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Why is a leaking roof considered an emergency?

The number one reason that a roof leak is an emergency is the integrity of your home’s structure is now compromised! The foundation and the roof are essential in maintaining your home in a safe manner. 

Additionally, your personal belongings, including the carpeting, drapes, electronics, furniture, and other personal items are at risk of being damaged, even ruined beyond repair.  Even the smallest leak can become massive if the rain last more than one day. 

After one day, what was a small leak will grow, allowing more water inside your home, puddling up on the floor, making it hazardous to walk on. The ceiling and walls become water stained, paint begins to peel, flooring buckles, and this is all weakening the structure. 

When That Roof Leak Happens

So, it isn’t an everyday occurrence, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared and know what to do if your roof is leaking, whether it is small or large. By knowing what to do in a roofing emergency and when to reach out for emergency roof repair can keep from causing severe damage or totally destroying your home. The following steps will help minimize the damage until you are able to get professional emergency roof repairs: 

• Place a plastic tarp and bucket under the leak to catch the water coming in. 
• Then climb to the rooftop, if safe, and measure the size of the hole.
• Cut some 2×4 boards in half.
• Take the 2×4, a plastic tarp, screws, and roof sealant.
• Position the tarp over the hole and position the cut 2×4 board around to hold the tarp in place. 
• Screw the boards into the tarp and roof then cover with roof sealant.
• Go in the attic, take more cut 2×4 boards and a cut piece of plywood or extra shingles.
• Position the plywood or shingles over the hole and hold in place with the 2×4 boards and screws, then cover the edge of the plywood or shingles with roof sealant.

So, do you know what to expect with roofing emergency calls? If there has been widespread severe weather, you can expect the contractor you call for an emergency roof repair may take several hours. The contractor will inspect the roof from on top and in the attic, inspecting and measuring. 

Once they have completed their inspection, they will provide you with an estimate which should have details of what is needed and the cost. Ask for two copies so you can share one with your insurance company. 

If you haven’t already, call your homeowner’s insurance company and file a claim. Be sure to advise them you had an emergency roof repair already done. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to your home who will contact you for an appointment. Try to arrange for the contractor to be there at the same time so they can work with the adjuster, pointing out things they found the adjuster may overlook. 

How are commercial roofs constructed?

There are different roofing materials and there are different construction variations with commercial roofing, with most being what is referred to as a flat roof. While they appear to be flat to the naked eye, there is a slight slope for drainage purposes.  This is a cost-effective way for structures as big as most commercial structures. 

 With flat roofing, there are 3 categories as follows: 

• Traditional membrane: These are the built-up roof, mastic asphalt, or tar & gravel.
• Synthetic membrane: These are the PVC, TPO (thermoplastic olefin), or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer).
• Metal roofing: These are often aluminum, copper, or steel.

What is the most common type of commercial roof?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is probably the most popular commercial roofing material. EPDM commercial roofing is a low-cost, resilient roofing material made of natural gas and oil synthetic rubber. When it comes to commercial roof repairs, it is one of the easiest to work with, although repairs are rare because the elasticity properties make it a tough roofing material that can withstand the constant damaging ultraviolet rays. 

What is the best type of commercial roof?

Metal is often considered to be the best for commercial roofing, and because it has a long lifespan, up to 60 years or longer, with little need for commercial roof repairs, makes it a popular choice. The various types of metal give it more appeal for the architectural aspect too, and in areas like Pennsylvania where snow is a big factor to consider in roofing, a snow removal system is possible with any of the following types of metal: 

• Aluminum
• Coated or stainless steel
• Copper
• Corrugated galvanized steel
• Tin
• Zinc

A downside to metal commercial roofing is the corrosion factor which can lead to more commercial roof repairs. Today, thanks to technology, protective layers are added now that minimize the need for commercial roof repairs due to moisture, pollution, UV exposure, and overall environmental factors. 

What is the difference between TPO and EPDM?

EPDM, TPO, and PVC are all excellent roofing materials for commercial structures. Each has advantages and benefits; each has disadvantages and possible issues. The important factors to consider when choosing a roofing material are: 

• Budget
• Climate
• Lifespan

EPDM is an inexpensive option that comes in 50’ wide sheets, making installation easier and faster, which accounts for its inexpensiveness. 

TPO roofing membrane is the less expensive option compared to PVC. It is Energy Star certified as a cool roof that is flexible, and it is impact, function, and tear-resistant as well. It flexes with the building and temperatures and maintains its performance making commercial roof repairs few and far between.

How long should a built-up roof last?

A better roofing material in warmer climates, it will last up to 30 or 40 years. In a colder climate, the life expectancy is around 15 years with routine roof inspections and maintaining any commercial roof repairs as needed. 

When do I need to replace my commercial roof?

New commercial roof installation is something you want to make sure is necessary due to the expense and inconvenience. Routine roof inspections are recommended so that any possible commercial roof repair needs can be identified and addressed, prolonging the need for a new roof. Indications when a new roof cannot be delayed any longer are: 

• The Age

Age is an important factor in deciding whether it is time for a commercial roof replacement. A commercial roof that is properly installed and has been well-maintained roof can have a lifespan of 30 years, some longer. By the 20^th year, it is important to make those roof inspections more frequent, stay on top of commercial roof repairs, and hopefully keep it in place for another 10 years before needing a new roof. 

• Leaking

If a commercial roof is leaking, commercial roof repairs should be made immediately. At some point, the leaks may be too close together or too frequent. Having a new roof installed could be cheaper than constant roof repairs.  

• Weather Damage 

No matter the age of your commercial roof, after a significant weather event, an inspection should be performed to determine if commercial roof repairs are sufficient or if a new roof is needed. 

In Closing – The Lifespan Matters

When you put the money into a new commercial roof, you want it to last a lifetime. But, how long does a commercial roof last? In cold climates, as we stated earlier, a built-up roof can last 15 years, 30 in warmer climates. Other commercial roofing systems can have lifespans as follows: 

• TPO roofing between 22 and 30 years
• EPDM roofing between 22 and 35 years
• Metal roofing between 30 and 45 years

Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting provides professional services with your commercial roof in Philadelphia, PA. Call 267-622-7158 to get started.

Here are some common areas that often require chimney repairs:

• THE CHIMNEY MUD CAP: Mortared around the top of the chimney, if it gets cracked or comes loose, the rain will get through and typically noticed in the fireplace hearth. Occasionally, the rain will take a different course and appear somewhere else in the house. 
• CHIMNEY MORTAR JOINTS: Mortar joints deteriorate over time, leaving holes where water can enter. If the holes are large enough, or mortar is missing, blowing rain will allow more water to come through, and once that water has entered a hole, it travels to the bricks and zigzags its way past the flashing. It ends up leaking through the ceiling or lands on the slab. 
• CHIMNEY FLASHING: Leaks around or under chimney flashing can be difficult to identify because even the smallest hole can create a lot of damage. 
• ROOF SHINGLES: Roof shingles that are damaged, loose, missing, or word can be a source for a leaking chimney. 

What causes chimney damage?

The chimney on your home may seem small and perhaps it is just architectural for you. However, if there is a fireplace connected to the chimney, it has an important role in the health and safety of your home. If you notice a leak, like water seeping through walls or entering the fireplace, the sooner you get chimney repairs made, the better. 

Three areas common to chimney leaks are: 

•       Cracked or loose mortar
•       Cracked or missing chimney flashing
•       Damaged, loose, or missing roof shingles

How much does it cost to repair a leaking chimney?

After the leak source has been identified, chimney repairs can begin. The source of the chimney leak will determine the chimney repair cost, but they can start around $200 to $300 and go as high as $1000 or more. 

How do you repair a chimney?

The two most common areas needing chimney repairs are the chimney cap and the flashing. The other areas that need repair should be done by a professional. Do roofers repair chimneys? They can do some repairs, especially if the problem is from poor installation of the chimney. A brick mason is another profession you can call, but your best source is a chimney sweep. They can do more types of chimney repairs than a roof or brick mason. 

For the two areas that need chimney repair most often, we provide the following tips:

The chimney cap: As we mentioned earlier, these are exposed 24/7 to the climate, and they are the most vulnerable part of a chimney for cracking along the joints where the mortar shrinks.

To repair, you’ll need to chip out and scrape off the old deteriorating mortar, then brush it clean. Using a trowel, apply a new layer of ready-mix mortar, sloping it away from the flue to allow rain to drain properly. The mortar should be kept damp for 4 days so that it can cure.  

The flashing: Using a wire brush, rough the area around the area and brush it clean. Cut a piece of the flashing larger than the damaged area and apply it with roofing cement. Cover the patched area with additional roofing cement. If the flashing is too corroded or damaged, replacing it is recommended using the same process. 

Can you repair a chimney in the winter?

The best time of the year for chimney repairs is spring and summer, however, if your chimney is leaking in the winter, it should be repaired as soon as possible. Once winter is over, have the chimney inspected and the repaired area can be checked again. 

When should a chimney be replaced?

A properly built chimney that has proper maintenance and upkeep can last for 100 years. Annual inspections are essential to the well-being of a chimney, as well as any needed or recommended chimney repairs. 

What are the steps in remodeling a kitchen?

In the real estate industry, there are two key sayings to keep in mind, the first one being: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. The second – Kitchens Sell Houses! And beyond the real estate industry, the kitchen is the heart of every home. So, whether you’re considering remodeling the kitchen to get your home ready to sell or you simply want to update it for your own use, remodeling experts and professional kitchen remodeling services will recommend you take certain steps to make the process go as easily as possible. 

Step 1: Determine the “must-have” features and the “want to have” features.

