Category: Design

  • How to Choose Hardwood Flooring for Bathroom

    How to Choose Hardwood Flooring for Bathroom

    When there comes the time to start thinking about flooring for your bathroom, you might feel pressured into buying something that you are less than crazy about; such as porcelain or vinyl. Also you want to add something which has elegance, beauty, style and class. While these work really well in a bathroom because of the moisture, it’s not your only options available. Wood flooring, for instance, also works well. But, it’s dependent on many of the factors. For example this article details the pros and cons. And while you are at it, consider these do’s and don’ts as well.

    First, you need to make sure that you have a vapor barrier on the subfloor. Second, you need to make sure that it’s a really hard hardwood – a lot of the exotic species tend to be better suited for bathrooms than domesticated softer woods like pine. Next, you need to think about the installation. If done correctly it will contract and shrink accordingly and won’t warp or crack – so you have to make sure that you get a pro to install it for sure. Below, we will be going over these factors a little more.

    What Is A Vapor Barrier?

    A vapor barrier is actually a very simple concept. It tends to be a thinner layer of material made from poly sheeting, that is placed between the subfloor and the floor you plan on installing. At roomsketcher.com, you can actually plan the layout and virtually see it as to how it will look in your bathroom. A thorough subfloor planning prevents moisture from damaging the home which makes the poly sheeting an ideal option for bathrooms. These tend to be used more for laminate flooring. For hardwood or engineered, it’s a good idea to acclimate the engineered wood to space. Take it out of its packaging and lay it in the room for 4-7 days to get it acclimated to the humidity and moisture in the air in that space.

    The Best Hardwood Flooring Materials

    Each hardwood flooring material has its own rating called a Janka Hardness Test. This type of hardwood flooring is put through all sorts of tests that result in a Janka Ranking regarding the actual surface of the wood flooring, from dents and indentations to scratches. It’s done using a .444 inch steel ball. There are actual graphs you can find online, but here are a few examples of types of wood flooring for you to think about.

    Red oak – 1290: This is a really popular choice for domestic hardwood flooring. It’s known for having a lot of deep and heavy grains and it varies in color variations from reddish pinks to creams browns.

    Maple – 1450: It’s no surprise that maple gets used a lot considering it has a 1450 ranking. This wood mostly grows in Canada and Northern American. It tends to have a very creamy yet pale color to it.

    Hickory – 1820: Hickory is not only used in hickory hardwood flooring but also log homes because of how strong it is. It tends to have a very unusual yet neat graining pattern to it and can be found with creamy whites to pale yellows and even medium browns into the patterns. These are primarily used with 5 inch planks and bigger.

    Amendoim – 1912: This cool little wood is actually more commonly known as Brazilian Oak. It’s one of the most popular wood materials in the exotic hardwood section. It tends to have a creamy golden color to it, but you can also find browns and reds too.

    Brazilian Cherry – 2820: This is a super hard wood. It’s also commonly known as Jatoba. Color patterns go from reds to browns to blondes. Because Brazilian Cherry can vary by color and patterned grains it’s a good idea to lay out all of your wood beforehand and plan where you are going to put what plank.

    Bamboo – Rating Varies

    Bamboo is quickly becoming a really popular type of bathroom flooring or flooring in general. The ranking will depend on how the wood is made and who makes it. Chinese brands, for example, are all about milling this wood quickly so they tend to put less care in it, therefore the rating is going to be lower. A higher quality material will have a higher ranking. Make sure you check out online flooring stores such as tilemarkets.com and their quality rating before buying.

    Installation

    The installation is key here. Not only do you want to acclimate the wood to space as mentioned earlier, but the installation, if done correctly, can be put in your bathroom. The key factor here is using an expansion gap. That is, placing a ¼ inch gap between the edge of the outside boards and the actual baseboard. This is especially important in a bathroom where you will need to let the wood breath as it contracts and expands. If not, you can guarantee you will begin to see cracking, warping and other issues with your wood flooring when placed in a bathroom. Read through floorfacts.com so that you can have a better understanding of installation of the hardwood. Also, make sure you read more about expansion gaps before the flooring purchase.

     

  • 8 Convincing Reasons to Start Your Bathroom Remodel Project Today

    8 Convincing Reasons to Start Your Bathroom Remodel Project Today

    Thinking about giving your bathroom a facelift? The project will take time and money, but it will be well worth the effort. There are dozens of reasons why someone might choose to remodel their bathroom. Here we’ve listed 8 of the most common reasons, to help you decide if remodeling your bathroom is right for you.

    1. Enjoy a New Look

    First and foremost, a bathroom remodel is an exciting chance to give your bathroom a new aesthetic. When you remodel any part of your home, you get the satisfaction of having full control over the way it looks. So whether you’re getting ready in the morning or bathing your babies at night, you’ll love spending time in every part of your home.

    2. Make a Safer Space

    Outdated bathrooms can be hazardous in many ways. If there are cracked, slippery tiles, water leaks, or other safety issues, remodeling can help fix the problem. A bathroom can also be remodeled to accommodate special needs or to suit an aging person who needs more assistance when showering or using the restroom.

    3. Add Modern Features

    Bathroom plumbing has come a long way over the years, and if you’re looking to make your space more convenient, a bathroom remodel is a great way to achieve that goal. Pick a state-of-the-art toilet with self-flushing or even self-cleaning features. Install motion-sensor sinks or dimmable lighting. Relish in the joy of modern technology.

    4. Fix Plumbing

    Plumbing issues that go ignored will only cause bigger problems down the line. Fix any plumbing problems like leaky pipes or broken toilets by giving the whole bathroom an overhaul. You’ll avoid flooding and other problems that could pop up in the future.

    5. Increase Efficiency and Sustainability

    Remodeling is almost always a chance to increase the efficiency and sustainability of your home, no matter what room you choose to tackle. The bathroom is an especially great chance to reduce water usage and decrease utility bills overall.

    6. Add to Home Value

    A beautifully updated bathroom is something you’ll enjoy for years to come, and it’s something future buyers will enjoy too. A remodeled bathroom will add to the value of your home, so you’ll reap the benefits if you decide to sell your home a few years later.

    7. Expand the Footprint

    If you’ve been working with a tiny bathroom, you may choose to remodel to expand the footprint of the space. By adding more square footage to your bathroom, you’ll be able to add luxurious features like a larger shower, multiple sinks, or shelving units and cupboards.

    8. Get Rid of Mold

    Black mold and other forms of mildew can wreak havoc on the health of you and your family. Remodeling the bathroom will give you a clean slate and a chance to eliminate any hazardous mold and mildew problems.

    Get Started Today

    Ready to tackle a bathroom remodel of your own, but not sure how you’ll pay for it? A great way to find home improvement financing is to ask contractors that give you bids on your project to see if they offer any financing options. Many companies will partner with banks so they can offer their customers different payment plans to provide the most convenience for homeowners. For other financing options, you can talk with your bank or credit union to talk options. Just make sure you understand how much the total will come to with interest rates and monthly payments. You can create an incredible space without having to sacrifice for the sake of your budget.

  • How to repair the roofing

    How to repair the roofing

    Somehow or other, we have all seen a roof that is falling part of the fogging, because the rod is rusted. But, did you know that the repair of this problem is relatively easy?

    It is extremely important that, if your roof has these deteriorating characteristics, repair it as soon as the problem is detected. When the area that presents the problem is small, it is easy to repair, even by yourself. If you ignore the problem than it will get bigger day by day and it will be very difficult to repair a larger part of it as compared to the that small portion. So, its highly recommended that you should repair it as soon as you find out about the problem.

    If you have never done that kind of work than you should leave it to expert from Cherry and Clark.

    Next, a simple procedure so you can repair small areas on your roof that confront problems like this:

    1. First of all, it is vital to correct moisture problems in the ceiling.
    2. Once the leaks in the roof have been eliminated, you can repair the areas where the fogging is falling.
    3. With a ladder and using gloves and safety glasses, begin to remove the peeling that is detached.
    4. Remove all affected plaster and if you notice that there are still areas that sound hollow or detached, continue to remove the material.
    5. Once all the loose patching has been removed, the ceiling area should be thoroughly cleaned.
    6. Then, it is time to protect the exposed rod by painting it with red oxide, which can be obtained in any hardware store of your choice.
    7. Once the rust has dried, apply a bonding agent (“bonding agent”). This is the blue or yellow paint that is applied to the walls before they are dyed, so that the new plastering adheres well to the ceiling concrete.
    8. Once the adhesive is dry, you can proceed to prepare the mixture for the fogging. For this it is recommended that you use the We3 W350 ready mix. This product comes in ready-to-use bags and you just have to add water according to the instructions. It also contains fiber that makes the mixture more resistant and the final finish smoother than regular fogging.
    9. Use a clean bucket to make the mixture. For each bag of Mix List W350, use one gallon of water. Never add more water than recommended since the mixture will be very soft and will fall off when you apply it to the ceiling.
    10. When you have the W350 mixture ready to apply, you can proceed to repack the roof. For this you will need a trowel, float and sponge. If the area to be patched is deep, you should apply the mixture list by layers of up to two inches.

    When you have applied the final coat, wait until it has a hard consistency, but not completely dry, so you can finish with the fleet and then finish with the sponge. All ready. You have just learned how to repair a roof overlap.

  • Big Ideas for Your Small Backyard: 3 Ways to Spruce Up Your Garden

    Big Ideas for Your Small Backyard: 3 Ways to Spruce Up Your Garden

    The average size of a home lawn in the U.S. is 10,000 square feet. To many, however, that amount would be quite a luxury; California, for example, has an average of only half that space for home lawns. With summer nearly here, people are finding themselves wishing for a more inviting outdoor atmosphere. Fortunately, your lawn and/or outdoor space doesn’t need to encompass acres of land to create a beautiful, bountiful garden, and there’s more than one way to do it.

    The Traditional Method

    Of course, the old-fashioned way of starting a garden is with dirt. When you’re working with a limited planting space, make sure you’re using quality soil, as it needs to be more nutrient dense in order to thrive, as compared to larger spaces. Consider developing your own compost; it’s not only cost-efficient, but it’s one of the best ways to infuse soil with the best nutrition for all plant types. Compost can be made from fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste (like weeds and grass trimmings), and even the debris buildup from your gutters. Gutters provide a great atmosphere for decomposition, after all. When having gutters professionally cleaned, simply ask that the waste not be disposed of, but placed into buckets for compost instead. Sort through it to remove non-compostable items, and add the rest to your regular compost bin.

    Once you have a good soil foundation and your plants selected, you can maximize your space by creating different levels and sections. This can be done through tiered gardening beds or the addition of soil mounds, space permitting. Alternatively, you can use stones or other means of separating the sections. Creating this type of division will give the illusion of a larger green space.

    The Vertical Method

    While the traditional method is preferred among many, it’s not your only option. If you’re exceptionally space-challenged, going up may be your best bet. You can construct a trellis or living wall using wire, cables, bamboo, and even netting. This is a particularly useful means of gardening for those that need to limit themselves to a patio, balcony, or rooftop, but it can be implemented just about anywhere. Herbs and vining plants are easy to transplant to this type of structure.

    Another type of vertical gardening relies on use of your existing outdoor fixtures and furniture. Rails and window ledges can be lined with planters, either hanging or boxed. Sure, this is a small space, but you can grow an array of beautiful plants- even edibles. Strawberries, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and annual flowers are just a few of your options.

    The Indoor-Outdoor Method

    Finally, for people that simply can’t get enough of their greenery, but can’t accommodate it entirely outdoors, there’s the indoor-outdoor method. It’s exactly what it sounds like: using both indoor and outdoor spaces. Plants like herbs, succulents, and microgreens are all good options for indoor growing, while you can save your outdoor space for larger plants and varieties that are in need of more sun. Of course, you can also step up your indoor approach with the use of sunlamps.

    This method is especially beautiful if you have a living space that opens up to your outdoor space. Tying the two together with plant life will give the illusion of a larger outdoor space, even though part of your greenery is technically indoors.

    With some creativity, there’s a number of ways you can implement a garden. Your space might be limited, but your imagination is abundant.

  • 9 Gorgeous Green Living Room Ideas

    9 Gorgeous Green Living Room Ideas

    The living room is one of the fundamental spaces that make up a home. As it takes several roles for entertainment and leisure, versatility is what designers aim to maintain. Different living room ideas have a common ground, the way it unites all other spaces together. If you’re struggling to maintain the harmony in designing a living space, settle for a neutral color, like the color green for example.

    Are you looking for a living room inspiration? End your worries because we’ve got you covered. Here are 9 gorgeous green living room ideas to spice up your home.

    The Neutral Accent

    (Image Source: https://www.decorracks.com/2019/01/25/44-elegant-green-living-room-design-ideas/)

    Not all are a fan of the color green but you can feature a calming effect with neutral green accents. Many people prefer a mix and match of exciting colors which makes a design harmonized. You can choose whether you want a moss green couch or a pistachio wall. This design makes a statement because the different colors use doesn’t compete with each other. Obtain a calming design aesthetic with the neutral accent!

    The Fresh Aura   

    (Image Source: http://www.home-designing.com/green-living-room-interior-design-ideas-photos-inspiration)

    Most people usually hang-out in their living room to read a book and drink tea. To achieve the enlightening feeling, you can try The Fresh Aura design. Don’t just settle in painting your walls green. Design your area with indoor plants that will make the room feeling light and cool. Indoor plants help in keeping the room well-ventilated. Incorporate it with a pear-colored couch with an industrial wall. This will complement the placement of the furniture.

    The Call of Nature

    (Image Source: https://interiorzine.com/2017/10/12/nature-inspired-eco-house/)

    Try something bold with The Call of Nature living room design. It is a modern-industrial design in which textured walls are the highlights of the area. The Sacramento matte finish was used to highlight the wall. You can use light textured walls complementary to your highlight wall to distinguish the focal point. To avoid making it look dull in the evening, incorporate a tray ceiling design and install warm strip lights <do-follow> . This will give a homey feeling to your family and guests.

    The Classic Feature

    (Image Source: http://lomupics.pw/Green-Drawing-Room-Georgian-Style-Spaces-Colonial.html)

    Are you a fan of vintage design? The Classic Feature design is all about filling the living room with curves of the retro generation. To highlight the design of your preference for vintage furniture, paint your walls with laurel green. Focus on the details of your walls. The personality of vintage is heavy but we want to achieve it in a lighter note. You can use different accents for your furniture and experiment on different types of fabric and material.

    The Mediterranean Touch

    (Image Source: http://www.csartcolorado.org/1545999118-muk-96f95d9b43b8e2af.html)

    Fancy but fun, that is the aura of The Mediterranean Touch. Experiment with different textured wall and floor accents. The walls are textured Da Vinci-colored complimenting the Merbau wood flooring. Pair your furniture with patterned curtains and carpets to establish unity between the accessories in the room. Feel the cozy and warm welcoming feeling as you walk in the living room.

    The Deep Scheme

    (Image Source: http://sharingsmiles.info/dark-green-room-paint/dark-green-room-paint-green-painted-library-dark-green-automotive-paint-colors/)

    The vintage and industrial design work well with living room spaces. To achieve your green living room dream, dig into The Deep Scheme. Play with different modern and vintage furniture with shades of green. It allows a fun aura within your living room without commitment since no walls were painted. To add more details, you can fix shelves made out of Balau wood and place different accessories. In achieving an industrial design, it’s all about how creative you can be.

    The Light Space

    (Image Source: http://abasolo.co/green-living-room-ideas/green-living-room-ideas-cream-and-green-living-room-ideas-light-green-living-room-sage-and-cream-living-room-ideas-dark-green-carpet-living-room-ideas/)

    Are you looking for a contemporary green living room inspiration? The Light Space is all about experimenting with different shades of green without being too obvious. Choose different shades of green that will help you achieve a cozy and soothing feeling. You can experiment on using different materials too. Pair the pale green-colored wall with deep shades for your furniture. Make your living room the perfect place to feel comfortable.

    The Gentle Touch

    (Image Source: http://www.home-designing.com/green-living-room-interior-design-ideas-photos-inspiration)

    Green is not a head-turning color for some but there are creative ways on how to increase the aesthetic value of your space. The Gentle Touch is for people who prefer minimalist designs. Use a light-colored couch to achieve a pure personality. You can experiment with different shades of light green to compliment your furniture. To add a little twist to your space, you can choose pale-colored pattern tiles for your flooring.

    Minimalism is often incorporated with industrial design to achieve a light but detailed design. As you can see from the picture above, different colors were used. The objects don’t compete with the colors of one another. They create a perfect palette for a green living room design.

    The Mint Hues

    (Image Source: http://www.home-designing.com/green-living-room-interior-design-ideas-photos-inspiration)

    Are you seeking for an elegant green living room? The Mint Hues are one of our best suggestions. Fill your space with the ambiance of nature to obtain a light and fresh design. Create a contemporary haven with a deep shade of green for the furniture and textured light walls. The furniture and accessories add visual interest to avoid a dull and boring living room.

    Can’t decide between dark and light shades of green? Why stress out when you can use both? Create a living area you’ll surely love with The Mint Hues.

    Conclusion

    According to color psychology, green is a symbol of wellness and growth. In designing a space, it is the color which can create the most natural environment. Feature different shades of green in your living area which best suits your personality. Allow the color to unite the furniture, light, and fixtures together. Come up with a creative way to maintain the natural environment within your home.

  • 5 contemporary designs for your eye-catching new office space

    5 contemporary designs for your eye-catching new office space

    If you are about to move your business into a new office, you have many understandable reasons to be excited. After all, that new office may be far from just a change of scenery; it can also mark the advent of a fulfilling new chapter in your company’s journey.

    Nonetheless, you should think carefully about how that space will look, given the perhaps surprising impact of such on employee productivity. Let’s consider the following possible designs…

    Defurbishment

    With your office, you shouldn’t go too far down the minimalist route. According to psychologists in a paper mentioned by The Guardian, an office bereft of distractions like pictures and souvenirs is “the most toxic space” you can make for your employees.

    Still, you can apply the minimalist aesthetic more subtly and beneficially by opting for “defurbishment”, whereby elements of a building are stripped away to expose the likes of beams and brick walls. Don’t shy away from incorporating such natural materials as wood.

    Living walls

    The presence of wooden surfaces could, in clients’ eyes, strengthen your firm’s eco-friendly credentials – and the same could be said of including “living walls”. What are those? They are literally living walls, as they display leafy greenery, says Undercover Recruiter.

    You could effectively complement those walls by displaying houseplants close by, as one study has found that this approach could spur a productivity increase of 15% in your employees. Make sure that each worker can catch sight of a plant from their desk.

    A focus on both mental and physical health

    By placing foliage in your workplace, you can psychologically engage your workers and so make them happier, which can benefit their working practices. Indeed, you can carefully design your office in such a way that many elements are intended to foster mental and physical wellbeing.

    Your choice of furniture can be key to this. Ergonomic office furniture, for example, can help your workers to improve their perception, memory and reasoning – while, by looking at pivotal monitors, they can spend lengthy periods focusing on their screens due to fewer eye strains and headaches.

    Variety is the spice of an office

    In designing your office, you could also benefit from lifting an array of physical or ergonomic constraints to leave your space dynamic, agile and highly interactive.

    You could be surprised by how impactful even little changes can be. For example, re-arranging furniture to make it more comfortable and organic can assist in spurring productivity.

    It would be helpful if your office has various vital amenities – like online and phone connections – as soon as you move in, hence why a serviced office in Manchester or elsewhere could hugely appeal.

    Open plan offices

    ITProPortal notes that open plan offices are designed to encourage discussion between workers, so it’s clear how taking up one of these offices could help your workers to collaborate effectively. Keep in mind that, the better your office’s design, the more productively your staff could ultimately work, so don’t rush planning that design.

     

  • 5 commercial uses of the Barcelona style sofa

    5 commercial uses of the Barcelona style sofa

     

    The Barcelona style sofa has a very commercial outlook. It can look great in a residential setting, but it’s versatile enough to be able to lift up a commercial style ambiance as well. There are many settings that can be achieved within this genre, and further, we’ll be elaborating on 5 of them to help inspire you:

    1. Hotel lobbies and receptions

    zazoo_event_rentals

    Large hotel lobbies and reception areas always need to feature sitting spaces that are both comfortable and elegant in aesthetics. This is why the Barcelona style sofa would be a great addition to such spaces. The large seating capacity of this sofa coupled with its sophisticated looks is the perfect way to create an officious yet relaxing ambiance within the commercial boundaries of such spaces. You can even complement them with contrasting furniture as featured in this image.

    1. Mixed used building corridors

    grintimofficial

    Large mixed used buildings with their empty corridors are a stigma in architecture and interior design, and need to be furnished in a way that makes them useful. Creating small seating spaces within their large bounds is a helpful and functional way to make the most of them. You can use the Barcelona style sofa to make a useful sitting arrangement here. It’s compact but stylish – the perfect way to complement an empty space with trendiness.

    1. Conference halls

    the.eventstore.asia

    Large convention and conference halls may not be the most obvious commercial placement ideas for the Barcelona style sofa, but you can certainly articulate this idea. The arrangement featured in this image is definitely a great execution of such an idea. Located in the halls of the Gardens by the Bay, the Barcelona style sofa feels like a very posh arrangement in the large expanse of the hall.

