Leena Parks – Jackson Home Appliance

Your entry door says a lot about your home. It can scream “modern” or whisper “rustic.” It can make potential buyers pause or turn them away.

The best entry doors offer security, energy efficiency and beauty. Entry Doors Atlanta offers an extensive selection of fiberglass, wood and steel doors to meet the needs of Orange County homeowners.

Your home’s exterior — from its landscaping to the doors and windows — is what greets visitors, and is often referred to as “curb appeal.” It is one of the first elements that people notice, and can have an impact on whether a potential buyer decides to visit your home or not. There are many ways to boost your home’s curb appeal, including gardening, painting, and adding new fixtures. However, perhaps the most effective way to improve your entryway’s curb appeal is to invest in a new front door.

A new entry door instantly adds style and sophistication to your home, making a good impression with guests and passersby. It will be a welcome contrast to the surrounding siding, bringing out its best features and attracting attention. New doors are available in a wide range of colors, materials, and finishes, and can fit your home’s architectural style. A beautiful wood door evokes timeless beauty, while a durable fiberglass door with an energy-efficient design will help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Replacing your entry door is an affordable and easy project that will instantly enhance your home’s aesthetics, boosting its curb appeal and value. In addition, a new door may help lower your energy bills by reducing drafts and improving insulation.

An entryway with a fresh coat of paint and attractive accessories will make a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. This is especially important if you’re thinking about selling your home in the future. A new entry door that is both stylish and functional will attract potential buyers and help you sell your home faster.

A new front door can also increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce drafts, which can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Therma-Tru offers an array of energy efficient doors that will help to reduce your energy bills and save money.

Security

Keeping your home secure starts at the front door. Whether you have an old hollow-core door or an exterior door with large windows, the right features can keep unwanted guests out and your family safe.

Security doors are a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their entryway. They can be made from aluminum, composite, fiberglass or steel materials and are equipped with keyed locks and deadbolts for protection against break-ins. Many also come with weatherproofing to protect against harsh weather conditions.

Solid core doors are a better option for your home’s security than hollow-core doors or older wood doors. They’re a lot more difficult to break down and offer an extra layer of defense against intruders looking for a quick getaway.

When it comes to choosing a new entry door, look for one that meets PAS 24: 2022 standards or has Secured By Design accreditation. This means that the door has been tested for resistance to brute force and can withstand pressure on the lock when it’s engaged.

Another way to improve your front door’s security is by upgrading the strike plate. The strike plate is the part of the door frame where the latch sits when it’s locked. It’s important to replace any existing strike plates that use cheap screws that can be easily yanked out by a burglar.

Homeowners who want to add an extra layer of security can opt for an electric strike system. This works by connecting to your alarm system and emitting an electrical current that causes the strike plate to jiggle when pressure is applied to it. If a burglar tries to open the door with brute force, this will trigger the alarm and they’ll be deterred from coming back.

If you’re worried about someone breaking into your home through a glass window in your entry door, try installing frosted privacy film on the inside of the window. This will not only allow natural light to filter through but it will obscure anyone who might be looking in to investigate a possible break-in. This is a cost-effective way to help deter opportunistic criminals.

Energy Efficiency

The entry doors you choose can have a significant impact on your energy costs. In addition to reducing heat transfer between your home and the outside, energy-efficient doors limit air infiltration and increase insulation. Combined with smart technology that monitors indoor temperature and outdoor conditions, the right door design can reduce your energy consumption and lower electricity bills.

The material a door is constructed from and the amount of natural insulation it offers play the biggest role in its energy efficiency. Fiberglass exterior doors are a great option for homes in cold climates as they offer superior insulating properties. The foam core in fiberglass entry doors also helps with acoustic comfort.

Besides the material, the glazing level is another factor that affects the energy-efficiency of an entry door. Solid-core wooden doors have decent insulating properties but are not the best choice for harsh climates. In these cases, insulated steel and fiberglass doors with a high U-factor are the preferred option.

When choosing a new entry door, be sure to look for the Energy Star rating and NFRC label to verify its energy-efficient capabilities. These ratings help homeowners compare products with one another and make educated decisions about their home improvement needs.

Other factors that affect a door’s energy-efficiency include its frame and sealant. Wood frames often warp and rot over time, decreasing their energy-saving abilities. Steel frames are better suited for southeastern Wisconsin weather, and many manufacturers use high-performance polyurethane sealants to provide an effective barrier against air infiltration and moisture.

Newer entry doors are made with energy-efficient materials that fit better than the old doors that were originally installed in your home. Additionally, homes settle over time, which may cause gaps and cracks in the frame and sealant of older doors that can compromise a door’s energy-efficiency.

