners to control door locks, heating and A/C, and lights remotely from their mobile devices. This means costly energy usage can be eliminated, when no one is at home. Similarly, the devices can be programmed to turn back home, just before the first occupant is expected to return. By getting a better control on your utilities, you can manage your energy usage more efficiently, which also helps to reduce spending on your monthly budget.

These are but a few ways that you can live greener at home. While reducing energy consumption plays a big part in being more sustainable, it’s not the only way to do your part to protect the environment. If you’re looking for more things you can do, search the internet or consult your local utility companies. There are options for financing your home improvement where you can take help. They may have inexpensive changes you can make to reduce your household’s carbon footprint.


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by Ajay Awtaney

Light Up Your Home With These 5 Indoor Lighting Tips


Homes

Your home is your sanctuary.

After a long day’s work, you just want to put your feet up and spend time alone or with family. Your home is a place that should renew your spirits and rejuvenate you when your energy has been zapped from doing things outside.

The setting in your abode must then be perfect. It should give you a sense of calm, security and joy. There are many factors that contribute to this ideal environment, and one of these is proper home lighting.

See the light

Light, whether natural or artificial, has many benefits. Sunshine has restorative powers for the mind and body, over and beyond giving people a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Lighting fixtures beautify and add radiance to a home. It can also be a helping hand in providing security to your property.

It is only natural that you would want to maximize these advantages. Here are some tips to shed more light on how you can do so:

1. A sunny disposition

Architects and designers will most likely recommend that you incorporate lots of natural light in through windows, glass doors, skylights, or even sunrooms. This is because aside from aesthetics, it also has several other advantages.

Letting the sunshine in creates the illusion of space by making it appear larger. It also keeps mold and mildew growth at bay, keeping you and your family healthy.

When speaking of health benefits, regulated sunshine exposure has been found to lower the risk of depression among adults and children alike. Since it has also been found to help people become healthier, happier, calmer and more productive, sunshine has been used to regulate some conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

2. Mirror, mirror

You might not use it to look into the future, but mirrors play a good role in enhancing your home’s interior lighting. Aside from checking if you still look good, mirrors also have functional and decorative purposes.

Hanging a mirror to reflect natural light in the sunroom, for instance, can make the room look brighter. You can also place a huge mirror at the end of a hallway, thereby creating an illusion of a wider, more spacious area.

Strategic placements of mirrors in the house can also be used to view another room. This is just like how they did it in the past, when smartly placed mirrors are used as a spyglass of sorts to check who’s at the front door.

3. Kaleidoscope

It is a common misconception to bathe your rooms in bright lights all throughout. Expert light consultants suggest utilizing multiple sources of lights in a room. You need to consider the various uses of an area so you can decide what types of lighting fixtures to fit.

Proper selection of light sources and knowing how to diffuse them can contribute to a well-lit room. Opt to layer and blend your light to improve the look and functionality of a home space.

As a basic guide, you can follow these recommendations:

  • Ambient lighting:  For general illumination (e.g. chandeliers or recessed canister lights)
  • Task lighting: Designed for specific task at hand (e.g. LED strips for kitchen under-cabinets for easier food preparation or a lighted makeup mirror)
  • Accent lighting: Focuses light on a specific area in a room to create drama or attract attention (e.g. sconces, track lights, flood lights, or LED downlights that may be used to highlight art and other artifacts or light a stairwell or hallway)

Fifty shades

Dimmers are a non-negotiable option, according to home lighting experts. Aside from helping with energy consumption, they are necessary to adjust the brightness of the light fixtures in a room.

Multi-purpose rooms benefit greatly with the use of lighting dimmers as it allows you to set the mood for a specific activity. You can turn it up when you’re sewing, for example. Then you can turn it down for a more subdued feel when you’re entertaining guests for dinner.

A light bulb moment

Not all bulbs are created equal. Understanding the different types of bulbs and their wattage will considerably help you decide where to use them.

