Giving back to the community is the best thing one would choose to do. As little as it may seem to you, it may have a significant effect on someone’s life. There are people in this world who can hardly afford or access basic needs. Thoughts and acts towards such people come with a lot of appreciation.
Many people make a community but can coexist. Among members of one community or the local area, it is easy to identify a pressing issue that may be in your ability to help out. You might be wondering how or where to start or even how to go about it. Don’t worry, and it can be as easy as giving what you do an extra effort to have more for charity.
What do I mean? The current situation you are in may not allow you to undertake a big project to help the needy: you are not always ready for charity. However, you might be running a business or engaging in activities or production of items that may earn money or be used directly towards charity. Did you know that you can offer such things instead of cash? It just takes the will and desire to engage in charity.
For instance, the video ‘ Jewelry That Gives Back: The Domino Effect” shows a lady who designs jewelry aimed at supporting charity organizations, donation of jewelry ranging from necklaces, bracelets, custom engagement ring can go a long way in helping charity organization.
Like this lady, it does not matter what business you engage in: you can still make someone smile’. The community may be facing a homelessness crisis.
You sell building materials: you may have significantly impacted a home building project for charity in helping the homeless by donating construction materials towards the project. Participating in charity financially or through materials are more or less the same.
Try to make the world a better place for everyone you can. What is the state of your home area? How can you make an impact? Where do you start? Identifying the needs of the society you live In is the first tip of finding out what role you can play in the charity involving your home area. With this, you are better positioned to layout a good plan on what to do and how to go about it.
Start with what is achievable for a successful project. Charity work never ends. People will still need help and more help. To experience growth when engaging in charity, you will need to start with the achievable moving towards bigger projects. With this you are guaranteed of seeing progress in your charity work.
When it comes to home improvement tips, there is plenty of useful information out there, and also some stunning myths.
Roofing is no exception, and sometimes homeowners fall prey to the roofing myths that can float around like a nasty flu bug. You don’t have to fall victim to those myths, but you won’t know which ones to avoid if you don’t know what they are. So, we’re here to help you out.
Here are the roofing myths that have to be debunked and the right way to take care of your roof.
MYTH: You Can Repair Your Roof
While some will think they can fix their roof on their own, this is a huge roofing myth and is highly not recommended.
Going “DIY-Style” in your roof could easily lead to a botched job that will lead to roof failures, which will cost you even more money out of your pocketbook. That’s why it’s best that, if you have any sort of trouble with your roof, you should call a roofing company to come out and fix your roof.
MYTH: The Darker The Shingles, The Higher The Electric Bill
For most roofing professionals, this is a common myth that gets spread around like mayo on a ham and cheese sandwich.
Many may attribute this myth to the fact that dark colors absorb heat, which will warm your house, which will, in turn, lead to your air conditioner working overtime, raising your electricity bill. While it is true that dark colors absorb heat, it doesn’t mean that your utility bill will be rising.
Your attic is insulated and vented, which reduces the amount of heat that comes into your home from the roof. So the next time anyone says that you will have a higher utility bill because of the color of your shingles, don’t listen to it.
MYTH: A New Roof Doesn’t Need Maintenance
Oh God, this roofing myth should be thrown out the door and ran over by a tractor-trailer.
While your new roof will work better for you, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have it maintained for any length of time. Even with a new roof, several things can go wrong with your roof. Oh, and you have to take into account storms, which can seriously do damage to your roof.
Whether you have a new roof that’s two months old or one that’s 12 years old, it is always imperative that you get your roof inspected and maintained. Getting your new roof checked out will help keep the integrity of your roof for a long period than leaving it alone and taking your chances.
MYTH: Go Ahead, And Put New Shingles Over Your Old Ones, It’s Fine
Have shingles that are damaged and should be replaced? Most people will tell you that it’s perfectly fine to install new shingles over old ones, which will save you some money in the long run.
This is yet another one of those roofing myths that you shouldn’t pay attention to.
Sure, you will save a bit of coin by not having to pluck out your old shingles, but according to Perry Roofing, those short-term savings don’t add up in the long run and will even wind up costing you even more money in the future. That’s because a roof can only take so many shingles pilling on top of each other. It is called pounds per square inch (PSI), and the heavy amount of weight your roof will have from multiple layers of shingles could cause substantial structural damage to your roof.
So it may be wiser to spend the extra money and take the old, damaged shingles off and replaced them with new ones. You will save more money in the end.
MYTH: All Shingles Are The Same
Uh, no, this is another one of those roofing myths that should be ignored.
Yes, asphalt shingles are made from similar materials, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the same. You can look at a store-brand box of corn flakes and the name-brand kind and think they’re the same, but they’re not. The same goes for asphalt shingles.
What separates the shingles are the quality. The shingles come in a variety of colors and textures and don’t get us started on the different brands of asphalt shingles, all of which can be made differently. That is why you should contact commercial roofers and ask them about the different types of asphalt shingles if you ever need them replaced.
Never think that all shingles are the same. You may wind up regretting your choice in the long run.
MYTH: Don’t Contract A Roofing Contractor For Light Repairs
In some ways, this ties into the “DIY-style” or roofing that is strongly not advised.
Homeowners want to save some money while fixing their homes, and roofs are no different. If they see that it’s a minor issue, then some people may caution homeowners against calling commercial roofing contractors to come in a fix minor issues with your roof, citing that the cost is “too high.”
As we mentioned before, if there are any issues with your roof, you should call roofers to come in a do the job, even if it’s a minor issue. Please, do not attempt to fix your roof on your own, which could very well lead to further damage to your roof.
MYTH: No Leaky Roof? No Problem!
It is no secret that water is an enemy of a roof, and a leaky roof is often a sign of problems that are to come.
However, a leaky roof is just one of the numerous issues that your roof can have. Just because you don’t see leaks doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get your roof checked out. Your roof can have extensive damage to it, and not a drop of water will come from it.
While a leaky roof is a good barometer as to how much damage your roof has, it is still best to get your roof inspected by a contractor who can spot deficiencies within your roof.
MYTH: Metal Roofs Kill Your Home’s Resale Value
There is a litany of things that can murder your home’s resale value, but a metal roof is not one of them.
In reality, a metal roof increases the value of a home, not decrease it. The reason behind this is the longevity and sustainability a metal roof has over an asphalt shingles roof. According to Yahoo News, a metal roof will bring back almost half of the initial installation cost.
So maybe it will pay off, in the long run, to get metal roofing installed on your home to increase its value.
MYTH: Your Metal Roof Will Make Your Home Warmer
Your roof plays a role in keeping your house warm in the winter.
Most people will gravitate to a metal roof with the belief that it will keep their roof even warmer in the winter. The truth of the matter is, it’s not your roof that determines how warm and comfy your house becomes, but the insulation within your home. A properly insulated home will keep your house nice and toasty. Not only that, but it could preserve your roof for up to 20 years. However, a metal roof can be better at keeping the warm air in your home from seeping outside.
There are many positives to buying a metal roof, from its longevity to its sustainability. However, as much as many want to believe that a metal roof will keep their homes warmer in the winter, that is simply not the case and is a huge roofing myth.
MYTH: Repairing A Roof Is Expensive
This is a roofing myth that many homeowners should dismiss.
Yes, it will cost you a bit of money to repair damages to your roof, but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm-and-a-leg to make the needed repairs. There is plenty of residential roof installation contractors in your town that can do a great job fixing your roof for an affordable price.
Believing in this myth can have dire consequences for your home. It can keep you from doing the needed repairs to the roof, which will become even more problematic and sustain damage that could very well lead to you having to have your roof replaced entirely.
Don’t buy into the myth that it’s expensive to repair your roof. Some contractors are expensive, but most are not, and you should always engage in price shopping before settling on a contractor to repair your roof.
MYTH: No Serious Snow Storm Means My Roof Will Be Fine
OK, so you lucked out on not having a bad winter storm, which is great. However, it doesn’t mean that you will be out of the woods when it comes to your roof, and by no means should you use that as a barometer as to if you need repairs to your roof.
If you find a problem, it’s best to solve it at that moment because the problem can grow and fester into something much bigger. That goes for your roof as well. During your fall home inspection (which you should do before the onslaught of winter comes), you should always have your roof checked to see if there are any problems or defects.
If so, get it fixed so that it won’t be a problem in the winter. Never take a chance with your roof, as those problems can lead to structural damage throughout the house, and that is an entire can of worms that you don’t want to deal with.
Do not let roofing problems fester, which could cost you even more money in the end. If you spot a problem with your roof, get it fixed. This is one of those roofing myths that you should never leave it up to chance.
MYTH: A Metal Roof Can Stop Ice Dams
As much as we all want to believe this, it is simply not true and is one of those roofing myths that you should avoid.
