The rising price of gas and electricity is leading many people to sacrifice heating because they simply cannot afford it. However, as the months get colder there are two easy and efficient home insulation options that can help reduce your heating bills. Cavity wall and loft insulation are excellent for containing warmth, but keep in mind they tend to settle over time, so if you are viewing older houses with estate agents in Paddington or elsewhere, ask whether these have been topped up recently.

More than half of the internal heat in your home escapes through the ceiling and the walls. Draughts coming in through the floors, doors and windows account for an additional 30% of lost heat, which is why it’s essential that your home insulations are all in top condition. Insulation products for the home are generally inexpensive and in some instances they are even free.

Since 2009 more than 1.3 million British homes have had their cavity walls filled as part of the government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and fuel wastage. While many people remain sceptical, others ask why the British Government would spend so much money on a programme that could lead to them being sued for rising damp problems. While there are certain houses and walls that are simply unsuitable for cavity filling, this is not the case for most houses.

People are often wary when they hear about different types of home insulation, especially having cavity walls filled as they hear stories about how this can lead to rising damp. However, a study of 20 000 homes in the UK showed that while 3.5% of home with filled cavities suffered from damp, 8% of homes that did not have filled cavities suffered from the same problem.

Cavity filling can save you hundreds of pounds on your heating bills. When viewing homes for sale or rent ask your central London estate agents if the houses you are looking at have suitable home insulation so that you can save on your heating bills.

Sally Roberts is a keen writer of property related issues as well as business and investment opportunities.

Get Your Materials Together

First, make a list of all the things you will need:

• A ladder that reaches above the gutter.
• A bucket to deposit the debris.
• Gloves, to avoid contact with the debris and protect your hands from blisters.
• A trowel to remove the gunk.
• A leaf blower to get rid of any dry leaves on top.
• Safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• A garden hose to wash everything out when you’re finished.

Never Do Second Story Work Alone

Any time you are up on a ladder it is important to have a spotter with you.  Many accidents that occur during a home improvement project such as this are due to improper ladder safety.  Most do-it-yourselfers are not construction certified and falls from a second story can result in serious injuries.  It may be better to call a professional if you are not used to working at heights greater than eight feet.  There are many professionals who will be more than happy to help you with your gutter maintenance needs.

How to do Gutter Maintenance

Once you and your spotter are in position, cleaning is actually quite simple.  After using the leaf blower to remove any loose and dry debris, use the trowel to scoop up anything left over and put it in the bucket.  Be careful not to scrape the gutters since that can lead to weak spots and induce corrosion.  Once all the debris is gone, wash out the system and keep an eye out for blockages and leaks.  Gutter maintenance should be done twice a year to prevent corrosion and blockage.

Fixing Leaks

If you notice any leaks while you are washing the gutters, locate and mark the spots.  Once you are finished cleaning out them out, take a look at each leak and assess them for either spot repair or patching.  Very small leaks or leaks at joints can be caulked quickly and easily.  Larger holes will need to be patched.  Make sure to do any patch work when the weather is expected to be clear for a couple of days.  The epoxy and roofing cement will need a bit of time to dry.

Shore Up Sagging Gutters

Gutter maintenance doesn’t begin and end with clean and patching.  Gutters can also start to sag as the nails used to install them work their way out.  Sometimes all that is needed is a tap with a hammer to reseat the nails.  When that doesn’t work it may be better to install longer-lasting screws.  Screws don’t come out as easily as nails and will secure your gutters for a longer period of time.

Call a Professional

As you can see, the mechanics of gutter maintenance are simple, but working that high off the ground can be dangerous.  Those that have poor balance or are not accustomed to working on ladders just shouldn’t attempt it. They should call a professional instead.  Professionals will be able to provide all the service you need and in most cases, the cost is very reasonable.

Guest writer Olger Fallas is an experienced house painter in Maplewood New Jersey. He has over 10 years of experience in interior and exterior residential painting as well as commercial industrial painting. His company is committed to providing the highest quality service at the most affordable price. Their motto is: “We don’t cut corners, we paint them!”

One of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance is the roof and the maintenance that should be routinely done on it. The average asphalt shingle roof lasts about 15-20 years but that’s only if it’s properly maintained and if leaks are kept to a minimum and repaired in a timely manner. Inspecting and maintaining your roof is simple enough but you first want to make sure that you’re in good enough physical condition to do so and that your roof isn’t dangerous to walk on. Every year the roofing industry is in the top ten for work place injuries and accidents so please don’t take working on your roof lightly.

One of the best things you can do for your roof is climb on top it every few months and basically give it a good cleaning. Leaves from trees and other debris can collect in certain areas of your roof like valleys and around flashing and create an environment where it’s easy for water to collect and pool and that can begin to deteriorate your roof. Debris collecting in valleys can also prevent the proper flow of water away from your roof and into your gutters which can also cause problems. The bottom line is every few months you want to get on your roof and remove any debris you find. The debris can lead to moisture and moisture can break down the asphalt in your roof shingles which will lead to leaks.

