Alex Mickelthwate Home Improvement

4 Common Types Of Roofing Materials

If you are considering having a new roof put on your house, fortunately, there is a wide range of different materials for you to choose from. In this article, we will be discussing the most common types of roofing materials that are found in your town and nearby communities so you can make the best choice for your house.

4 Most Common Types Of Roofing Materials

Although several different kinds of roofing materials are available – from many different manufacturers – the following are the most common types of roofs for houses:

• Wood
• Synthetic slate and slat
• Tile
• Asphalt shingles

A majority of people select roofing materials based on the architectural style of their homes. For example, typically a wood roof will not be seen on a Mediterranean-style house. Check out this website for more info about roofing practices and procedures.

Asphalt Shingles

In the United States, the common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles. Typically, they are cost-effective and with proper maintenance and care can protect your house for 20-30 years. A majority of asphalt shingles are at least somewhat wind-resistant and moderately impact-resistant as well (which can be helpful during hail season). There are also several kinds of asphalt shingles that have been designed with extra impact and wind resistance.

Tile Roofing Materials

Tile’s place in the history of roofing is long and impressive. Ancient China used the first roof tiles. They are reliable and durable but tend to be more expensive compared to other roofing materials. If you decide to go with tile, be aware that concrete is less expensive than clay. Normally tile roofs (clay or concrete) are seen on Mission-style, Italian Renaissance, Spanish Colonial, and Mediterranean-style houses.

Synthetic Slate and Slate

Slate is very attractive roofing material. However, is very heavy, and not every house can support the weight of a slate roof. It is very delicate as well when it comes to roofing materials, and is quite expensive. Synthetic slate is, fortunately, more lightweight, durable, and affordable compared to actual slate. That makes it the ideal alternative option. Synthetic slate is able to withstand heavy-hitting, high winds, and other environmental issues, and it looks exactly like real slate.

Wood Roofing Materials

Wooden material for roofs, such as cedar shingles and shakes, are not as common these days. That is because they are not fire-resistant and need a great deal of maintenance on a regular basis. However, they are very beautiful and durable and contribute to the energy efficiency of your home. Most people find that using a synthetic option is a lot better – particularly in terms of affordability and fire resistance.…

The Benefits Of Bathroom Remodeling

One of the best ways to increase your property value is through renovations. However, it is highly important to make sure you make the right kind of improvements to your property. A Bathroom is a worthy investment and comes with other benefits.

1. Improves Your Place

Bathroom remodeling is a great way to improve and upgrade a place or property. For example, you may not be able to afford to visit a spa, but through remodeling, you can make your bathroom feel like a spa. As such, you can invest in steam showers, mood lighting, and other features that will bring a spa experience to your home.

Through right and appropriates upgrades, you can make your bathroom a comfortable place that feels like an oasis. Through renovations, you do not need to visit a spa when you are overwhelmed or looking for a place to refresh.

2. Appealing

If you plan to sell your home in the future, making a few home improvements will appeal to others. Therefore, your remodeling ideas and goals should be geared towards potential buyers. In other words, you need to think about what potential buyers may be looking for. Remember, a majority of the potential buyer’s tent to priorities kitchen and bathrooms.

Therefore, if you want to get a return of investment, then bathroom renovation is the best way to go. The good news about bathroom renovations is that it does not matter the size or extend of the renovation, you will still experience a percentage of return of investment. In other words, even a minor renovation can be effective.

3. Improves Utility Bills

When making renovations, you can always focus on making things energy efficient. As such, you can invest in new and improved lighting; and water reliant fixtures. There are so many options on the market today.

These investments will reduce utility costs. Therefore, if you are paying high water and electricity bills, you should consider renovations to solve this problem. All you have to do is invest in the right utility saving fixtures and, in the long run, be able to save money.

4. Budget Improvement

Bathroom renovation is a great way to improve your property even if you do not have a huge budget for improvements. In other words, it does not matter if your budget is limited; there are few improvements a person can make. In fact, there are some that can take the DIY approach. Remember, bathroom renovations are only costly when plumbing has to be moved around. However, when it comes to minor upgrades, you can achieve the best with a tight budget. Therefore, it is important to identify the amount you can reasonably spend on bathroom remodeling and work with your budget.

There is no doubt that bathroom remodeling offers many benefits. The biggest bang for your buck would be to refinish your bathtub (i.e. bath tub refinishing) instead of replacing it. Therefore, if you are looking to make a few improvements in your home, then you should consider improving the bathroom. Doing this will help improve property value and enhance its beauty by making it an oasis in your home. Remember, bathroom remodeling does not demand a lot of costs. Minor improvements may have a huge impact on your bathroom.…

Easy Home Improvement Hacks You Can Do Without Anyone’s Help

Time over time, we all yearn for a fresh look and improvement around our home. Most of the time, we’re misguided to think that we need to get professional help to do it. Times we even believe that we have a lot of many to make a visible change. 

But, what if I told you that wasn’t entirely true. Yes, sometimes you may need help from a professional, and other times you’ll need to part ways with some bucks. But that’s not how it should be all the time. 

There are some simple things that you can do in your home and make a notable improvement. An improvement that anyone who visits again they can see and be amazed by the change. 

The following are the top things you can consider doing to improve your home on your own. 

• Swap Fixtures

Look around your house and see what things you can swap. Look for movable fixtures that have stayed in one place for a very long time. For instance, start with furniture. You can move them to a different side of the room. 

Change where the dining table is located. Move the couches to a different angle. If your TV can be mounted in a different place, do it. Give your house that new and fresh look. 

With the help of your family members, you’ll get an improvement that you might have never thought about. 

• Grow a Garden in Your Backyard

If you’re a backyard that has been left idle for a long time, it’s time to work on it. Instead of leaving the backyard growing with bushes, go ahead and grow a garden. 

Find out the best flowers and plants that thrive in your area. Then till the backyard and grow them. 

You can choose either to grow flowers or vegetables in your garden. Don’t leave any space around your home growing with bushes. It’s not safe for you and your family. 

• Have Indoor Plants

It’s time to give your house another green and fresh look. Get indoor plants and bring them into your house. You don’t need to be an expert in plants. All you need to do is consult with people selling plants. Ask them the best for your house. 

Look for the ones that would suit your house lighting. 

• Clean Your House Thoroughly

You’ll be amazed by the improvement you can bring to your home by just cleaning. Here I am not talking of the quick cleaning that you do regularly. I am talking of general cleaning that you ensure every part of your home is touched—scrub stains on walls, floors, and ceiling. 

Clean the furniture and any other fixture in your home. 

Parting Shot

With these simple hacks, your home will look and feel fresh. You’ll be amazed by the change that comes with these simple things. And once you try them, you might end up with an addiction to improve your home every day.