For years your choice in house siding has been wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Wood is high-maintenance but looks great. Vinyl is low maintenance but not as attractive. Aluminum has fallen out of fashion in recent decades. So, if you’re trying to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these siding materials, why not consider cement fiber siding. Combining the gorgeous appearance of wood and the low maintenance of vinyl, cement fiber siding is the ideal home exterior for the modern home! Keep reading for more information or contact siding contractors in your area for details about cement fiber performance.

Pioneered by the siding manufacturer James Hardie, cement fiber siding has grown in popularity in recent years. As its incredible benefits become better known to home owners, they’re increasingly choosing this relatively new siding product over vinyl or wood. Made from compressed concrete and wood fiber, this cement fiber siding has the strength and longevity of cement and the beautiful appearance of wood. This incredible exterior siding offers the attractiveness of wood, but will never rot or develop insect problems. In fact, some cement fiber siding is available with a baked-on factory finish that will last more than 15 years-meaning your house won’t have to be painted for over a decade! Cement fiber takes low maintenance practically to the extreme of no maintenance.

Superior durability is one of the hallmarks of cement fiber siding. Because it is engineered from concrete, cement fiber is sturdy, resilient, and long-lasting. Many manufacturers offer even 50 year warranties. In fact, cement fiber can easily last the lifetime of your house, making it a fantastic value over the long term. Your local siding contractor can provide the exact specifications of particular cement fiber brands, but all offer long-lasting beauty for your home.

When choosing a contractor for your siding installation, be sure to select an experienced professional. You’ll want a licensed, insured expert for the best quality and workmanship. Ask for references from past projects and ensure that your siding contractor uses cement fiber from a leading manufacturer for superior quality and warranties.

About the Author: Matt Gallo is a home improvement hobbyist.

Inclement weather can be a hassle no matter the season, especially if it knocks the power out. If you’re tired of sitting in the dark or having food in the refrigerator spoil when you’re without electricity, you should consider installing a generator. These great emergency back up power systems can easily be installed by your electrician and will help keep your home running, even when the power isn’t working.

A generator enables you to keep your home or business running even when the power is out; from simply keeping the lights on to running appliances, emergency power systems are a great solution for generating electricity. Commercial benefits include optimizing productivity and preventing power-outage related losses. Residential benefits include eliminating fire danger from candles, maintaining home comfort (furnace, water heater, AC), and preventing food loss (freezer, refrigerator).

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of an emergency back up power system is adequate size. You’ll need a generator capable of producing enough power to fulfill your energy needs. Obviously, if you just want to keep the lights on, you’ll need a much smaller generator than if you want to power large appliances like the refrigerator and water heater as well. Discuss your energy needs with your electrician in Raleigh to ensure that your back up power system will produce sufficient electricity.

Depending on your needs, your electrician can configure a whole-building generator system that automatically kicks in when power is lost or install a manual portable generator that provides electricity to crucial systems only. Automatic generators are recommended for commercial spaces, enabling the emergency power to kick in even if no one is in the building at the time: This helps prevent power outage related losses. Manual generators can be a more cost effective solution, though, so be sure to talk with your commercial electrician about which system is best for you!

Your local electrician should be able to provide sales and installation on a generator, so call today to learn more about emergency power for your home or business. Stop suffering when the power is out; keep the lights (and other electrical systems) on with a generator!

In the cold, wet months of winter, it’s easy to procrastinate on home improvement and repair projects. Exterior tasks simply aren’t as feasible. But now that it’s spring, you need to get those pesky problems taken care of-before they get any worse!

Roofing

If your roof is deteriorating, or allowing water to penetrate into your home, you need to have it assessed by a professional roofer immediately. The stakes are high when it comes to roofing repair because if you wait too long or have it installed improperly you could end up with damage to the insulation, drywall, paint, furniture, and everything else that’s under your roof!

Signs you need new a roof can include:

• Curled up shingles
• Asphalt worn off the shingles
• Loose or missing shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Spots on your interior ceiling
• Black or green streaks
• The age of your roofing

When it comes to protecting your home and family, professional roofing contractors are a must. Not only can they accurately evaluate the state of your existing roof, but they also have the skills and experience to install your roof properly.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are the gateways to your home; however, many people don’t realize the importance of maintaining and replacing these fittings. If a window or door is old or damaged, it needs to be replaced. Old windows leak heat and air-conditioning, raising energy costs, while new thermal windows can help you conserve energy. Broken windows and doors are not only dangerous to your family, but they also leak heating and cooling, allow pests to enter your home, permit moisture to pass through, and can even grow mold and fungus.