While on your roof you’ll also to clean and clear out your gutters. While cleaning out your gutters you’ll want to take a close look at what you find in your gutters. When the asphalt shingles on a roof begin to deteriorate, the tiny, rock-like granules on top of the shingles begin to fall off and one of the first places you’ll be able to notice this is your gutters. If you see a lot of granules in your gutters it may be a sign that your roof shingles are beginning to wear. It’s more important than ever that you keep your roof maintained to keep water from penetrating your home.

The last thing you’ll want to do on your roof is take a look at the condition of your roof shingles. The next time you’re at a home improvement store make sure to take a look at the brand new roof shingles and make note of what they look like. When the granules begin to fall off of your shingles, it’s a sign they they’re getting old. If you’re at all concerned that you may need to replace them you should call in a professional roofer.

If your roof shingles look like they’re in good condition, you’ll want to continue to look for loose or missing shingles. Missing shingles are a problem because they leave only a thin layer of tar paper between rain and your wood roof (sheathing) which will begin to rot if water is allowed to penetrate it. Replacing roof shingles isn’t rocket science but it’s also not the easiest thing in the world. If you don’t know what you’re doing it’s probably best to hire a roofer to replace the shingles for you. It may cost a bit but properly repairing your roof is a big part of getting it to last longer.

Fixing loose shingles is a lot easier and well within the realm of the average home owner. To fasten loose shingles you’ll just need some roofing cement which you can pick up at most home improvement stores. Simply apply some roofing cement to the underside of the loose shingles and hold them down until they are firmly fastened to the tar paper underneath.

The last thing you want to check out on your roof is the flashing. Flashing is made of sheet metal or thick plastic and is used to protect your roof where there are openings (chimneys and vents) and joints between two pieces of plywood. Bad flashing is one of the most common culprits of a leaking roof so make sure you inspect the flashing on your roof and ensure there are no cracks and that roofing cement has been properly applied.

To finish the inspection of your roof you’ll want to check for any existing leaks and you can do that by crawling into your attic. In your attic you’ll want to inspect the ceiling with a flashlight. You’re looking for dark water stains which are an indication of a leak. You can also ask someone to pour water on your roof with a hose while you sit in your attic and look for a leak.

Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof is a key component to getting the most out of your roof. As you can see most of the inspecting and maintenance is doable by the average homeowner and it goes a long way in extending the life of a roof.

For more roofing repair tips and to find a good roofer in your area, please visit: Handy American Roofing Contractors

Many believe that harnessing the sun’s power is the future of sustainable energy production. Although the initial costs can be quite high, photovoltaic technology is starting to become more affordable and increasingly commonplace in new building developments. Businesses, companies and individuals are becoming more aware of their carbon footprints, and are willing to invest in a cleaner future by installing solar panels on their properties.

There are currently more incentives than ever to install solar panels; with the UK governments feed-in tariff schemes, people are getting cash back incentives for installing photovoltaic panels, as well as the opportunity to sell energy back to the national grid!

How do Solar Panels work?

Sunlight is made of energy called photons. Each photon contains energy which is relative to its wavelength. When this photon hits a solar cell in your photovoltaic panel, it is either reflected, passed through, or absorbed. When it is absorbed, the energy from the photon is absorbed by an electron, which in turn provides useable electricity.

What are the Benefits of Using Solar Panels?

As previously mentioned, there are financial incentives which make installing solar panels an extremely attractive prospect. Cash back schemes and the selling of unused energy aside, energy bills can be dramatically lowered by creating your own energy, instead of total reliance on the national grid. For these reasons, the initial costs of installing solar panels can often be made back, whilst improving your carbon footprint and the environment.

As increasing numbers of home owners and business owners fit solar panels to their properties, the solar industry continues to expand at an exponential rate. This has been further fuelled by the Government incentives which make solar energy and even more attractive prospect. With increased business in the solar industry, comes increased competition. With increased competition, comes a reduced price for the consumer! As a consumer, now is a great time to invest in solar energy.

Solar Energy Facts:

• Solar Energy is often used to hear properties. About 30% of our total energy consumption is used to heat water.

•  Usually around 40 solar cells are contained within a solar panel, and 10 to 12 solar panels are contained within an array. The array is then faced north to maximise the amount of sunlight it sees.

•  When combined with a battery backup system, solar panels can supply household energy for 24 hours a day, even when its cloudy.

Evergreen PV specialise in supplying Feed-in-Tariff eligible MCS approved solar panels.

When spending thousands on a solar panel system, it is important to be genuinely happy with it. Though for some the prospect of free, green electricity will be enough, for others aesthetics play a larger role.

Traditionally solar panels have been blue, getting their distinctive appearance from the silicon which converts solar energy to electricity for use in the home. However as the solar panel market is progressing, more and more ‘attractive’ panel types are being introduced. Homeowners now have more options to incorporate a solar panel array into their home in a more visually pleasing way.

Black Solar Panels

For many homes, particularly those with slate roofs, choosing a black on-roof panel array can be an attractive option. Black panels are attached to the roof with an all-black mounting system and can ‘blend’ much more effectively into the roof with much less of a visual impact. They are attached to the roof using the traditional on-roof techniques but with a more seamless appearance due to their colour. Companies such as Sharp, Sanyo, Solar Century and Suntech all offer black coloured solar panels, some with black frames. These reduce the effect that the panels ‘stand out’ from your existing roof.