Having a metal roof is just as susceptible to winter weather as an asphalt shingle roof, which also means that ice dams can form on your metal roof as well. The best way to have control over this situation is to make sure that your attic has the proper ventilation and insulation needed to prevent these dams, which, when melted, can cause your roof to leak.
MYTH: A Flat Roof Has More Leakage
Look, if you have a roof over your head, there is a possibility that it can suffer leaks.
Having flat roofing doesn’t mean that your roof will leak more than a sloped roof. It can leak more if the roof isn’t installed properly, which is why you should choose the best contractor. A plus side to flat roofs is that these types of roofs have preventive leak protection and can be waterproof. Is it enough to keep leaks from invading your flat roof? Not really, because as we stated earlier, all roofs can suffer from leaks. However, if it’s been installed properly then a flat roof can minimize the risk of leakage.
As a famous rapper said back in the day, don’t believe the hype, and we’ll add to it by saying don’t believe those roofing myths.
In the end, all of these roofing myths have something in common with one another. That common feature is that it comes from people who don’t know or understand the facts surrounding roofing and roof replacement.
When you have people who don’t understand the facts, roofing myths can pop up and spread like wildfire, especially in the age of social media, where misinformation can spread with ease. The best way to separate the facts from the noise is to call a professional and ask them about all of your roofing needs.
Ask them about asphalt paving or damages that you may not be able to detect. If you have issues with installing solar panels on your roof, consult solar contractors for information. Don’t turn to just anybody for advice, especially ones who only get their information from hearsay.
Ignoring roofing myths will go a long way to ensuring that your roof is working the way it should. It sucks to having roofing issues, but if you block out the noise and trust professionals, you, your roof, and your home should be OK in the long run.
Don’t believe the roofing myths. If you have issues with your roof, always call a professional. Most will not steer you wrong.
These scams target new homeowners and can cost you several thousands of dollars. Don’t fall for the scams. Become an expert in avoiding these tricks. Continue reading to learn what the top home improvement scams are and how to avoid them.
What is a home improvement scam?
A home improvement scam can vary. Scam artist can target homeowners in multiple ways. These strategies can include:
Using high pressure tactics
Tacking on repairs the homeowner does not need
Charging unfair and inflated prices
Delivering terrible work
Not delivering work at all
Posing as an inspector to demand repairs to the home
Typically older adults fall victim to these scams. Their trust is exploited as these scam artists go door to door to find new people to essentially rob.
Older adults are typically targets because they likely own their homes. Older adults are less likely to report the scam since many can feel ashamed afterward.
Avoid those door to door sales and scams
This is possibly one of the largest home improvement scams. If a salesperson approaches your property, you should be cautious. Of course, not every salesperson that travels door-to-door is a scammer. But it’s best to be cautious if someone appears uninvited. They tend to appear after tragedy strikes. For example, many scammers will approach you after a storm .
Ensure you ask for a physical address if you decide to try their services. This way, you can find them if something happens to go wrong with the project.
Take your time to choose a contractor
It’s important that you take enough time out of your day to select a qualified contractor. Select someone who won’t participate in home improvement scams. Work with a contractor who has an established and physical address. This applies to plumbing companies or AC repair companies too.
You should also receive rates from multiple contractors in the area. This can help you settle on a contractor, as you don’t want to work with someone whose services are too cheap or too expensive. When someone charges you too little, this shows they lack experience and confidence with their abilities. However, if they charge you too much, they may be running their own home improvement scam.
Additionally, get your final bid in writing. This ensures your rate will stay the same. If your contractor is a scammer, they can easily go back on their word. They could charge you more than your agreed upon rate! They may even get rid of some of the original and agreed upon services.
Avoid the scams and ask for references
When seeking a contractor, it’s important to ask for references too.
Especially if you want to weed out the home improvement scams.
Consider asking them for a list of past clients upfront. If the contractor or garage door repair person has a website, then you can likely look at past reviews online and from the comfort of your couch.
Read your contracts thoroughly
Before signing the contract, you want to ensure you read it all the way through. Don’t just glaze through the words. If you don’t understand something, or you find that something is unclear, work this out with your contractor or lawyer. Repair work should always be performed under a contract. Legitimate businesses do this to protect themselves. If they don’t insist on drafting up a contract, then you should reconsider working with them. This is for your protection. You don’t want to fall for another one of those home improvement scams!
Do not sign a contract that has any blank areas. They will get filled in later with false information at your expense.
If the contractor is rushing you to sign the contract, respectfully tell them that you wish to read the terms and agreement over at your own pace. This should raise red flags too. If something is written incorrectly in the contract, do not sign it and clearly let the contractor know why you’re unsatisfied with the draft.