Consider the function of the room and choose the corresponding lighting fixture. Is it your home office? A bathroom? Designers nowadays shun fluorescent lights, saying that they can lead to off colors and can cause fatigued eyes. Instead, they suggest using dimmable LED light bulbs or the like.

You can take note of the following color temperatures and lumens:

  • 2700K and 3000K are warm white (yellow); 2700K is warmer (more yellow)
  • 4000K – Tinge of yellow
  • 5000K – Pure white
  • 6000K – Tinge of blue

Note that:

  • For general use at home, 3000K (warm white) is recommended while 4000K or 5000K are recommended for bathrooms and laundry rooms.
  • If you’re looking for brightness, bulbs with around 600 lumens can give off light comparable to that of a 60-watt incandescent lamp.

Out of the dark

With a plethora of options in the market, choosing the appropriate light for your home is not a problem. Proper consultation with your interior designer or a home lighting advisor can do wonders for home illumination.

Impeccable lighting choices can literally light up your life, making your home the ultimate dwelling for rest and relaxation. It is time to step out of the shadows and embrace the positive vibes that good interior lighting can bring.

by Rod Diamond

5 Tips for Inspecting a House Before Buying


Homes

Is purchasing a house something you envision for your future? Then get ready — this is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, so it’s a must to go about the property-shopping process meticulously and make sure that you get a great deal.

Having a house inspection done is one reliable way to determine whether a house’s value is consistent with the asking price or not. This is not just a smart strategy that buyers like you should adopt — it’s also required by Australian law.

Early observations

To ensure the thorough inspection of a house you are seriously considering buying, hiring the services of professional home inspectors is the recommended action.

But while you are still in the early stages of checking out properties that could potentially be included in your shortlist, you could practice doing some basic inspecting yourself. This is especially true if you are still only casually looking through properties through an open house.

So, if you are visiting different properties with your realtor soon and you want to get a solid idea of ways to check the structural and functional integrity of the property, here are five tips to help you out.

1.     Inspect certain rooms more thoroughly than others.

The attic, bathrooms, kitchen and garage require more of your attention when you come by to see a house.

Why?

The attic and garage are the areas where indoor heat is typically lost. They are also prone to pest infestations. Meanwhile, the kitchen and bathroom both have plumbing provisions installed. You will want to make sure that there are no leaking pipes, blocked drains and other plumbing issues.

If there are such issues in a house that you happen to be seriously interested in buying, the seller should be informed about them so they can have those fixed by a professional plumbing service. Alternatively, you might want to negotiate a new deal for the property if the seller fails or refuses to take care of repairs.

And speaking of negotiating a better deal for the house, an outdated kitchen entails lengthier discussions. If you will be needing a full kitchen renovation for the improved overall function of the space, this presents an opportunity to work out a more reasonable price.

Seasoned property buyers generally avoid paying top-of-the-market rates for an outdated property; you should be aware of this fact and take heed, too.

2.     Include the ceilings, walls, floors, doors and windows as well.

The condition of all these house features will have a reasonable impact on the quality of life you will experience if you were to move in.

For instance, check if doors and windows are broken or loose. If they are, that means the house’s HVAC system could be working extra hard (and failing) to regulate the indoor temperature, and consequently using more electricity than necessary. You will not like the monthly energy bill you will receive while living in a house in this condition.

Ceilings, walls and floors, on the other hand, shouldn’t have stains. Keep an eye out for wallpaper with bubbling or loosened areas. These signs indicate moisture issues in the house which may be caused by damaged plumbing. Pinpointing the exact source of the damage can be tricky, so you will need an experienced roof plumber for the job.

What’s more, if there is excessive moisture in the house, there could be a mold problem hiding somewhere as well. Certified building inspectors will tell you that molds are a serious problem that require professional removal. Plus, where there are molds, there are usually pests as well.

3.     Look over the exterior structures as well.

Step outside the house and have a look at the drainage systems, including the gutters. Also, check out the foundation and landscaping to make sure that everything is leveled and there is no growing vegetation that could affect the stability of the structure.

