Category Archives: Construction

Vinyl siding offers homeowners a complete package of the most desirable aspects; they include affordability, ease of installation, very low maintenance costs, durability, and lastly aesthetics. They increase the attractiveness of a home regardless of its physical location. We spoke to several experts in the area to get more information on this.

Modern vinyl siding has been crafted to beat old vinyl siding, this is because they come in different colors, texture and many other details we shall discuss below.

1. Color Explosion

Vinyl siding is now available in different attractive colors to choose from unlike in the past where just a few colors were available. Some of the most interesting colors include warm orange, purple, red, yellow, teal, and green. The availability of color has seen most neighborhoods like Harford Furnace, Creswell and Fountain Green, explode with different colors. These color variants are available at very affordable costs.

2. High-End Options

Homeowners have now shifted to the option of using high-end vinyl sidings which come with a great range of finishes, widths, trim styles and seamless styles that perfectly interlock panels with colors. They also offer amazing features like temperature control in terms of insulation and cooling and protection from ultraviolet rays.

They come with warranties, minimal maintenance requirements and durability. They are very affordable despite the much they have to offer.

3. Paneling Styles

Panel siding is now available in different styles and sizes unlike in the past when they were available strictly in only one size. The availability of different sizes allows owners to mix, trim and match the different panel styles to come up with their unique look.

Homeowners can drive through their neighborhoods to check out the different styles available before they can make up their minds on what they would prefer for their homes.

4. Mixing of Materials

The mixing of materials is one very exciting trend. It is openly visible in the Watervale, Emmorton, Glenwood, Wakefield Meadows and other high-end home neighborhoods. The other materials with which sidings can be mixed with include fiber-cement, stone, brick, wood and stucco. These trends give homes a personalized look as well as a unique and individualized curb appeal.

A careful selection of materials will also save individuals from maintenance like purchasing protective materials. Some of the protective materials include water-resistant membranes, sealing agents and paint.

Comparison between Traditional and Modern Vinyl Siding

The two have a very wide rift between them because manufacturers have improved on the traditional vinyl to meet the requirements of homeowners and environmental concerns as well.

Environment Friendly

Most materials used currently are environmentally friendly and can be recycled compared to the past where materials like aluminum and asbestos could generally not be recycled

The Insulation Aspect

Higher end modern siding panels comes with an integral insulation feature that helps lower utility bills for heating and cooling. This however, was not the case in the past.

Their Design Process

Traditional vinyl panels used to be of one standard size and style this however, has changed and homeowners can now dictate what their exact needs are which directly affects the design process.

The roof forms a major and very important part of your house and can enhance the look of your house. Therefore, it is important to select roofing material with care. But this is not an easy task, given the various types and styles that are available today. The following article is a comprehensive review of the best roofing materials that are available today. Use this information to discuss options with your roofing company.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

This is the most popular type of roofing material as asphalt shingles are highly affordable. They come in two categories, namely, fiberglass shingles and organic asphalt shingles. While the first type of shingles is light in weight, organic asphalt shingles are heavier.

Pros

• An excellent option for fire protection
• Affordable

Cons

• Less life-span
• Cumbersome to replace

Wood Shingles

Wood, most certainly, adds the element of classic beauty to your façade and roof. Unlike wood shakes, wood shingles are machine cut and therefore, they have a smoother look and a uniform finish.

Pros

• Better insulation in comparison to asphalt.
• Environment-friendly as wood can be recycled.

Cons

• Are more prone to fire than asphalt.
• It can be expensive to repair or replace.

Metal Roofing

While metal roofing has always been around due to its durability, it is now seen as a roofing metal that is eco-friendly as well. It can come in a variety of looks and colors. Most common metal roofing sheets are manufactured using aluminum, steel, and zinc.

Pros

• Stylish, elegant, and long-lasting.
• Light in weight and durable.

Cons

• Metal roofing is one of the most expensive roofing categories.
• It can be noisier during heavy rains.

Roof Tiles

The age-old tradition of building houses with clay tiles is preferred even today. However, today these clay tiles come in concrete and fiber cement versions making them stronger and more durable.

Pros

• These tiles are fire-resistant
• Look graceful and enhance the aesthetics of your home if you have the right style home.

Cons

• Even the newer versions are heavier than most other types of roofing options
• These can be costlier than metal or wood tiles.

Natural and Vinyl Slate Tiles

Natural slate tiles are very durable, but they are heavy and will require additional structural support. They do come in a synthetic vinyl version that is lighter as well as more affordable.

Pros

• Easier to maintain.
• Eco-friendly as it can be recycled.

Cons

• Extremely heavy on the building.
• Needs proper installation else moisture can seep in.

As you can see from the list above, there is no shortage of options. So, before selecting a roofing material, be clear on what you require from it. It is good to be aware of the life-span that you are looking for and whether the material will be suitable for the climate or not. Also, depending upon your budget and specific requirements, you can find a roofing material that is the best match for your building needs. Remember that your roof is exposed to all elements directly, so choose wisely.

We hope you enjoy our insights into the world of construction. It might give you ideas on projects for your home or give you some tips on how to do some small projects yourself. For roofing and siding we might suggest you leave that to professionals. For painting and some other projects, you might be able to do those yourself. Some people love to tinker and do projects and are quite talented and others have no interest and want nothing to do with it. That is what is great. Everyone is different.