In-Roof Mounted Systems

As an option for installing a more visually pleasing solar photovoltaic (PV) array, this is more invasive but can produce attractive results. For those who object to the look of a panel array on a roof, the in-roof system can be more aesthetically pleasing. Though easier to install in a new-build or re-roof situation, in-roof mounted systems can also be retro-fitted. Where traditional on-roof panel systems are attached using mounting brackets, in-roof systems are mounted directly onto the rafters. In a retro-fit installation therefore, this involves removing roof tiles and replacing them with panels. An in-roof type of installation results in the panels lying flush with the roof. Once again, choosing black panels and a black mounting system will result in a more seamless appearance on a black or slate roof.

Solar Panel Roof Tiles

This form of building integrated photovoltaics is generally considered to be the most attractive and aesthetically pleasing form of solar panel installation. Quite literally these solar panels are roof tiles, and can be installed into a roof in the same way, replacing regular tiles. Many people would consider these for a new-build solar installation or during a re-roof, but they can also be installed retroactively, although this will involve re-tiling a certain area of your roof. They blend into the roof structure which results in significantly less visual impact than traditional panel arrays, usually with the added benefit of providing additional roof insulation. Solar panel roof tiles are available from companies such as System Photonics and Solar Century and are usually black in colour, making them the perfect choice for a black or slate roof.

Though these alternative solar panel options provide homeowners with the benefits of aesthetically pleasing solar panels, they can be more costly than traditional solar PV arrays. The installation costs are likely to be higher as the work in re-tiling a roof will be more complex than attaching a solar panel array with brackets onto an existing roof. The costs of materials are also likely to be higher. For many, however, the costs of an aesthetically pleasing solar panel roof array are priceless.

Vinyl roofing can be a great choice if you have a flat or low-sloped roof. This is because it comes prefabricated in a single sheet, and it is designed to perfectly fit to your flat roof. This kind of PVC roofing helps to eliminate seams during installation and makes for a custom leak-proof fit.

2) You want something energy efficient.

Vinyl roofing material is among the most energy efficient choices that you can select for your building. Many PVC roofing membranes come with great reflective surfaces, dirt repelling capabilities and insulation benefits. This is why some of them are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star products program. Energy Star products help you conserve energy, thus helping the environment and your wallet. With vinyl roofing, it’s easy to keep the hot sun from bearing down on your roof (and thus heating up the top floor of your home). It also is well insulated at the same time, which keeps any wanted heat within your home rather than releasing it through your roof.

3) You have a low to no traffic roof.

A vinyl roof is best for those who have little to no foot traffic up top. This is because walking on your roof, especially in temperatures below 50 degrees, can cause damage through cracking, punctures and related wear. Businesses may be a good candidate for PVC roofing, because they often have less roof traffic than some residential homes.

4) You want something quickly and easily installed.

One big benefit of vinyl roofing is that commercial roofing professionals can install it quickly and easily. This is due to the fact that the roofing is prefabricated and can be designed to specifications in the factory. You can have your roof designed without lots of hammering and noise, because it only needs to adhere to the surface. It also doesn’t require any hazardous materials or nasty fumes to install. You can even get vinyl installed over another roofing surface without any demolition required. Due to the fact that there is no tear-off, hammering, cutting or messing with the roof materials, it takes far less time to install a PVC roof than conventional sorts made from shingles.

5) You crave durability and great warranties.

PVC roofs often carry very good warranties, and they can last for decades. Many of the best companies offer 15- to 20-year warranties (although you should research this ahead of time). You can often transfer these warranties to new owners if you sell your dwelling. In addition, PVC is resistant to many weather conditions and foreign substances, such as fire, chemicals, high winds, grease and even a range of extremes in temperature.

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about construction. You can learn more about vinyl roofing at duro-last.com

Um-hm—they top the house, the way a hat tops a head and:

• come in a variety of styles
• endless shapes
• use a variety of materials
• adorn, or merely cover
• have crowns
• have brims
• float or embrace
• angle or curve
• have decorative features

The list is longer, but you get the idea, and with room enough to discuss a few of these characteristics.

 Shapes and Fit

A cloche is a hat that fits way down on the head. Two types of roofs fit this description.

Photo by aptmetaphor

• The Gambrel roof has the typical sloped peak, but a vertical extension on each side hugs the wall. Think barn.
• The Mansard roof customarily covering a rectangular house, is relatively flat on top (some have slight slopes that meet in a low peak), and extends down to hug the walls on all four sides—the style originated in France, as did the cloche. The Mansard actually covers a second floor.

When you see a flat roof, flat like a pancake, think of a tam o’shanter that more or less sits on top of the head.

Roofs with wide, sweeping eaves and angle out, to cover porches all the way around the house, are reminiscent of big hats with wide brims. Roofs with smaller eaves resemble short brimmed straw sailors, so popular in the mid 40′s, and still around on runways. The house with one porch—a baseball cap.

Hats with very flat crowns, and short brims, tilted up at the back and down over the forehead, and put a finishing touch on upswept hairdos:  shed roof.

Roof styles, like hats, reflect the outfit below

You’ll notice that the Victorians have roofs that pop up and down, in very interesting ways, and complete the style of the house nicely. There’s a vertical balance between decorative features. Some like to emphasize a spiral staircase or bay windows expressed as a turret on the house exterior. Works well with dated and very modern styles. Doesn’t work well with other styles. If you’re a Victorian sort of person, fond of long swirling skirts, wearing scarves or big belt buckles, the more elegant the hat, the better. Cowboy hats can be very elegant…

The Italianate style house very often has a raised “look-out” on its roof, resembling a tiara. Looks perfect on this style—the final gesture—as a nod, to a style that deserves it. With all the arches, porticos and balustrades, the roofline responds with decorative cornices or entablatures, definitely in keeping with a fedora, sporting a sterling brooch, over a silver-studded leather outfit.

Photo by frerieke

The arched roof on a church has been used on secular architecture, but mainly in Europe—where they have beau coup churches. Some churches have been converted into residences, in America, with the roof style being a main attraction. The old-time bonnets framed many a pretty face, the same way the gable ends of an arched roof frame the beautiful stained glass windowed walls.

Photo by Reinout van Rees

Materials characterize roofs and hat materials

Well, you might put sequins on a baseball cap if you’re adventurous, but you’d want to think a while longer before putting a copper or slate roof on a bungalow, because an inappropriate roof material detracts from the house.

If the house is a Plain Jane, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little pizazz, but doing a bit of architectural detailing below or on the roof—such as a little porch addition, or perhaps some dormers—is way better than going over the top with a roofing material that dominates the house. In the same way a straw hat compliments (but doesn’t overpower) a seersucker suit, simple shingles are the best material for a simple house.

The way a baseball cap and jeans go together, a clapboard house, and a tin roof are just about a matched pair. Think about a stucco house with a tile roof—perfect—the same way a sombrero complements a striped poncho. Old brick, period-style, two-story house, and slate roof: a felt snap-brim with an Armani worsted suit.

Carrying out these hat themes is an unusual way to think about roofs, but it works, doesn’t it.

What’s all this about hats?

Mom was a milliner.

Author Bio

Doug Richard is a lifelong entrepreneur in several industries involving architecture and construction.  He currently owns and operates a Tampa roofing contractor, Tampa tree service company, and Ft Pierce, Florida roofing contractor offices.

1) These eco-conscious roofs conserve energy.

One of the big draws of cool roofing is that they contain a bright white roofing membrane. The color white is reflective, and as such, this membrane is able to reflect approximately 87.5% of the heat and light that beats down on your roof from the sun. Due to the fact that so much light is radiated and reflected, your home is able to stay cool in the hot months without absorbing heat. This can cut down substantially on electric bills for things like air conditioning. Conserving energy is a huge plus in terms of the environment!
The same goes for businesses. Since we often spend more time at work than at home, it makes sense to conserve energy in that realm, as well. The more businesses that invest in cool roofing, the bigger the positive environmental impact.

2) Cool roofs are responsibly manufactured/recyclable.

Photo by clarkmaxwell

Although some other roofing systems also help you conserve energy and cut costs, not all of them are manufactured in an environmentally ethical way. Certain cool roofing companies make sure that their components are built to last in closed-loop manufacturing facilities. If you have a sturdy roof that doesn’t need to be replaced as often as conventional roofing, it’s environmentally beneficial. However, if your roof does need to be replaced/repaired eventually, it’s good to go with a company that manufactures recyclable roof membranes.

3) They’re ideal for rooftop gardening systems.

If you are thinking about installing a rooftop garden on your business or property, cool roofing is ideal. Because these

Photo by meanest indian

membranes are waterproof, they are well suited to support vegetation growth. You won’t have to worry about leaks or roof damage with cool roofing membranes under your garden, and you can enjoy the insulating benefits (keeping warmth in/out, depending on the season).

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about construction. You can learn more about Commercial Roofing at duro-last.com

Photo by CSLP

Facts about Metal Retrofit Roofs

If your roof deck is rusted, or worse, starting to leak, you might be compromising the watertight integrity of your residential or commercial building. Metal retrofit roofing protects buildings from changes in temperature, corrosion, ice build-up, interior drips, rain, rust and more. This is why many people turn to metal retrofit roofs, particularly for their places of business. A metal retrofit roof can offer many benefits, including:

• Visual appeal
• Cost-effectiveness
• They’re leak-proof
• They’re maintenance-free
• They’re a single-ply roofing solution
• They can be installed directly over existing metal roof

Photo by Scottbb

How to Find the Right Metal Retrofit Roof for Your Building

• Check the Roofing Products MSDS: If you want to make sure the flat metal roofing system you’re thinking of installing is safe, you’ll want to check the Roofing Products MSDS. This is the Material Safety Data Sheet that is published by the manufacturer with all the pertinent information you need.
• Consider the Costs: When you think about the cost of a new roofing system, don’t just factor in the cost to install it. Also think about whether this roof will save you money with energy efficiency, whether it will require a lot of maintenance and when you will likely need to replace it. A more durable roof always costs less in the end.
• Remember the Environment: Always make sure to consider the environmental impact of a new roof as well. If it isn’t recyclable or reusable and the materials are harmful to the environment, it’s bad for all of us.