Door and window replacement is an easy and relatively hassle-free process. Adventurous DIYers can handle most types of window and door replacement, but using a professional will guarantee correct installation and make the process totally stress-free.

Siding Installation or Replacement

Tired of your old aluminum siding? Sick of scraping and repainting your wood siding every few years? Looking for an energy-efficient house siding solution? Then it’s time for siding replacement. With the great selection of siding products available today-including high-tech insulated vinyl and cement fiber, you’re sure to get great looks and superior performance out of your new siding!

The two most popular options in house siding today are vinyl and cement fiber. Vinyl siding is hugely popular because it is low maintenance, long-lasting, durable, good-looking, and affordable. Unlike wood siding, vinyl siding won’t rot or need painting. A new option in vinyl siding is insulated vinyl, which offers low maintenance and attractive appearance as well as the added benefit of thermal insulation to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Cement fiber siding, a newer exterior siding material, is made from compressed concrete and wood fiber. It has the strength and longevity of cement and the appearance of wood. Cement fiber siding is extremely durable and offers the beauty of wood siding without all the maintenance. And, although cement fiber is more expensive than vinyl, it can easily last the lifetime of your home, making it a fantastic value over the long term. Contact your local siding contractor to learn more about the options available for upgrading your siding.

Exterior Painting

When your house paint is starting to flake, peel, chip, or just look dull, it affects the whole appearance of your home-and it also leaves your house exposed to damage! You need to call a professional house painter today. They’ll be able to correctly prepare the surfaces, repair damage, and apply paint to get your home looking great again.

Many homeowners don’t realize that house paint is about more than aesthetics: the paint is there to shield your house from the elements and environmental dangers, not just to look pretty! Exterior paint is designed to safeguard your home from UV rays, mold, moisture, and even insects. However, when the paint starts to wear off, it no longer fulfills these roles, leaving your house vulnerable! That’s why it’s crucial to keep your house paint in good repair, and to have your home promptly repainted when the paint does begin to wear off.

So if winter weather has kept you from going through with exterior home repairs, now is the time to get them fixed. The longer you put off home improvements like window replacement or a new roof, the more likely it is that your house will develop real (and expensive) problems. As with most things, an ounce of prevention goes a long way!

When you upgrade your car or truck with aftermarket electronics, you certainly don’t want amateurs working on your vehicle. To ensure complete, correct mobile electronics installation-whether it’s a car alarm or an iPod integration system-you should always use a MECP certified installer. These trained professionals have the skills to provide superior installation and the credentials to illustrate that expertise. For the best in mobile electronics, choose MECP certified installers every time!

What does MECP mean?

MECP is an acronym for Mobile Electronics Certified Professional. This certification program for mobile electronics technicians is the only nationally recognized program certifying installers in this field.

To become an MECP certified installer, technicians must pass an extensive written exam that tests on subjects including installation techniques and different types of mobile electronics systems, including GPS navigation, vehicle safety and security, and car audio video. Many of the questions involve real-world design and troubleshooting situations. Hands-on experience and on-the-job training are both highly recommended prior to sitting for the MECP certification test.

MECP certification is available at three levels: basic, advanced, and master installer. The basic installer certification is valid for two years; the other levels expire after four years. The higher the certification level of your MECP certified installer, the greater his or her experience and knowledge. Master level certification represents extensive expertise in all areas of car audio video installation as well as a commitment to professional excellence.

Why should I have my car electronics installed by an MECP certified installer?

When you choose MECP certified technicians for your mobile audio video installation, you can be confident that your system will be effectively and completely installed. MECP certification simply indicates that this installer adheres to a higher level of professionalism than a fly-by-night car electronics shop. MECP certified technicians have taken the time and effort to attain the credentials that prove their broad knowledge of mobile electronics equipment and installation processes. Their certification also shows a willingness to stay up-to-date with the latest products and trends in the industry; with renewal testing at least every four years, your MECP certified installer is certain to be on top of developments in this fast-changing industry.

Using an MECP certified installer brings you the peace of mind that your vehicle will be treated with care and that your new electronics will be installed according to the best, correct methods possible.

How can I know if my mobile electronics specialists are MECP certified?