If they are running a reputable business, they will likely make the correction for you and make a new copy that you will feel more comfortable signing.
Keep plenty of copies once it has been signed.
Brush up on the contactor liens clause
Here’s another way you can ensure you don’t encounter harmful home improvement scams!
When reading through your contract, ensure that there is a warning about the legal ownership rights of your home. If the work is not completed and meets all the conditions outlined in the contract, you may lose your home. When you sign a contract for home improvements, the lead contractor can place a lien on the homestead. This means that if you sign a contract containing that warning above, and you fail to make your required payments, the company can take your home.
It’s crucial that you understand your own obligations under the contract. You need to be certain that you can meet these requirements as well. If you’re feeling uncertain about signing the contract, contact your attorney to work through the details. If there will be a lien on the home, ensure a notary is present before signing.
Paying for your work legitimately
If you want to avoid these home improvement scams, ensure you’re also paying for the work properly.
Usually, a contractor will ask you for a partial payment to secure the work. If you have read through the contract properly, this shouldn’t be a problem. You should be prepared to hand over this set amount of money towards the total cost. Most scammers will ask you to pay all the money upfront. This is how you can weed the scammers out. You should never pay the full amount until some of the work has been completed. You should be happy with the work your garage door contractors are doing!
If you are asked to sign a certificate of completion in order for the team to receive payment, do not make this official unless you are completely satisfied with their work! Inspect it and make sure it meets all of the standards outlined in the contract.
Types of scams
There are various types of home improvement scams that you need to keep a close eye out for!
Mold
Mold is a common issue in most households. It can also be frustrating to get rid of. Namely, because it’s so dangerous. If you have breathing issues like asthma, the tiny spores can aggravate your lungs. Therefore, it’s essential that you get rid of the source immediately. Unfortunately, there are many home improvement scams that claim they can get rid of mold but will leave your home exactly the same!
Contractors will typically have a cap on the coverage and will not cover the remediation of the mold.
Other signs you’re being scammed
There are a few other signs that you have been scammed. For instance, avoid contractors who claim that if you sign now, you will get a discount. This is a tactic meant to pressure you into signing. With these home improvement scams, the contractor will probably never get back to you after signing the agreement.
Avoid contracts with limited details
You also want to avoid signing a contract with limited details. If you asked for a power washing service, and it’s not mentioned in the contact, you may be getting scammed!
Your team members do not have permits
Obtaining a permit is required when conduction heavy duty work like well drilling. If your team does not have the proper permits, they may be working illegally. Also, if you’re asked to pull the permits, this is another red flag!
Shifty contractors will tell you that pulling the contracts will save you money. However, the truth is that most contractors will request this if their license has been revoked!
Additionally, if you pull the permits, they won’t be responsible for inspection failures. You will be!
The contractor uses another contractor’s license
The contractor may also be using another contractor’s license if their own has gotten suspended. Sure, it may fool someone initially. But using someone else’s license is no excuse! It can land the homeowner in hot water if you’re not careful.
The contractor asks for money continuously
It’s a non-stop game. Once it seems like the contractor is about to wrap up the job, something goes wrong and they have to ask for more money. Then it happens again and again! Before you know it, your wallet is empty and the original job has not been completed! Ensure that you’re paying close attention if the contractor happens to ask for more money with no proof of completion. Once you enter the rabbit hole of excuses, your contractor will milk more money out of you!
What to do if you have been scammed
Despite the precautions, these scams can happen to anyone.
If you have been scammed, there are a few steps you should take. First, try to resolve the issue through the contractor. Clear the air. Perhaps your scuffle was a misunderstanding and can be handled through a simple conversation. If you’re able to get a hold of the contractor, ensure you keep a calm tone. You don’t want to give the contractor a reason to fight back or to get snippy.
Bring a copy of your contract to review too.
If they have an office, schedule a meeting there to discuss your issues in person.
This is also the best course of action to take if you wish to contact an attorney.
After meeting with them in person, follow up your conversation with a letter and a request for a refund in the mail. They should get back to you in a few days. However, if you receive no response, contact an attorney and consider pursuing legal action.
If the contractor has broken the contract, you are entitled to compensation. If the contractor is performing work without a license, they can also be sent to jail, or have to pay a hefty fine. Many states require a contractor to work with a license. The exceptions are:
Colorado
Oklahoma
Vermont
Wyoming
Ohio
New Hampshire
Maine
Kansas
Indiana
Kentucky
Missouri
South Dakota
Delaware
If you’re working with a contractor in a state that requires the proper documentation, they need to prove to you that they are credited to start and finish the job. If not, they can face severe consequences.
