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Choosing the Right Roof with this Guide to Roofing Materials

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The roof of your home serves as more than just a protective barrier against the elements – it’s a key visual element that significantly contributes to your home’s curb appeal. Selecting the right roofing material is crucial, as it not only influences the aesthetics of your property but also affects its longevity and protection. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various roofing materials, their pros and cons, average lifespan, and costs to help you make an informed decision.

1. Asphalt Shingles:
Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in the U.S. due to their affordability, ease of installation, and adaptability to most climates. With three main types – 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury – asphalt shingles offer a cost-effective and durable solution, though they may have a shorter lifespan compared to some other options.

2. Wood Shingles or Shakes:
Wood roofing, made typically of cedar, adds a natural and stylish touch to homes. While providing energy efficiency and resistance to impact, wood roofing is best suited for dry climates. However, it is vulnerable to moisture, mold, insects, and fire, making it important to consider your local climate.

3. Slate Tiles:
For a long-term investment, slate tiles stand out with a lifespan of 75 to 100 years or more. Durable and fire-resistant, slate roofs can withstand high winds and resist moisture. However, their heavy weight makes installation challenging, and they come with a higher price tag compared to other materials.

4. Clay and Concrete Tiles:
Clay and concrete tiles offer longevity, with lifespans of 100 years or more. Resistant to high winds, hail, and fires, these tiles are well-suited for warm, dry regions. While they add curb appeal, their heavyweight requires professional installation and might not be suitable for steeply sloped roofs.

5. Metal Roofing:
Metal roofs, made from steel, aluminum, copper, or tin, have a lifespan of around 80 years. With rust-proof coatings and resistance to heavy snow, metal roofs are ideal for harsh winter climates. Despite being expensive, they are environmentally friendly and may increase a home’s value.

6. Solar Roofs:
Solar shingles or solar roof tiles generate electricity from sunlight. Though they come with a higher initial cost, solar roofs can reduce energy bills and increase home value. Installation and maintenance costs, however, can be challenging.

7. Living Roofs:
Also known as green roofs, living roofs involve covering the roof with soil, vegetation, and plants. Sustainable and lasting 30 to 50 years, they contribute to environmental benefits. However, maintenance can be frequent and challenging, leading to higher expenses.

Choosing the right roofing material involves considering your budget, climate, and installation factors. Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, emphasizes the importance of coordinating the roof with the home’s architecture. While costs can range from $10,000 to $20,000, the choice of material, size of the house, and installation complexity contribute to variations.

Your home’s roof is a vital investment, both in terms of protection and aesthetics. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of different roofing materials, considering your climate and budget, and consulting with experts, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and longevity of your home.

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Know What To Spend On Housing

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Today’s mortgage rates are still rising and will remain high for the foreseeable future. It is harder these days to know how much to spend on housing. When there is such demand, it is easy to jump the gun which can hinder you financially. Here are some rules the professionals say to follow when it comes to buying or renting a home.

The 30% Rule

This is a popular and common rule that is followed to decide if a certain home is affordable for you. The 30% rule is easy to follow, just do not spend more than 30% of your gross income on housing. Housing expenses are more than just your rent or mortgage payment. When figuring out how much your housing expenses are, if you are a homeowner, you will need to factor in your utilities, mortgage interest rate, homeowner’s insurance, property taxes and HOA fees or if you are a renter, include renter’s insurance and other fees from your landlord.

The 28/36 Rule

This rule is just for homeowners only. You will be covered in two ways with this rule. Your housing expenses which include your mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance and utilities cannot be more than 28% of your gross monthly income. Your total debt which includes credit cards, student loans, and auto loans, cannot go over 36% of your gross monthly income.

Don’t get stuck with real estate regret. If you are looking for a new home either by purchasing one or renting one, you need to contact your local real estate agent. A local real estate agent can help you determine what is right for you.

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Smart Advice on Buying a Home During the Holidays

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The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. Everyone is in the holiday mode of the hustle and bustle so buying a house might not be the number one thing on their mind. If you are in the mindset of purchasing a home this holiday season, here are some tips on what to do.

Anticipate and Plan for Delays

A lot of people take time off during the holidays from work, so it might delay the process when it comes to the ins and outs of purchasing a home. This could include lenders, home inspectors, contractors, and moving companies. You will need to be a bit more flexible when it comes to your purchase.

Recognize the Seriousness of Holiday Buyers and Sellers

Most people will put off home buying until after the New Year. Some sellers do not want to show their home during the holiday season, so they might pull their listing for the holiday season. If you do find a seller that lists during the holidays, then this means they are serious about selling fast. This means that you can be more aggressive with negotiations.

Be Prepared for a Limited Housing Inventory

As mentioned earlier, sellers will pull their listings during the holidays. This means that there will be a short supply of listings to choose from. You will need to be a bit more proactive in your search. Obtaining a pre-approval letter will let sellers know you are a serious buyer.

Be Flexible with Your Schedule

During the busy holiday season, you might have a bit of leeway in your work and school schedule. Take advantage of this time to see listings and talk with real estate professionals. Remember those in the industry might also want to take some time off, so that can be an obstacle you face.

Delay Your Move if Needed

Even if you find your dream home during the holidays, this does not mean you have to close and move in on Christmas Day. Negotiate your move-in date, sellers will be willing to work with you.

Remember having a local real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of purchasing a home is very beneficial. Those experienced agents know what it takes to buy during the holiday season.

