How to Shingle a Roof - Don't Rack Your Brain Or Your Shingles!

If you're looking for "how to shingle roof" information, you've come to the right place. One of your first decisions is which pattern to use. You basically have two choices...

How to Shingle Roof - The Racking Method

Running your shingles straight up the roof in columns, is called "racking". It has been around as long as there have been three-tabs, which were designed to be lined up nice and straight. When they're not, they look just awful and you don't have to be an expert to notice it. Even your neighbor, (who doesn't know anything about roofing), knows those tabs are supposed to be straight!

Racking is the best way to keep them straight. When a shingle is out of alignment, it is easy to spot and can be corrected on the very next column.

But manufacturers' don't like racking. This goes back to the days when quality control of the granule colors wasn't as good as it is now. Slight variations in shading were less apparent when the stair step method was used, so that is what they specified then, and they still do,

Although racking is a common trade practice, it occasionally becomes an issue. Since the manufacturers' installation instructions specify the stair step method, some inspectors demand that they be installed that way. That can be a real problem after the new roof is installed!

Your best bet is check first with your roofing inspector first to see if you can rack them, or just use the stair-step method.

How to Shingle Roof - The Stair Step Method

The problem is that it's tough to keep three-tabs in alignment using the stair step method. Perhaps the best solution is to upgrade to an architectural shingle. Sometimes called "dimensional" or "laminated", these were designed to be installed with the stair step method. There is no fussy vertical alignment to contend with.

And when you consider that architectural shingles are typically larger than the three-tab variety, they are much faster to install. They also last longer because they don't have the side gaps, which are the "Achilles Heal" of three-tabs. That's the first place they wear out.

But just because there is no fussy vertical alignment with the architectural type, it doesn't mean you can install them any which way. Follow the directions on the wrapper when creating the steps rather than making your cuts in a random manner. And be sure to watch your nail placement. You don't want any seams to fall within three inches of the nails in the course below.

Of course, there's a lot more "how to shingle roof" information you need to know. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

Log Homes As Eco-Friendly Homes

While a log home may not be the first type of home you think of when you think of a green home, the fact is log homes are naturally more eco-friendly than traditionally built homes.

The Logs and Wood

The first consideration for any log home to be eco-friendly is the logs that are used. The main factor for logs to be considered eco-friendly is that the logs should be from a sustainable source. Sustainable sources would include reclaimed wood from other homes and buildings that have been demolished or remodeled, logs that come from a tree farm or other managed forest, logs from burnt out or diseased trees and wood reclaimed from rivers such as old pilings and piers. These types of wood are excellent choices to use in building a log home. The idea is to make sure that your source of logs is sustainable and definitely not from old growth forests or sensitive forest lands.

Size and Layout

Another consideration is the size and layout of a log home. The larger the home, the more logs and materials that will be required. In addition, the layout is crucial to a log home's eco-friendliness. The layout should minimize energy usage for heating and cooling, maximize outdoor sources of light with strategic placement of windows and maximize the sun's rays at different times of the day. The layout and placement of the home should also be in harmony with the existing land and environment.

Building Materials

Other than the logs, the other materials used in a log home are also essential to the eco-friendliness of the space. Carpets, fixtures, flooring, cabinets, appliances, windows, every aspect is important to making a log home green. Some materials, such as carpeting, can give off what are called VOC's or Volatile Organic Compounds when they are installed. These compounds are from the manufacturing of the product and the use of various solvents and glues in the process. These compounds take time to dissipate and can be harmful to chemically sensitive people. This is why the selection of the materials for the home is so important. Nearly every element of a log home can be eco-friendly, you just need to opt for the more organic and eco-friendly choices available.

Energy and Electricity

Like other homes, a log home can be powered by alternative energies that can either comprise the entire energy system of the home or act as an adjunct to a traditional power supply. Solar panels are a popular accessory for log homes, especially those in an area with excellent sun exposure.

When taking these aspects into account, a log home can be one of the most environmentally sound choices when building a new home.

