Considering Using Asphalt Shingles? You’re Covered

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Asphalt shingles are by far the most common material used for roofs in the United States. They protect your home and are a beautiful and affordable option for St Louis roofing and exteriors with a number of benefits.

Protection

Shingles start with a fiberglass mesh that is covered in asphalt. They’re topped with colorful granules that also serve to redirect sunlight, protecting the house from overheating during hot summer months.

Asphalt is a natural fire retardant. It isn’t flammable and doesn’t contribute to the spread of fire. These shingles also protect the roof from wind. The highest-rated asphalt shingles can stay on the roof while being blasted by 130 mph winds. If you live in heavily wooded areas or in areas susceptible to hailstorms, high-impact shingles help protect your home from falling debris.

Most people usually don’t think of shingles in regards to noise, but they also have the ability to dampen sound. If you live near a busy freeway, this quality can be a big help. Likewise, you can use a shingle roof to protect your neighbors if you enjoy playing loud music in your home.

Beauty

If you’re concerned with curb appeal and resale value, asphalt shingles have you covered. They have a neutral look that pleases most buyers. The wide selection of colors and styles allows you to complement any color and style of house. More expensive varieties of asphalt shingles mimic the handsome appearance of shakes or slate.

Affordability

Shingles are the most affordable of all roofing options. Roofers don’t need to build any additional support beyond standard roof sheathing to handle their weight. This helps keep construction costs down when it’s time to replace your roof.

In addition to being a classic and practical choice for a roof replacement before you sell your house, asphalt shingles can make your home a more comfortable place to live.…

3 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

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When you’re trying to save money, a great place to start is by looking around your home. Sometimes, you’re paying more for energy than is needed simply because your home is not very energy efficient. Fortunately, some simple fixes can help put money back in your wallet every month.

Door Seals

Door weather stripping isn’t just for looks: it helps keep outside heat or cold from seeping in. You can evaluate your weather stripping easily yourself. Take a look at the space between the door and the frame. Can you see any light coming through the gap? Can you feel any air moving through? If either of these is the case, you should upgrade the weather stripping. This is usually as easy as taking off the old stripping and popping new pieces into the frame. If not, some extra accessories such as a draft stopper may get the job done.

Light Bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs might seem cheaper, but they expend 75% more energy than LED bulbs. Energy-saving LED bulbs are a bit more of an investment up front, but they consume less than a quarter of the energy that incandescent bulbs do, and they last 25 times longer. Not only will LED lights save you money, but they’ll also take a load off of the planet as well due to the lower amount of power required to operate them.

Unused Electronics

Did you know that certain electronics still draw power, even when they’re not in use? Standby power, also know as “vampire draw” refers to the power required to keep devices in standby mode. Remote-controlled electronics such as televisions or electronics with a “sleep” mode such as computers must maintain a steady stream of power so they can turn on quickly. Save some electricity by unplugging these gadgets when not in use.

It can be easy to make your home more energy-efficient. By upgrading with simple fixes or adjusting your habits, you can save money and the earth.…

Dealing With a Burst Pipe

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Pipe

Dealing with burst water pipes is a huge pain, especially when it’s cold outside. Sometimes even the most careful planning and insulating is no match for Mother Nature. If you hear what sounds like a gurgling brook inside or outside your house once the weather is above freezing, it’s time to jump into action.

Turn Off the Water

Water expands when it freezes, but that isn’t necessarily where the pipe breaks. Just like all things under pressure, when the water warms up, it looks for a weak link in the pipe. The first thing you should do is turn off the water to the whole house until you can determine the location of the leak.

Find the Burst Pipe

Hopefully, finding the leak will be obvious. If you’re lucky, the damaged pipe will be in an accessible place outside the house, and you’ll recognize it because of the soggy ground. If you’re unlucky, it will be in a wall upstairs, and a saturated carpet may provide your biggest clue. After you locate the damaged pipe, keep looking because if you have one burst pipe, you might have several. Check the line leading to your tankless water heaters Pleasanton CA as well as your ice machine. Don’t forget pipes in the garage or basement.

Drain the Extra Water

To relieve pressure on the lines, turn on the faucets and drain the remaining water. Catch as much of it as you can since your water may be shut off for a time. It may take several days to contact a licensed plumber, especially if there was an extreme weather event that caused many pipes in the area to break. Any water you can capture can be used to flush toilets. You can also drink this water if the city isn’t under a boil water notice.

Document the Damage

Before you begin cleanup, take pictures of any damage the burst pipe caused for insurance purposes. Next, mop up excess water quickly to prevent mold or mildew from growing.

Recovering from a burst pipe is manageable if you act quickly to prevent further damage.…

Top Tips for a Smooth Relocation

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Smooth Relocation

If you’re like most people, the idea of moving to a new home brings new possibilities and excitement. However, the actual process of moving may fill you with dread. While it is a big undertaking, there’s no need to stress. Here are some top moving tips Orlando FL for a smooth relocation.

Cut the Clutter

Take the time to pare down your belongings before you move. It’ll be time well-spent since you won’t have to pack and unpack items that your family doesn’t need or use. If you have lots of household items to give away, check into charities in your area that will send a truck for donations.

