When you wake up and find that your roof has been leaking the first thing that comes to mind is the drywall and the flooring. The panic sets in and you call the roofing company that has a name that starts with the letter A. Some person comes with a ladder and a truck, they know that you are in distress so they add a little onto the estimate for your aimless stress.

Here is a list of things you should of maybe asked before he or she took your roof off your home. first thing is first, always ask whether they are members of the better business bureau, workman’s compensation and if they have liability insurance. Every company should be on the BBB unless they have something to hide. It is very common in Metro Vancouver for roofing companies to change their names annually for warranty issues which may pop up in the future. Changing your business name also helps when your name keeps popping up in the BBB. Workman’s comp and liability insurance is a service every company has a duty to offer their customers or you are liable.

Make sure to ask if there are any homes in your neighbourhood where you can see the work they have done. It is even recommended to knock of the door of the home owner and ask how their experience went. always get at least three estimates. Not only so you can compare apples with apples but so you can educate yourself on what a apple is supposed to look like.

Brick Masonry is the process of constructing a building from individual bricks laid in a specific pattern and bound together, usually by mortar. Occasionally, the term is also used to refer to the brick units themselves. Masonry is considered a durable construction method, and brick is one of the most common types of masonry used in industrialized nations. The strength of a brickmasonry structure depends on the type and uniformity of the individual bricks selected, as well as the style of masonry used.

Bricks are made in a range of varieties, each intended for a specific purpose, but all are created from some combination of sand, water, clay, and heat. Building brick, or common brick, is used in construction and is often “cored” with two rows of holes to save material and reduce weight. Face brick is chosen for visible surfaces or exposed walls and comes in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Firebrick is made with special clay to offer additional heat resistance in fireplaces or boiler rooms. Glazed brick is coated on one surface with a ceramic finish that is sanitary and easy to clean, making it popular in hospitals and laboratories.

Masonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves. The common materials of masonry construction are brick, stone such as marble, granite, travertine, limestone; concrete block, glass block, and tile. Masonry is commonly used for the walls of buildings, retaining walls and monuments. Brick and concrete block are the most common types of masonry in use in industrialized nations and may be either weight-bearing or a veneer. Concrete blocks, especially those with hollow cores, offer various possibilities in masonry construction. They generally provide great compressive strength, and are best suited to structures with light transverse loading when the cores remain unfilled.

‘Home improvement’ if called life improvement would not be a misnomer. Home remodeling is the baby of unchanged phenomena of change. It is initiated to improve the quality of life in synthesis with the changing dictates of time and directed towards more comfort. However, it needs a careful planning and sagacious attention to economy, utility, aesthetics and immediate purpose. You can either restrict it to a part of the home like kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, patio, any pocket of the house or to the house in entirety. You can also limit it to designing or flooring, or electric wiring or making arrangements for the new gadgets.

Slowly as technology is making inroads in our daily life including kitchen, it makes it essential that Kitchen springs to the changes. For instance, Kitchen remodeling can include provisions for new electronic chimneys, microwaves, pot rack, measures against fire hazards, new flooring etc. You can also have a special built-in wall unit where the oven sits within, allowing lot of storage space. It makes a judicious use of available room and makes even a small place look bigger. It is possible that you want to opt for an oven different from the existing one, convection, gas or electric etc defined by the degree of comfort with the equipment and requirement. Pot racks not only lend a sophisticated look to the kitchen but are of immense utility too, holding the burden of cooking. All types of cooking pots and pans can easily nestle themselves there freeing the cabinet space from having a cluttered appearance. Like this there can be space-specific intricacies that need to be studied before taking up the decision of home remodeling. The name ‘home’ remodeling should not however make you think that it is confined to merely residential areas. They are relevant in both commercial and residential ambiences- or anywhere where humans habitate.