Regular maintenance of your entry doors can improve their energy-efficiency as well. Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear like deteriorating weather stripping, swollen hinges, or loose paint or hardware. Addressing these issues promptly will ensure that your entry doors are working as efficiently as possible to keep your electricity bills low.

Customization

Your front door is a major visual element of your home, and you have many options to customize it. You can select a new style to match your home’s overall architectural design, or you can change the material and add windows with custom glass. You can even have built-in lighting installed. It is important to choose a style that fits the innate style of your house, however, because you do not want your entry door to clash or detract from the appearance.

The most common option for an exterior door is wood, which comes in several different styles and stains to complement any style of architecture. Other popular choices include fiberglass and steel, both of which come in a variety of panel sizes and configurations to fit different aesthetics. Each option has its own benefits, such as fiberglass’s durability and low maintenance, steel’s insulating properties, and wood’s natural beauty and handcrafted appeal.

Once you have chosen the type of exterior door, the next step is to choose the configuration and glass style you would like for your home. There are many choices available, from traditional single doors to elegant double doors, each offering unique advantages. In-swing doors allow for more interior space, out-swing doors increase accessibility and security, and you can let in extra light with sidelites (clear glass side inserts) or transom inserts (glass panels that slide in above the door).

If you opt for a wood door, you’ll also need to decide whether you want a prehung door that has already been encased in a frame, or you want a slab of wood that can be custom sized to your specific doorway and frame opening. Installation time depends on the type of door you choose, but in general a prehung entry door will be easier to install and take less than five hours.

Once you’ve selected the style and configuration of your replacement entry door, it’s time to finalize your order and set a timeline for delivery. Once you’ve approved the design, Doors For Builders will issue a proposal with all the details needed to craft your custom entry door. This will include design basis information, any graphics/pictures of the door, a listing of all materials and accessories, pricing, payment terms, warranty, cancellation policy and change order policies.

Roofing

How to Choose the Right Roof Installation for Your Home

April 1, 2024 Leena Parks

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against blazing sun, pounding rain, gusting winds and even snow. It protects the structure and its contents while keeping your house weather tight and looking great.

Make sure you understand the roofing process. Plan ahead and ask your contractor if you should move outdoor furniture or other objects, cover ceramic landscaping features with tarps and trim back trees. Visit https://www.bostonroofingco.com/ to learn more.

Asphalt shingles are an affordable and durable roofing option for homeowners. They come in a variety of colors, styles and textures to complement any design aesthetic. In terms of function, shingle roofs protect homes from the elements and provide insulation to help lower energy costs. They also resist fire and rot.

Asphalt shingle roofs are made from an organic or fiberglass base that is covered with an asphalt-saturated layer. It is then topped with ceramic granules that give the shingles their color and texture. The underside of each shingle is treated with a layer of sand, talc or mica to prevent them from sticking to one another.

Three-tab shingles are the most common type of asphalt shingle found on residential roofs. They have a three-tab shape that gives them a traditional look, and are lightweight and affordable. They are also easy to install, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

In addition to their affordability, many asphalt shingle manufacturers offer specialty products that can enhance the performance and beauty of a home’s roof. These include shingles that fight algae growth, and those with reflective coatings to reduce the amount of solar heat absorption in the attic, which can lower cooling bills in hot climates.

Although they are not the most durable roofing material, a properly installed asphalt shingle roof should last 20-30 years before it needs replacing. Adding a reflective coating to the roof can extend its lifespan even further.

Whether you’re building a new house or repairing an existing roof, installing the proper roofing materials will minimize the risk of water intrusion and the need for costly repairs in the future. Proper selection and installation will also reduce the risk of shingle blowoff or damage, which can cause leaks in the house.

Regardless of the roofing materials you choose, it is important to hire an experienced and professional contractor to perform the work. A skilled roofer will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely, preventing potential injuries and property damage. They will also follow the appropriate safety procedures when working on a steep or sloped roof and will remove and haul away old roofing materials, as well as all installation debris.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs strike an excellent balance between lightness and strength, making them easier to install than shingle roofing but still providing substantial structural support for buildings. However, they are not without their own set of issues. Loose or missing fasteners can lead to water leaks, causing structural damage and interior mold and mildew.

It is essential to hire a professional to install a metal roof. Not only will this ensure the project is done correctly, but it may also entitle you to a warranty on the material. Attempting to do it yourself can cost you more in the long run, as you could have to pay for storm damage repairs and replacements that result from improper installation.

Before beginning the metal roof installation process, the roof deck must be completely free of any existing roofing materials. Then, any necessary repairs should be made to the sheathing and the roof structure. This preparation will give the roof a sturdy foundation that can withstand years of use.

When the metal roof arrives on site, it is important to store it properly. This will help prevent damage to the panels, and it will ensure the material remains dry until you are ready to install it. Also, make sure to store the panels in a shaded area to avoid sun exposure.