Photo by pabear26

After evaluating the cost, durability and environmental impact, you can make a more informed decision about your new roofing system. If you are considering a flat metal roof, you will need to evaluate all the leading products on the market before making your final decision. Then you can begin looking for a certified roofing contractor to make your sustainable roofing goals a reality.

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about home improvement. You can learn more about Flat Roofs at http://www.duro-last.com/

Here is a list of common myths that surround roofing repair, ask your Houston roofing contractor for more.

1. I can do it myself. It is not unusual that the do it yourselfer will make up their mind to do roofing repair for themselves. This is especially true for the person that has a lot of carpentry background, but not enough to understand the complexities of what is entailed with repairing the roof.
2. Metal roofs are ugly. Ask any roofing contractor what kind of roof they would prefer if they did not have to deal with their own housing covenant, and they are likely to tell you that they prefer the durability of metal roofs. With that said, one must realize that not all metal roofs come in 4 by 8 foot sheets. That is true, metal roofing now comes in a variety of styles and colors and looks very much like any other type of shingle. That makes them even more desirable as a material of choice when it comes to roofing repair or replacement.
3. No need to keep the roof in good repair. It is hard to believe that anyone would think that they should not have to keep the roof of the home they are living in in disrepair, but that is the way some people feel. The roof does more than just keep the weather at bay; it is pretty much what holds the rest of the home together. It gives stability when it is connected to the walls of any structure. Ask any roofing contractor and they will tell you that letting this important member of a house go unattended to is akin to letting an ailing child remain ill.
4. Must stay within the rules of housing covenants. It is true that many housing developments and communities have covenants in place that restrict the types of roofing repair work that can be done on a home. In fact, some covenants maintain that only shake roofing material can be used on the houses within the areas they have determined to be part of their communities. However, some communities are protesting this type of covenant and insurance companies are entering into the debate. Roofing contractors will have advice on these issues.
5. Roofing repair costs too much. While it is true that the costs of repairing roof may be steep for some, the cost increases if nothing is done to protect the number one greatest investment that an individual or family can make. The cost of neglect goes up exponentially if roofing repair is left undone. Ask any roofing contractor and they will tell you why.

MIke Rogers is president of MW Rogers Construction which is a Houston roofing and residential construction contractor.

Whether it is because buyers and contractors prefer to use materials they know and understand or because of concerns over looks and durability, newer roofing materials are seeing only limited acceptance.

Slate and Ceramic Roof Tiles

For sloped roofs on homes and businesses, modern slate and ceramic roof tiles are more durable than ever and

Photo by rucativava

Wood Shingles … Nearly a Thing of the Past

Wood shingles are becoming less popular with each passing year because of local ordinances and the danger of fire from contact with burning embers. While these shingles are still the norm in some communities and even required by some homeowner’s associations because of their look, an increasing number of cities are banning them. Communities where wood shingles were once featured on nearly every home are having to get used to the look of other materials.

Composite Materials … Affordable and Effective

Standard composite or asphalt shingles still cover more homes than any other material. This is due in part to the relatively low cost of the materials and its resistance to embers and even small hailstones. While modern shingles go up quickly, a multi-person crew is still required to install them, and installation can take several days or even weeks on complicated roofs.

In areas subject to high winds, an increasing number of homeowners and businesses are turning to sheet metal for their roofs. While metal roofs were once considered eyesores or too industrial in look for residential neighbors or upscale shopping areas, new metal choices and changing tastes are opening more eyes to the value of sheet metal roof coverings. Modern metal materials have more appealing corrugation patterns, baked-on finishes in a variety of colors and even stamped-in patterning to make them resemble other materials, like ceramic tiles.

In many cases, metal installers can measure a home days or weeks before installation and provide the measurements to the maker who will then precut pieces to the building’s exact dimensions. On the day of installation, the crew simply fits the precut pieces in place, adds trim and caulks around vent pipes and other openings.

Ceramic Roof Materials

In recent years, ceramic materials and modern choices made from recycled materials have remained relatively high in price when compared with traditional composite materials. Metal has actually decreased in cost recently, making it now comparable in cost to composite.

Homeowners and businesspeople may be slow to adopt newer materials, but one thing is certain: As construction heats up again, demand for all materials will improve, and material makers will see a spike in sales. That’s good for the industry and the economy as a whole.

One other thing is certain too: No matter what the material used, every structure requires a high-quality, well-installed roof.

—-
J. Steeple is writer, blogger, handyman, and homeowner. She wishes her roofing was orange. Maybe someday.

Roof trusses are pre-fabricated, triangulated wood structures which are built in a factory and carefully designed to carry the load of a home’s roof to the outside walls. They are then shipped to the construction site and installed using a crane after the home’s walls have been framed.

