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Asphalt Shingles – How to Reuse Them?
A large number of homeowners throw away the shingles of their roof when they renew the roofing. Old School Group says that Throwing them away might solve your problems in an instant, but it creates many other substantial issues. So, you must get to know about the alternative options before you decide to get rid of them. After all, filling up the landfill of your city will not be on your top agendas at any point. Creation of waste must be avoided if you can use it in a better fashion.
Why throwing away old roofing is not prudent?
You should not forget that asphalt takes more than three centuries to decay correctly. Can you imagine the adverse impacts it may have on the environment and soil quality? Please make responsible decisions to get rid of the asphalt roofing shingles of your home. You should never forget that the well-being of the future generations depends on the choices that you take today.
Reduce, reuse and recycle
Environment preservation and pollution control will not be very tough if everyone does their share of work. It does not require huge sacrifices. Minor adjustments to the ordinary course of action can lead to substantial improvement in the overall scheme of things. You must play your part Jeff from JPV Roofing & Construction
For example, the shingles that you throw away can be mixed with cement to improve its quality. It is not only good for the environment, but it can also enhance the quality of the construction projects where the end product will be used. Several other industries require asphalt to manufacture products. You can find out about them and decide where you want to send your asphalt shingles.
Sell asphalt shingles and make money
Well, if you want to get some handy cash, then you can consider selling your shingles. These days, many cement companies require asphalt. If you make some effort and get in touch with them, you can get rid of your shingles while making some money. After all, throwing them away in a landfill will not earn you any goodies. So, it is best that you take a financially smart decision at this point.
Trade them for new products
You also have the option of buying new shingles at a discount if you provide retailers with the used products. It is true that all distributors or retailers may not agree with this methodology. But if you put some effort, you will be able to find some traders who will give you what you want. In such a case, you will decrease the overall expenditure on the renovation of your home. A high-quality roofing system at decent prices will help you improve some other parts of your house.
Donation is not a wrong choice
You must be aware of the fact that low-income houses have become a necessity in the present times. So, you can contribute your bit to the less fortunate by donating these asphalt shingles to such projects. It will not be tough to find worthy corporations who dedicate themselves to the cause of the needy.
How To Effectively Clean Vinyl Siding And Get Rid Of Mold
How To Remove the Mold Off the Vinyl Siding?
Many homeowners like to install vinyl siding due to its low-maintenance benefits. However, vinyl siding requires some serious maintenance, when the conditions are too severe. Though vinyl siding is made of artificial material, they also can get mold and mildew due to different reasons. Failing to clean the vinyl siding can be one of the main reasons for mold to survive on the vinyl siding. When the dirt and grime accumulated on the vinyl siding, they offer a perfect breeding ground for the mold. There are many cleaning methods, which will help you effectively get rid of the mold says Tim from O’Sullivan Installs
Rinsing with Water
If mold has started growing on the vinyl siding, then you can easily remove them by cleaning the surface with water. You can use a pressure washer or garden hose for this purpose. Always make sure that you start cleaning from bottom to up for better and safe results.
Cleaning Solution and Brush, Soft Cloth
Make sure that you choose a cleaning solution that does not damage the quality of the vinyl siding. It is better to insist on cleaning solution that labeled as ‘vinyl safe.’ To remove tough accumulation, you will have to use a handled brush or cloth along with the cleaning solution. It is better to choose a brush that has soft bristles, or you can choose soft cloth for safe results. Harsh chemicals and excessive pressure can damage the vinyl siding.
Windex for Small Spots
If the mold or mildew grows in small patches, then you can use the Windex cleaning solution or any other similar household cleaning solution. To be on the safer side, apply a small quantity of solution on any inconspicuous areas of the siding. This will help you know whether the cleaning solution is safe to use on the siding.
Pressure Washer
You should use the pressure washer with lots of caution. You should avoid using a pressure washer not recommended by the manufacturer. You can minimize the risk by using a lower setting. Do not apply the water on the gaps and joints in the siding.
Dishwashing Liquid
You can use your household dishwashing solution for cleaning the vinyl siding, and they can do wonders. You can make a solution by adding cups of dishwashing solution to a bucket of water. Apply the solution mixture on the siding and gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is one of the practical options for removing the mold on the vinyl siding. Avoid using chlorine bleach as they can harm the vegetation.
Above will surely help you to get rid of the mold on the vinyl siding. As said by our elders, prevention is always better than cure. So, it would be better to take all the measures to prevent the possibilities of mold growth on the vinyl surface. Regular cleaning can minimize the chances of mold growth and can help you protect your investment. You can also consider painting the vinyl siding to extend the lifetime of the vinyl siding. You can browse the Internet to find out ideas for painting the vinyl siding.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Air Conditioning System?
The benefits of having an air conditioning system are not limited to keeping you and your family cool during the summer months. An AC can safeguard your home and is also an investment. By keeping your home cool and dry, the AC unit prevents your wood furniture, flooring, structural beams and molding from swelling and other related damages. Hot weather can also make your home basement get dampened, which allows the growth of mildew or mold. Installing a new air conditioning system in your home can be a complex task for various reasons. The best air conditioning unit is the one that can efficiently deal with your home’s heat load for a lesser cost.