4.     Get an overall first-hand feel of the house.

A house should feel comfortably dry in its key areas. It should have a properly functioning HVAC system that maintains the ideal interior climate. Humidity should be low because a “moist” house, as previously mentioned, presents a lot of problems not only regarding the structural integrity of the house, but for the well-being of the residents as well.

5.     Ask about the year the house was built.

Many homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos. In such houses, asbestos would be present in old floor and ceiling tiles, shingles and flashing, insulation and other home components. Unfortunately, the presence of this naturally occurring fibrous mineral can lead to serious health risks for anyone exposed to it.

If an old house retains several “vintage” elements, there is a high likelihood that asbestos is present. If you are interested in the house, you could talk to builders or other professionals who are trained to handle asbestos during home repairs or renovations to gain more insight into its potential impact on your purchase. Otherwise, you could consider passing up that particular house and look for a newer and safer one.

You need to be dedicated and discriminating when looking for a home to buy because the purchase will provide you a truly valuable asset. As such, aim to actively learn what to keep an eye out for, and invest in hiring building and plumbing professionals to help you inspect the property you like the most. This way, you can be more confident that you’ll be making a truly informed buying decision.

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by Incredible Planet Staff

Housing Market Takeover: Why Millennials Should Buy a House in 2018


Homes

Millennials have notoriously been lagging behind previous generations when it comes to homeownership. However, things are changing. Millennials are now driving the home market. For several years in a row, Millennials have made up the largest group of homebuyers, at 34%. If you are a Millennial looking to buy a house in 2018, you should make the following points your top considerations.

Consider Financing

The main reason Millennials have put off buying homes is because of their financial situation. Millennials are notoriously not as financially well-off as their parents and it has impeded their ability to buy a house. Millennials looking to buy a home in 2018 need to make sure they are ready for such an important financial step.

There are numerous financing options that can make buying a home easier for Millennials.

FHA loans in particular, with down payments as low as 3.5%, are good deals. When considering how much money you’ll need for the particular house that you’re interested in, remember that you don’t have to be living at the same standard of your parents who are most likely years ahead of you financially.

Don’t feel the pressure to have the best house out there. Narrow down your options to your needs and basic wants, and then seek the financing options that match that.

Consider a Real Estate Agent

Millennials looking to buy a home need to decide whether or not they want to use a real estate agent. There are numerous advantages to using a real estate agent as a buyer. Unlike when you are selling, buyers won’t owe the agent a commission from the sale price of the home.

Real estate agents can take your wants and needs into account to find a selection of homes you may be interested in. Real estate agents also have advance knowledge of homes that will be coming on the market. This means you will be able to get your offer in faster and be more likely to get the contract.

Consider the Legal Aspects of Closing

Many Millennials rent, meaning they are passingly familiar with tenant law. However, the laws of property transference might be new ground. It is pertinent for first-time Millennial homebuyers to work with a professional real estate attorney, like those from Stoddard Law Firm, to ensure their closing goes off without a hitch.

In many cases, your real estate agent will handle this. However, if you’ve chosen to buy without an agent, you will want an attorney on your side to ensure there are no problems with the transfer of property.

Consider the Future

Because Millennials have waited so long to start buying homes, they may be in the market for a bigger house. The traditional starter home might be skipped over in favor of a forever home. Always consider the future when buying a home.

If you plan to have kids, ensure the home will be big enough for them, or plan to move when that time comes. If you want pets, like many Millennials do, consider a fenced-in yard.

It is time for Millennials to start buying homes. With a solid housing market, 2018 will be a great year to take the plunge. Plan accordingly and start shopping so you can finally have the home you’ve wanted.

Life in the Country 4 Tips for First Time Homesteaders
by Incredible Planet Staff

Life in the Country: 4 Tips for First-Time Homesteaders


Homes

When you are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life a laid-back life in the country seems like paradise! The nature, the open spaces, the clean air, it sounds like a dream come true. And then there is the temptation to go a little off the grid to live a more sustainable lifestyle. If these sound like you then homesteading may be the life for you! Here are four tips to help you make the change to the life a homesteader and leave the city behind.

