January 19, 2006
Fiber-cement Shakes That Look Like Cedar Shingles
It's hard to beat the handsome look of cedar shakes for siding on a house, but wood isn't the most durable material, and it requires regular sealing in order to stand up to the elements. As an alternative, James Hardie puts out Hardishingle, 18" high fiber-cement shakes that come in mixed pallets of 6", 8", and 12" widths. They're supposed to fasten to your house easily (you use roofing nails fired from a pneumatic nailer). Insects aren't interested in the stuff, and the company promises at least 30 years before the shakes deteriorate. The price for the Hardishingles is $260 per 100 square feet.
http://www.jameshardie.com
January 11, 2006
Brazilian Wood Siding
Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian are popular for decks because they are naturally resistant to rot and decay, but they needn't be confined to deck space. Because Brazilian hardwoods are very dense and have a high oil content, they stand up to the elements well, which allows them to work as wood siding too. Many people prefer the natural style of wood to vinyl siding, and it's only the maintenance concerns that steer them away. But with hard woods, it's possible to get 25-year guarantees, so maybe it's worth another look.
http://www.victorybuilding.com
via HGTV's I Want That
January 07, 2006
Copper Mailboxes That Look Like "Steamer Trunks"
Got a mailbox that looks like everyone else's on the block? Kind of ho hum? Copper mailboxes are fun ways to add a bid of elegance and curbside appeal. HomeClick has a number of copper mailboxes amongst their inventory, but this mailbox, which is designed to look like an old-fashioned steamer trunk, caught my eye. "Handcrafted brass detailing and an etched copper finish highlight these handsome protectors of postal treasures." The mailbox is designed to fit on most existing stands, and you can also get a wall-mounted version. This particular mailbox sells for $210 on their site:
Steamer Trunk Copper Mailbox
December 01, 2005
Upscale House Address Plaques
If you're looking to add curb appeal to the front of your house, swapping out those old house numbers hanging crookedly above the garage might be a way to go. A company called Address Numbers sells a variety of decorative house address plaques like this "Acanthus Monogram Plaque." It has an upscale look, but it's actually made of recycled aluminum that helps it stay rust free. The plaque is designed to hold one letter in the monogram section at the top and up to two lines of text and/or numbers below. The price is $85, and it can be ordered online from the company's web site.
http://www.addressnumbers.com
November 18, 2005
Benefits of Metal Roofs
A couple of times, we've looked at companies who supply metal roofs (such as this post on MetalWorks Roofs), but we haven't looked at the benefits of metal roofs, other than that they last longer. A recent article in the Nov/Dec 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner
took a look at the technology and had a blurb appropriately called "Benefits of Metal Roofs" that highlighted some the key ones. According to the article, the roofs are:
Long-lasting: Metal roofs last 50+ years, which is two to three times as long as traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles.
Energy efficient: Metal roofs can help insulate a house, and light-colored ones can reflect the sun's heat to lower air-conditioning costs.
Durable: Metal roofs can withstand high winds, storms, extreme temperature changes, and they don't deteriorate under the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Valuable: Though metal roofs cost more than traditional roofing options, they increase a home's value for the reasons listed above. In some states (i.e. Texas), a metal roof can even lower homeowners' insurance costs.
November 14, 2005
Roofing Shingles from Recycled Material
As beautiful as cedar roofing shingles are, they don't last that long, at least not compared to some of the newer materials coming out for roofs. Also, their creation involes cutting down trees, so if you're concerned about the environment, you might find roofing shingles made from recycled materials more appealing. Enviroshake is a company that makes shingles that look similar to cedar but that are made from 95% post-industrial plastic. Even better, according to the company, they require very little maintenance. The composite shingles install the same way as cedar shingles and cost about the same, but they resist the elements better and last decades, so they don't need to be replace as often.
http://www.enviroshake.com/
November 01, 2005
Melt the Snow on Your Driveway
Now that the weather's getting cooler, you may be thinking of winter and the approach of ski season. Don't forget all the hassles snow can bring, though. If you'd like to keep your driveway cleared without doing any shoveling this winter, check out the snow melting systems from WarmZone. They sell cables designed to be installed at the time you pour your driveway, which is great if you happen to on the cusp of laying a new driveway. Perhaps more useful for the average homeowner are their portable snow melting mats. They're meant to be used on steps and walkways. "The WarmTrax snow-mat does not require the effort of shoveling or snow blowing, preserves surfaces from harsh chemicals, and continuously melts snow and ice keeping surfaces constantly clear and safe." The price starts at $350 for a 2x6 foot portable mat.
http://www.warmzone.com/
October 03, 2005
Doormats from... Recycled Flip Flops?