The first step to take with a kitchen remodeling project is to determine what are the “musts” and “wants” so you can narrow down your options and set your budget.

Step 2: Set your budget.

Now that you know your “musts” and “wants”, you can set a realistic budget. After that, you need to take the precautions necessary to make sure you don’t go over that budget. 

Step 3: Hire the professionals. 

You know what you know, and you have to think about your skill levels versus what you want in your kitchen remodel. With your budget determined, hire the professionals for the kitchen remodeling services you need – the things you’re not experienced with and the things that require permits and licensing. 

Step 4: Demolition Time. 

With the first three steps completed, it is demo day! If you have professional kitchen remodeling services on the job, they’ll handle this part. If you’re looking to save some money, you can kick things off by doing your own demolition. Before you start knocking out walls, a few steps for preparation are needed: 

• Turn the electric, gas, and water off
• Remove the appliances and empty the cabinets
• Have a dumpster in place and ready for the trash
• Place drop cloths on the floor if they aren’t being replaced

Step 5: The plumbing update 

With the kitchen gutted, get the plumbing updated and upgraded. If you’ve had any of the following issues, now is the time to address them with a professional kitchen remodeling services contractor: 

• Low water pressure 
• Hard or soft water
• Leaking faucets or plumbing
• Clogged plumbing
• Adding or removing gas lines
• Replacing or updating shut-off valves

Step 6: Time to light it up and power it up. 

Any electrical changes and updates should be left to the professional kitchen remodeling services you’ve hired. This can include installing new lighting and dimmer switches, installing wiring for new appliances, and other services.

Step 7: Drywalls up. 

With your electrical, gas, and plumbing upgrades all in place, it’s time to get the walls up! 

Step 8: Bring in the colors. 

Now you can add in the colors you’ve envisioned. Professional kitchen remodeling services typically have professional designers on staff to help you choose the color that is right for you and your home and who can give you insight on current trends. 

Step 9: Time for the floors. 

With the drywall up and painted, it’s time to focus on the flooring. Choose the flooring material that best suits your family and your household activities. If you’re placing your house on the market soon, follow the recommendations of the kitchen remodeling services you’ve hired. Part of their job is knowing what trends home buyers want. 

Step 10, 11, and 12: Bringing it all together. 

The cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash, and appliances! Again, use professional kitchen remodeling services for these things to make sure they are installed correctly. Use their experience and knowledge of what the trends are in these areas for your own use and for prospective buyers. 

What do you pick out first when remodeling a kitchen?

Ask anyone what they recommend, and they’ll tell you to choose your appliances first.  Designing your cabinet layout and the countertops is fun, and it’s important. However, with the appliances selected, you can build the layout around the sizes of the appliances. 

The Full Kitchen Remodeling Process

Depending on where you live, there may be steps that need a city inspection before you go to the next step. Kitchen remodeling services know this and will add these times into the timeline they give. The basic steps will go something like the following: 

• Demolition and tear out
• Electrical, framing, and plumbing rough-in
• Professional Inspection
• Drywall install
• Doors and windows
• Cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing 
• Appliances
• New flooring
• Professional inspection and walk-thru 

What’s trending in kitchen remodeling?

We’ve mentioned referring to the kitchen remodeling services professionals for what’s trending, but what are the trends for 2022? Well, you can start with a subway tile backsplash, which is larger in size than normal and goes in different directions, from the counter to the ceiling. 

Stained wood cabinets in shaker style have been popular and this will continue into 2022. And where you don’t have cabinetry, floating shelves are popular. Where you have appliances, build it up as a workstation so that anything you need is in reach. Colors in the kitchen go from bright and colorful to matte black for a bold statement. Your kitchen vent-a-hood is the focal point these days. 

What should you not do when remodeling a kitchen?

A lot of effort, money, and time goes into kitchen remodeling. The following advice will help you avoid common mistakes that others have made along the way. 

• Wasting Space and Steps: Design the kitchen so you aren’t walking a mile while cooking and avoid any dead space. 
• Tight Aisles and Walkways: Kitchen aisles and walkways should be wide enough for all that goes on in your kitchen – multiple cooks, kids in and out while cooking, and even pets. 
• Think in 3-D: Creating a kitchen that is functional is important. Take into consideration the direction of how things open as you plan the space. How much clearance do the fridge and oven need, how far out does the dishwasher door open, and other small things that can affect the aisle and walkways should all be considered.
• Overload and Oversize Islands: Instead of one huge island, go with a few smaller ones. More than 4’ deep or 10’ long is too big. 
• Small Space Overwhelmed: If you have a small kitchen, forget the kitchen island, and go with a peninsula. Every step in designing your kitchen remodeling; think about the space you have to work with. 
• Avoid Making Changes: Once the kitchen remodeling services begin the work, or if you’re doing it yourself, try not to make changes in the plans. This can take more money you don’t have budgeted and can take longer to get the job done. 
• Not Enough Storage: This is where professional kitchen remodeling services can be a great help – planning your storage needs. Once the job is done, you don’t want to realize you don’t have enough or the right storage. 
• Forgetting Family and Friends: As we said earlier, the kitchen is the heart of the home. You want to make sure your kitchen remodeling services account for the number of family and friends that are in your home. 
• Impulsive Decisions on Design: How a material looks on a showroom floor may not be the same as it will look in your home. Consider the artificial and natural lighting, the positioning, and more when choosing materials and items.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinetry will be the biggest part of your budget – up to 40% of the budget in fact. A minor kitchen remodeling can spend as much as $15,000 on cabinetry. If you’re doing a total upscale remodeling job, you can expect to spend $30,000 on the cabinetry.

