Category Archive For "Hints"
How to Tell if You Have a Gas Water Heater
You have a gas water heater if There is Gas section in your energy bill, and There is a vent on top of the heater that looks like this: and, There is a small opening on the side of the heater through which the pilot gas light is visible:
What is a Ridge Vent on a Roof?
A ridge vent is an opening along the peak (ridge) of a sloped roof which allows warm air to escape the attic, thus improving the energy efficiency of the home. It looks like this: Installation of a ridge vent typically increases the cost of the project by $200-300. If you have a lot of sunlight …
What is a Valley on a Roof?
A valley is formed when two section of the roof meet at an inside angle. A valley looks like this: To find out the number of valleys in your roof, take a look at your house on Google Maps.
What is a Skylight?
Skylight is a window installed in a roof. It looks like this:
What is a Chimney?
Chimney a vertical structure that conducts smoke and gases up from a fire or furnace through the roof of a building. It looks like this:
What is a Dormer?
Dormer is a window that sticks out from a sloping roof. It looks like this:
What are Flat Roofs?
Low slope roofs (sometimes called flat roofs) are usually found on commercial and industrial properties, such as stores and warehouses. However, many residential buildings, especially in urban areas, use them too.
Benefits of a Wood Roof
Wood roofs are usually made of cedar or redwood. They are preferred by some homeowners due to their natural looks and character. A wood roof also helps insulating the attic, allowing the house to “breathe”. However, wood roofs generally have shorter life expectancy than other kinds of roofs due to mold, rot and insects, unless …
Benefits of Slate Roofs
Slate is one of the oldest kinds of roof and nowadays usually shows up on upscale homes. It’s durable (natural slate may last 100 years), resists fire and wind quite well, requires almost no maintenance and offers a very natural look. Slate roofs are significantly more expensive than asphalt ones. They also cannot be walked …
Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Roof
Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt, however they last longer, are more wind resistant and more energy efficient (reflecting a lot of heat, rather than absorbing it). They also require almost no maintenance and are fire resistant. The most common metals used for roofing are steel, aluminum and copper. Metal roofs look like this: