Snow Removal

Snow Removal

Stacey GordonRoofing

If you’ve ever had to drive in snow, you will definitely miss the sunny and warm days of summer. While you may complain about snow, you will agree that having your garden covered in snow is one of the most beautiful sights you may ever see.

While it is beautiful, it could pose a serious threat to you and your loved ones. Snow comes with hard work at the same time giving you the opportunity to engage in all the fun stuff you love.

While most people are reluctant to remove snow, we will discuss some of the main reasons why snow removal should be carried out as fast as possible.

  1. It makes life easier; when it snows, the driveway is covered in snow, thus, making it extremely difficult to get around. When you decide to clear the driveway, you make life easier for everyone. Also, when you remove snow as soon as possible, you do not have to worry about the type of cloth to wear. Also, when you remove snow, you are preventing your loved ones from suffering any minor or major injury that may be caused by slipping on the wet snow. It also ensures that your car does not skiddle while driving.
  2. Helps to foster good-will amongst neighbors; when you decide to remove snow from the driveway, you do not only make life easier for you and your family, you are also doing so for your neighbors. This is a sign of good gesture that will definitely promote unity amongst neighbors. Also, your guests and those of your neighbors will not have to go through the stress of working on snow.
  3. It prevents any form of unwanted accidents; this is one of the most important reasons why it is advised that you remove snow as soon as possible. If you have kids, they could slip and suffer major injuries. If your parents are staying with you during this period, removing snow will also ensure that they do not suffer any injury.

Cost Of Removing Snow

There is no specific price for snow removal because it is dependent on certain factors. These factors include;

  1. The size of the driveway; the exact size of your driveway will affect the price of snow removal. If you happen to have a long driveway, then you would definitely be charged more. This is because the larger your driveway, the more snow that is accumulated. Aside from the size, if there are slopes or curves on your driveway then you definitely will be made to pay more.
  2. The location; the snowfall in the country will also be taken into consideration. For example, if you live in areas that are known to be “heavy snow areas”, then, you could be made to pay higher. You are charged higher because the extra snow that falls in those areas would take a longer time to remove.
  3. Additional work to be done; if you decide to add other snow-covered areas, then you will be charged more. So, it is advised that before hiring a snow removal company, have a specific area in mind.
Remove Stubborn Stains with Pressure Washing

Remove Stubborn Stains with Pressure Washing

Stacey GordonMaintenance

When you own a home basic cleaning is part of the maintenance process.  Sometimes basic cleaning is not enough you need something a little more intense to clean things like your siding, deck or driveway.  That’s where a pressure washer comes in, it can give the exterior of your home a whole new look and you can remove stubborn stains from pressure washing.  High pressure washing is used in a bunch of different applications including commercial and industrial clean, but for now let’s talk about how it can restore your home.

How does it Work?

It’s pretty simple actually, a high pressure hose is used to remove surface stains, dirt and impurities from your home.  The surface of your deck or siding can look brand new again after they are cleaned with a high pressure hose.  Here is a look at how it can clean the siding on your home.

Why Choose High Pressure Washing

High pressure washing is hands down the best choice to remove oil stains from the driveway or everyday pollution and dirt from your siding.  But there are some things you need to know about before you run out and rent a pressure washer.  You need to look first at its PSI value or the pounds per square inch.  Commercial Pressure Washing is also dangerous and you can cause damage to your home if you aren’t careful.  On that note, here are some safety tips before you get started.

  • Use the right pressure washer for the job at hand, for example a cleaning a concrete driveway needs more pressure than cleaning your siding
  • Use the right chemicals to clean or you are wasting your time. Cleaning grease is different far different than cleaning the dust off your windows, the right solution will make all the difference in the world.
  • Use the right nozzle for the job, you don’t want the pressure to be more than necessary.
  • Prepare the area by moving all the furniture out of the way, make sure that everything is connected properly and you have an adequate water supply to get the job done.
  • Hold the pressure washer firmly while cleaning the force of the water can make the hose a little hard to control.
  • Wear the right safety gear while you’re cleaning. The chemicals along with the high pressure spray can injure your skin if you’re not careful.  Always wear safety glasses to protect your eye from the debris along with non-skid shoes to avoid accidents.

While you can do your own pressure washing, often times it is easier to get a pressure washing company to come in and take care of everything for you.  They have all of the equipment including the right detergents for the job.  Hiring someone will make your life that much easier.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Stacey GordonRoofing

The time has come to replace or roof repair and you are faced with the choice of what materials to use to replace your roof.  Years ago you really only had the option of using asphalt shingles, but roofing has come a long way since then and now you have some choices.  One of the recommendations from your roofing contractor is to use a metal roof but is a metal roof the right choice for your home?  Although metal roofing has become increasingly popular do you really want to spend the extra cash?  Let’s look at the pros and cons of metal roofing to see if it will work for your home.

Pros of a Metal Roof

Let’s start with durability, metal is stronger and more durable than either shingles or tiles on your roof.  Metal will withstand whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at it including, rain, snow, hail and hurricane force winds.  On top of that it serves as an extra layer of fire protection which is also important, far better than traditional roofing materials.  The other big plus when it comes to a metal roof is that you have a choice of color and style.  If you’re going to have this roof for the next 50 years or so then you want it to look good.  Metal roofs give you a lot more choices than plain shingles do.

Cons of a Metal

The biggest disadvantage to a metal roof, and it’s a big one, is the cost.  Metal roofs will be more expensive than putting shingles on the roof.  However this is a pretty decent trade-off for not having to repair or replace your roof in the next 10 years.  Traditional roofs under normal circumstances will have to be replaced every fifteen to twenty years, if you live somewhere with extreme weather it will be sooner than that.  A good metal roof can last fifty years or more.

Another issue with a metal roof is many homeowners’ associations don’t like them.  If you live in a neighborhood where you have to worry about the homeowners’ association then you will want to check with the bylaws first to see if they will even allow you to install a metal roof.  The last thing you want to do is to spend thousands on a new roof only to be told to take it down.

Before you make your final decision do your research first, listen to what your contractor has to say and then figure what works best for you.