Pay Attention to the Weather

When living as a homesteader checking the weather will become an important part of your life. Weather is critically important for farmers because you will rely on it to make your living. As you adapt to life as a homesteader, and start to plant and run your homestead, checking the weather will become a habit in your new way of life.

Go Off the Grid

There are a number of reasons for trying to make your new homestead as self-sustaining and green as possible. Out in the country, you will likely not be on any city utilities, so it will be advantageous to create a self-sustaining homestead.

Dig a well for water, get a propane tank for energy, a septic system installed to handle waste, and even a generator to run your electricity. Consider other sources of energy, such as geothermal and solar, so you can be as energy independent as possible. Being a homesteader is a great way to get off the grid and to create your own way of life. Creating a self-sustaining homestead is just another perk of homestead life.

Pay Attention to Markets

While your main goal may be to rely on subsistence living, you also may want or need to sell some of what your farm produces. This is most likely to be true in the beginning. Whether you are planning to grow grains, like those offered by Grainpro Australia Pty Ltd, or raise livestock, it is important to know what prices your products will fetch so you can produce what is in demand and properly plan ahead.

Consider Pets

Pets can be invaluable to a homesteader. They make great companions and are very helpful as working animals on a farm. They can guard your property and livestock as well as rid the farm of pests. If you do choose to get a large breed of dog for the purposes of being a guard dog, it is imperative that the animal is trained properly. If it is not, it may be wantonly aggressive and injure friends, children or passerby. A number of outdoor cats will help keep the local population of mice, rats and other pests under control so they won’t destroy your crops or garden.

Homesteading can be the perfect life for some people, especially if you want to live a more sustainable, off the grid lifestyle. However, it’s important to know what you are getting yourself into before you make the jump. Follow these tips and have a plan, and soon you will be living the rural homestead life.

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by Incredible Planet Staff

How To Be Your Own Realtor For Selling Your House


Homes

Selling a house, if you are not a real-estate agent, can be as intimidating as buying a house for the first time. This is the reason the most conventional way to sell a house is hiring a realtor or the real-estate agent. There’s no harm in hiring an agent except for the fact that you’ll lose a hefty portion of your equity in the form of commission to the agent. I’m sure you’ll like to save that portion of your money if you can. And, yes you can save the agent’s commission with a little technical know-how.

So, let us take you to the procedure of selling a house on your own.

Decide the asking price for your property – Before you start advertising or list your home for sale you need to decide an asking price. Rate your house rationally rather than emotionally. Wear your buyer’s hat and look for the cost of similar properties in your area and rate your house accordingly. The price you decide from a buyer’s perspective will surely attract other buyers.

Know the selling points of your house – Again look from the buyer’s angle and search for the best features of your house. Do you have extra large windows? Is your home airy and lighted? Whatever feature you think can attract buyers highlight them while advertising or clicking photos of the property. Check other advertisements to figure out what features do realtors highlight about their client’s property.

Market your property – Once you have decided your asking price and know the best features of your house you can start marketing it. The most traditional way is to list your house on multiple listing services. But, if you don’t want to waste more time in juggling multiple buyers and negotiations you can directly contact a local agency that buys old houses in your area. These guys buy homes in the Dallas area for example. You can sell them your house fast for cash.

Prepare your house for luring prospective buyers – You need to deep-clean your house before showcasing it to anyone or you might lose in negotiation. You’ll need to vacuum-clean every corner of the house, scrub the tiles and counter-top and get done some pest and rodent control. And, yes don’t forget to remove the personal belongings that mess with the beauty of the house. If the wallpapers are sticking out or the paint is very old get them done on time.

Do the negotiation like a pro – Whoever you are selling your house don’t make yourself a weak negotiator. Even if you are under a gun to sell your house don’t let the buyer know this. Negotiate enthusiastically as if selling homes is your business. The last thing you’ll want your buyer to know about your financial strength and weaknesses.