Once you are ready to begin the installation, start at the eave and work your way up. Each panel should overlap the previous one by at least 1 in (2.5 cm). You can use a circular saw or tin snips to cut the panels as needed. Before putting down each panel, apply a bead of sealant to the underside to ensure a watertight seal.

When you are finished installing the panels, add ridge caps to the top of the roof. These are available in both vented and solid varieties. For high-wind areas, a vented closure strip is recommended, while for less windy locations, a solid cap can be used. After securing the ridge caps, you can add a drip edge to protect the underside of the roof.

Wood Roofs

Wood roofs are often associated with historic homes, but the attractiveness of a wood shake or cedar shake roof can also complement a variety of modern home styles and color schemes. A wood roof is a more durable option than asphalt shingles, and the textured appearance can create dramatic shadow lines on a home’s exterior walls.

In addition to their beauty, a wood roof can help to protect a home’s interior from moisture and provide insulation. However, it is important to understand that wood roofs require more maintenance and repair than other roofing materials. They are also more susceptible to mold, mildew and fungus than other roofing options. Additionally, the fire safety concerns associated with wood roofs may lead to higher insurance rates for homeowners.

Shake roofs can be made from a variety of types of wood, including western red cedar, Atlantic white cedar, pine, cypress or redwood. The specific type of wood used will impact the durability and longevity of the roof. In general, shakes with thicker butt ends are the most durable.

When installing a new wood shake or shingle roof, it is important to acclimate the wood prior to installation. This will prevent shrinkage of the wood and reduce the chances of damage caused by rain, snow or wind after it is installed on the roof. Generally, the acclimating process should be done for about two weeks.

While the initial cost of a wood roof is more expensive than other types of roofing, the enduring appeal of this type of roofing makes it an attractive option for many homeowners. As a result, there is a significant and growing market for wood roofs. While it is possible for individuals to install wood shingles or shakes on their own, this project is generally best left to professionals with the proper experience and knowledge of roof installation and repair.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs offer a unique look to homes and are available in a wide range of shapes and colors. They tend to be more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they also have a long lifespan and can help to reduce home energy costs. Unlike other roofing materials, most tiles are made from natural resources and can be pulverized and recycled when they’re no longer in use.

Installing a tile roof requires an experienced contractor with knowledge of the proper techniques to ensure that the new tiles stay in place. The type of tiles used on a roof will determine whether or not the sheathing needs to be reinforced, and what types of nails are required (some types of tiles do not interlock, so battens may need to be installed before the tiles can be placed).

A layer of sarking is installed under the tile before it is laid out. This sarking is designed to prevent moisture from seeping through the tiles and into the house. After the sarking is in place, a layer of underlayment is placed over it. There are several different underlayment products that can be used, including plastic sheeting, rubber membrane, or foam insulation. A foam underlayment is becoming the most popular because it is less abrasive on the tiles and allows them to remain intact for longer.

Once the sarking and underlayment are in place, tiles are installed. The tiles can be nailed directly into the sheathing or, if battens have been installed first, they can be nailed into the battens. Many tile varieties have grooves on their edges that allow them to interlock, so it is not always necessary to nail each individual tile. Tools will be needed to resize tiles around obstacles like chimneys, and workers will need to take the time to make sure that all areas are covered.

Once the “fields” of the roof are complete, ridge tiles are installed to finish off the roof. This is a critical step, as the ridge tiles will be what holds the water runoff from the roof down the slope of the building.

Home Improvement

Ceiling Repair Tips For Homeowners

March 12, 2024 Leena Parks

Ceilings play an important role in the aesthetics of a room. However, they are vulnerable to damage from water, cracks, sagging and mold. Regular Ceiling Repair Perth will help prevent these issues from becoming bigger problems.

If a crack is only hairline, it may be possible to smear some spackling over it and match the texture. However, sagging or recurring cracks require professional repairs.

Water damage is perhaps the most serious issue homeowners face with their ceilings. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can call for extensive repair work and long-term maintenance in order to prevent future damage. Whether the cause is a roof leak, a faulty sprinkler system, or a burst pipe, there are several steps to take before proceeding with any repairs.

Once the source of the water has been located, it’s a good idea to let it dry out completely before beginning the repairs. Leaving the area wet will only make things worse, and may lead to a mold or mildew problem.

Ideally, you will be able to use a fan or dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process. Once the drywall has dried, it will be possible to see how much damage there is and determine what needs to be done. For small areas of water staining that don’t show any signs of structural damage, you can just paint over them with an anti-fungal and mildew-blocking primer and a topcoat of white paint.

Larger stains, as well as any spots where the ceiling is sagging or cracking, will likely need to be replaced to prevent further damage and keep your home safe and secure. It’s a good idea to get this done by professionals as the structural integrity of the ceiling could be compromised if not handled properly.