What is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen?

Well, the first thing that kitchen remodeling services professionals will tell you for saving money is don’t replace the cabinetry. Instead, update them with fresh paint. Other money-saving tips for kitchen remodeling are: 

1. Budget countertops. 
2. Add roll-out kitchen shelves. 
3. Choose good lighting pieces that are bright and wide.
4. New paint and new curtains can do a lot for a little cash. 
5. Choose a good kitchen faucet; it’ll be worth the money.

What is the cost of a typical kitchen remodel?

Expert kitchen remodeling services will tell you that the cost is going to depend on how detailed and lavish you’re going to get. You can spend as little as $4,000 on average for a small kitchen and as much as $34,000 for a large, full blown kitchen remodel. The average is around $12,000. 

Does your daily staff clean the commercial flooring in your business, typical for restaurants? Or do you have them professionally cleaned, as is typical of businesses and retail stores? Either way, chances are they may not be getting cleaned right. There is a right way to clean commercial vinyl floors, and commercial floor cleaning chemicals are different from what you might be buying at a big box store or online.

The type of products you use for cleaning commercial flooring will depend on the type of flooring material you have and the type of business you’re running. For instance, the tile flooring in an office building lobby and your restrooms is different from the vinyl flooring in the break room or kitchen. And that is all going to be different than the flooring in a retail store with foot traffic all day, every day. 

Then there is the commercial kitchen flooring with not only foot traffic, but food and grease spills. So, let’s start with the commercial kitchens. What is the best floor for a commercial kitchen? Commercial flooring for kitchens must meet a lot of different demands when compared to the flooring in a bank or retail store. 

Two of the most popular choices for commercial flooring in kitchen areas are ceramic tile and vinyl flooring. However, in some environments, brick or natural stone are popular choices too. All four of these can withstand constant spills and high temperatures along with heavy equipment. They’re also water-resistant.  

When you think of your home kitchen flooring and all the abuse it can take, remember that commercial flooring in kitchens takes a thousand times more punishment. The commercial flooring for restaurants must meet all the following criteria, and in some instances, there may be other important factors to consider: 

• Safety First — Slip-resistant commercial flooring is a non-negotiable must have in kitchens. It must have good enough traction to help limit slips and falls.
• Sanitation — A kitchen floor needs to be clean – this is another non-negotiable must have for a commercial kitchen and commercial flooring. Daily cleaning requires heavy-duty chemicals that the flooring must withstand. And it must be easy to clean, too.
• Infection Control — Eliminating bacteria and viruses is a high priority for any commercial kitchen. This is why commercial flooring for a kitchen must be pre-treated to limit microbial growth and infection.
• Comfort — The staff in a commercial kitchen is on their feet for hours, so comfortable commercial flooring is a must
• Aesthetics — It may be a commercial kitchen, but commercial flooring needs to look good too and blend in with the restaurant’s interior design theme. 

What is the best commercial flooring for high traffic areas? 

Not all flooring materials are the same, and that includes the different types of commercial flooring. All flooring materials are made differently, look different, and perform differently in different situations. So, does this mean are we telling you commercial flooring is different from the flooring you have in your kitchen at home?

Absolutely! If you are designing and preparing a commercial building, there are several factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right commercial flooring. Things you should consider are: 

• How heavy will the foot traffic on this commercial flooring be? 
• Will heavy objects be sitting on this commercial flooring? 
• Could heavy objects be dropped or fall on this commercial flooring? 
• Will this commercial flooring be subjected to chemicals or other liquid spills?

With high-traffic commercial flooring, you also want the material to offer things like: 

• Durability – Withstanding heavy wear and tear for long periods of time, typically from foot traffic, but also equipment moving, objects dropping, liquids being spilled, and other issues that arise in commercial areas. 
• Easy Maintenance – Commercial flooring should always be simple to maintain so that cleaning doesn’t interrupt business and operations, even if you need emergency cleaning. Knowing how to clean commercial tile floors is important so you get long-lasting flooring for a high ROI.
• Cost Effective – The initial upfront cost, cost to maintain commercial flooring, and how often it will need to be replaced should all be take into consideration. 
• Aesthetics and Design – Depending on the purpose of the space, commercial flooring may need to be a priority to fit the rest of the décor. Hotel lobbies, reception areas, and retail areas must look pleasing and welcoming. However, for some areas like kitchens, functionality is more important than the way it looks.

With all these factors taken into consideration, 12 of the best commercial flooring materials and options we recommend include: 

• Porcelain Tile: Clay minerals and water are used to make these tiles; they are similar to ceramic tiles though created with a different process, including being baked at a higher temperature, making them denser and stronger.

• Quarry Tiles: Made along the same process as ceramic or porcelain but thicker; these tiles typically come unglazed.

• Natural Stone: This commercial flooring is durable, elegant, and has a hard surface that can last for a lifetime with proper maintenance. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. 

• Vinyl: This PVC material is hard but flexible, waterproof, stain-resistant, and resilient to heavy foot traffic and impact. 

• Engineered Bamboo: This has the aesthetic appeal of hardwood flooring and feels like hardwood flooring, but is denser, harder, and more resistant to scratches. 

• Laminate Flooring: Melamine resin and a plywood core make this look like stone or wood, but it is easy on the budget and durable.

• Commercial Broadloom Carpeting: This is a strong, high-quality choice, typically found in residential rentals for wall-to-wall flooring. It is soft but durable for heavy wear and tear.

• Carpet Tile: Similar to commercial broadloom carpets, this option is easier to repair by replacing a tile. 

• Rubber Floor: Durable, absorbs the high impact of heavy objects being dropped, this is resilient and absorbs sound, while still being a comfortable flooring option.  

• Terrazzo Flooring: This is a composite material that consists of granite, marble, or quartz stone chips mixed with a cement binder that is poured on site and sometimes installed in tiles. A durable and hard-wearing flooring that lasts. 

• Sealed Concrete: Offering high resistance to impacts and scratches, this is a hard-wearing flooring that is chemical and stain-resistant, too. 

• Epoxy Floor Coating: Ideal for concrete flooring, this is a chemical coating that forms a durable, hard, but smooth surface.

What is the most durable commercial flooring?

Terrazzo is the best thing on the commercial flooring market for large areas with heavy traffic like airports and showrooms. It’s durable but still provides a chic, upscale look while also being LEED-friendly. It is made from a mixture of a cement matrix or an epoxy resin mixture with marble, recycled granite glass, or other aggregates.

• A Midrange Bathroom Renovation will cost between $40,000  and $70,000.
• An Upscale Bathroom Remodel will cost between $70,000 and $90,000.

Notice one is “renovation” an the other is “remodel”. What is the differences? Keep reading! 

The cost for a midrange 5×7 bathroom update, keeping with standard selections and no change to the layout will cost approximately $40,000 to $70,000. You can expect a 50% ROI should you sell your home. 

Renovating a bathroom will typically include electrical and plumbing upgrades, upgrade to designer style toilet and a quality cast iron bathtub with ceramic tile surround. 

A vanity top made of marble or other type of solid-surface with quality cabinetry with quality hardware. Shower control and fitting upgraded to all brass. New paint using a premium quality paint, or wallpaper, new flooring with ceramic or a vitreous tile material. 

An Upscale Bathroom Remodel services will include expanding a small bathroom or creating an owner’s suite to a luxurious environment. For a cost of $70,000 to $90,000, with a 56% ROI, it could include relocating plumbing fixtures, install a walk-in shower, frameless glass enclosure, and tiled walls that include a recessed shower storage with spa-styling water fixtures.

A compartmentalized commode could be created to give the toilet area more privacy and make the bathroom more comfortable. Custom cabinetry with  stone countertops with a stand-alone bathtub would be included with accent lighting and high-end flooring. In the Pennsylvania area where winters are cold, an upgrade of an electric in-floor heating to give you more coziness would be included for that price range of bathroom remodel services.

How do I plan a bathroom remodeling project? 

Here offer 10 steps that professional bathroom remodel services consider to be crucial in planning a bathroom remodel or renovation: 

1. Measure the dimensions of the bathroom
2. Sketch a plan of the bathroom design you have in mind
3. Decide the colors and theme
4. Source the new bathroom appliances, furniture, plumbing, taps, tiles, etc. 
5. Keep a running ledger with the cost of each item and where you purchased it. Keep the receipts with this ledger for quick retrieval. 
6. Determine what professional trades you’ll need to hire, i.e. the electrician, plumber, tile person, etc. Get 2 to 3 quotes on each. 
7. Make provision for use of another bathroom during the remodel or renovating time. 
8. Make provision how and where to dispose of old materials. 
9. Confirm your budget to meet the quotes and incidentals. 
10. Measure again. Measure twice, buy or cut once. 

What do you pick out first when remodeling a bathroom?

Your colors and theme, then the vanity, countertop, and cabinetry. This is why you need to measure and measure again so you know exactly what size you need. If you need customized cabinetry allow time, up to 10 or 12 weeks in most places. Then you want to choose your flooring and appliances, meaning the bathtub, shower, sink, toilet, etc. 

Then choose the contractors you’re going to work with, get the quotes and estimates in writing, a start date and timeline of the work to be completed. Some contractors may ask for money upfront. Most people will tell you not to pay anything, but many contactors won’t start without some good faith funds put up first. 

What are the steps in remodeling a bathroom?

The following are basic steps in how a bathroom remodel or renovation will go. Professional bathroom remodel services will have different procedures, it doesn’t mean one is right or wrong. Things can vary from house to house. 

1. Out With  the Old Bathroom Fixtures

This is considered gutting the bathroom. If you are partially or totally renovating, most or everything will need to be removed or demolished. You need to have a dumpster on hand or other plans in place for this stuff.  A bathroom remodel services company will have a dumpster usually delivered the day before they start work. You’ll need to check with your local city or government office if a permit is needed. 

How do you gut a bathroom for remodeling?

1. Drain the toilet and use a shop vac to complete empty it then remove it.
2. If the bathtub is being removed, cover it up and remove all the tile around it down to the bare studs. 
3. Remove the insulation with reciprocating saw and gloves, eyewear, and masks. 
4. Remove the cabinets, mirrors, vanities, floor tiles, baseboards, etc. Save what you can re-use, trash the rest.  

2. Install the New Shower and/or Tub 

After the bathroom, is gutter, you can being installing the new fixtures. If there is any wood rot or water damage under the old shower or tup, you need repair and replace that before you install your new appliances. 

3. Install the New Fixtures & Features

With all the old stuff out, configure the electrical fixtures, install your new lighting, including the GFCIs. 

4. Lay the New Floor Tiles

Use a chalk line to mark the perpendicular reference lines at a ninety-degree angle to the wall with the longest continuous line so that you keep the tiles straight as you lay them down. 

5. Hang New Drywall and Paint or Paper

While you have empty walls, now is the time to install any new drywall needed then paint or paper it. This can take time with the drywall having to be cut around things like the vanity, but one you’ve got it all measured & cut, it will go up fast. 

 6. Install The New Cabinetry and Vanity 

The first thing you want to install is the vanity, including the sink and faucet. Once you have the drain hooked up to the faucet, you can move on to the other essentials such as the mirror, cabinets and the trim around the shower or tub.

7. Connect the Plumbing

You’re starting to recognize a bathroom by now, except for the toilet. Install that crucial part of the bathroom now. 

8. The Finishing Touches and Wrap It Up! 

Install the finishing trim around the mirrors, crown molding, etc. This is time for all the final touches that will make this room your oasis. 

What should I ask a contractor when remodeling a bathroom?

If you decide to hire a professional that does bathroom remodel services, it is important to hire one that you’re comfortable with. You want experienced and trustworthy as much as you want budget minded. Some questions to ask as you comb through 2 or 3 of them before deciding: 

• How long have you been provided professional bathroom remodel services?
• Do you have formal training?
• If not formal trained, where did you get your experience?
• What professional associations are you a member?
• Is your license registered with the city, state?
• Do you have a copy of your insurance?
• Cam you give me recent references to check?

There are two types of gutter systems available: The standard gutter system and the seamless gutter system. Let’s review the differences of the two gutter installation types: 

• The standard gutters are the ‘old school’ that comes in pre-cut sections that must be joined together during the gutter installation. While they are easy to install, often a DIY project for the handy homeowner, they have joints and seams that require being sealed. Without being sealed, they leak, losing the intended purpose of keeping water away from the foundation. 

• The seamless gutter system are manufactured as one long piece. This gutter installation is done by professional contractor as one long piece that wraps around your home. There are no joints or seams for possible leaking issues. 

Why seamless gutters?

When considering which type of gutter installation to get, most homeowners prefer to get the best one for the money and the purpose. So, between regular gutter installation or the seamless gutter installation, why is the seamless decidedly the best choice? Or is it? 

This will depend on your budget and your home. The seamless gutter installation will cost more at installation, but the maintenance and upkeep is little to none. A seamless gutter installation will last longer, again, because there is little to no maintenance and upkeep. 

A regular gutter system installation comes in sections that are connected together as they are installed. This creates joints and seams that can potentially have leaks, especially when maintenance and upkeep aren’t performed as recommended. 

How seamless gutters are made?

Seamless gutters are manufactured on-site using a gutter forming machine that rolls sheet metal out, forming the gutter run as the it comes through. The gutter installation is done by securing the formed gutter to the house in the same manner as sectional gutter installations are secured. 

Which gutter material is best?

Seamless gutters are available I aluminum or copper and customized to each home onsite. The conventional standard gutter installation is in sections that are pieced together and snap-in-place with connectors, creating joints and seams. It is those joints and seams that can begin to leak over time, which makes the seamless gutter installation advantages stand out even more.  What are those advantages that make a seamless gutter installation so appealing?

• Possibility of leaks are greatly reduced.
• The seams that can be unsightly are eliminated. 
• The aluminum seamless gutters have baked on enamel that doesn’t require painting. 
• They are custom made with exact measurements onsite.
• Seamless gutter installation jobs are completed in a single day.
• Seamless gutter installation creates a protection for your home. 
• Seamless gutters are available in several baked on enamel colors.

If you aren’t sure where welding is used or how welding works, read on as we tell you about the 4 different types of welding and where welding can be done:  

• MIG Welding: MIG welding is a form of arc welding, using a continuous electrode wire with shielding gas traveling through the welding gun which is protecting against contamination. This type of welding is common in the auto industry to repair exhaust, and in the construction industry for homes and other structures. 
• TIG WELDING: TIG welding is also a form of ARC welding, using an electric arc made of tungsten, a tough metal that doesn’t burn off or dissolve.  This type of welding is also referred to as fusion with or without a filler metal. TIG welding requires an argon or helium external gas supply and is found in the aerospace and auto industry as well as other industries. Farmers and ranchers use TIG welding for the equipment repairs. 
• STICK WELDING: Stick welding is excellent for portability and found in the construction and maintenance industries for fabrication and repair, including underwater pipelines.  Using a consumable, protected electrode, it softens and combines different types of metals by heating with an arc. As the stick melts, a protective cover melts and shields the welded area from oxygen and gases in the air.
• FLUX-CORED WELDING: This type of arc welding, similar to MIG welding in the fact it also uses a continuous wire. It combines a that continuous hollow electrode wire with a base metal and the flux inside the electrode wire is fed through the weld gun to the weld pool. Flux cored welding is used on thicker metals found in the machining industry.

Okay, so where is welding services at home?  

We’ve mentioned welding in different industries, from auto to industrial machinery, aerospace, and waterlines, but where does welding appear in your home? Do you have HVAC in your home? Most of, probably 99% of that system has some type of welding. 

Look the cover you lift off to change the filter, and examine the casing the HVAC system is housed in. Those are all parts that were manufactured separately then welded together. The water heater in your home has welded parts as does the water lines running through your home. The electrical breaker box or fuse box in your home has welded parts they are made from as does your metal garage door and the screen doors on the back and front of your home. 

The ceiling fans throughout your home have welded parts put together with other parts that make these fans. Your dishwasher, refrigerator, stove/oven all have welded parts. Your lawn mower, weed eater, and other gardening and lawn tools have been welded. Each time you open, pick up, or use any metal item in your home, look for the welding. What you may see as a blue collar job is actually an important part of your everyday life. 

Some of those other options include brazing, which is like welding. It includes taking 2 pieces of metal and using heat to connect them but is using a torch with a filler rod or flux. It does require the use of certain rods with certain metals and may require acetylene and oxygen.There is also soldering, sort of like brazing, but is typically used on circuit boards and electronics, like your HVAC thermostat, your cell phone, computer, television, etc. You can also use riveting to connect two metal pieces together. Riveting is using a cylindrical post and insert it in a hole where the head of that post goes all the way through. This is usually used on in a temporary situation. Call 267-622-7158 today for your welding needs in Philadelphia, PA.

With that information, you now know that there are metal coatings that will give you optimal performance and results, like a fluid-applied commercial roof coating system. It can prolong a commercial metal roof’s longevity and when the roof coatings are done with any necessary repairs, it will make your commercial metal roofing resistant to almost every element. 

A review of commercial metal roofing coating finds several definitive options, like an acrylic metal roof coating, in different colors. The most common though is a white reflective metal roof coating, especially in areas where the summers are hot. Some of those roof coatings used are:  

• Sta-Kool 805 Metal-X: A durable elastomeric roof coating that is  formulated for outstanding bonding strength to commercial metal roofing.  
• Rust-oleum Metal Roof Coating: A popular choice for commercial metal roofing. 
• Henry Elastomeric Metal Roof Coating: Provides a Dura-Bright finish.
• Liquid Rubber Waterproof Metal Roof Coating.

It is important to have a professional commercial roofing contractor that is experienced, reputable, and trustworthy. One that knows commercial metal roofing and the different coatings available. Yes, you’re thinking to yourself, “I want a contractor that does commercial metal roofing near me and commercial metal roofing supplies near me for convenience.”, and that is important, but not as important as experience and reputation. 

Is it recommended to insulate under metal roof?

While commercial metal roofing is a durable way to roof your commercial structure, it does have a high thermal conductivity. What can be done about that? Insulate it and there are several options for commercial metal roofing insulation. Your choices in insulation are: 

Fiberglass Batting

A popular choice for all types of roofing because it is inexpensive with a range of various R-values, the thermal resistance measurement. Remember, the higher the R-value number, the better the insulating results.

However, fiberglass batting has its challenges, starting with the installation difficulties. Chapping it around corner, over rafters and wires can be difficult. Fiberglass batting insulation doesn’t offer a good vapor barrier either. Therefore, moisture doesn’t dissipate,  and it loses its R-value. Also, realizing that fiberglass batting consists of miniscule bits of glass shards that can be breathed in if it isn’t installed correctly. 

Rigid Foam Board

The more expensive choice compared to batt insulation because of higher R-values. Provide soundproofing as well as weather insulation but has its challenges as well. Like batt insulation, it doesn’t form well around corners or other tight situations.  Your commercial metal roofing must be vented and have a vapor barrier installed when using rigid foam board insulation because this is not a moisture proof insulation material. 

Spray Foam

Another option that costs more than the fiberglass batt insulation, but unlike the rigid foam board, the R-value is lower. The upside is that it will get into every corner and crack needed, providing a better coverage than the other two options. There are two forms of spray foam insulation: 

• Closed-cell – the expensive of the two because it has better insulation powers. 
• Open-Cell the less expensive of the two and has less R-value. 

Keep in mind whichever type of commercial metal roofing insulation you choose it will do more than minimize or stop the transfer of heat. It is also going to be somewhat soundproofing your ceiling against hail, hard rains, and high winds. As to which type of insulation is the best is all dependent on the type of structure you have and the climate it is located. 

Can I put a metal roof on top of a metal roof?

Yes, if the existing commercial metal roofing panels are not severely deteriorated. Obviously, there is a reason you’re having a new commercial metal roofing installed, or you wouldn’t be concerned about installing new over existing. However, you don’t want it so deteriorated that it can’t provide any type of support for the new commercial metal roofing. 

Can a metal roof be repaired?

Absolutely, but if commercial metal roofing repairs are not done correctly, it can cause more problems.  Like any type of roofing system, a commercial metal roofing system requires regular maintenance, upkeep, and repairs. When those repairs are done properly by a professional metal roofing contractor, they can last as long as the rest of roof. However, when they aren’t done correctly, the repair can break and fail, leaving you more problems than you had before. 

Cement is a durable product, but not with the same strength of concrete. Cement is made from calcium and silica-rich materials, which is prone to crack under pressure. It is an ideal material for decorative, smaller concrete projects but not for projects like driveways, foundations, or roadways where there is heavy foot or vehicle traffic, nor is good for supporting a structure like a house.  

In some cases, rebar is used for strengthening concrete projects that are more than five inches deep, like buildings, driveways, and roads. For a non-commercial or public use, rebar may not be required but if you want to give your concrete project. More reinforcement, there is a wire mesh available. 

What are some good projects to do?

 The sky is the limit when it comes to different concrete projects home ideas. You can create industrial and modern designs or go with a rustic and timeless look. Some cement or concrete projects and ideas to consider: 

• Pathways and walkways around your home, through the gardens and from the house to the she-shed, garage, or pool house.
• Create a unique pool deck.
• Planters for the garden, the front porch, and back deck.
• Edging for the garden and walkways.
• Volitive candle holders for the deck using red plastic cups for the mold.
• iPad holder on the deck or by the pool using a movie popcorn box for the mold.
• Pendant lighting using two-liter soda bottles for the mold.

Is it easy to make concrete? and How do you make concrete by hand?

If you’re concerned about making your own concrete,  there is pre-mix bags available at any home improvement store but making your own can add to the sense of accomplishment. With the following steps, you’re on your way to home DIY projects that will be with you for years to come: 

• Crush the limestone into 3-inch pieces or you can purchase it already crushed. 
• Pour the crushed limestone in a kiln and heat to 2,700°F. 
• Remove limestone from kiln and after it cools, with rubber gloves on, crumble up the heated limestone. 
• With a shovel, mix cement and all-purpose sand in even parts in a wheelbarrow.
• Add 4 parts crushed brick or gravel to the mixture.
• Add water slowly to the dry ingredients in a 5-gallon bucket. 
• Using your shovel, mix the ingredients thoroughly. 
• Wash your mixing tools and wheelbarrow with water house. 

Regardless of which type of concrete you choose, making your own or mixing it together, the process is easy when you have the proper materials and tools.

Fortunately, products are available on the market that lessens the porousness of the concrete. Some are mixed while the concrete is pouring, and some are applied to the surface. There are specialty concrete coatings that protect the surface from staining and make it UV resistant. 

For those outdoor concrete projects that will be exposed to elements, there are waterproof products. These concrete projects such as sidewalks or exteriors of building to keep them and the curb appeal looking good. If your concrete projects are below the ground surface, it is recommended to hire a professional to waterproof. Call 267-622-7158 today for your concrete project needs in Philadelphia, PA.