Conclusion
There are various home improvement scams out there. Ensure you don’t fall for them by taking the proper precautions. Falling for these scams can cost you thousands of dollars! Do the hard work upfront and ensure you’re working with a legitimate contractor or roof installation company before you take the plunge. Read over your contract religiously and always ask questions if something seems unclear!
It’s never fun to deal with plumbing issues within your home. Whether you’re plunging your toilet or cleaning your shower drain, you’re not going to have fun while working on some malfunctioning part of your bathroom. Of course, a home’s plumbing system relates to every part of the house that deals with running water in some way. Your garden hose and kitchen sink are also connected to the plumbing system, which in a lot of ways is somewhat of an unsung hero of the home. After all, we don’t want to think much about plumbing and piping systems. But when they aren’t working properly, we certainly notice rather quickly. While it can be something of a pain to pay for emergency repairs, it’s worth it in the long term to pay for the assistance of a professional plumber, as opposed to dealing with it on your own. There is a big difference between the aforementioned toilet plunging and seriously involved plumbing repairs. Plumbing repairs are a necessary part of maintaining a home over an extended period of time, but the unfortunate fact is that there are a lot of people don’t understand when to call a professional plumber and when to handle an issue on their own.
This is in part because there are a lot of plumbing myths that many of us have been raised on before owning our own homes. For example, a lot of people over-use bleach when cleaning their sink, toilets, and bathtubs, thinking that if it’s left to linger it will properly clean the area, where in fact if it’s left too long it may cause more harm than good. If using bleach to clean a toilet, for example, it must be removed within 10 minutes to ensure that there isn’t any corrosion. The more you know about these myths, the easier it will be for you to take care of your plumbing system. With that being said, let’s look into some of the most common plumbing myths that people often become confused about, and compare them to reality.
1. Water Heaters Can Be Left Alone
Many people have the perception that water heaters can be left unattended; even if they have initial anxiety about them, this is often brushed away. After all, it’s not as if water heaters can explode, can they? Unfortunately, it’s quite possible for this to happen, if water heaters are not maintained as they should be. The fact is that water heaters are built on creating pressure. This pressure builds up over time, which can cause a water heater to burst. The way that they prevent this from happening is through a relief valve. The pressure relief valve should work automatically, but it can potentially fail.
This can be prevented, rather simply, through proper maintenance. Ideally, water heater maintenance should be done on a yearly basis, during which the tank will be flushed. Furthermore, if any water heater repairs need to be done, the issue will be caught at this time. A lot of plumbing myths lie in the fact that people are unaware of necessary maintenance, but it’s an important part of keeping up with your home in general. A lot of common plumbing services are actually not based on repairs, but based on maintenance. Ultimately, it’s more cost effective to invest in regular maintenance than to pay for extensive repairs following damage.
2. You Can Snake A Drain With A Wire Hanger
Clogs are not uncommon in any home. While toilets can easily become clogged over time, shower or sink drains can also become clogged in a way that cannot be managed through drain cleaning solutions. This can be related to regular hair loss in the shower or tub, or perhaps excess food in the kitchen sink. With that being said, clogs are often cleared through the process of “snaking”. Snaking involves using a thin tool that slips through the pipes and breaks up the clog. One of the most common plumbing myths is that a wire hanger can be straightened and used as a makeshift drain snake. Theoretically, this makes sense. But in reality, snaking a drain is much more complicated than it looks.
A wire hanger is actually made of the wrong material, and therefore will scratch interior surfaces and potentially cause permanent damage. This damage can actually make it easier for buildup to occur, therefore making clogs worse in the long term. While you can potentially wrap a cloth around the end of the wire hanger and secure it with a rubber band, it’s smarter to either buy a proper drain snake, which is also more flexible, through a home improvement store; or to simply call professional plumbers to help.
3. Pipes Don’t Need To Be Replaced
Understandably, a lot of older homes have older piping systems as well. While their issues may not be immediately apparent, it’s not true that older piping systems don’t need to be replaced. In fact, a lot of the problems that occur with old pipes are not immediately noticeable. Furthermore, many old pipes are made of lead, which can obviously lead to issues if that lead filters into the water you drink or bathe with. All lead piping systems should really be replaced as a safety precaution, and if your home is older, making the pipes 70 years or older, the entire system should be replaced either way.