While going through the above-mentioned stages don’t forget to keep yourself educated about the laws related to property dealings. Some laws are universal while there are some that vary from area to area. Google can be very helpful for this.

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by Daniel Clark

Facts You Need To Know About Different Roof Types


Homes

Residential roofing of the house can be styled with, a number of varieties. These days, we have wider choices than just two natural materials, wood and slate. Variants like Asphalt, plastic polymer, metal, rubber, help us in keeping our houses shielded and appear appealing. Before you choose any of the residential roofing services, it is important to know the advantages and losses of using different materials.

What Should You Notice in a Roof Material?

  • Durability of the shield
  • Will it be strong enough during calamities like a hurricane, forest fire etc?
  • How much heavier it is as compared to existing framing?
  • If the materials can be recycled.
  • Do local area codes allow these roofings?
  • Will it blend with the style and architecture of the house?
  • The cost of the material along with the installation.

What can be the upsides and downsides of these roofing materials?

Roofing of the house cannot be copied. If your neighbor has got a metal roof installed, maybe that suits the house type. There are various factors including roof slope and strength which can give you a firm perspective. More information will narrow down your choices; so that you can choose the best roof style for your house.

Below is a rundown on types of roofing, so that you can call the residential roofing company with some real facts in hand:

  1. Metal

Available Materials: It comes in a range of varieties such as copper, steel, aluminum and zinc. Often steel roofs come coated with zinc. However, copper material roofs are installed raw then can be made more solid with a coating of green patina.

Appealing Impression: The metal sheets can be fixed with hidden fasteners. This will make them appear flawless and firm.

Life of the Material: This lasts for a fairly long time. Also, if you coat it with a protective layer, then it can provide an even enlarged durability.

Recyclable: These can be easily recycled when you replace with a newer look.

Cost: The cost will never harm your pocket. They come from moderately priced to high prices.

  1. Clay Tile Roofing

Clay tiles can be your longtime companion as they are fairly fire resistant. Also, the heaviness will not perish with the time.

Natural Material: It is a product of smoldering natural clay which is fired deeply in a kiln.

Traditional Spanish Impression: With a conventional look, it appears more like slate and gives a finished look.

Life of the Material: A very rare maintenance is required. However, it can break under extreme weather.

Cost: Appears subtle but may come at a higher cost.

  1. Plastic Polymer

They appear very similar to wood shakes. This is formed composing the plastic and enlarged materials called polymers.

Natural Material: Crafted from a high-quality plastic polymer material which is made with the high-tech method.

Impression: Appears similar to wood shakes or slates.

Life of the Material: Requires minimal maintenance and is long lasting.

Cost: Comes at moderate cost. You can choose this for appealing looks.

  1. Concrete Tiles

They come with a lower cost as compared to clay material tiles. However, they are heavier than clay.

Natural Material: A blend of sand and Portland cement type.

Impression: It can be adorned with applied color shade on the surface. Also, they resemble the traditional roasted clay material but are more heat and fire resistant.

Life of the Material: Just like clay, they can endure a long lasting life, but can also experience breakage.

Cost: Comes at moderate cost.

  1. Wood Shingle

These are specially made from wood which can restrain any decomposition.

Natural Material: They are usually made from decay-resistant wood but can also be composed of cedar.

Impression: Looks really natural. Comes in a variety of partitions.

Life of the Material: May need a higher amount of maintenance. Also, the lifespan is not very durable. However, they stand intact in windy weathers.

Cost: Comes at moderate cost.

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by Incredible Planet Staff

Home Owner’s 101: Foundation Repairs and Damages


Homes

The foundation of a house is one of the most exposed areas on a home, since it is in contact day and night with the damp and cold ground surrounding it. Therefore, noticing cracks and other abnormalities in your foundation is not uncommon, but almost always a critical issue that needs to be looked at by professionals.

Not all damages to the supporting foundation will need repairs, but some types require urgent attention due to the ease of which the cracks can spread and cause even more damage, ultimately affecting the entire home in terms of stability. Because of this potential danger, it is often recommended that home owners regularly spend a few minutes checking up on whether or not the foundation is in need of repairs or a maintenance check.