Looking for a colorful new doormat? Want to help the earth by using recycled materials? Well, Seattle-based Bitter Co. offers rugs and doormats made using scraps from old retired flip flops. According to the company, their handmade Flip Flop Doormat is colorful and comfortable to the feet. They also offer a box made from the material. The doormats start at $20 and are available through the Bitters Co web site.
http://www.bittersco.com
September 04, 2005
Custom Stainless Steel House Numbers
Tired of the drab old house numbers hanging crookedly by your door? Custom House Numbers specializes in giving you precisely the font, style, and size of house numbers you want. Pictured here is "Satin Stainless Steel," numbers written in a Bauhaus font attached to a stucco wall. The company also works in aluminum. They have a number of fonts you can browse through on your site, and if they don't have what you want, you can send in your favorite style. They promise to get your house numbers to you in a maximum of twenty business days.
September 03, 2005
LED Lit Front Entry Pulls
This front door pull from Out of the Blue Design Studio has embedded LEDs to light up your front porch at night. You can change the color (7 colors total) of the handle by touching the metal ends that hold the glass handle, or you can put it in a rotating mode that automatically cycles through the colors at two speeds. You can't buy the entry pulls online, but the company has a list of dealers on their website.
http://www.outofthebluedesignstudio.com/
August 16, 2005
Better-looking Residential Metal Roofs
Because of their durability and lifetime guarantees, residential metal roofs have a lot going for them. The main down side is their appearance. We like our roofs to have the look of slate shingles or Spanish tiles... not a solid slab of metal that blinds passersby on a sunny day. Tamko Roofing Products wants to give you the best of both worlds. Their residential metal roofs come in "steel shingles" that mimic your choice of wood, slate, or tile. They offer all the perks of metal roofs with a more traditional look. There's a gallery of pictures you can browse through on their site showing metal roofs they've installed.
http://www.metalworksroof.com
August 10, 2005
Retractable Screen Doors and Windows
Sometimes you feel like a screen; sometimes you don't. Wizard Retractable Screen Products offers a range of screens for doors and windows that disappear into the housing when not in use. The rest of the time, they work as normal screens, allowing in air while keeping pests out. Wizard Retractable Screens are made from high-grade extruded aluminum and come in a number of colors.
http://www.wizardindustries.com/
July 13, 2005
Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways
Thinking of redoing your driveway? Asphalt and concrete are the two most common materials in the US. Asphalt is best suited for hot climates while concrete works better in colder climates. For moderate climates, either work well. Want more details?
Asphalt Driveways Information
Asphalt is made of petroleum mixed with small stone particles. It comes hot to the site, is put in a paving machine, and is spread in layers 4-8" deep. A heavy roller then compacts it to form a smooth black surface. It lasts for many years, but can develop "soft spots" if exposed to oil or gas spills. If you don't like the color of asphalt for a driveway, it can be altered by embedding a layer of pea gravel to allow it to blend better with the landscape.
Concrete Driveways Information
Poured concrete is a little more expensive than asphalt, but it's longer lasting when installed properly (although see above for notes about which works best in which climate). If you don't want plain old concrete, you can color it, stain it with chemicals, top it with exposed aggregate, etch it with acid, score it, stamp it, or coat it with acrylic. Stamped concrete driveways, in particular, are becoming more popular since they can be made to resemble stones, bricks, or various sized and shaped pavers.
Source: Front Yard Idea Book
July 09, 2005
Log Siding
After spending some time investigating log homes (and some of their downsides), you may decide it's just not for you. But if you like the rustic look of log homes, you might still be able to get that. Several companies offer log home siding, partial logs that can be attached to your existing home's exterior instead of vinyl, wood, shingle, or whatever kind of siding you have now.
http://www.logsiding.com/
June 19, 2005
Solar Roofs Get a New Look
Solar roofs are appealing to many homeowners both because they help the environment and you can cut the costs of heating your home (or in some cases eliminate energy bills altogether) using solar power. However, some homeowners balk at the idea of hanging a mishmash of solar panels on the roof (AKA eye-sore). Today's manufacturers are responding by making sleek less noticable solar panels. One example is a product called Sunslates, put out by Atlantis Energy Systems of Sacramento, California.