Before beginning the actual repair, it’s a good idea to put down a tarp or drop cloth on the floor to protect it from any water drops and dust created during the ceiling removal and patching process. You should also have a bucket and some paper towels on hand to catch any water drips that fall or are caused by the drywall being removed. Once the ceiling is ready to be repaired, you will need a drywall knife, joint compound (also known as drywall mud), and spackle. Spackle is usually fine if the damage is small and in a small area, but if there is a lot of damage it’s best to stick with the joint compound.

Cracks

While wall cracks are fairly easy to identify and repair, ceiling cracks can be more challenging. That’s because ceilings are often textured and, in some cases, may have a layer of plaster. The good news is that, if you’re careful and follow some time-honored techniques, you can usually repair the cracks yourself.

The first thing to determine is whether your cracks are something you need to worry about or not. Depending on their shape and size, you’ll need to decide whether to call in a foundation or structural repair professional.

Some cracks are simply part of the settling process. This can occur even in new homes and is not a sign of serious structural damage. However, you should watch out for cracks that are getting progressively wider and longer. If a crack stretches from the wall to the ceiling and is accompanied by a change in wall texture, this is an indicator of a larger problem and should be looked at by a professional.

Other common causes of ceiling cracks include changes in humidity, the presence of water leaks, or a heavy object being hung from the ceiling, such as a piano or bathtub. In some instances, the cracks could be caused by clogged gutters or roof damage. In some cases, these issues can be addressed with simple repair work by a qualified contractor.

Hairline cracks in the ceiling drywall can be cosmetic and not something to worry about. This type of cracking can be caused by paint build-up or a slight shift in the structure of your home. It can also be a result of poor construction practices where the joints were not properly taped or filled with drywall compound before plastering. It is important to measure and monitor these cracks over time, in order to ensure that they do not get worse or extend to other areas of your home. This will help you determine if the cracks are a cause for concern and need to be repaired by a qualified professional.

Sagging

Sagging ceilings aren’t just an annoyance, they’re also a health and safety hazard. The longer they’re left untreated, the more likely they are to collapse and cause severe damage or injury to anyone underneath them. A sagging ceiling is most often caused by water damage or structural issues in a home. A leaking ceiling can cause the plaster to become weakened, and water can leak into the beams below, causing them to crack or rot. This can also be a sign of hidden water leaks in the roof or gutters.

Another common reason for sagging is the weight of furniture or boxes stored on the ceiling. Over time, these can put too much pressure on the ceiling and cause it to sag or bow. This can also be the result of a poorly designed HVAC system, where it’s not properly vented and is putting too much strain on the ceiling. House settling is another cause of sagging, where the foundation of the home moves and shifts over time. This can cause the ceiling to weaken and sag, especially in older homes.

If you’re not sure what the cause is, it’s best to get a professional building inspector to check the property and determine the source of the problem. They’ll be able to assess the severity of the issue, how it should be fixed and whether or not it poses a risk to you and your family.

Some other causes of sagging include a bad patch job, where the builder hasn’t taken enough care to make sure that the patch work is strong and level. This is particularly important with wood panelling, which can be very weak if it’s warped or damaged. Other possible causes are a lack of support joists in the ceiling, or a structure that’s not designed for the type of ceiling you have in place.

A sagging ceiling should never be ignored, and it’s a great idea to book a pre-purchase inspection before buying a new property. A qualified building inspector will be able to identify the cause of the sagging, and let you know how difficult or expensive it may be to fix.

Mold

Mold can grow in areas that are damp after rain or snow. Mold spores can travel through the air and land on any damp surface, such as wallpaper, carpeting, or insulation, where they will begin to grow. When exposed to moisture, mold will absorb the material and eat it away until it destroys the material completely. The longer the mold is left to grow, the more damage it will cause to the surface and the structure of the home.

It’s important to clean up water damage and dry the affected area within 24 hours to prevent mold growth. If you do notice a sign of mold on your ceiling, call in the professionals to get it taken care of immediately.

Usually, the most common cause of mold is a leak. It is crucial to check the walls, roof, and attic for signs of a leak. It’s also important to make sure that all of the wood is intact and not rotting or damaged in any way.

If you do find a spot of mold, you should use drywall compound or Spackle to repair it. You should also make sure to wear a mask or respirator, as the mold spores can be harmful to your health.

White mold is a type of fungus that can be found in homes. It is usually caused by high humidity levels and poor ventilation. It can eat away at the wood in your house and create a musty odor.

The best solution is to ensure that your house is properly insulated and ventilated. This will help keep humidity levels low, which can prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Author: Leena Parks

Invest in New Entry Doors to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal