Your roof is exposed to more of Mother Nature's fury than any other part of your home. While asphalt shingles are designed to cope with the stresses posed by the weather, they do not protect your home as well as other options such as metal roofing. While you might pay more initially to install a metal roof, you will save more money in the long run by reducing your cooling and your maintenance costs.

Gas water heaters are a bit more complex than electric-only water heaters due to the necessities of properly handling and venting the gas that powers the system. A gas water heater has a couple of different valves that relate to the safe operation of the water heater. Understanding these valves – and how each valve can malfunction – can help you quickly identify future problems and guide you in either performing the fix or informing a plumbing repairs technician about your problem.

Building materials containing asbestos were commonly used in constructing homes between 1910 and the early 1980s.These materials were inexpensive and added more fire resistance to the structures they were used to build. Unfortunately, at that time it was unknown that asbestos causes severe health problems that can be life threatening. Many homes and other structures that were built during this time still have asbestos materials in them. If you live in an older home that tests positive for asbestos, this problem must be handled properly to avoid being exposed to this harmful substance.

Do you find yourself staring at your ceiling, wishing that it didn't show damage, cracks, or stains? If you want to give your plaster ceilings a fresh face, talk with remodeling contractors for smooth, beautiful ceilings once more, or you may want to try some do-it-yourself ideas to give your ceiling some distinction. Talk with home improvement retailers to find the best options for your distinct ceiling, style, and budget.

If you are looking for ways to protect your foundation and prevent roof leaks and problems like ice dams, new gutters can be a good investment. When it comes to having gutters installed on your home, there are also many custom features that you may want to consider. This can be things like seamless gutters and the addition of water collection systems. Here are some custom features you may want to consider for your new gutter installation:

Remodeling your home with the aid of a general contractor is a great way to get the most out of your property, especially if you want to increase your income. Below are two great renovations that can help you earn a bit of extra money. Renewable Energy Taking advantage of renewable energy is one of the easier ways to make some money from your home. You can begin producing energy on your property by installing turbines or solar panels.

If you're like many home owners, you take care to secure your home with alarm systems and locks. However, you might forget to keep your attached garage door safe as well. In order to prevent burglars from gaining access to your home through your garage, use the following tips to keep your garage door secure. Use an Opener with a Rolling Code One way to keep your garage door secure is to make sure that you have a remote door opener that has a rolling code feature.

A service that many HVAC technicians offer these days is an HVAC system maintenance plan. It works by paying a monthly or annual fee that gives you access to preventative services that will keep your HVAC system in top shape. Here are the answers to some common questions about HVAC maintenance plans.  What Does A Maintenance Plan Cost? Purchasing a maintenance plan will pay for services that you wouldn't otherwise receive when getting professional help.

If you are interested in creating an awesome outdoor living space, you might be thinking about pouring a concrete patio. Doing so can be a pretty big project, however, so you probably want to make sure that you and your family can enjoy it for a long time. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to make your patio last for many years. Follow these steps now, and you'll be glad that you did later.

With winter just around the corner, it's important that you know how to properly care for your plumbing. From increased use due to holiday guests, to the rigors of operating in freezing temperatures, winter can be one of the hardest seasons on your plumbing. The following tips can ensure that everything keeps running smoothly. Tip #1: Insulate Your Pipes Insulation is the key to avoid a frozen water pipe in winter.