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Gotta Get Some Curb Appeal

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When it comes to curb appeal, your house will thank you-and so will your neighbors. The curb appeal of your home is the first impression that visitors get and there is only one chance for a first impression. That is why curb appeal is so important. “There are two primary emotive things that happen when you come across the kind of residence you appreciate. One is, Gosh, I would love to own that. That’s more ego-driven. The one I love the most is when I think, It must be wonderful in there,” says Bobby McAlpine, an Atlanta architect.

Curb appeal became very important, especially during the pandemic. Curb appeal is more than just window boxes and white picket fences nowadays. “Light and shadow are an architect’s most important tools when it comes to thinking about exteriors,” says architect Nicholas Potts. Another important factor is the greenery surrounding the exterior. You want to use the grass and plants that work best in your environment. For example, if you live in a desert environment you will want to use low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants.

Remember curb appeal is a must when it comes to the exterior appearance of your home and your property. “It gives itself over just like a person would. It’s going to be the light in their eyes,” states McAlpine. Your curb appeal must look in place in the area it is. “The facade needs to relate to where we are,” says designer Suzanne Kasler.

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Tips From the Professional on How To Declutter Before a Move

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It is reported that around twenty-two million people moved in the US in 2021. A move is a move whether it is across town or in the US. When moving, it is always a good idea to declutter before packing and moving your home.

This can become very important when hiring movers because movers will charge by weight. You want to size down the amount of stuff you are moving to your new home. Here are steps to take before backing your moving boxes.

1. Plan ahead

Everyone accumulates stuff over their lifetime. This includes kitchenware, linens, photos, tools, and much much more. “If you start early, you can take it slow. Physically, it’s hard work but it’s also emotionally exhausting. It’s the equivalent of your life flashing before your eyes,” comments Jennifer Dwight, a Hawaii-based professional organizer with Ideal Organizing + Design. Decluttering will take some time so set several weeks or longer aside to do this.

2. Go room by room

By going room by room, you are taking a more organized approach. While many of us will want to declutter some in the kitchen, then move on to a closet and then to the garage, this is not productive. “The benefit of tackling one room at a time is that you can better evaluate completion,” organizer Nicole Gabai, the founder of B. Organized says. “You can clearly look around that one room and double-check that you have gotten rid of everything you possibly can from that one room before moving on to the next.”

3. Make easy decisions first

Treasured items are harder to declutter because of the memories and emotions that are linked to them. This can make the process seem very overwhelming. Start with simple things that are easy decisions such as expired food, old utility bills, or clothes that don’t fit. “This is the ‘first pass,’ ” Gabai says. “You’ll go through that same room one or two more times to honestly assess how much you need to bring to your next home.”

4. Skip the ‘maybe’ pile

Do not have a maybe pile, there can be no gray areas. You should have a keep, donate, sell, or toss pile. “Always, the maybe pile is the biggest pile — and all you’re doing is putting off a hard decision,” Mary Kay Buysse, co-executive director of the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers explains. “Be brutal with yourself and make those decisions.”

5. Get a floor plan

Before you move into your new home, get a copy of the floor plan. This way you can plan out the space and see what fits and looks good. This is a great way to be able to determine what to donate, toss or sell.

6. Get your Kids involved

In this day in age, a lot of things are not handed down like they used to be. “Up until the last generation, it was always a given that things were going to be handed down,” says Dwight. When decluttering get your kids’ input on what they would like to keep or toss.

Remember decluttering can be a hard and arduous task. There are professionals that you can hire. “When it all becomes too overwhelming, it might be time to bring in a professional organizer who specializes in move management,” says Gabai. “It can help you create a timeline with achievable goals to prepare you for the move day. They will hold you accountable and help you evaluate what to keep and what to toss or donate.”

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Home Maintenance Tasks To Complete Before Winter

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The fall brings cooler weather, shorter days, and many fun holidays to celebrate. Before the weather gets too cold and dreary, take care of some essential home maintenance. Here is a list, from the professionals, on what to take on.

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

During the fall the leaves change colors and then start to fall to the ground. This means that your gutters can easily become clogged with the falling leaves. Clogged gutters will cause water buildup and damage to your house’s foundation. You want to make sure to clean out all of the debris from your gutters and downspouts this fall.

2. Check the Roof

You do not have to take a ladder and climb up on your roof to inspect it. You can do a visual inspection and look for any loose or damaged shingles. Repairing the loose or damaged shingles will prevent your roof from leaking and water damage.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

The winter time is a time when it is both cold and windy. A home with cool drafts coming through cracks is not good for your comfort or your heating bill. This fall inspect the seals that are around all of your windows and doors. If the sealant looks worn and is coming off, replace and repair it.

4. Service Your Heating System

Having your heating system fail during the cold winter months is not acceptable. Before the cold kicks in, have a professional come and inspect your heating system. They will fix any issues and also perform maintenance such as replacing filters.

5. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance

This is a serious issue because it can start fires. Make sure that your chimney and flute are clean and in working order. If your chimney is blocked, this is when a fire can happen.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The fall is a great time to test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is very important for these to work when the power goes out to keep your family safe.

7. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses and Insulate Pipes

If the temperature drops below freezing, any water left in your hose will freeze and cause damage. Take your hoses in for the winter to extend their lifespan. You will also want to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the outdoor elements. These could freeze and burst and can cause a lot of damage.

8. Lawn Prep and Storage For Outdoor Furniture

You will want to trim back trees and any bushes that are close to your home. Any branches close to your home can cause damage during storms. It is also a good idea to clean and store your outdoor furniture. Doing this will extend your outdoor furniture’s lifespan.

Remember doing these tasks each fall will make a great difference in the safety and maintenance of your home. You want to stay proactive and not just reactive when it comes to taking care of your home during the cold winter season.

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