The home remodeling can be either a DIY or by hiring contractors. If latter it is important to pay attention to the measures that offer protection from any cheating later. When the contractor as required by law posts a surety bond with the CCB (Construction Contractors Board) it is ‘bonded’. And when the contractor as required by law accepts the general liability insurance to the CCB it is insured. Both bonded and liability insurance are tools that offer valuable protection to consumers. The latter covers the damage of the property or bodily injury caused by the poor work of the contractor while a surety bond the cost of removing, repairing or replacing the contractor’s bad work. In spirit both are evolved to provide financial security and make home improvement a pleasant experience to the property owners. And For home decoration home remodeling, is the best way

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Home renovation is a process of restructuring or making improvements in your old house. It involves either complete makeover or adding a few things for a better looking house. Most often than not, the homeowners design and implement the changes on their own (Do It Yourself); and sometimes defined by the complexity of the job involved and the budget, c ontractors are also contacted to accomplish the task. There are many warehouses that not only supply the necessary material for but also help the homeowners with DIY ideas and educate them in handling the complexities of the work. DIY may appear to be palatable idea which also radically cuts down the cost of renovation however it is advisable to go for a professional help when the task requires technical expertise and task-specific artistry. The general contractor oversees and manages the entire gamut of renovation work ranging from designing to the work of laying down the electric cables, roofing and removing the debris once the task is complete.

‘Home renovation’ can include anything from mechanical work like wall makeover, that is wall papering, painting walls or installing wooden panels, floor improvement involving new flooring like wood flooring, carpeting etc., roof replacement, upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), water proofing basements, reducing utility costs with methods like energy-efficient insulation, wood burning stoves, solar panels etc, installing emergency preparedness safety measures etc to decorate the house which includes landscape construction like improvement of lawns, pools, attic etc.

Home improvement can be considered for the economy purpose, making provisions for water storage or installing gadgets that are power efficient or just work efficient like electronic chimney etc. Home remodeling can be simply for comfort reasons too like making arrangements for keeping the house warm in the winters, redesigning in a manner that allows for more sun shine, or making a swimming pool, or gym, or library, or laying gravel in the lawn, recontouring the patio or garden and so on. The extent to which improvement is carried out defines the type of remodeling, which can be partial improvement when instead of the entire home only a certain sections like just the bedroom(s), living room, kitchen, patio, garden and bathroom are being remodeled or damaged or worn out items are replaced with a new or just repaired. Home renovation infuses new life giving a completely different and better look to the house. This kind of man’s desire to combat the ravages of time and taste on the basic lifestyle of man with or without professional guidance come under home renovation.

Now that the paperwork belongs to the past and the movers have left leaving you alone to admire your new property, it is time to sit down and list all those things you will have to do before being able to relax on your couch or back yard and admire your new possession.

- First of all, install new locks. Since you probably have no idea who has a copy of your current keys, it is best not to take any chances. Consider making an extra set of keys and giving the copy to your parents or best friend.

- Of course, purchase a fire extinguisher for the kitchen and one for the garage and keep them handy. Check and replace if necessary, all the batteries in the smoke detectors.

- If the house needs any preventive maintenance do it as early as possible. It will be really frustrating having to deal with contractors or paint while all your possessions are located inside the house.

- Check to see that all possible damage, like wet wood conditions or walls’ deterioration.

- Clean the gutters and downspouts and check that drain water is directed away from the house.

- Service all heating equipment and check the chimney of the fireplace for possible damage.

- Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in key locations.

- All medicines, poisons, or other dangerous elements have to be kept in child proof cabinets and cupboards.

- Create an emergency kit and storage in close to the exit.

- Keep flashlights, batteries, matches and candles in a special child proof drawer in an easy to reach place.

- Consider recording all the important house data and keep the papers related to your house in a safe or a drawer that locks. Also save all receipts of money spent for permanent improvements, repairs and any damage you had to fix. These can later be used for tax deduction purposes.

- In case you wish to renovate a part or even all of your house, you should better check with your neighborhoods local authorities first.