Not only do new piping systems simply work more reliably; they also can actually save you money in the long term. This is because they are overall more water efficient, which means that you don’t have to spend as much money on your water bills. While that initial upgrade may be somewhat expensive, as with many plumbing costs, you should think about the long-term investment.
4. You Can Flush Cat Litter
Among the most regularly flaunted plumbing myths is the idea that all cat little is safe to flush down the toilet. While there are specific types of cat litter that are made to be safe to flush, a lot of different types are not only unsafe, but entirely harmful when flushed due to the fact that they contain materials that are not water soluble. In actuality, however, you should think twice about flushing it either way.
This is because the waste that is found in the litter box is the real problem. Cat waste can actually contain harmful parasites that may not be completely cleared once the toilet is flushed. Therefore, those parasites may linger around the bathroom or toilet, and can be harmful to those that use these spaces. These parasites are particularly harmful to pregnant women, making it better practice to simply toss all cat litter and waste out in the trash.
5. You Can Flush Wipes Down The Toilet
When it comes to items that we think we can flush down the toilet, there are actually a lot of different misconceptions and plumbing myths. Another common myth is the idea that seemingly-flushable wipes can be flushed at all. There are two issues with the idea of flushable wipes.
Wipes are often called flushable simply because they can make it down the drain. This doesn’t mean that they won’t get caught in the pipes further down, potentially causing a need for an emergency plumbing repair down the road. It’s almost worse to flush something like this that does make it down the drain, as this means that a simple plunging won’t fix the problem. For that matter, these wipes don’t break down, which means that they can have a negative environmental impact. Wipes are much thicker than toilet paper and are less water soluble even than paper towels. Ultimately, anything of this type of material really shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. If it can’t be broken down through water, don’t flush it; take that as a general rule when it comes to dispelling plumbing myths.
6. Grease Can Make It Down The Drain With Boiling Water
A lot of people feel like it’s just fine to push grease down the drain, providing that this grease is pushed down with boiling hot water. In theory, the boiling water may make it easier for the grease to make it down the drain at first, it won’t do anything in the long term. Grease won’t be broken up by boiling water, and it can easily get caught up and clogged within your piping system.
For that matter, in the long term a grease buildup can cause a serious clog or even a breakdown within your pipes. The last thing anyone would want is a new plumbing installation due to a grease buildup. But if you make combining grease with boiling water a regular habit, this may be something you’re faced with down the road. Nothing will effectively break up that grease, and therefore it belongs in the trash rather than the drain.
7. Putting A Brick In The Toilet Saves You Water
This may be one of the more old-fashioned plumbing myths, but it’s certainly not completely out of the ordinary for people to use it today. Nobody knows exactly where the myth began, and professional plumbers consider it completely ridiculous. Yet a lot of people, based on advice from their parents, place a brick in their water tank in order to conserve water and save money. Not only does this do absolutely nothing practical to aid in the toilet’s water conservation; it could actually have negative consequences.
Your water flow can actually be disrupted, as the brick will be in the way of the flow. This means that the toilet’s flush will actually be weaker in the long term. A weaker break can also break apart, therefore causing long-term damage to the toilet. The toilet could end up leaking due to this damage, resulting in water damage that you aren’t even aware of. There are a lot of fixes that can actually amend the same issue you may have been trying to solve with the brick. This will include water-saving flushers and faucets, as well as water-efficient shower heads. Ultimately, if you’re looking to cut down on your water usage, you would be much better off seeking advice from a professional versus following old wive’s tales.
8. You Can Ignore A Leaky Faucet
Perhaps one of the most problematic plumbing myths, which actually has to do with the myth mentioned above, is that a leaky faucet can actually be mended. A leaky faucet can actually cause you to lose a lot of water over time, even if it seems to be merely a minor, slow-moving drip. Of course, lost water in turn will result in a great deal of lost money. On average, the leakage rate per faucet stands at around 10,000 liters on a global level.
Simply by calling a plumber and having your faucet fixed, you can save at least 10% of your water bill. This will save you money, of course, but is also environmentally friendly.
9. Ice Cubes Sharpen Your Garbage Disposal Blades
While this isn’t one of the more immediately harmful myths, it’s remarkably common. Even some maintenance professionals advise people to put ice down their garbage disposal in order to sharpen the blades. This actually doesn’t work at all. While there are grooves within the disposal that are cleaned through ice, the ice doesn’t actually sharpen the blades in any way. The ice doesn’t cause any harm, but if you need the blades to be sharpened, you should talk to a professional plumber.