Sunslates glues conventional cyrstalline PV panels to the surface of a shingle. Then the shingles overlap as with a typical slate roof. The shingles are wired in strings of twenty four and connected to a junction box that goes in the attic. Sunslates can withstand snow and rain along with winds up to 125 mph. They're also designed to blend in; visitors just see what looks like a black slate roof.
Solar roofs aren't cheap (a typical system costs anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000 according to the Jul/Aug 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner), but can often by financed just like any other home improvement project. Plus, the fact that part or all of your electricity is off the grid (AKA free) after the initial installation can be appealing to prospective homebuyers and increase the value of your house when it's time to sell. Sunslates offers a 20 year warranty for its modules and a 25 year warranty for roof integrity (the roof's ability to stand up to the elements).
Atlantis Energy Systems
June 11, 2005
Over-sized Screens Protect Porches from Mosquitos, etc.
Phantom Screens provide screens not only for doors and windows, but for larger areas, too. Examples are balconies, porches, patios, galleries, and garage openings. They are designed to keep out bugs as well as providing shade on hot days. Their line of Executive Oversized Power Screens retract or slide into place with the push of a button. You can use either wall-mounted control panels or remote controls. With this technology, it's easy to extend your living space to the outdoors.
http://www.phantomscreens.com/
June 06, 2005
Grass Roof Anyone?
Grass roofs have been popular for a while in Europe, and now they're beginning to catch on in the US. If you live in a condo that's a ways from the nearest lawn but has roof access, adding a grass roof could give you a relaxing place to lay out in the sun or a chance for your puppies to play without worrying about traffic.
There are environmental reasons for adding a grass roof as well. Not only do they provide a refuge for birds and butterflies surrounded by concrete and tarmac, they reduce storm-water runoff and create a weather buffer which helps your roof last up to twice as long as regular roofs. A grass roof also has the ability to cool ambient air temperatures and reduce energy requirements.
How one condo owner installed a grass roof:
"First, he laid down 2-inch-thick high-compression foam, slicing grooves to direct water runoff and cutting channels in it for an irrigation hose and sprinkler heads, which are on a timer. Then he unfurled black fabric weed block, followed by 2 inches of dirt topped by Zoysia sod."
(snippet from "Install Grass on a Roof" in the Feb/Mar 05 issue of Remodeling Ideas).
More information on grass roofs:
Grass is Greener on the Roof
Green Roofs Could Cut Heating Costs
May 19, 2005
Front Doors for Security and Style
You've heard of "curb appeal" right? A neat yard and a nicely maintained exterior can raise the value of your home before a would-be buyer even steps inside. One part of the equation is having a good front door. What's a "good" front door, you ask? Something that looks modern and stylish, but that is also solid and sports sturdy locks. If you've been thinking of replacing your ratty old door with something more impressive, or maybe just less dated, check out "Doorways to Grandeur," an article that offers a lot of design ideas for the front door, including many high end custom made doors.
May 14, 2005
Sound Proof Windows?
Moving back into the city is a big trend today, but the sound of a traffic whizzing by outside can make even your million dollar ultra-hip loft less peaceful than you'd like. To help deaden the sounds of traffic, noisy neighbors, airports and the like, some window manufacturers are working to come up with sound-proof glass for people's homes. While Old Castle Glass's laminated acoustical glass doesn't quite block out all sound, it could be a big improvement over what you have in your house now. Instead of using straight glass, the windows are sandwiches with glass on both sides and a layer of plastic in between.
Old Castle Glass
May 01, 2005
Cobblestone, the New Do It Yourself Driveway Paving Stones
Cobblestone has long been a popular look, but the expense + hours it takes to install it (not to mention digging up your old cement driveway) hasn't always made it a popular choice with do-it-yourself homeowners. Cobble Systems is prepared to change that. They create an interlocking carpet of stone that installs almost instantly and looks like real cobblestone. You can lay it down over your existing driveway, and it's even available in different patterns that vary from straight lines to fans to circular patterns.
March 20, 2005
"Eco Cement"--Remodel with Enviromentally Friendly Cement
Thinking of a backyard project that might involve pouring cement? New Eco-Cement actually takes CO2 out of the atmosphere for its first year of use, and beyond that, it's made from recycled waste so the creation process doesn't use fossil fuels. Though weaker than traditional cement, it's still strong enough for many projects.
Read more about Eco-Cement at ABC's New Inventors: Eco-Cement and Eco-Cement Removes CO2 from the Air!
Outdoor Speakers
If you've ever thought it would be nice to rock out in your backyard, you might want to look into outdoor speakers. They are made to withstand sun and rain in order to deliver your favorite tunes all year round. Don't like the idea of big black boxes infringing on your landscape? Some outdoor speakers are designed to blend in to their surroundings. They can be painted green, installed in the ground, or even look like rocks themselves.
For more information, here are a couple articles on outdoor speakers.
March 18, 2005
Water Timers for Responsible Lawn Watering
As winter is on the wane and spring and summer approach, we're starting to think of our yards and making them look good. If you're the environmentally conscious type, you may feel a twinge of guilt from pouring water onto your lawn, but it's no secret that a well-maintained green yard can increase your home's value and make your neighborhood feel warm and inviting. So, what are you to do?
Water Timers are just one way to save water by only watering at the time of day when grass and foliage can most efficiently use the moisture (between 4am and 6am says "Green Yards: Less Water" in the March/April 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner). These devices are easy to install as they simply fasten onto your outdoor faucet and turn on the water flow at preprogrammed times during the day.
For other tips on saving water while maintaining a green lawn, check out Landscape Watering Advice or Watering Tips by American Lawn Irrigation.
March 15, 2005
Building Playhouses and Forts for Kids
The Wall Street Journal's Real Estate section has an article called Luxury Playhouses Are Too Costly to Play In that takes a look at the expenses involved with purchasing playhouses today. For wealthy buyers, $23,000 for a "Well Appointed House... its Summer Cottage, complete with a cedar-shingled roof and bay windows with flower boxes" may not be a big deal, but for those who have time to go the do-it-yourself route, I recommend Kid's Places to Play. The full-color book offers instructions on how to build everything from treehouses, to skateboard ramps, to a frontier-style stockade fort with lookout.
February 17, 2005
Rubber Roofing Information
Rubber roofing is gradually gaining acceptance as an alternative to more traditional roofing materials. Slate roofing, which has long been a sign of quality and style, is being imitated by surprisingly accurate-looking renditions done with recycled rubber materials. These artificial slate roofs are half the weight of their stone counterparts, less expensive, and tremendously resistant to the elements. They're environmentally friendly as well, recycling land fill cloggers like tires and diapers.
More information at: EcoStar Recycled Rubber Roofing.
February 11, 2005
Tin Ceilings
Tin ceilings, in the form of stamped-metal ceiling tiles, were originally popular at the turn of the 20th Century and are seeing a resurgence today. They go particularly well in kitchens and bathrooms; the sleek, metallic finish of the tiles complements the numerous polished surfaces in such rooms. Tin ceiling tiles come in many styles and are commonly available in 2x2 or 2x4 foot pieces from specialty manufacturers.
Source: Decorating with Architectural Details
February 04, 2005
Metal Roofing for Houses?
Metal roofing sales have doubled over the last 5 years. What's the appeal?
Metal roofs are a premium product that cost as much as a 20 year warranty asphalt/fiberglass roof, but they come with some perks. Metal roofs don't crack, rot, or warp, and they are highly resistant to the elements, even hail and fire. The fact that they can usually be installed over existing roofs (reroofing) makes them good choices for people who needed to replace the roof anyway. Metal roofs typically come with longer warranties than other roofing materials as well.
More information: Better Homes & Gardens: Roofing Ideas
January 23, 2005
Residential fingerprint locks
Keys are so 20th century... Once a high tech item for corporations, fingerprint door locks are starting to become more popular in the home security industry. If you've ever cursed lost keys, this one might be worth looking into for your next home improvement project.
Fingerprint Door Locks Information
January 08, 2005
Tired of Leaves in the Gutters?
Is it your job to climb up on the roof and de-leaf the gutters? Fun, isn't it? Ok, not really... Leaf Guard is a product that clasps on to your home's gutters. It allows water to enter but nothing else. Their website is located at www.leaf-guard.com and from there you can find dealers in your area.