- After you are settled in, introduce yourself to your neighbors and offer them a “hello” gift. Usually people are shy to bang on your door and introduce themselves, so it is better if you break first the ice by introducing yourself. One of the main reasons people enjoy living where they live is that they know and bond with their neighbors.

www.chimney-sweep-seattle.com Fireplace Repair Seattle by Pristine Sweeps. Chimney Repair, Chimney Inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney service. Visit us at

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When preparing to sell a home, you may be dealing with a lot of mixed feelings for example, letting go of all the memories in the old house, yet looking forward to new and exciting adventures in a new one. It also is a very hectic time, especially if you moving out of the area. There will be the going-away parties with neighbors and at work, ensuring you have changed your address with everyone, and coordinating the sale of your home with the purchase of your new one.

Your realtor(s), both for selling the old home and for buying the new one, can be of great assistance to you in coordinating these transactions and avoiding the domino effect of the closing, moving and closing dates. Your realtor gets everyone to commit to a window of dates and also to stick to them. The realtor will get all agreements in writing and can place financial penalties on any party who fails to comply.

Curb Appeal

Your realtor is used to viewing home and property from the potential buyers perspective. He/she can be essential in assisting you to prepare your home with a strong curb appeal. It is important for your property to be visually appealing in order to attract more potential buyers and garnering a quicker sale.

The realtor will look at the exterior, which should be well maintained with trimmed trees and shrubs, nothing sitting around to detract from the property’s appeal, foundations without cracks, and well maintained and cleaned window casings, gutters, chimney, shutters, siding, doors and moldings. Anything that needs painting should be painted. If you are not sure, ask your realtor. Ensure the garage door always is closed when not in use.

Another area your realtor will review is the interior, where there are plenty of improvement areas that do not cost a lot to do but make a world of difference in buying appeal. Clean all the windows inside and out with no streaks. Make sure floors, tiles, tubs, showers and faucets sparkle. The same for kitchen appliances, especially ranges, ovens, refrigerator and freezer inside and out. Give the carpets a good cleaning, even if you recently did this. Ensure there are clean filters in the heating and air conditioner. Repair squeaky floors and oil squeaky doors. Ensure the faucets do not drip. Your realtor will advise you of many other inexpensive things that will add buyer appeal to your home.

Once your home is ready to show, your realtor will provide invaluable services to you. He/she will establish a fair asking price for your home, based on the location, economic conditions, supply-demand of the local market, seasonal influences, school availability in the area, the average home prices in the neighborhood, and the extra features and amenities of your home.

Next, your realtor will promote, advertise and market your home at no cost to you, using resources not available to homeowners who prefer to self-sell their homes.

Your realtor will schedule all showing appointments, negotiating times that are convenient for you without losing the potential buyers. The realtor will qualify interested buyers, weeding out those who cannot qualify for a mortgage; and then help you negotiate a sale price with the buyer.

Another service of your realtor is referrals for insurance, inspections, legal counsel and financing. Your realtor may even be able to refer you to a lender for a bridge loan, if you are forced to purchase a new home before you have sold your current one. A bridge loan helps, when you are forced to carry mortgages on two homes simultaneously over a short duration.

Rely on your realtor when selling your home. Experience in the industry gives the realtor a unique perspective that can only assist in a good sale for your home.

Asphalt shingles are economical and versatile, which may be why they represent more than 80 percent of the roofing market. They’re relatively inexpensive to buy and install, are suited to roof pitches from 4-in-12 to vertical, and are available across a wide range of quality, cost, and style.

Easy to cut, fit, and fasten, asphalt shingles are compatible with many different kinds of flashing and edging products, and don’t require specialized accessories for roof edges, wall terminations, chimney or vent flashings.

Choosing Shingles

There are two kinds of asphalt shingles on the market: Fiberglass shingles and organic-mat shingles. Both are made with asphalt, but fiberglass shingles use a fiberglass reinforcing mat, while the organic kind use a cellulose-fiber mat derived from wood. The organic mat of traditional shingles has to be saturated with soft asphalt, then coated with a harder asphalt for protection; the fiberglass shingles need only the hard asphalt coating.