If you feel as if your garbage disposal does need a good cleaning, toss the ice in there. However, you can also use eggshells. Either way, have no fear!
Clearly, a lot of plumbing myths are either completely useless, or cause actual harm to your plumbing system. Therefore, you should treat your system with care and ultimately be unafraid to simply talk to your plumber about any issues within your system. They’re happy to help, and they know what they’re doing!
When people are feeling grateful for what they have in life they might utter the phrase, “As long as I have a roof over my head…” The roof is one of the most important parts of any building. They play a vital role in protecting the building from weather damage. Since they are so important to our standards of living, we want to make sure that we take good care of them. Hiring quality roofing services for installation and repair work is a great example of TLC. It is important to learn about the various types of roofing materials first.
Commercial vs Residential Roofing
Not all roofs are the same. Depending on the types of buildings, they have some different purposes and require different maintenance and repair work. There are various types of roofing materials that are unique to each type of roof. It is important to understand these differences so that you can be better equipped to take care of them.
Roofs related to businesses and other buildings you might find in your downtown city area are part of commercial roofing. They usually have a flat-top design. For commercial roofs, the design is rather irrelevant. The function is a much larger priority. These buildings are so tall, that the top of the roof is mostly obstructed from view. These roofs need to have more strength so that they can hold all of the structures and machines that are up there. Air conditioning units, communication machines, and electrical units are all stored on a commercial roof.
Asphalt roofing is one of the various types of roofing materials that commercial roofs are made from. These roofs need a strong material like this to hold the machinery safely. Metal is also a popular choice for a commercial roof. Since metal can rust, metal roofs should be protected with several protective layers. Some advantages of a metal roof include its durability and fire-resistant qualities. Due to its durability, it is more sustainable and good for the environment.
Due to the flat top design, you need to pay closer attention to the maintenance of commercial roofs. While rain and snow can slide right off a sloped roof, it can collect and pool on the flat surface of this roof. Business owners should find a quality roof cleaning service and schedule frequent appointments for a deep clean.
However, residential roofing is much different in both design and functionality. Since they are viewable, the design is a much bigger factor than it is for commercial roofs. Maintenance of the roof is not as intensive as a commercial roof since water does not pool on top. However, these roofs also endure wear and tear over the years. Afterward, the tiles will have to be replaced.
There are several different methods for tile replacement. To save costs, you can utilize the stacking tile method. Labor costs represent a significant portion of the budget. When you replace the tiles entirely, the crew will spend time removing the old ones. By just stacking the new tiles on top, they can cut down considerably on time. This can also work out to be an advantage for the roofing crew as well. The less time they spend on your roof, the more appointments they can make with other clients. It turns into a win-win situation overall.
There are many plus points for getting your roof tiles replaced or stacked. It will help with your homeowner’s insurance rate. The insurance company itself might request that you have your roof serviced. An unstable roof is susceptible to leakage. When a roof leaks, the water damage can be disastrous. Mold and mildew can develop. This presents several health risks for you and your family. These health risks could be even more heightened if someone has a respiratory ailment, such as asthma. Repairing a leaky roof is a costly job that could be prevented with proper due diligence.
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular among the various types of roofing materials. These shingles are noted for their strength and durability. Clay shingles are also among the most popular materials as well. Clay material roofs are noted for their long-lasting nature. They are also more environmentally friendly. Clay roofs, as well as concrete and slate materials, are known for their long-lasting nature. Manufacturers will even offer warranties as long as fifty years for their customers. They are built to last and require little maintenance. Leaking is very rare among tile roofs. They also come in many different colors and can match well with any type of home style. While tile roofs can be on the expensive side, the many distinct advantages make them a plus.
Single Ply Roofing
Single-ply roofing is one of the various types of roofing materials and is commonly used on low slope roofs. They use wide width sheeting and use fewer seams than an asphalt roof. Unlike asphalt roofs, single ply roofing does not require torches, making installation a much safer practice. The detailing accessories are prefabricated so that the installation process can run much more smoothly.
There are four basic system assemblies used in the single-ply roofing process. These are ballasted, mechanically attached, fully adhered, and metal retrofit. The ballasted roof system has a relatively easy installation. They are most often used in the construction of larger retail stores and warehouses. The membrane of the roof is usually held in place by stones or pavers. The ballast protects the membrane from the weather. The mechanically attached system is the most popular choice among commercial roofing and is considered an upgrade over the ballasted system. It is lightweight and maintenance is relatively simple. The roofs are held in place using plates and fasteners.
