5/14/2018 0 Comments Top Fire-Retardant Roofing Products Whats the Best Type of Roofing for Fire Protection?Considering the fire resistance levels of the most common types of residential roofing systems, there is a lot to talk about. While some products might be much more durable than others, their fire-retardant qualities are less than ideal. As a result, it’s usually best not to think too much about the overall resilience and durability of the roofing products you buy, and look more toward the specific physical properties of the materials involved.
Class A asphalt shingles, metal, slate and concrete roofing products are the best to consider according to roofers experienced in roofing Wichita KS homes and businesses. Stay away from wood and green roofing if you live in a fire-prone area, since these are the first to catch fire, and can be difficult to treat with a suitable coating that would prevent a fire from burning through it after a certain amount of time.
Asphalt shingles are affordable and quite resilient when it comes to fending off fire hazards, although you will have to pay more for class A asphalt shingle products. Because of their lesser durability, however, they are considered inferior to metal, clay, concrete and slate.
Slate is much heavier, although it’s basically indestructible, so it is likely your best choice if you don’t want fire hazards to be a problem. However, on a roof that cannot support heavier roofing materials, lightweight metal roofing might be the most practical choice, offering the same fire protection as slate and a decent 50-60-year warranty period. First Posted over here: Top Fire-Retardant Roofing Products – What’s the Best Type of Roofing for Fire Protection? via Blogger Top Fire-Retardant Roofing Products – What’s the Best Type of Roofing for Fire Protection?
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Being weather-ready is important no matter where you live. But when it comes to Kansas, you can never be too sure of when the next storm or tornado might hit. So making sure you, your family and your house are always prepared for what could come should be one of your first priorities.
Kansas storm damage can be severe. However, survival and insurance experts can give you an important checklist of what to do before a storm hits:
Original Post over here: Preparing for Storm Damage Season in Kansas – Important Things You Need to Know via Blogger Preparing for Storm Damage Season in Kansas – Important Things You Need to Know Concrete siding is a more expensive material to choose for your home. However, according to many experts, this added expense is well worth it, since you’ll not only be gaining access to a high quality, durable siding material that was built to be virtually maintenance-free, but also to a beautiful and highly customizable type of siding that can even be adjusted to mimic stylish wooden siding with its design. One of the greatest advantages that sets concrete siding above other types of siding materials is its durability and resilience. It’s well-known that wood starts to fade after a few decades, and vinyl can be damaged much sooner than that. In contrast, concrete siding can last for well over half a century, and it will withstand high winds, storms, hail, snow and even fire without any extensive or irreparable damage.
Although it’s not indestructible, concrete siding can easily be replaced or repaired. Also, there are many expert contractors like Penney Construction who specialize in concrete work, and would be more than happy to provide you with an affordable quote.
Finally, the stylish appearance of concrete siding will make your home stand out even in the richest of neighborhoods. You can impress your friends and relatives with unique, modern designs, or opt for a more traditional, pleasant look that will help take away your worries each time you return home from work. Original Post over here: Should You Get Concrete Siding or Opt for Something Else? via Blogger Should You Get Concrete Siding or Opt for Something Else? There are all sorts of home renovations and upgrades out there, and it can be hard to sort through the options and choose what's best for your home and family. Whether it's insurance claims, kitchen remodels or roof repairs, your expert Wichita roofers and contractors can help with whatever you may need for your home or business. Here are some energy-efficient and value-increasing projects for inspiration: 7 Projects That Add Value to Your HomeMany projects do add value to your home, and improve your family’s quality of life. By working on these projects now, you can enjoy the benefits and updates. If you make green upgrades, then you can also start recouping your investment in these green energy technologies once you complete the projects. Some home improvement projects that add value to a home include: 1. Remodeling the KitchenMost people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and because of this, updates in this room pay off. According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don’t go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house, or the neighborhood. A Little Paint Goes a Long Way You might want to consider using low-VOC paint; this makes your kitchen more eco-friendly, and helps your family avoid breathing in dangerous chemicals, like benzene, that off-gas from regular fresh paint. 2. Bathroom AdditionIf your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another one. HGTV estimates that you can recoup 80%-130% of whatever you spend adding a bathroom. When it comes to finding room in your house for an extra bathroom, take a look at any extra rooms or underutilized spaces. Consider other spaces, such as closets or areas under the stairs, too. If you want a half-bath you need at least 18 square feet. If you want a full bath, including a stand-up shower, you need at least 30 square feet. If you want a bathtub, make sure you have at least 35 square feet to work with for a bathroom addition. 3. Reinventing a RoomAdding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. Although you can recoup some of your investment, anywhere from 50%-83%, this project’s costs can quickly spin wildly out of control. Just turn on any of those home remodeling TV shows; projects that start off with a $15,000 budget quickly turn into $30,000 or more when homeowners and contractors run into unexpected problems. Reinvent the existing space in your home to save money. Finish a basement, or convert the attic to a bedroom. Before you demolish walls and rafters, try to think about the ways that you, and potential buyers, can use the space:
4. Adding Energy-Efficient WindowsThese days, buyers shop for homes with energy efficiency in mind. Old, drafty single-pane windows are a major turn off. Energy Star claims that adding Energy Star-rated windows can save you up to $500 a year in heating and cooling costs by making your home more energy efficient. According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-90% of your costs when you invest in energy-efficient windows. You can also receive a green energy tax credit of 10% for this upgrade, as long as you install Energy Star-rated windows. You might also qualify for additional credits from your state, or even your utility company. 5. Deck AdditionAdding a deck increases the value of your home. Outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially since more people stay home for vacation (i.e. referred to as a staycation). If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck. The cost of adding a deck to your home varies widely. Everything depends on its size, and how many bells and whistles you want added, like built-in seating, multiple stairs, built-in flower pots, and the size of the deck. Decks can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000, or more. Again, it all depends on the design and materials used. 6. Energy-Efficient InsulationIf your home lacks basic insulation, and has old doors that let in plenty of hot and cold air, home inspectors working with potential buyers will include this in their reports. Homes that haven’t been modified with energy efficiency in mind cost more to live in and maintain. Updating your home to save energy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. You can save $2,500 or more each year just by making some changes. For example, you can add extra insulation to your attic for $200 or less, and this small change can save you hundreds each year on your utility bill. Seal cracks around the house to save even more money on energy costs, and to make your home more appealing to buyers. The U.S. Department of Energy (USDE) estimates that the average house has enough leaks to equal a 3×3 foot hole in the wall. You can find leaks in your home during the winter. Anytime you feel a draft or cold spot, you’re in an area that leaks air. You can often discover leaks, and areas that need more insulation, in these areas:
7. Basic UpdatesBasic updates add the most value to your home. Keep the paint fresh, fix the roof when it leaks, replace wood that rots, and get rid of any mold that you find. These types of chores keep your home from deteriorating over time. Buyers want a healthy, solid, safe home, and they look carefully for signs of routine maintenance. I’ve replaced the electric wiring in my home, repainted the outside, replaced the plumbing, and repainted the interior. These projects keep my home in tip-top shape so that when I do decide to try and sell again, buyers will see a well-cared-for home. — Read more at moneycrashers.com Originally Posted over here: 7 Renovation Projects That Add Value to Your Home via Blogger 7 Renovation Projects That Add Value to Your Home In Kansas, insurance adjusters are especially in demand. Kansas’ yearly tornadoes have claimed many homes in their entirety, and the cost of rebuilding is often substantial. Fortunately, this strong demand for reliable insurance adjusters and the ability to deal with insurance companies more easily has been around for many years, and today there are a lot of skilled and efficient adjusters you can call upon. The first thing you need to do is make sure the insurance adjuster you work with is a local Kansas adjuster. He/she will know exactly how to tackle local insurers to get the best possible outcome for you, they work well with the local Wichita roofing companies too.
Next, get to know your adjuster in person. Don’t just talk on the phone, since you will have to explain the situation in full and see what kind of person you’re dealing with. Is your adjuster friendly, responsive, active, helpful and engaging? Or are you stuck with someone who doesn’t even have enough time to take your call or reply to your email?
Present your case in full, and leave no detail out. Even though you might not be able to trust your insurance company, you should work with an insurance adjuster whom you can have faith in. Presenting all the evidence and making sure you have all the details regarding what happened, why you need to file a claim and what your insurance policy says regarding coverage will be the surest way to help your adjuster get you the compensation you deserve. Article Source on: Tips for Working with Kansas Insurance Adjusters via Blogger Tips for Working with Kansas Insurance Adjusters Home remodeling can be an exciting time, but if you’re not used to hard work or organizing yourself, then it can also be quite a pain. As a result, experts with a Wichita remodeling company in your neighborhood recommend that you take the time to plan your home remodeling project as carefully as possible and in thorough detail. Leave no stone unturned, and you won’t have to worry about any unwanted or unforeseen consequences.
Before anything else, get to work making a proper inventory of all the items that have to be repaired, replaced or discarded entirely. In some cases – for instance, when your bathroom fixtures are still relatively good or your existing siding is still holding strong – you might find more than one available option for dealing with a problem. Ponder the pros and cons of extending the remodeling work to that area.
Make sure you have the budget for the remodeling project you want. This means you have to do some serious research, talk to local contractors, find out the costs of the labor and material, and make sure that you don’t have to cut corners. Buying cheaper products is not a solution here, so if you can’t afford a certain part of your project, then it might be better to leave it for another time.