Ask most builders today and they will tell you that engineered roof trusses are the only way to go and are far better than the old roof frames. The primary benefits of using pre-fabricated roof trusses are cost savings and construction speed.

The flexibility in the roof design and complexity that roof trusses enable have also made them increasingly popular. With today’s home styles, more complex roof designs, angles, cross gables and other features have added cost, which can be at least partially offset by using pre-manufactured roof trusses rather than building a roof frame on site.

The Advantages of Pre-manufactured Roof Trusses

While the basic advantages have been mentioned above, a more detailed list of the advantages of roof trusses in building a home include:

• Professional design and fabrication techniques; in conventional roof building, the carpenters build a roof frame, leaving much to chance and the builder’s opinion in terms of the roof’s strength. By comparison, a trussed roof system is designed by engineers to accommodate the specific roof design and meet building codes and enabling a more uniform size and roof pitch.
• Higher quality materials and strength; roof trusses are fabricated inside a shop, where the materials are not exposed to inclement weather or moisture conditions.
• Trusses can typically be installed in a single day, speeding the home construction process and getting the structure closed up sooner, which helps prevent moisture and other weather elements from getting inside.
• Trusses are cheaper than conventional roof framing due to labor savings and since they are built from shorter lengths of 2×4 lumber rather than the large size lumber required in building rafters and ceiling joists.
• Roof truss systems allow for almost any custom roof design and shape imaginable, allowing features such as cross gables and cathedral ceilings without being prohibitively expensive.
• Roof trusses can span much longer distances without the need for load bearing interior walls

The only real disadvantage of roof trusses is that the homeowner ends up with less usable space in the attic area; a very small price to pay!

Types of Roof Trusses Used in Building Homes

Two basic types of roof truss designs are used in home building; the pitched or common truss and the parallel chord or flat truss.

A common truss is recognizable by its triangular shape and is most often used in roof construction. Most often, variations of the common truss are named for their web configuration, such as the King Post, Fan, Fink and Howe trusses, with the chord size and web configuration typically being determined by the load, span and spacing.

A parallel chord or flat truss is so named for its parallel top and bottom chords and is often used to construct floors.

There are many roof truss types and variations including Arch Frame, Belgian, Bowstring, Dropped Chord, Gambrel, Hip Step-down, Howe, Parallel Chord, Pratt Bottom Chord, Pratt Top Chord, Raised Heel, Scissor, Semi Howe, Slope Frame and Warren.

Each type of roof truss offers pros and cons and is designed to suit specific structural and aesthetic purposes. It is important to understand the different types of roof trusses when designing a new home, doing major remodeling or a room addition. This will help match the look and function of your home’s roof to the correct roof truss type and design.

Both aesthetic and functional considerations are required in choosing the best type of truss to use for a given roof shape, size and design complexity. You will want to discuss all of these factors with your architect and roof truss engineer before ordering roof trusses for any new home or major remodeling project.

Climate is another consideration, since each type of roof truss has different characteristics that make it more or less desirable in terms of the insulation and air-vapor barrier.

We have expanded on the advantages and disadvantages of several of the major types of roof trusses:

A Raised Heel Truss is designed to span an area and provide adequate space for full depth attic insulation. While enabling greater energy efficiency, Raised Heel Trusses also enable an air tight vapor barrier to reduce problems arising due to condensation, dry rot and mold. It is also more expensive than other types of roof trusses due to the need for soffit siding, higher manufacturing cost and the additional insulation required.

A Dropped Chord Truss has two segments; a convention truss, with a secondary chord truss suspended below to help reduce truss uplift, which is when an interior ceiling may “lift upward” and result in ceiling and wall damage. A Dropped Chord truss design enables a vapor barrier and full depth attic insulation, as with a Raised Heel design. Taller studs and additional blocking and siding are required where walls and ceilings intersect in order to accommodate the air-vapor barrier, which adds to the construction cost.

A Scissor Truss also uses lower chords, but instead of being horizontal, the lower chords are sloped inward to form a shape that looks somewhat like a hang glider. Cathedral ceilings many times require Scissor Trusses and eliminate the need to use a bearing beam and wall. Insulating the attic area is more difficult with this type of truss and manufacturing costs are typically higher than other roof truss types.

A Parallel Chord Truss may also be used with cathedral ceilings, but allows for fuller and easier installation of insulation of the attic area. Because it requires steel braces and several wood products to manufacture, the cost is higher and thermal bridging caused by the steel braces can decrease energy efficiency.

Ordering Roof Trusses For Home Construction

It is very important that you specify the correct type, measurements and other factors when ordering roof trusses. Common mistakes include inaccurate specifications and failing to inspect the roof trusses when they are delivered to the construction site.