Sweat the Details

Make your new home “move-in ready” by setting up utilities, internet and other services in advance. Some utilities may require you to be at home for hook-up, but many can be turned on in your name before you even get in the door. In this case, you can set up the appointments in advance to avoid delays. Be sure you close accounts at your former address to avoid additional charges.

Pack Ahead of Time

Not everyone has the luxury of time in their move. However, if you lucky enough to have several weeks or months, begin packing early. A last-minute rush to pack may result in broken or poorly packed belongings, not to mention a very stressed mover! If you are going to be in your home for a while, start your packing with items you don’t use every day. This includes belongings in storage and seasonal items. From there, you can move on to decorative and breakable items. This will also give you plenty of time to purchase any additional packing materials or boxes you may need along the way.

Relocation is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead. Here’s to new beginnings!…

3 Solutions To Keep Your Home Warm

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The winter cold can be brutal and when that cold gets into your house, it can be expensive to keep it warm. Older houses tend to have lots of air leaks and drafts that are hard to block. If your house is cold and hard to heat, there are a few things you can do to keep it warmer without driving your heating bills up.

1. Install Insulation

Insulation goes in the gap between the interior and exterior walls and keeps the outside air from affecting the inside temperature. Insulation can wear out and become less effective over time and may need to be replaced. Some older homes were built without insulation. Pittsburgh fiberglass insulation is an effective way to keep out the cold and reduce your heating bills.

2. Close Your Curtains

Curtains are often considered purely decorative, but they can play an important role in keeping your home warm. While windows can let in sunlight during the day to help warm up your home, at night they can let in cold air. Older windows are especially bad at keeping the cold out. If you are not in a position to replace your windows, simply close your curtains at night. You will be surprised how much warmer your home will be. You can even install a curtain on your front door to keep out air that comes in around the frame.

3. Lay Down Area Rugs

If your home has hardwood or tile floors, you are probably aware of how cold they can get in the winter. That cold radiates through the house, making it colder. Adding area rugs adds an insulating layer on the floor and keeps your feet warm.

Keeping your home warm doesn’t need to be prohibitively expensive. While adding insulation is an upfront cost, over time it can save you a lot of money on heating bills. Area rugs and curtains are inexpensive ways to make your home more comfortable in the winter.…

Three Tips for Winterizing Your Home

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As a responsible homeowner, it’s your charge to take care of the structure and its upkeep while you own it. This means making sure you have adequate insurance products as well as making repairs and upgrades as necessary. Another important responsibility is to make sure that your house is ready for the changing seasons, especially as the days get colder. Here are some ideas of prepping your property for the winter.

Check Your Heating Systems

The best time to check your heating system is when the weather is still warm. Some home warranty programs require homeowners to have their heating checked in advance of cooler weather. In addition  to getting a professional assessment, make sure that you replace the air filters for your furnace as dirty filters cause your system to work harder. If you have a fireplace, check for creosote buildup and animals that have decided to call your chimney home.

Protect Your Pipes

Freezing temperatures expose your home to the risk of burst pipes due to frozen water. Wrap your exterior pipes with insulation to keep water from freezing within. Keeping your faucets dripping and opening your cabinets to let warm air flow are two other ways to help avoid bursting pipes. You may have to shut off your main supply to avoid damage, so you should know where to locate the main line and how to turn it off. If you experience burst pipes, refer to a provider of water damage mitigation San Antonio TX for quick remediation.

Install Smart Thermostats

Smart, programmable thermostats make it easy to adjust your house’s temperature when it’s cold. It’s recommended that you keep your house at 68 degrees F or lower to keep from taxing your HVAC system. A smart thermostat can be controlled via your smartphone, wherever you are, to save money and conserve energy.

“Winter is coming” is more than just a popular TV show catchphrase. Make sure your house is ready for the colder weather with these simple tips. You’ll be glad you did ahead of time.…

4 Tips To Reclaim Your Security Deposit When Leaving a Rental Property

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Rental

Because many apartments and rental homes require you to pay up to a month’s rent as a security deposit, you want to make sure you receive this amount back in full when you move. This money could go a long way in paying for expenses at your new place. Consider a handful of tips that may help you avoid losing a single penny of your security deposit.

1. Take Careful Notes From the Get-Go

When you first move into a rental property, be sure to take the time to document its original condition. This may include taking notes on a form that your landlord will keep, but you can also make records of your own. Consider taking some pictures of any damage you see throughout your home so that you won’t be charged for these issues later.

2. Clean Thoroughly

Though it may not be “damage” per se, property managers can deduct money from your deposit if you don’t clean your area well before leaving. If you are in a hurry when it comes time to move or you want to be especially thorough, you may want to look into hiring professional cleaning services Fort Mill SC.

3. Make Repairs

Scratches or scuffs on walls, baseboards and countertops may result in deductions, as well. Remember to look over each room carefully and to give yourself time to purchase the necessary supplies you will need to repair any problem spots.

4. Clarify Expectations

A final tip to keep in mind is that it is important to look over your lease’s terms and even have a conversation with your property manager before you officially move out. This is a good way to discover whether you may have forgotten an important step or if the cleaning expectations are higher than you realized.

You work hard for your money; be sure you do all you can to get your full security deposit back so that you can use this cash where it’s needed most.

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