Things To Consider if Choosing a Solar Panel Roof for Your Home

 Solar panels are a great way to create an energy-efficient home. There are more options nowadays when it comes to style and options. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about installing solar panels on your roof.

1. Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles

There are two common options that most homeowners choose when it comes to solar options. They both do the same thing, convert sunshine into electricity that powers your home with clean energy.

Solar panels and solar shingles can end up saving you tons of money in the long run when it comes to energy costs.

Solar panels have been around for a long time and have improved over the years when it comes to aesthetics and efficiency improvements. Even though they still work the same, they require more than one installation. They have to also be installed by a solar company separate from your roofing company. Solar panels go over your existing roof.

Solar shingles only require one installation because they are installed much like a regular roof. They are installed like an architectural shingle and can be installed by a qualified roofer. Timberline Solar roofing system is made of an asphalt shingle that is combined with solar technology.

2. Return on Investment

There are actually online solar tools that can help you calculate how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. Since there are solar shingles, the cost of a solar roof can take the place of the cost of replacing or installing a new roof. Why? Because solar shingles come with solar already integrated. There will be only one installation cost and one material used on your roof.

This in turn makes it an addition to the long-term investment savings. You are saving on energy costs by powering your home from the natural sun. You can also gain federal incentives by installing solar panels or solar shingles. To see if you will qualify, visit https://www.dsireusa.org.

3. Roof Requirements

If you are adding solar to your existing roof, you need to make sure it is ready for solar. You will need to consider the existing roof location, condition, and age.

It would be a waste to add solar to a leaky roof. The existing roof’s condition can impact installation choices. It is never a good idea to put solar panels on an old roof. If you have to have any repairs done to the aging roof after solar panels are installed, then you will have to hire a solar contractor plus a roofing contractor.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

Solar shingles age at around the same rate as regular roof shingles but solar shingles are lower in maintenance and do not require as much cleaning as a regular roof shingle. This also is true for solar panels. Natural soiling does occur but does not really impact energy production. In order to clean solar panels and solar shingles you just have to hose down or sweep debris from them.

5. Withstanding Weather

Ask the experts how solar solutions can hold up in different types of weather situations. They are built to withstand bad weather and the majority have warranties that will cover severe weather damage. Solar shingles in some occurrences are better at weatherproofing than solar panels. Sometimes secondary installation of solar panels on top of a roof can jeopardize your roof.

There are tons of advantages when it comes to solar roof solutions. GAF can link you to a GAF Certified Contractor who can help you with both your solar options and installation.

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Ideas for the Guest Bathroom

 A guest bathroom should be a nice area for guests to make themselves at home. A guest bathroom is not used as much as a primary or secondary bathroom so it is easier to keep it tidy and neat. Here are some tips from the professionals on how to turn your guest bathroom into a luxurious space for guests.

Keep It Simple and Fresh

A nice calming area is always fresh and simple. Guest want to be able to make it their own space. Some

guests might love fragrances while others might be allergic so keep aromas minimal. A great way to keep an area fresh and scent-free are to wash soft surfaces often, open a window and get a dehumidifier for the guest bathroom.

Invest in Digital Shower Fixtures

Southern Living offers this tip saying it offers your guests the highest level of convenience. Guest can enjoy their preferred setting with no hassle. When you are not familiar with a showerhead and handle fixture it can be frustrating and this eliminates this problem. Use an overhead rain shower for a spa-like feel.

Offer Posh Towels and Robes

Guests want to feel like they are in the lap of luxury. A good way to give them that pampered feeling is to use the highest quality towels and robes. Adding a soft guest robe and slippers adds the feel of a luxury spa or hotel. Examples of some luxury towels are Turkish bath towels, waffle weave, or quick-drying options.

Provide High-End Bath Products

When you visit a 5-star hotel, you always get the high-end bath and personal care products. You will want to do the same in your guest bathroom. Have an array of options for your guest from scent-free soap and lotion to fragrant shampoos. You can also go as far as adding loofahs and sponges made of all-natural materials for a spa-like feel.

Maximize a Small Guest Bathroom Space

Usually, a guest bathroom is not the biggest in the house. If you have a small area to work with use open shelves for storage and a recessed cabinet over the vanity. Decorate with light-colored materials making the space feel open and bright. Add a small vanity with some counter space and add hooks to hang a hairdryer, hairbrush, and other accessories.

Just Add Paint

You will want to paint in light natural hues that give a modern spa feel. Painting the walls and ceiling of a guest bath is an easy way to update your space. Along with the natural hues, add a bamboo bath mat for an earthy touch.

Put Essentials On-Hand

Keep toilet paper and necessities within hand reach for your guest. You do not want to tuck them away in a cabinet or a vanity out of sight and reach. If you do not have any place to store them, add a tiered bar cart. You want to make sure your guest’s bathroom has all the comforts so your guest does not have to ask.

With these few simple tips, you can make your guest bathroom an idyllic escape. You can take an ordinary space and transform it into a luxury bathroom with a spa-like feel.

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Energy Efficient Materials To Use In A New Custom Home

 Having an energy-efficient home is a plus in the home industry. If you’re building a new home using energy-efficient materials, you not only can improve your utility bills and help the environment but also enhance your home’s value. Professionals in the industry report that energy efficiency is becoming so important that they’re developing more energy-efficient materials all the time.  These can be from using eco-friendly light bulbs to eco-friendly housing materials. If you are unsure of what to use for a new home here are 10 energy-efficient materials.

 

1. Recycled Steel

Metal is one of the most recycled materials out there and is very easy to recycle. Metal roofs and other metal construction materials can be made of recycled steel. Reports show that 60% of new steel is actually made from old steel. The benefits of using recycled steel are lower CO2 emissions, lighter weight, and durability. It is a perfect recycled material to use in the construction of your new home.

2. Spray Foam Insulation

Insulation is very important when it comes to insulating your home. Spray foam has a low energy leakage and is a great insulator year-round. Spray foam gives off no harmful emissions making it safe for the environment and for your home’s indoor quality. The benefits of spray foam are it is shrink-proof and water-resistant.

3. Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats can actually learn your climate preferences. This will help your home stay comfortable when you are home and less comfortable while you are away. This helps save energy and maintain a comfortable environment at the same time.

4. Low-E, Dual Pane, Or Triple Pane Windows

Reports say that around 30% of the heating and cooling costs in a home are due to the energy that seeps out through your windows. Low-E windows will reduce the energy that can be lost through windows. They can also block harmful rays such as UV rays and infrared rays.

Homeowners can purchase both dual-pane and triple-pane windows. These are very energy efficient. Dual-pane windows are more popular than triple-pane because they are lighter weight, thinner, and less expensive.

5. Cool Roof

A dark-colored roof can make an attic reach upwards of 150 degrees on a hot summer day whereas a white roof reflects light back keeping your attic cooler. Cool roofs are not just white roofs but can be made out of steel, asphalt, shingles, and more.

6. Solar Panels

Solar panels are great because they take the energy from the sun to generate power for your home. There are solar shingles now that are more aesthetically pleasing for your curb appeal. Solar panels can be purchased and even leased.

7. Plastic Composite Lumber

One problem with wood is that it can rot. Homeowners are very familiar with replacing rotten wood. A more economical way to preserve your home building materials is to use plastic composite lumber. Plastic composite lumber is made up of wood pulp and resins. This building material can look like wood but can withstand exposure to moisture. This material is perfect to use for decks or fences.

8. Thermostat Radiant Barrier

Thermostat radiant barriers function in ways that are similar to cool roofs. Thermostat radiant barriers reflect sunlight to keep your house cool. Your energy bill can go down as much as 17% during the hottest days in the summer.

9. Natural Insulators

Denim is a great natural insulator because it is made from recycled blue jeans. Wool is one that can be a great insulator and is fire resistant and will not mold or rot. Straw bales can be great insulators and can last for thousands of years if it is kept dry.

10. Plant-Based Polyurethane Insulators

Plant-based polyurethane insulators are great and environmentally friendly. These can be made from bamboo, hemp, and kelp. They are resistant to moisture and heat which is a plus.

Remember it is best to work with a contractor who is familiar with building a green home. These contractors are used to working with energy-efficient building materials.

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