    1. Outdoor arrangements

    designer8furniturerental

    Outdoor arrangements may not be the likeliest place to feature something as posh as the Barcelona style sofa, but the contrast actually tends to look gorgeous. You can set it up in a verandah, an outdoor restaurant, at the bounds of a Zen garden, and even an outdoor patio. Its sleek sophistication would provide an excellent contrast to the beauty of the nature and look pretty brilliant on a whole.

    1. Office seating

    mo_novakova
    The Barcelona style sofa has a very officious look that can suit corporate office environments really well. It also has that stately, expensive, and sophisticated aura that can make a space feel ready for a business deal. So, you can set up an arrangement of these sofas in your offices as well to create a small nook where you entertain and close business deals. The brown, white, and black sofas in this image are a pretty great example of how to carry out such an arrangement with a lot of visual diversity, elegance, and panache.

    So, these are the commercial uses of the Barcelona style sofa. You can also create alternate set-ups and think out of the box, but we hope that these 5 ideas can help you break the ice in this genre.

  • Wear and Tear: 7 Warning Signs Your Roof Is in Dire Need of Replacement

    Wear and Tear: 7 Warning Signs Your Roof Is in Dire Need of Replacement

    A roof is an especially important part of a home because it protects the owner’s belongings and the house’s structural materials. A sound roof increases property values and improves curb appeal. But if roofing materials fail, they cause problems that lead to costly damages. Fortunately, homeowners can protect their property and avoid these surprise expenses if they recognize signs that roofs need to be replaced as soon as possible.

    1. Parts of the Roof Are Sagging

    There are several reasons why a roof might sag but all of them point to the need for replacement. Sagging can be a sign that materials are deteriorating. Roofs often sag when they are supporting too much snow or ice. The problems can occur when original roofing materials were installed incorrectly. Professionals such as DennisAndSonsContracting.com roofing suggest homeowners discuss their issues with contractors who can provide replacement roofs that solve and prevent problems like sagging.

    2. There Is Water Damage in the Attic or Home Interior

    Water that pools in an attic or seeps from a ceiling is usually a sign of roof problems. Although a small leak might seem like a minor issue, it can hide problems that create health issues and damage to structural materials. Water damage professionals like ServiceMaster advise that water seeping from a roof can short wires and compromise a home’s structural integrity. It could also cause toxic mold growth that leads to breathing problems.

    3. Shingles Are Missing or Damaged

    Sound roofs can withstand storms without damage, but high winds often lift older shingles and may tear them off. Shingles on aging roofs can simply become loose and fall off, and that means the roof is not protecting the entire home. When shingles are past their prime, they might also start to curl, blister, or become dry. Any of these problems indicate that a roof is reaching the end of its life and should be replaced as soon as possible.

    4. Dark Patches Appear on Shingles

    Over time the granules on shingles may begin to fall off and create dark spots on roofs. That is a signal that shingles have aged and should be replaced. Moss and algae growing on roofs also cause dark spots that may indicate the presence of underlying moisture.

    5. Flashing Is Damaged or Missing

    During installation, roofing contractors install flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to seal roof seams and prevent water from leaking through them. Over time flashing can develop breaks or cracks that cause leaks. The problem is common in older roofs and can mean materials are reaching the end of life.

    6. A Roof Is More Than 20 Years Old

    The average asphalt shingle roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. A home roof that is 20 or more years old is likely to develop problems and should be replaced before it causes expensive damages. Older roofs can also cost homeowners money when they file insurance claims due to roof damage. According to insurer Mutual Benefit Group, clients with Actual Cash Value (ACV) homeowners’ policies are only paid a portion of the amount needed to replace older roofs. That is because insurance companies calculate roofing depreciation when determining the value of a claim.

    7. Air Conditioning and Heating Bills Are Increasing

    A failing roof that is leaking or damaged can increase heating and cooling bills. Even minor damages may allow bad air to get in and let good air escape. An old roof often has insufficient ventilation, which can also affect energy usage.

    A well-installed asphalt shingle roof can last 25 years, but even the best materials eventually develop problems and need to be replaced. Homeowners can spot the signs of roof failure by looking for common indicators. Signs of roof failure include leaks, damaged flashing, and missing shingles. Sagging, dark spots on shingles and increased energy costs can also signal that a roof has reached the end of life and should be replaced immediately.