Log Home Exchange is your source for log homes for sale and log cabins for sale in the US and Canada. Visit us at: http://www.loghomeexchange.com/

Using Quality Materials to Build Kit Homes

Kit homes are growing in popularity as more and more prospective home owners realize the efficiency and simplicity of this type of building process. The materials used to build kit homes are based upon local council building requirements. As such, the materials used in kit homes are often state of the art materials on the cutting edge of fireproofing technology as well as wind resistance technology. Ultimately the choice is yours, but choosing a kit home made with quality materials makes great sense. It is the more cost effective way to maximize your benefits and ensure quality in every step of the home building process.

Choosing a Builder and Materials

When you choose a builder that has kit building as their area of expertise it will determine the quality of your home. All builders do not give the same concern to quality materials. Choosing a builder with a solid reputation can save you time, money and heart ache. You choose the correct builder and they will in turn show you how to choose the proper high quality materials you need to make your home building dream a reality.

Just as all builders are not created equal neither are all building materials made the same. Specific building materials that may be suitable for use in one area of the country may be completely unsuitable in another region. If you live in an area that is prone to bush fires for example, the material needed to build your home to the highest level of safety would not be the same materials needed for building in a flood plain.

Choosing a Design

The design style you choose when selecting your kit home will also play a large factor in determining the types of materials needed to build that home. Each kit home has predetermined specifications that cannot be altered structurally. However there is much room for negotiation in many aspects of home building, and you should feel welcome and involved every step of the way.

For example, you are naturally involved in choosing the colours for your homes walls, both interior and exterior. You may choose to let the builder select your light fixtures or you may prefer to select them yourself. Those decisions will be based on how involved you want to be. Talk to your builder, they want to please you.

Showing your Style

One has a multitude of choices in building material. The motivation behind choosing particular options should begin with safety, but it can extend to reflect your personal taste and end up as a display of your style. Once the initial building materials and design have been chosen for your kit home, you can then begin to accessorize. If you want to be involved in choosing your shutters or your water faucets just let your builder know in the beginning. You can hammer out an arrangement that suits both your budget and sense of style.

You can rest assured that in step one, if you choose a high quality kit home builder of sound reputation, it means you can trust that builder to guide you through the myriad of choices in safety and aesthetics as you build your dream home.

Oz Kit Homes are Australia 's premier kit home supplier. Oz Kit Homes have been providing quality kit homes for the owner-builder for over 10 years. For a free quote, visit Kit Homes.

3 Distinct Vanity Styles For Your Bathroom

Every homeowner has a desire to make each room of their home stand out in its own unique way. This is usually done by choosing a piece of furniture, a piece of art to hang on the wall or even a paint color of which the interior design of the room is based upon. This is generally very easy to do in rooms such as the family room or bedroom, but what about in a bathroom or powder room? These are rooms that are often over-looked when it comes to style and design, often due to the smaller scale of these rooms.

The easiest way to change up the bathroom and make it stand out is by add a unique piece of bathroom furniture or a decorative vanity. There are a wide range of styles and price points on the market, but the least expensive way to provide style to either of these two rooms is with an RTA (ready-to-assemble) vanity or Euro Vanity. The RTA vanities come in several different finishes and styles, and are simple to put together and install. You can even get matching mirrors to complete your bathroom transformation. Vanities such as these can be found online using simples search words such as: RTA vanities, RTA bathroom vanities, high-end vanities. These vanities could add style and flare to an often design-less room.

If you have a slightly larger budget, there are many unique Euro Vanities that can be found online. Though this type of vanity is a bit more expensive than the above mentioned RTA vanities, they are still offered at a spectacular price point. They are comparable to many custom-style bathroom fixtures found at high-end retailers, but for a fraction of the price. These vanities can either be found in the RTA form or fully assembled, and include a porcelain sink bowl. These pieces are truly unique and are a bold piece of art that instantly adds style to a bathroom or powder room. They come fully-assembled, thus leaving only installation to complete your bathroom transformation. To find vanities such as these online, you can use some of these key search words: high-end vanities, Euro Vanities.

Need more than just a vanity to complete your bathroom restoration? Have no fear, both types of vanities (RTA and Euro) offer an extensive line of accessories that can add further sophistication and style to your bathroom furniture. While these accessories are not included with your vanity, they too are offered at very reasonable price points, making a total room transformation fiscally achievable.

With easy design solutions such as these, your bathrooms and powder rooms no longer have to simply blend in with the rest of your house. They too can make a unique design statement that is as unique as its owner. As an avid do-it-yourself designer, I highly recommend trying out these two types of bathroom vanities. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much design and style you get for your dollar.

Bathroom cabinets come in a wide range of styles and finishes. If you are looking for a totally unique bathroom cabinet for your home. You have to check out these the latest addition to our vanity collection- High End Bathroom Furniture

Types of Flooring You Might Like to Install in Your Home

Your home reflects your personal traits, tastes and lifestyle. As you give importance to every aspect of your home like the furniture, furnishings, walls, doors, ceilings, so also your flooring needs special attention. You need to choose the right type of flooring for each room, for example tiles are the best flooring solutions for your bathroom as this area is wet all the time and tiles do not get spoilt. Similarly the flooring in your bedroom should be something which is attractive. The walls should also be in tandem with the flooring. Thus it is necessary to select the appropriate wall color to match those of your floor color.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is one amongst the various types of flooring. You can get several patterns to adorn your house with such as the zigzag style, square and circular ones and lots more.

Carpeting

This is a preferred type of flooring for cold climates. In cold places walking on the carpets gives warmth and adds comfort to the total ambience.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is very durable and eco-friendly. It also adds to the beauty of the environment. You can use beautiful patterns, natural or carbonized colors. Bamboo flooring is being widely used in offices, retail outlets and fashionable condominiums.

Wood Flooring

If you want to give a classy look to your house you can use wood flooring. This flooring is difficult to maintain as they could get ruined easily. Careful handling of your wood flooring will make it last longer. Keep water away and use wax to clean the floors. You specially need to wax generously the most frequented areas like the stair landings, the entrance of the rooms, the work areas and other parts.

Slate Flooring

Slate is becoming highly popular as one of the types of flooring because of its durable, slip-resistant, low-maintenance and stain free nature. These were used for offices previously but now are being used in homes as well. The various shapes and colors help in enhancing the beauty of your flooring. You can also create a wonderful combination of the ones having smooth finishes with those having rough finishes. Slate flooring is preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, driveways and pool walls. The Slate flooring is long lasting and does not peel off easily or look faded after some time like vinyl and linoleum.

Marble Flooring

Marble flooring is very easy to clean and does not require any maintenance. It is long lasting as well. This stone is stain free as well. Just use your mop and water to remove the dirty stains and see how they vanish to give you a sparkling floor.

Granite Flooring

Granite is a costly material and thus is used sparingly in commercial buildings but is used prevalently in homes. It is durable and scratch resistant and stain resistant as well. You should use a neutral detergent to clean granite flooring.

April Kerr owns website How to Install Flooring which has further details of flooring types such as natural cork flooring and rubber flooring.

How to Replace a Toilet Seat

Your toilet is one of, if not the most, important element to any bathroom. After all, everyone uses a toilet. Whether a seat is cracked, rusted or falling apart, toilet seat replacement can be, well, a dirty job. To make the job as easy as possible, follow these steps and you'll have a new 'throne' in no time!

Step #1: Gather the Tools
Like any good handyman or handywoman, it's always important to make sure you have all the tools you will need prior to beginning the task. Tools you will need are the following: an adjustable wrench, a standard screwdriver, pliers, an additional Phillips head screwdriver, a hacksaw, painters or masking tape and penetrating oil.

Step #2: Purchase a Replacement Seat
Before you go ahead and uninstall your current toilet lid, it's important to determine that your replacement seat actually fits. Be sure to measure the length, width and height. Most seats come in circles or elongated ovals; note which style your current seat is shaped.

When you are browsing for the ideal replacement seat, consider your current seat. If your seat matches the porcelain, you might want to keep the color scheme consistent. For a bolder style, choose a rich, dark color such as black, burgundy or hunter green.

Step #3: Remove the Current Seat
Now that you are equipped with all the proper tools and the replacement seat, it is time to remove the existing seat. Close the toilet seat. Loosen the nuts on the bolts with an adjustable wrench; they are typically located underneath the toilet rim. These bolts are usually covered with a plastic cap. To remove the cap, use a flathead screwdriver. If they are rusted or corroded, be careful.

If you are having difficulty loosening the nuts, use your pliers to hold the bolt steady as you loosen the nuts. Apply penetrating oil to help; for very difficult nuts, allow the oil solution soak over night. If you are concerned about stripping the porcelain, wrap tape (painter or masking) around the nut and then apply gentle pressure.

Before you call a professional to remove stubborn nuts, try using a saw. Before you use the saw, however, tape cardboard around the toilet bowel rim to protect the porcelain. Additionally, raise the lid (both the cover and the actual toilet bowel rim) and cover the top of the toilet bowel as well with cardboard. Now saw through the bolts with the saw.

Step #4: Clean the Area
Before you install your new seat, properly dispose of the old seat as it may be covered in germs. Additionally, examine the area to wipe away rust stains or other debris from the toilet area. Be sure to check under the toilet bowel rim to remove any rust stains.

Step #5: Install a New Seat
You're now ready to install your new toilet seat. Align the seat correctly and insert the two bolts that fasten the seat to the toilet; there should be two holes where the previous fasteners were located. To prevent a difficult removal process the next time, coat your existing bolts with petroleum jelly juts in case. Next, slip on the washers and then the nuts. First tighten the nuts with your fingers, and then tighten the nuts with your adjustable wrench. If you find that the nuts are turning the bolt as you are attempting to loosen, hold the bolt in place with a pair of pliers. Be sure to lift the seat up and down a few times to be sure the lid moves freely. If the unit seems too loose, continue to tighten. Finally, apply the plastic caps to cover the ends of the bolts.

Tori Spade works for Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for Home and Garden products and information on a variety of home improvement products.

http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Silestone Countertops - The Quartz Difference

Silestone Counter tops, whether you are upgrading an old kitchen or you are trying to "set-off" your new kitchen, are an excellent choice. Silestone has been on the market for over 20 years but it is in the last six years that it has made great progress in2231 becoming a fresh alternative for kitchen countertop surfaces, due to its durability, ease of maintenance and its rich natural stone appearance.

Silestone is actually made of 93% quartz, bonded with resins and other adhesives. Quartz is a natural element, granite is composed of it, with a hardness and durability that is second only to the diamond. The quartz is mixed with resin for bonding and pigments for color. This process produces a non porous and dense countertop surface, which means it does not absorb liquids, they are not marred by acidic substances and do not require sealing like natural stone surfaces such as granite.

Also, color matching is no problem, it is available in an array of styles, colors and patterns that are uniform through out unlike natural stone. It is a kitchen decorator's dream material because any kitchen design can be accommodated, this is why using Silestone quartz countertops in the kitchen have become one of the fastest growing trends in kitchen dcor, its versatility.

Ease of maintenance is another reason silestone is starting to surpass other styles of counter top surfaces like granite and solid surface. A major plus for these tops is that they are almost maintenance free. All you need to do is wipe them with a mild detergent to keep them beautiful. A big benefit is that they will never need to be sealed or resealed like granite because they are non-porous, and unlike solid surface materials like Corian or Gibraltar they will never need to be re-sanded because of cuts or nicks.

Even though a silestone countertop is extremely durable it is not 100% resistant to scratches. That being said though, you would really need to work hard to make scratches on them. Just normal kitchen usage will not leave marks on them.

Silestone is what the industry refers to as "almost" scorch resistant, so caution should be used when putting hot pots and pans on them. It is always prudent to use either a pot holder or trivet to protect them from burns.

Having your kitchen countertops done in Silestone can run you anywhere from $45 to $95 per square foot. The reason your price may vary is because of the patterns you select or the edge profile you choose. This price should include both manufacturing and installation.

If you are looking for a fresh and dramatic way to add some flair and a luxurious look into your kitchen dcor having a this natural stone alternative is the perfect way to do just that. They are a great investment that can literally be good looking and functional for decades, a 10 year warranty guarantees no less than one. Silestone is maintenance free and also hypoallergenic. They may cost a little more up front, but in the long run silestone counter tops are well worth the investment.

Get More information on kitchen counter tops click here Soapstone Kitchen Counter Tops Also go to http://Countertops and Cabinets.Com where you can get a fresh view of kitchen design ideas, product information, news.