With close to 12,000 MECP certified professional installers working at shops throughout the country, locating one nearby should not be difficult. We recommend calling mobile electronics stores in your area and inquiring about the MECP certification status of their installers. Once you’ve found a shop with qualified technicians, be sure that you see their credentials before they begin working on your vehicle. That way, you’ll be able to rest assured that your car or truck is in the hands of capable, competent car electronics pros.

For comfortable living and beautiful décor, carpet is one of America’s favorite choices. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your living room, or you’ve just moved into a fixer-upper and need to replace all the carpets, carpeting is a great way to completely change the look and feel of a space. But with so many options in style, fiber, and color, it can seem impossible to know which is best for your home. Don’t despair, though; a little research can go a long way toward helping you select the carpet of your dreams!

The first step is defining your needs. Think about what you want in a carpet, how the room will be used, and what your carpeting priorities are. Consider:

* Traffic: How much use does the room get? Who will be using it (including pets)? Do you mind if footprints and vacuum marks are obvious?

* Allergies: Are family members sensitive to wool or other fibers? This should especially be taken into account if children will be playing on the carpet.

* Desired appearance: Do you want the carpet to look plush and luxurious? Is a homier appearance preferred?

* Mobility: Do you have family members whose mobility would be impeded by lush or thick carpet? Consider shuffling gaits, wheelchairs, and cane-usage.

* Color: With all of the options available, color will not limit your choice of fiber or style, but you will want to contemplate which hues will look best in your home.

Once you’ve decided what you want in a carpet, you’re ready to evaluate options. Before you visit carpet stores, it’s important to learn the lingo. Carpet can be divided on the basis of fiber and type.

Carpet Fibers

Wall-to-wall carpets are usually made out of one of five fibers: nylon, olefin, polyester, wool, or acrylic. In the past, most carpets were wool, but today the most popular carpets are made from nylon.

* Nylon is the most expensive synthetic carpet fiber, but it also durable and resilient, so many homeowners consider it more than worth the price. Nylon carpet resists matting and stands up well to soiling and staining.

*Polypropylene, also known as olefin, is extremely durable, colorfast, and stain-resistant. It is typically low-cost, but it can succumb to crushing and melts at a low temperature. Polypropylene performs best in a high density loop carpet.

* Polyester has similar qualities to polypropylene: stain resistant and durable but vulnerable to crushing. The beautiful colors and recycled nature of some polyester carpets are attractive to many homeowners.

* Wool is considered the premier carpet fiber, but it also has a high price tag (as much as double the cost of nylon). If it fits in your budget, wool carpeting has beautiful colors, strong resiliency, and cleans fantastically.

* Acrylic is used mainly in area rugs, but its popularity is increasing. It closely imitates the appearance of wool. Acrylic carpeting is also springy, stain resistant, and does not fade easily.

Carpet Types

There are two main types of carpets: cut pile and loop pile. Cut pile is often preferred for its plush feel and soft appearance. Loop pile is more durable than cut pile, but some say it does not have the same fluffy appeal.

* Textured plush carpet is a cut pile that provides causal beauty perfect for your whole home. Its surface hides footprints and vacuum marks, and soiling is not readily apparent.

* Cut-pile Saxony carpet offers a smooth, soft finish for an elegantly traditionally look. However, this carpeting is recommended for low-traffic areas such as living rooms and dining rooms as it shows footprints and soiling.

* Berber carpet is a popular loop pile style featuring relatively tight loops: this increases durability and hides heavy use. Berbers are available in both subtle and evident patterns.

* Commercial carpet is a loop-style carpet designed specifically for durability, high traffic, and long life. It is made from short, densely packed loops.

Cut/loop pile carpeting combines both cut pile and loops for a unique look. It provides carved definition and frequently features accent colors. This carpet hides footprints and soiling well.

Now that you know what type of carpets you’re interested in, it’s time to visit your local carpet outlet. You’ll be able to touch samples, talk to sales staff, and learn more about the carpet installation process. Don’t forget, once you’ve selected a carpet for your home, be sure to ask about special care techniques to keep your carpet looking fresh!

A house or business fire can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Once the fire is out and the emergency response teams have left the scene, you’re left with a huge charred and soggy mess. But did you know that a fire doesn’t have to mean a total loss? Even if your belongings are seriously water-logged, smoke damaged, or singed, many of them can be recovered through professional fire restoration.

Many professional cleaning services offer fire restoration in addition to their carpet and furniture cleaning services. They use a combination of drying and cleaning processes to minimize your losses and salvage your belongings from the fire. If your family has been struck by the tragedy of a house fire, or if you just want to be prepared in case disaster ever arrives, keep reading to learn more about the process of fire restoration.