A list of the basic specification required when ordering roof trusses includes:

• Truss Span – specifies how long the bottom chord needs to be.
• Overhang Length – specifies the horizontal distance between the end of the bottom chord and the bottom edge of the top chord.
• Number of Trusses – specifies how many trusses are required. The uniform spacing of roof trusses (usually either 24 inches or 48 inches on center) makes this relatively easy to calculate.
• Design Load – specifies both the live and dead loads of the top and bottom chords, as well as wind and any other loads to which the trusses will be subjected.
• End Cut – specifies the plumb or square cut and any custom specifications
• Heel Height – specifies the vertical distance between the bottom of the bottom chord and the top of the top chord.
• Roof Slope – specifies the vertical rise in inches per each 12 inch horizontal run.
• Bearing Width – specifies the requirements for the truss bearing.
• Type of Truss – specifies the type of truss required.
• Overall Height – specifies the total vertical distance from highest point of top chord or peak to the bottom edge of the lowest bottom chord, not including the overhang.

These facilities prevent debris materials from entering gutters. You achieve the same objective, that your gutters do not get clogged and wreak havoc outdoors when rain comes. But you may be asking if investing in gutter guards and covers will give you your money’s worth.

What we must then all know is how effective gutter guards and covers are. Well, you can be assured that they do prevent relatively big debris from entering gutters. However, smaller debris may still find their way inside gutters.If this happens, clogging is only delayed but not prevented. Over time small debris materials when they accumulate inside gutters could still block water flow.

There are gutter guards and covers, however, which can really protect gutters from being clogged even by small debris. The design and workmanship of these types of gutter guards and covers are better. They however command higher prices.

When gutter guards and covers are more expensive, chances are they are more effective.  If this is the case, they can really substitute for gutter cleaning.  That frees you from the hassles of gutter cleaning.

You can devote to other household chores the time you save from gutter cleaning. More importantly, you need not climb your rooftop thus avoid possible accidents. If you have the fear of heights, you are most vulnerable to accidents when you clean gutters. Investing a little more for the more expensive ones is worth the additional cost that you may incur.

But you may also want to know if the long-term benefits can outweigh the initial cost of installing them. Again, chances are the more expensive ones are more durable. This makes them cost-effective.

But whether you install gutter guards and covers or just clean your gutters requires your careful thought. Factors you must consider include time, safety aspects and costs.

As far as time factor is concerned, you must consider if you have the time to clean gutters once or twice each year. You may be so busy that you just can’t devote time for this chore. As a regular activity, you must follow a cleaning schedule based on consistent time intervals. Otherwise, you just resort to gutter guards and covers. This is a one-time installation activity, hence, requires lesser time.

When it comes to the safety aspects of gutter cleaning, know if you’re capable of cleaning gutters. Accident-prone people or those afraid of heights should resort to gutter guard and cover installation. One wrong step while cleaning gutters may result in a severe accidental injury. You don’t want this to happen to you just to save on costs.

On cost considerations, you may resort to hiring others who would undertake gutter cleaning for you. This may be less expensive than investing in gutter guards or covers. However, you may find it hard to find gutter cleaners who are really up to the job. There is danger that hired ones won’t perform well since the house involved is not theirs anyway.

Gutter guards and covers may be expensive, especially those which really work. This, however, as compared to costs that you may incur with clogged gutters may be lesser.

Also, gutter guards and covers are even hassle-free once these are installed. This will suit you if you have a very busy schedule. Gutter guards and covers meanwhile only need regular maintenance check to ensure that these perform at optimum levels at all times.

Without gutter guards and covers, you’re always confronted with the problem of having clogged gutters. It’s quite easy to forget about your gutters until the rain comes. You then find yourself faced with all the consequences of having clogged gutters.

Often it’s already late when you realize that you should have invested in gutter guards and covers in the first place.  The costs just add up when the effects of clogged gutters occur.  So it somehow pays to invest in gutter guards and covers.  It saves you time and money in the long run. It makes you worry less.

Gutter guards and covers are just worth it, keeping your gutters free from clogging and reducing the time and effort spent cleaning your rain gutters.

You need to clear your gutters of debris materials to allow rainwater to freely pass through.

Gutters facilitate water to properly drain to the ground without making a mess of your garden. A continuous downpour of rain would cause your rooftop to overflow if its gutters are clogged.

Overflowing water will tend to go different directions in your front and backyards. The quantity and impact of overflowing water from your rooftop are what’s damaging. They may fall down on places in your garden where you least wanted them.

Should overflowing water drop straight into your front yard, your garden could get flooded. Its impact might even create hollows in your front and backyards. You garden’s landscape could get damaged as a result. The damage you may incur could be severe depending on the intensity of rainfall.

Meanwhile, waters from your rooftop may leak down through your outside walls. When this happens, your walls could be damaged especially if these are made of wood. Interior damage to drywall may also result, along with dangerous molds and dry rot.

Water leaking through walls could also damage your home’s appearance from the outside. Moist walls promote the growth of molds or algae and give your walls an awful appearance. What is worse is that leaking waters could end up in the foundations of your house.

When this occurs, the water will cause cracks or leaks within the foundations and weaken them.  Your home becomes more vulnerable to damage and destruction. An earthquake coupled by a weak foundation might even cause your home to collapse.

Clogged gutters may also cause rooftop flooding. This may corrode your roof and cause rusts to appear and destroys your roof over the long run. Water build-up in your roof may even allow mosquitoes to breed. Not only does it destroy property, clogged gutters also promote the onset of life-threatening diseases.

When it rains, clogged gutters can really make your life difficult. You may find yourself doing damage-control outside while the rain is pouring.  Just think at how you can avoid all these by simply cleaning your gutters.  Gutter cleaning, after all, is not a difficult task.

How often should you then clean your gutters? It really depends on the seasonality of where you live. The frequency of cleaning gutters must be the same as the number of seasons there are. Each season has its own share of the kind and quantity of debris that usually clog gutters.

Seasons affect how sources of debris such as trees, insects, birds and other living things behave. During Springtime, trees bear flowers and fruits which may fall down on your rooftop. Along with these are dead twigs. Birds may build their nests on your roof during Spring.

These birds after some time leave behind their nests and wastes. Insects and other living organisms are more active during springtime. They either die or leave their wastes on rooftops.

During Summer, leaves may fall on your rooftop because of storms and strong winds. In the Fall, trees shed almost all of their leaves. During Winter, ice clogs moist the rooftop.

When ice melts or when it rains, water flows down and carries all debris towards your gutters. All these debris first slow down water from draining through your gutters. In the long run, they completely block the flow of water. And you know what will happen next.

Your gutters are also prone to damage when your rooftop is full of debris. Debris materials may weigh heavily upon your gutters while clogged. With damaged gutters, water may flow out through damaged areas and go wildly in different directions. Water may even enter your house through open windows or doors.

What do you need to clean gutters? Well, you only need a ladder high enough to climb your rooftop. You may also need various household tools to get rid of the debris. These include brooms, sticks, blowers, water hoses, and other pressurized tools.

You can even just pick debris with gloved hands. Debris materials, however, may already be deep inside the gutters. If this happens, they become harder to reach. But with the use of pressurized water, you can force these materials out of the gutters.

Spending some effort in cleaning gutters translates to huge savings by preventing your home from getting damaged. All you need is time and determination.

As well as keeping the house dry, the roof contributes to the look of the house, so when building a new house, adding on, or re-roofing, it may pay to consider the options. Right now there are more options in the marketplace than ever, so choosing one is tough.

The choices range from asphalt shingles to wood shakes and clay tiles, from steel panels to rubber look-alike slate. The most important trend to note, however, is that as with home-construction materials in general, there is an increasing move towards engineered roofing materials.

This change is being driven by a few different factors. One is simply the high cost of wood. The second is that in many cases, codes now mandate the use of fireproof construction materials. And third, people understandably want to build with materials that not only look good but also are very long-lived.

The roofing material we all see the most of these days — the one that covers the roofs of a great majority of houses across America — is the standard three-tab asphalt shingle. One of the least-expensive roofing options, asphalt shingles are available in a dozen or so different colors both solid and blended.

The shingle roofing products being made today are usually guaranteed for 20, and sometimes 30 years, making them an excellent value. Value is the principal advantage of this roofing material, which explains it’s popularity.

The next upgrade from a standard three-tab is a thicker variation called an architectural shingle. These shingles are built up to be about twice as thick as a normal shingle with the layers staggered to give them a heavier, more substantial or "architectural" look. In some colors they resemble slate, and in other colors wood shakes.

For looks, it is hard to beat a wood shingle roof. Over time it weathers out to a gray or soft silver that seems to root the house to the landscape. Several species are used: Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Eastern White Cedar.

Shingles are relatively smooth and cut to a uniform thickness, although they vary in width. Wood shakes are thicker and rougher, being split rather than sawn from the logs.

Wood roofs are meant to breathe and should be laid over a substrate that allows air to circulate behind them: skip sheathing — wood strips or battens nailed directly to the roof rafters — is the traditional method of installing a wood shingle roof. Another method of getting air circulation behind the shingles is to lay them on pressure-treated lattice.

For all their great looks, shingles and shakes are expensive to install and do require some periodic maintenance, typically in the form of washing to remove any mildew or moss, and then re-oiling with a clear wood finishing product.

Nail guns do not use individual nails. Instead, the nails are mounted in long strips (similar to a stick of staples) or in a plastic carrier coil, depending on the design of the nail gun. Some strip nailers use a clipped head so the nails can be placed closer together, which necessitates less frequent reloading.

Nail guns vary in the length and gauge (thickness) of nails they can drive.

Nail guns also have many advantages over hammers as they quickly and repeatedly drive the fastener and consistently set the nail head at, or below, the surface. Most nail guns can be set to operate in either of two modes:

In one mode, the nail gun must first be pressed against the work piece and the trigger then depressed. One nail is then fired and the trigger must be released before the next nailing cycle can commence.

In the other mode, the trigger is depressed before the nail gun is brought into contact with the work piece. Then, each time the nail gun is pressed against the work piece, a nailing cycle commences and one nail is fired. By repeatedly "bumping" the nail gun against the workpiece, any number of nails can be rapidly fired.

Nearly  37,000 people every year go to emergency rooms with injuries from nail guns. Forty percent of those injuries occur to consumers. Nail gun injuries have tripled from 1991 to 2005. A recent survey shows that foot and hand injuries are among the most common.