Damages caused by creaks and cracks can cause water to enter in behind the outer layer of the foundation itself, and build up enough moisture to in turn freeze over during cold nights, further expanding and damaging the infrastructure along the way. At this point it is almost always necessary to consult professionals about the potential for foundation repair, since this outer layer is the first layer of protection. If this layer has been damaged, then the inner layers will be more vulnerable and thus enter a state of disrepair much faster than otherwise.

There’s a few different major types of cracks, that through their symptoms tell professionals something about the type of damage that is occurring. In broad terms there are two types of cracks, those that affect the internal structure of the foundation, and those that are merely superficial and cosmetic of nature.

It is the first type of cracks that are dangerous, and a rule of thumb says that if there’s a stepping to the cracks, or other form of pattern that more often than not means a major risk to the integral structure, whereas hairline cracks only affect the external and protective layer of plaster. It is important not to run your own diagnosis based on this article alone, and it is always recommended to get expert opinions before deciding whether or not your foundation is safe for yourself and your family.

Another major point of concern is when the cracks are growing, this is almost always a serious issue, especailly when not only superficial in the cracks, and can require a large intervention to save the foundation and home that it supports. If the cracks have not changed for months or years, there’s a good chance the cracking has settled down and it is not as critical to get fixed.

In order to repair these types of foundation issues, a number of methods and technologies exist to help homeowners manage the situation in a cost-effective and orderly manner.

  • Steel Piers
  • Helical Piers
  • Concrete Piers
  • Segmented piers
  • Spot Piers
  • Polyurethane foam

Which technique and material is correct for your home is dependent on a number of aspects, all of which a professional should be able to answer much better than any online article. The common denominator for all of the above options is that more often than not the problems can be eliminated completely, and the house and it’s supporting foundation often ends up being stronger and more robust than when new.

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by Incredible Planet Staff

3 Things to Remember Before You Give Your House a New Roof


Homes

 Ha! The Roof! Can you imagine a house without a roof? That’s more like trying to imagine a person in coma. You know it’s functional but barely. It goes without saying that roofs are by far the most important component of your house. Especially on those days, when a monsoon storm is lurking nearby. So how do you go about doing your house roof?

You can of course attempt to do it yourself but may be some things are better left to the experts. Now, you will have to look for a company that specialises in Phoenix roofing services and has a good rating. While you can scan the internet inch by inch for that, there are still a couple of things that you have to bear in mind before you can hand it over to the contractors.

Let’s take a quick look at 3 of the most important factors that you should consider before giving your house a new roof.

Choose the best materials– So you don’t have to worry about your house roof again. Go top shelf and choose 50-year shingles (shingles that come with the longest available warranty) even if it means adding to your budget. This kind of a practical, calculated expenditures are bound to save you a lot of hassle in the future and are totally worth it. Also, you should opt for copper flashings for sealing joints, you know, where a roof meets another roof or the wall, as copper is a more durable metal when compared to aluminium.

Hire a roofing contractor after much consideration– Here’s a truth about roofing contracts that you must understand. Fixing a roof is a once-in-10-years’ kind of a job, so your contractor isn’t counting much on repeat business. Hence, their motivation for customer satisfaction is not always too high, well unless they are really, really genuine. To ensure that they are, you have to do your fair bit of research. So, go and shop around. Ask your friends and neighbours for references and read up all you can about your roofing contractor before you bring them in.

Hold payment till you see the magnet– Let’s say you got the best roofers in Phoenix to do the best roof job for you but if your old roof has come off, it only means that it has littered about like what only 10,000 screws around your house? Your roofers should have the appropriate tools (mostly a giant magnet on wheels) to do away with all the screws in your garden, garage and backyard before they cause any serious injuries or punctures. It is a part of the roofing service that you should expect.

Last but hardly the least before you sign a contract with any of the roofing contractors make sure you see the paperwork through with due diligence. And, well now that you have found out all that you need to, get going and get that roof done already before it is too late.