Fiberglass shingles are thinner, lighter, easier to lug around, and carry a better fire rating than organic shingles, but organic-mat shingles are tougher and stay more flexible in cold weather. Fiberglass shingles predominate in southern and central regions, but organic shingles are still popular in the North and are almost the universal choice in Canada.

Be Aware Of The Warranties

When it comes to shingles, the drawbacks center on service life. While asphalt shingles come with warranties ranging from 20 to as long as 45 years, roofers and builders remain skeptical of those warranties. Since warranties are a marketing device, they are not a reliable predictor of lifespan.

In the past decade, there have been many complaints of asphalt shingle failure long before warranties expired. Many homeowners have been dissatisfied with warranty payouts that didn’t cover all the costs of repair or replacement, as well.

So rather than compare warranties, it’s wise to demand shingles that meet industry manufacturing standards. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are covered by a standard called ASTM D-3462, which requires products to pass tear-strength and nail-withdrawal tests.

Until recently, few shingles on the market actually passed the tests. But codes have been upgraded to permit only fiberglass shingles labeled as complying with this standard to be installed. Today some manufacturers even have the independent Underwriters Laboratory certify that they measure up. To check for compliance, look for the familiar UL logo on the label next to the ASTM D-3462 certification.

Organic-mat shingles are covered by their own standard, ASTM D-225. In practice, organic shingles have a much higher tear strength and nail-pull resistance than fiberglass shingles.

They are also heavier because of the additional asphalt used to make them. Old-time roofers used to pick heavier shingles when they wanted a better brand; while this may not hold true for modern fiberglass shingles, it’s still a good rule for the organic kind.

Shingles that pass the standards cost more than low-grade shingles. However, installation is a big factor in total roof cost and, since it costs just as much to nail on poor shingles as first-rate ones, cheap shingles are rarely worth it.

Shingle Appearance

Asphalt shingles now come in all kinds of colors and profiles. The old 3-tab shingles are still around, but a wide range of “architectural” shingles, whose profiles suggest the random shadows and patterns of slate, wood shingles, or ceramic tile, are readily available.

These specialty shingles often carry a longer warranty but, once again, beware: Check to see that the shingle actually has two full layers, not a half-width of lower lamination. Also, make sure the package is labeled as complying with ASTM D-3462 or ASTM D-225.

Architectural shingles have a random pattern and, as a result, can be easier to lay out than the standard 3-tab kind. With a traditional shingle, you have to line up the tabs properly, or the roof will have a haphazard, wavy appearance.

The surface pattern of the architectural shingles, on the other hand, obscures the shape of the shingles themselves, and provides the desired appearance while saving effort on the layout. This savings in installation time may actually help offset the sticker price associated with specialty shingles.

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The Greatest Cycling Race in the World Gets its Start

The Tour de France is hands down the greatest cycling race in the world today. The Tour de France was founded by Henri Desgrange. The first Tour de France was in 1903, taking 19 days at six stages and covering 2828 kilometers. Cyclists were expected to pedal through the night. There were no actual breaks for sleep. Bike changes weren’t allowed. No outside assistance was allowed for repairs and punctures. It was all entirely up to the cyclists.

The race started as a publicity stunt for a French sports newspaper called L’Auto. This was a phenomenal success; it destroyed its competitor, Le Velo. Sixty of the bravest, gutsiest, toughest cyclists of the day started the race.

Maurice Garin dominated the race from the beginning. Garin was nickname the “Chimney Sweep.” He still holds a record today for the win with the greatest margin– a remarkable 2 hours and 49 minutes! More than 20,000 people watched Garin cross the finish line in Paris.