Poorly installed AC unit not only increase your utility and maintenance bill but also puts your lives under risk. This is the reason why you should insist on hiring a professional contractor for all your AC installation and repair. You should never hire someone who comes with gas burning or high voltage electrical equipment. Do your research and ensure that you hire someone, who is qualified, skilled and has enough experience to handle your AC installation needs.
Unique Solution
When it comes to installing an affordable air conditioning system, no single solution works perfectly for every home. Each home will have its own unique cooling needs, which is determined by various factors such as the area of exposed walls, amount of insulation, the total area of your home, and the shading from trees. The capacity of the duct and blower should be accurately matched for optimal ventilation. Most importantly, the condenser must of the right size to achieve optimal results. In this way, every part of the AC system should be in perfect condition for an outstanding result.
Finding The Right Air Conditioning System
There is nothing to feel bad if you are unable to find the right system on your own. Finding the right air conditioner is not easy for a homeowner with no technical knowledge. You will have to seek the help of an HVAC expert, who could determine the right AC system, after thoroughly inspecting your home. HVAC experts can provide you the list of cooling options for you to choose.
AC Installation Process
As said earlier, installing an AC system is not a simple task. It takes a considerable amount of time and patience to get everything done correctly without any problems. For example, holes should be drilled precisely for a perfect installation.
If you have a pet, then make sure that they stay away from the area, where the installation happens. You will be asked to turn off the entire home power supply during the installation process. So, be prepared mentally and physically to stay without electricity for some hours.
Poorly installed AC unit can cause lots of problems in the long run. Some problems include increased noise, increased power consumption, poor ventilation, and fire accidents.
Expert HVAC professionals will use sophisticated equipment for all their AC installation process. They ensure that everything is installed as per the manufacturer’s specification. Moreover, they will also clean the mess and discarded items of the installation process such as circuit board, plastic pipe, and metal ducts.
Emergency Commercial Roof Repair in Massachusetts
Life is full of unexpected events, and that includes potential disasters. And when Mother Nature does decide to throw a wrench in the gears, business facilities, as well as other commercial properties, often get the short end of the stick. And this can leave business owners scrambling to recover as well as doing their best to repair any property that ended up sustaining damage quote from Sutton roofers owner Jeff Vigeant
When catastrophe strikes your place of business and you are left needing repairs to your building, do you know where to turn?
Watch Out for “Storm Chasers”
After an emergency, business owners may feel rushed when it comes to repairing damage and getting to life as normal, especially when it comes to fixing their roof. However, being in this state of panic can leave these individuals vulnerable to roof scammers. One trend that has caused no shortage of trouble for innocent business owners is known as “storm chasing.” This involves conmen preying upon those who have suffered a natural disaster. How does storm chasing work?
When a natural disaster hits a particular area, especially when local roof repair companies have more work than they can handle, storm chasers will come to town. They will then focus on building a team, often by posting ads promising a six-figure income that naturally sounds attractive to applicants.
Next, the head storm chasers will reach out to a local and legitimate company specializing in roof repair, offering extra labor for the business to use. In exchange, they will request authorization to work under the name of the legitimate business, and warranty, and propose a profit-sharing arrangement. The storm chasers will then begin to operate under the legitimate company’s name. They will often take on hundreds of jobs, and all under the name of a business that is well known, which causes clients to be quick to hire them.
Big insurance payouts begin to be collected by the storm chaser team for repairs and replacements that are performed, causing the team to pocket a significant amount of money. But the work that they have done is often very shoddy, and while the team leaves the area with the money they have collected, the work they left behind begins to break down – especially when the storm chaser team is nowhere to be found.
Because of this, the local company often suffers. In most cases, they cannot honor warranties for the work that was completed by the storm chasers. This leads to the company either going out of business or losing a significant amount of business and their previous reputation.
If you are on the receiving end of a storm chaser crew’s work, your building as well as ability to carry on with work may suffer significantly. Therefore, you want to beware of storm chasers when you are in need of actual repairs.
Find a Reputable Roofer
For commercial building owners, there is good news, and it comes by way of the Old School Group. When your place of business has sustained damage and you are in need of emergency assistance, this elite group of professional roofer’s works together to provide you with the skilled labor that you are in need of. They also keep each other accountable.
In order to become an endorsed member of this group, a professional roofer must not only be endorsed by an existing member but meet the strict criteria that are upheld, carry proper licensing and insurance, a verified track record, and more. As a result, the customer service received by those in need of assistance is the utmost quality, with shared accountability and expertise, as well as a “Lifetime Service Guarantee” for all work performed. Always remember to have a certified home inspector in Westford MA look at the work before and after.
In the wake of a storm, those part of the Choice Roof Contractor Group will be there to provide you with all of your roofing repair needs and aid you in getting back to your business as soon as possible.
The Best Way To Replace The Old Windows In Three Steps
Aside from saving you a lot of money in energy bills, providing your home with better insulation and airflow and adding up to the overall design of your home, a new window can be installed even without a cost for hiring a professional installer. If you are insecure about your skills and knowledge, perhaps it is better to handle the task to the professionals, but if you possess the adequate equipment and some clue about housework, follow this guide and complete the task successfully.
Prepare the field of work and gather the required data
First, get highly familiar with the terrain. Do all the measurements of height, width, and squareness of the existing window and make sure the new model fits. Decide if you are going to keep the frame of the old window and replace just a glass or to conduct full-frame replacement.
Small adjustments in distances can be compensated with shims, but larger differences require full-frame replacement. For highly precise measuring, measure each dimension at three different places using a measuring tape. It is recommended to do the measuring before you go purchasing a new window model.
Extract and remove the old window
To avoid buying a new set of stop pieces for a new window, you may re-use the existing ones. Use a utility knife and various adequate tools to remove them without damaging them or apply wood filler to fix pieces if the damage occurs nevertheless. Before reattaching them to the new frame, use the paint to cover cracks.
You may repaint the frame as well, especially if you decide to keep the old frame. In the next phase, you should take out the inside sash and remove the outside sash in the same manner. If there are any additional chains or chords, use pliers to de-attach them. If you decide to keep the old frame, make sure to clean it up thoroughly before placing the new window glass. It particularly refers to removing cracked wood, fixing smaller damages and removing remained screws or nails.
Installation of the new window model
You should keep the set of outside stop pieces when removing the old window. Now you can use them to navigate the new window, just apply caulk along them before that. Center sashes in the frame and slides them slowly leaning on the bumper stops. Place the new window and use mounting screws to adjust it properly.
Once the procedure is completed, the window should function smoothly without any gaps.
Required Tools For Old Windows Replacement
Having high-quality windows properly installed at your house is essential for the cost-efficient functionality of your home. Steady quality windows directly regulate your energy needs and bills. Windows regulate the levels of insulation in all premises, provide an adequate airflow. Protect your property and finally add up to the overall design of your home.
When replacing the old windows, damaged, worn out or malfunctioning and planning to install the brand-new ones. The best is always to hire professional installer and window replacement experts. In the case you decide to replace windows on your own, using personal skills and some available equipment. Here’s a list of the best tools to use.
Measuring tools for job precision
Before replacing the existing windows with new models, make sure you know the numbers precisely. You’ll have to be sure about height, width and squareness of each surface to avoid loose glass and air leaking at the edges. Use the most precise measuring tools you have and avoid approximation of the numbers.
Hammer, knife and flat bar
These tool pieces kind of go without saying. The delicate procedure it is, you won’t be able to replace the old windows without a phase of rough action. The inside and outside sash and all the stop pieces have to be removed. So prepare a steady hammer, sharp utility knife, screwdriver and a flat bar for balance.
Safety equipment
There are phases during this procedure that can be slightly risky. Removing of the glass surface, cleaning of the old frame or removing the whole frame and some other aspect might require mask, gloves. And glasses to prevent you from harming yourself. Don’t rush and overestimate your skills.
Tools for installing a new window
Assuming that you have chosen the adequate new window model and that you have removed the previous one completely and properly, you will need a powerful drill, silicone gun, screws, and screwdriver to place the new window in its place. If required, you should have to expand foam somewhere near, wooden shims and possibly a helping hand next to you.
How To Choose The Best Windows For Your Home
Whether you simply want to refresh your property by investing in new windows or to replacing the old ones or you have an emergency problem caused by sudden window damage, choosing the new ones should be done carefully. The worst thing you can do is just walk down the store and pick the model you like. Matching window’s design with the overall home’s design is important. However, considering technical aspects and features of the window are more important.
Here are some aspects you should analyze carefully before making a decision, to invest your money into window models that will surely pay off in the long run.
The price is not a guarantee
Homeowners are often ready to invest huge money into expensive window models believing that better thermoregulation will result in decreased energy bills and pay off eventually. It is probably true, but sometimes the high cost of some window models exceeds by far these bill savings. Thus, try to balance your current energy loses window features and the actual needs of your house and match it with some economical solution.
Type of window that fits your needs
There are many aspects of your house, as well as your everyday lifestyle; you should consider when choosing the optimal window model. The market offers a wide range of different types and styles. If you live in the area with extreme weather conditions, triple-pane windows are probably the best option for your home. Single and double-hung windows are a great choice for spacious family homes. Sliding panels provide great airflow and protection mechanisms if children are around. Casement windows fit into the classic home design but require enough space for swinging out. If you are short with the room, choose slider windows.
Match the function and the form of the window
There are some features each window provides depending on the material it’s made of that you should consider before purchasing. Pay attention to U-values (window’s capacity for heat control), the numbers indicating insulation provided by a given window model and some similar parameters.
Once you have chosen the right window model for your home, make sure to hire professional installer providing high-quality service. High-quality window model won’t worth if it’s improperly installed.
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