Fully adhered is the next system used in single-ply roofing. The fully adhered system is notable for its stability and the uplift protection it provides. This system is most popular among buildings in high elevations and in areas where high wind is a common occurrence. They use adhesives such as water and asphalt-based, bonding adhesive, and others. The last single-ply roofing system is the metal retrofit system. The benefits of this method include the savings you will incur. Removal can be costly so in the metal retrofit system, the roof is completely encapsulated over the old roof. The flutes are filled, the metal deck is covered in insulation and the membrane is installed at the top. This system will help you save money on your energy bill and it also prevents outside noise from bothering the people inside the building. If you are in the market for a commercial roofing installation, you should consider any of these methods while reviewing the various types of roofing materials.
Choosing the Right Roofing Company
When you require some roof repairs or installation, there are several important decisions that you will need to make. Conducting pertinent research is vital to finding any contractor. Recommendations from trusted friends, family, and colleagues is a great place to start. You might rely on these suggestions when finding the right electrician, plumber, or general contractor. The right roofer should be no different. If you value the opinion of these important people in your life, they hopefully will not steer you wrong. You can also visit a consumer review website to gauge the reputation of the company.
Reputation is an important factor in most people’s evaluation. If there’s a roofing company that has been around thirty or forty years, then you can surmise that they “must be doing something right.” Companies with poor business sense and/or shoddy work, no matter what industry they’re in, will likely not last long.
It is ok to feel a little picky with this decision. This is your home or business and you want to make sure that the work is well done. If you live in a small town you might not have much of a variety to choose from. The town may only have one roofing company. You might even find someone who is a combination “roofer, mechanic, plumber, etc.” This “jack of all trades” handyperson may not be the most reliable since they have so much on their plate. Consider going outside of the area to choose a roofer. There might be some high-quality roofers a few towns over. There can be some issues with this choice, however. Contractors generally include travel costs in your bill. The farther they have to travel, the higher rate will be. If you live too far away from their home site, they might outright refuse your request.
During this evaluation period, you should also visit the company website and ask them some questions to get a better sense of their methods. You can ask them about the various types of roofing materials that are available. These people are experts and most likely know a lot more than you when it comes to roofing. They can advise on which materials are best suited for your roof. They can also inform you about their methodology and practices. When the roofers come to work on your property, it is important to treat them with respect. Safety is the number one priority. Any experienced roofer should have their safety measures in place. You can help them out by providing them with cold water throughout the day. Roofers often work in the sweltering heat and hydration is a literal lifesaver. They should appreciate the gesture.
If you are looking for ways to save on this roof replacement or repair, talk with the company and they could help you. They could suggest the shingle stacking method to cut down on labor costs. The various types of roofing materials come at vastly different prices. The roofer can tell you which materials are more affordable. You should not, however, sacrifice quality for the cheapest material. If they have to be constantly replaced or repaired, then it will wind up costing you more. You can also save money by scheduling during the “off” periods of the year. Since roofing is an outdoor job, the spring and summer months are the busy times for them. During the fall and winter months, they are less busy, and they could offer some discounts. As long as there are no snowstorms, they should be able to work on your roof.
Roof Ventilation
Ventilation is also an important component in having a quality roof. If a roof is properly ventilated, it can extend its life over twenty years. Ventilation systems allow cooler air in and hotter air to flow outwards. When a home is not properly ventilated it will harm your roof. During the hotter months, the increased temperatures can affect the heated air. Overloaded air conditioners can ruin shingles and cause them to fall. This will lead to possible leaks. In the colder months, the heated air will mix with the vapors. This will eventually lead to mold and mildew. This can affect your roofing studs.
You can consult with the roofing company on the various basics of how to ventilate the roof and prevent these issues from arising. The repair work used to rectify these problems can be rather costly. By utilizing common sense and preventative measures, you will nip the problem in the bud. Intake and exhaust vents will help to properly ventilate your home or business. Intake vents help to reduce attic heat effectively. They can also prevent ice dams from forming on the various types of roofing materials. Soffit and fascia vents are two examples of vents. Exhaust vents are placed at the top of the roof. They provide an exit for hot air, heat, and moisture that is in the attic. All of these ventilation practices will help extend the life of the roof and save you money.
There are several important items to consider when choosing the right methods for roof repairs. The various types of roofing materials are a large part of it. You can consult with whatever company you hire and ask for their recommendations. Your home or your business help make you, you. It is important to take pride in them. By following some of these tips, you will leave a lasting impression.
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