Crazy Lengths to Win

It didn’t take long before Tour de France cyclists became fiercely competitive and this competitiveness thrives today, fed with doping scandals in the recent past. By the next race in 1904, riders would go to crazy lengths to win. Maurice Garin won for the second time but it didn’t take long before reports of cheating came in. Riders were accused of taking trains and cars and even dropping spikes on the roads to flatten their competitors’ tires. In the end, the first four cyclists were disqualified and a little known cyclist, Henri Cornet won. Following this disastrous race, more rigid rules were implemented.

The Ballon d’Alsace

In 1905, the Ballon d’Alsace, was introduced. This became the first major climb of the race. René Pottier was the first rider to get to the top but his success apparently was not enough. He won in 1906 but later hanged himself before the 1907 race. In 1906, the “flamme rouge” was introduced. It signaled the last kilometer. The first double winner was Lucien Petit-Breton in 1907 and 1908. In 1909, it snowed in July, during the race! By 1910, the tour goes through the Pyrenees for the first time. The following year it goes through the Alps. By 1911, there are accusations of rival teams poisoning riders!

A Temporary Break

The first World War limited the Tour. The Tour was not held between 1915 and 1918. Two former winners, Octave Lapize and Francois Faber, died in the war.

The Coveted Maillot Jeune

By 1919, the Tour covered 5560 kilometers and the famous yellow journey or “maillot jaune,” was introduced. Yellow was chosen because it was the same color as the newspaper, L’Auto, that sponsored the race. The lead cyclist would wear the journey to signify his race position. Before that, it was impossible to know who was winning. Eugene Christophe wore the yellow jersey for the first time. Bad luck followed Christophe. Tire punctures and broken spokes caused him to finish in third place. Firmin Lambot from Belgium won.

If you liked this article, you’ll find more Tour de France history articles and this year’s Tour schedule at:

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/calendars/printable_tour_de_france_schedule.php

and Grand Slam Tennis schedules at:

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/calendars/printable_tennis_schedule.php

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Man! What a great day to patch that loose shingle at the base of the chimney. Sun’s out, not a cloud in the sky, light breeze, high of 87 degrees. Mick took the ladder from the garage, removed his shirt, and shooed Carol shopping.

Five minutes after she was gone, he knocked the ladder to the ground. Let’s see. The wife and kids are gone. The neighbors are on vacation. Mick lives on a street where there is little traffic.

Mick sat on the roof for four hours, which gave him plenty of time to fix the shingle, and get so badly blistered from the sun that he missed two days work.

Annually, there are approximately 200,000 injuries associated with ladders. Most ladder incidents are caused by a loss of balance, or by a ladder’s being placed on a slippery surface. Others are caused by sheer foolishness. Almost all of them could have been avoided.

Before You Climb

* For any project involving a straight ladder, consider hiring a professional.

* Choose the proper ladder for the job. Wood and fiberglass ladders are best for working around electrical sources, although any type of ladder can conduct electricity if wet.

* Before climbing a ladder, check it thoroughly to be sure it’s safe. Look for missing, damaged or loose parts. Be sure the nonslip feet aren’t worn. If there is a problem, get a new ladder. Repairing a damaged ladder is taking a risk.

* Verify the weight capacity, and include tools you carry in your calculation.

* Indoors or outside, place the ladder on a firm, solid surface. If you must put the ladder on a soft surface, place a board under the ladder’s feet to provide firm footing.

* Always have a person steady the ladder on windy days or if there’s a question about the ladder’s stability.

* When using an extension ladder outside, place the ladder about one-fourth of the length of the ladder away from the wall. For a quick estimate, place your toes against the ladder feet. Stand erect and extend your arms straight out. The palms of your hands should rest on the base section rung nearest to shoulder level.

* Wear clean, dry, slip-resistant shoes, and be sure the rungs of the ladder are dry.

* If you use a ladder in front of a door, lock the door and barricade the other side.

* Never use a folded-up stepladder as a straight ladder. The feet won’t be square on the ground, and the ladder may slip.