Water Removal

The water removal typically consists of two stages: manual water extraction and supplementary drying. The initial stage involves using a high-powered wet vacuum to suck as much water as possible out of your building and belongings. This is followed up with dehumidification and ventilation using carpet fans and commercial dehumidifiers to dry remaining moisture out of the walls, floors, and room contents.

The first step in the fire restoration process is removing the water left from putting the fire out. On top of the damage of smoke, soot, and char, water can cause additional deterioration and foster mold growth. It’s important to start the drying process as soon as possible to diminish the possibility of further damage and achieve the most successful fire restoration results.

Fire Restoration

Once the water has been completely removed, the fire clean-up professionals can move on to the fire damage itself. The first step is a thorough evaluation of the extent of the damage and an inventory of items to be restored. Then a series of deodorizers and soot and smoke cleaners are used to wash away all traces of the fire. In fact, fire restoration can save sodden documents, sooty furniture, and even electronics or industrial equipment. When the fire restoration is complete, both your building and all of your salvageable belongings should be returned to their original condition!

Fire restoration professionals are typically very understanding of your sad situation and treat your damaged goods with the utmost respect and care. They work to bring you light in the midst of disaster and restore your belongings as soon as possible. Some fire restoration services even offer express cleaning of vital documents or your child’s special toy to ease your stress and discomfort. You can trust these professionals to restore as much of your home and belongings as possible and get you back in your home as quickly as they can.

Fire restoration companies are available in most areas. Businesses such as Best Clean Care in Pocatello, Idaho, and Steamatic Triangle in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina are good examples of local fire restoration services. Hopefully you will never need a fire restoration professional, but if you do, they can help make an awful situation much better by saving your personal effects and preventing a total loss.

Sunrooms and screen rooms are a great way to expand your living space and enjoy the outdoors while protected from the elements. They allow you to comfortably relax in your backyard no matter the weather or temperature. And while these two types of enclosed outdoor rooms offer varying degrees of shelter from wind and rain, they both provide superior protection from annoying insects.

Sunrooms were originally developed from farmhouse porches and have become increasingly common in recent decades. Today technological developments have made sunrooms and screened porches even more popular. With modern advances in resilient outdoor fabrics, heated flooring, and electronically controlled blinds, sunrooms are gradually becoming more and more comfortable every day!

Whether you’re contemplating installing a brand new sunroom or converting a porch to a screened room, it’s important to think through your options. Sunrooms and screened porches are similar, but they do offer distinct benefits and drawbacks.

Screen Rooms

The primary benefit of a screen room is that you feel closer to nature with only screens between you and the great outdoors. However, this feature can also be a drawback, because you’re also more exposed to the elements. A screened porch provides a great deal of shelter from the weather, but it doesn’t keep out cold temperatures. And if it’s really nasty outside—think raining or snowing horizontally—the screens don’t offer much protection. For this reason, screened porches are generally recommended for three season use or for homes in warm climates. However, screen rooms are usually less expensive to install than sunrooms, so some people consider them a better value than sunrooms.

Sunrooms

Perhaps the greatest advantage of a sunroom is that it’s typically warmer than a screened porch. Sunrooms offer complete protection from precipitation, wind, and cold temperatures, and their window glass actually intensifies the sun’s rays to heat the room further. With new heated floors, a sunroom is great for year round use! However, keep in mind that the heat of summer can be concentrated by your sunroom; for summer comfort, make sure the windows open so you can vent extra heat. Sunrooms do tend to be more expensive than screened porches, though, so not everyone considers their benefits worth the cost.

Once you’ve decided whether you want a screened porch or a sunroom, the next decision is prefab or custom. Most sunroom installation companies offer both systems, so you many want to consult a professional before you make your selection. Prefab sunrooms or screen rooms are usually more affordable than custom-built ones, but extra features aren’t always an option.

Whether you’re considering adding a sunroom or screened porch to your home as an investment or
simply to enjoy the great outdoors, you’re sure to love your new outdoor room. With all the extra living space and the beauty of nature, you won’t be able to imagine how you lived without your fabulous screen room or sunroom! Don’t procrastinate any longer; contact your local sunroom installer and get the sunroom addition process started today.

Matt Gallo is a home improvement hobbyist and the Internet Marketing Manager for Prospect Genius, a leading
provider of online, local advertising.