It’s also important to clear up the clutter in your home before the project gets started and make sure you still have enough space to put it back later on. If you want to avoid some larger items altogether, simply talk to a local storage company to provide you with access to a safe storage container.
Article Source here: What Are the Main Things to Consider Before Your Home Remodel? via Blogger What Are the Main Things to Consider Before Your Home Remodel? Budgeting can be a nuisance, especially when you’re remodeling a home and there’s so much to accomplish and account for. Whether its roofing, a full bathroom or kitchen remodel or a new fencing project, your family-owned Wichita roofing company can help you find the best quality home improvements for your budget. Here’s some tips on how to create the best budget for your project: How to Create Your Home Renovation Budget "Minor" renovation projects only happen to other people. No matter the scope of your redo, it will be a big deal because it's happening under your roof. Beginning with a realistic budget can minimize the stress considerably. Determining what you can spend ahead of time on flooring, lighting, paint, and other goodies helps take some of the pressure off as you shop and compare. As you plan, get to know different ways to shape your budget and some tricks to make your dollars go further. Think large to small. One approach to creating your renovation budget is to first understand the anticipated costs of the must-haves. "There are certain fixed costs you can't avoid," says Tricia Charbonneau, associate principal with Morgante-Wilson Architects in Evanston, Illinois. "Most people have an idea of what they have available to spend on a renovation. So start by thinking about the most expensive things you must have to complete your renovation, such as electrical work and a roof, perhaps. Then, subtract those costs from your available funds. The remaining dollars can be broken down to cover finishes and other features."
Look ahead. When determining what you want to spend on your renovation, consider how much longer you plan to live in the house. "Is this a five-year house or a 20-year house?" Charbonneau asks. If you plan to live in the house only a few more years, make selections you like but consider spending less than you would on a house you plan to live in for many years to come. "Even if you plan to sell," she adds, "you do want the kind of quality that will entice people to buy your house. Just don't sink your nest egg into it."
Read the full article at homeportfolio.com First Seen right here: How To Budget for Your Next Home Remodel via Blogger How To Budget for Your Next Home Remodel 5/7/2018 0 Comments The Importance of Choosing the Best Roofing Products: Why Do You Need Roof Flashing?Roof flashings are fittings that are set in place to keep water from flowing through the cracks that develop between your roof and various other installations, such as a skylight, a dormer window or a chimney. While many other areas of your home might have flashings – including your porches, walls, doors or windows, the roof flashing is the most common, since its role is the most crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of your home. The Wichita roofers at Penney Construction take pride in great installation of roof flashing, knowing it is the most important part of your home’s roof.
A roof flashing ensures that all joints between your roof and any other installations remain watertight. When rain falls and the water is guided by your roof towards your gutter guards and gutters, these valleys that remain between the roof, chimney and skylight, would normally allow water to flow through, damaging your walls and property. Flashing installations are in place to prevent that, keep your roof decking dry, and prevent water from flowing through to reach the more fragile areas of your home.
A few years ago almost all flashing was made from lead sheet. Although that’s still an option today, it isn’t the only one. Because of the cost of lead and because of renewed concerns regarding lead contamination, materials such as zinc, plastic and rubber are more commonly used. Lead flashing is normally utilized with a coat of waterproof paint for added protection. First Posted over here: The Importance of Choosing the Best Roofing Products: Why Do You Need Roof Flashing? via Blogger The Importance of Choosing the Best Roofing Products: Why Do You Need Roof Flashing? If you own a business, and you’d like to move your business to a brand new building, choosing the appropriate materials for your commercial building can be extremely important. But why has steel become such a popular choice in the past few years? Why are they the number one choice for Wichita remodeling contractors with building experience?
The reason why most experts will recommend that you choose steel as the main material for your commercial building is that it’s cheap and easy to use. If you’re thinking of using steel, and you run the numbers on the overall costs, you’ll find that your new building will cost about 50% less than a conventional commercial building, which is already a remarkable advantage.
Another great thing about steel is that it has a constant quality and an ability to support the structural integrity of a building like no other material. Steel building is precise, the walls are straight, and all windows and doors will open and shut without even the slightest error.
Steel is tough and insanely durable. If you’re looking for an investment that can provide you with exceptional long term support, know that steel is not only energy-efficient and pest-free, but also non-combustible and extremely tough. Unlike other materials, steel won’t budge too much during an earthquake, and it can also withstand hurricanes, fires, floods and hail storms quite easily. Original Post here: Why Should You Choose to Build Your Commercial Building with Steel? via Blogger Why Should You Choose to Build Your Commercial Building with Steel? 5/4/2018 0 Comments How to Choose the Best Roof |
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