* Never lean a ladder against a window pane or other unstable surface.

* Do not climb a ladder if you have been using alcohol, have balance problems, are subject to fainting spells, are using medicine, or are physically handicapped.

* Do not paint a wood ladder.

* Arrange for someone to check on you periodically.

Avoiding A Crash Landing

* Never climb with equipment in your hands. Use your pockets, an equipment belt, a tool pouch, or raise heavy objects with a hand line.

* For added stability, tie the top of the ladder to a support, or use special devices available from your hardware store.

* To climb or descend, face the ladder and grip the rungs firmly with both hands.

* Keep your body between the rails at all times, and never reach or lean too far to the side. Rule of thumb: Your belt buckle should never extend outside the ladder rail.

* Hold on to the ladder with one hand. If you must use both hands, put one leg around a rung.

* If you need to shift to a new position, climb down and reposition the ladder. Don’t try to shift the position while standing on the ladder.

* On a straight or extension ladder, don’t climb higher than the fourth rung from the top. On a stepladder, don’t climb higher than the second rung from the top.

* Be sure the ladder extends 3-5 feet above the edge when climbing onto a roof. This added length is needed to step safely onto the roof. Do not climb the ladder above the roof top.

* When moving a metal ladder, lower it to avoid touching a power line. Better yet, never place a ladder where it could slide into power lines. Give them a wide berth.

* Descend immediately if high winds or rain begin.

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It is very important that you choose a qualified home inspector who has plenty of experience with residential homes in your area. It can literally save you thousands of dollars by helping you avoid the common pitfalls of purchasing a home. The knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector will far surpass that of even the most experienced homeowner. There are aspects of maintenance, home safety, construction and installation could be missed by the untrained eye.

Most home buyers cannot remain openly objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this could affect their judgment. It is a wise decision to acquire an impartial, third-party opinion by a trained professional.

Are there termites? Is there a mold problem? Will my kids be safe from lead-based paint and other hazardous materials? These questions and hundreds more will be answered by hiring a great home inspector to evaluate the home you’re considering for purchase.

Note that you are looking for a great home inspector. A home inspection is truly only as good as the inspector conducting it. You should take hiring a home inspector as seriously (or more so) than you’d take hiring any other professional who has your life in their hands. They may actually have your family’s safety in their hands, depending on how good they are at finding problems associated with properties.

Home inspector’s abilities and experience vary greatly from one to the next. There are several new franchise companies that recently entered the industry, and you want to make sure you’re not hiring a brand new inspector who just bought into the latest franchise. One way to quantify the quality of a home inspector is to contact a national or state association of home inspectors to find out what certifications are required for membership, and if there are any members in your area that they’d recommend. He or she should know how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. You may also want to ask your real estate Agent for a list of reputable companies they’ve worked with in the past.

An inspection by a qualified inspector should cost between 0 and 0 and give you a good idea of what future repairs will be needed. You can make your purchase contract offer contingent on a favorable inspection and may use the results of the inspection to your advantage. If the home inspection results do not meet your approval, you can get out of the contract if you would like. A great home inspection can not only help you avoid pitfalls, it can also help arm you with items you and your real estate Agent can use to your advantage to negotiate a better deal.

What the Home Inspection Should Cover

At a minimum, the home inspector should examine the following:

1.Exterior structural components including the foundation, roof, siding, and chimney

2.Interior structural components including the basement or crawlspace, attic, flooring, and ceilings

3.Major systems including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical

You should make every effort to be present during the home inspection. Keep in mind that the inspector is working for you, not the seller or Agent or anyone else. They are on your payroll and should treat you as such. So, don’t be shy about walking around and asking questions. This will give you a firsthand look at any problem areas associated with your future home.

Once the inspection is complete, you should receive a “Comprehensive Home Inspection Report” with descriptions, and possibly photographs, of any problems with the home. Sometimes, this will be sent to you later in the day, but some inspectors have means of printing a copy for your right on site.