Skylights and Solar Roofing

Skylights and solar roofing turn your roof into a source of light and energy for your home. Both skylights and solar panels can be added to new or existing roofs so you can enjoy the benefits of the sun’s natural energy. If you are considering adding skylights, solar panels, or a solar water heater to your home’s roof, contact an experienced roofing contractor in Alexandria to discuss your options today.

Skylights

Skylights add light, ventilation, and style to any home. There are many different types of skylights, making these elements a versatile option for your home. A skylight provides natural light, which can help to open up interior rooms to make them feel more welcoming. Skylights are often used in areas such as hallways and bathrooms, where outer walls may not be accessible and natural lighting or ventilation is not otherwise possible. Tubular skylights are designed to maximize light and are great solutions for rooms that might be too small to host a full-sized skylight. Using a series of skylights to light a long, narrow hallway or room can also provide ample natural light to make the entire space feel larger. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind when adding a skylight to your roof. Skylights are visible from the exterior of your home, so it’s best to place them in areas where your roof is not easily seen. Most homeowners choose to put skylights in rooms at the back of the home, such that visible changes in the roof are hidden from the street to maintain superior curb appeal.

Solar Roofing

Solar technology offers clean, renewable energy for all of your home’s electronic needs. Photovoltaic cells can be easily mounted on your roof and integrated into your home’s electrical system to provide power supplied by the sun. The use of solar panels can significantly reduce your home’s dependence on traditional power sources, shrinking your carbon footprint as well as lowering your home energy bills. Energen photovoltaic systems use a photovoltaic laminate that is directly integrated into the construction of asphalt roofing, which allows you to enjoy solar power without the need for separately-mounted solar cells. Solar energy can also be used to fuel a solar water heater, which provides hot water for your home on sunny days. You will retain your traditional water heater for your hot water needs when there is not sufficient sunlight to power the appliance. Even so, the use of a solar water heater will further reduce your home’s power consumption and save you up to 25% on your energy bills.

Are you ready to take advantage of the free, natural energy provided by the sun with a skylight or solar roofing option in Bethesda, Fairfax, or Arlington? Click on over to our website to contact an experienced roofing contractor for more information or to request an estimate for your home. We have experience with the industry’s top brand names so you can enjoy a more beautiful and energy-efficient roof for years to come.

Residential Roofing Options

Whether you are building a new home or replacing the roof on an existing one, there are many options to consider. Each roofing option offers various benefits in terms of aesthetic appeal and functionality. If you aren’t sure which type of roof is best for your home, a qualified roofing contractor can help you make the right choice so you can achieve the combination of style, durability, and function that is right for your needs.

Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing materials throughout the United States. Shingles are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, offering the utmost in roof customization to achieve your unique vision for your home’s exterior. Asphalt can be manufactured to look like other materials, including wood and slate, making it a cost-effective alternative that many homeowners love. This roofing material’s long life expectancy, lightweight design, and ease of repair also appeals to many modern homeowners.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing options, lasting up to three times longer than asphalt shingle roofing. Maintaining a metal roof is easy and many metal roofing materials are available with 30-50-year warranties from the manufacturer. Metal roofing can be painted to match your home’s exterior and sealed to protect the roof from sun and rust. This type of roofing stands up better than any other against inclement weather, including hail, high heat, and wind. “Cool” roofing finishes make metal roofs more energy efficient, helping you to save money in the long run while enjoying a more comfortable home.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing offers high durability as well as aesthetic appeal. Many homeowners feel that slate is the top of the line in terms of appearance. Made from natural stone, slate roofing stands up incredibly well against the elements—in fact, some slate roofs have lasted for hundreds of years. Slate is also fire resistant, offering your home protection from airborne sparks. While slate is often a more expensive roofing choice, it can make up the initial cost of installation with its low maintenance requirements and extensive longevity. Slate roofing is also considered a green option because it lasts for decades, reducing waste associated with roof replacement over shorter timescales. However, slate roofing is also quite heavy; your roofing contractor will first need to determine if your home can support the weight of a slate roof. Additional structural supports can be added to your home if necessary before your new roof is installed.

Flat Roofing

Homes with very low-sloped or flat roofs can take advantage of flat roofing options such as BUR, TPO, and PVC. BUR roofs incorporate layers of tar and gravel, typically lasting five to ten years. TPO and PVC roofing are single-ply membranes affixed using glue or heat welding. These types of roofs will last up to 20 years. PVC and TPO are heat-resistant, reflecting the energy of the sun to keep your home cool. TPO is also resistant to ultraviolet light, ozone, and chemical exposure.

With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect material for your residential roofing needs. Your Bethesda roofing contractor can help you make the right selection that will combine convenience and style to enhance the appeal and value of your home. Please visit our website for more information about our residential roofing options or to request an estimate today.

Avoid These Common Plumbing Mistakes

Protecting your plumbing requires more than regular maintenance. Plumbers are often called to repair damage caused by innocent mistakes made by homeowners who didn’t realize such actions put their plumbing at risk. Knowing how to avoid some of these common mistakes can help you keep your plumbing in great repair throughout the years.

Misusing Your Disposal

Garbage disposals have revolutionized cleanup in the kitchen after meals. However, these appliances have limits that should be observed to prevent plumbing problems. Misusing the disposal as a trash can is one of the most common causes of clogs in kitchen sinks and drains. While your disposal can handle many types of food wastes, there are some foods that should never be put down the drain. Animal bones, fruit rinds, seeds, corncobs, rice and pasta, fat and grease, and coffee grounds should always be thrown away with your solid trash. When you do put foods down the disposal, make sure they are in small pieces and always run the cold water while your disposal is on. These practices can help to reduce the chances of a stubborn clog.

Too Much Weight on Fixtures

Showerhead- and faucet-mounted caddies might save you plenty of space, but they can also put your plumbing at risk. While placing a few lightweight items in caddies that hang from faucets and other fixtures is generally safe, too much weight will strain and damage the fixture. Your showerhead or tub faucet could break off at the threads, requiring a plumber to replace it before it can be used once more. Additionally, avoid placing weight on fixtures, such as using faucets for footrests or even for support when getting in and out of the tub. If you or a family member has trouble getting into the tub, mount handrails specifically meant to hold weight in your bathroom. Using a faucet to support body weight is not only bad for your plumbing, but it can cause serious injury as well.

Pouring Chemicals Down the Drain

Caustic drain cleaners aren’t the only chemicals you should avoid pouring down your drains. Many DIY-ers don’t think twice before pouring paint or construction debris, dirt, and grit down the drain. Unfortunately, such wastes aren’t meant to be disposed of via household plumbing and can instead create stubborn clogs that require a professional plumber to address. Some chemicals can even damage your pipes or connectors, requiring extensive replacement of your home’s plumbing.

Stripping Threads

Even if you are making a simple at-home repair or adjustment to your plumbing, it’s important to use the proper technique. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that plumbing nuts and fixtures must be extremely tight to keep them from leaking. However, this is not the case—plumbing fixtures and connections are designed with watertightness in mind, meaning that you don’t need to overtighten them for the results you want. Overtightening can result in stripped threads, regardless of whether you’re working with metal or plastic. Stripped threads make further adjustments or repairs to your plumbing extremely difficult and can even result in the leaks you were trying to prevent.

Your Mr. Rooter plumber can help you avoid these mistakes and more in Petaluma, Windsor, and Santa Rosa. Click through our website for more details about our comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in your area, or check out our blog for additional tips and information that will help you protect your plumbing! 

Maintaining Your Plumbing This Summer

Summer is the time of year during which water usage is highest in most Santa Rosa homes. Higher water usage can tax your plumbing, but taking steps to maintain your pipes, drains, and fixtures can prevent problems for a stress-free summer. Your Santa Rosa plumber can offer personalized advice and service if you do encounter summer plumbing trouble you can’t handle.

Washing Machine Hoses

During the summer, your washing machine is often in constant use, washing sports uniforms, play clothes, bathing suits, beach towels, and more. Inspect your washing machine hoses regularly to look for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Check the area around your washing machine for signs of standing water as well. If your hoses appear damaged or worn, you should replace them. Hoses should also be replaced every three to five years, regardless of their condition. If your washing machine uses rubber hoses, consider replacing them with braided metal hoses. These hoses are much stronger and more resistant to wear, but should still be replaced approximately every five years.

Tub and Shower Drains

Summertime often sees an increase in the number of showers and baths taken in the home, which can increase the chances of a drain clog in these areas. Mesh drain covers can catch hair and other debris before it can go down the drain. Empty the drain cover after every use to allow water to drain easily out of your shower and tub. You can maintain your drains by periodically flushing them with an eco-friendly drain cleaner, such as enzymatic drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Avoid using caustic drain cleaning chemicals, as these can cause skin irritation, damage your fixtures, and even warp your plumbing pipes. Plunging a clogged bath or shower drain can also help to loosen and clear the material clogging the drain. If you are having trouble with a stubborn drain and can’t clear it yourself, contact your plumber for help.

Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Outdoor plumbing fixtures such as hose bibs require a little maintenance as well. Check outdoor faucets regularly for drips or signs of leaks, which can waste a significant amount of water when ignored. If you do notice a leak, there are two likely culprits: the packing nut or the rubber washer. A leak that appears to come from the faucet’s handle may be fixed by tightening the packing nut (the nut just beneath the handle that turns the faucet on and off). Use a pair of pliers to tighten the nut slowly to see if this solves the problem, but avoid tightening the nut too much. If the faucet itself is dripping even when tightly closed, the problem is more likely the washer inside. To access and replace the washer, you’ll need to remove the handle by loosening the packing nut. Take the old washer to a hardware store to make sure you purchase a replacement that will fit your faucet. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire valve stem to address a leak. If you aren’t sure how to fix your outdoor faucet or these solutions don’t work, your plumber will be happy to help you find and implement the right solution.

These tips will help you avoid some of the most common summertime plumbing problems in Santa Rosa. If you need professional assistance with maintaining or repairing your plumbing, please visit our website to contact a plumber 24/7—and we never charge overtime fees. Our blog contains more helpful articles so you can take an active role in caring for your home’s plumbing. 

Conserving Water at Home This Summer

Residential water usage skyrockets during the summer. Finding ways to conserve water at home is not only a great step towards a healthier environment, it’s also a wonderful way to save money on your utility bills. Water conservation at home isn’t difficult or inconvenient, it simply requires a little knowledge and a few small lifestyle changes.

Wash Clothes Wisely

Summer fun in the sun often results in more dirty clothes that need laundering. You can conserve water when doing laundry by only washing clothes when you have a full load. Alternatively, if your washing machine has a water level setting, use only as much water as needed. Wash clothes predominantly in cold water to reduce the load on your water heater, saving you on the costs of heating your water as well. Check your washing machine hoses regularly—the rubber hoses used in most homes should be replaced every three to five years to prevent leaks and floods. If you notice any wear or damage on your hoses or standing water on the floor of your laundry room around the washing machine, replace the hoses immediately.

Water Your Lawn Properly

Your summertime outdoor water usage can comprise up to 55% of your annual water consumption. You can cut this number significantly simply by watering your lawn in the morning or evening whenever possible. Watering when the temperature is lower gives your yard more time to absorb water before it evaporates. Check your outdoor faucets and hoses regularly for signs of leaks or drips; replace hoses when they become worn and address any leaking faucets to avoid wasting water. If you have a home sprinkler system, watch it in action once a month to make sure all sprinkler heads are functioning properly. Leaking or damaged sprinkler heads can cause damage to your lawn in addition to unnecessary water usage.

Shower Smarter

Summertime houseguests and more frequent showers make the bathroom another great place to conserve water this summer. Check your shower fixture to make sure it isn’t leaking or clogged with mineral deposits. A showerhead that drips at a rate of one drop per second can waste almost 200 gallons of water in a single month. You can also swap an older fixture for a low-flow showerhead to use less water during showers. Additional ways you can save water in the bathroom include turning off the water when you shampoo your hair and setting a timer to remind you when you should be finishing up your shower (aim for five to ten minutes).

Heat Water More Efficiently

Even in the summertime, you’ll want hot water for showers and other household tasks. Flush your water heater to remove sediment and buildup inside the tank, which can affect the performance of the heating elements. If you haven’t had the sacrificial anode rod replaced recently, talk to your plumber about checking and replacing this component if necessary. You can also reduce the time it takes to get hot water from the tank to the tap by fitting exposed pipes with pre-slit insulation. This will reduce heat loss so you can get hot water faster, wasting less water while you wait for the temperature you want.

Are you ready to begin saving money by conserving water this summer? Remember that household leaks and drips can account for up to 14% of your water usage each day, so contact your Houston plumber promptly for repairs. Visit our website to learn more about our 24/7 plumbing services in your area, or check out our blog for more ideas and information that can help your household cut your summer water usage to enjoy lower bills.

Summer Plumbing Tips

Summer means longer days, warmer temperatures, and more water usage in your Anderson home. In fact, your summer outdoor water usage alone can overshadow all other water usage in your home over the rest of the year. With increased usage comes the increased risk of plumbing problems, such as clogs, leaks, and water damage. Take a look at these simple summer plumbing tips to save water, prevent plumbing issues, and reduce your energy costs this summer season:

Garbage Disposal

Summer is a time for outdoor parties and cookouts. However, these fun-filled events can spell trouble for your disposal and drains if you’re not careful. Remember that your garbage disposal cannot handle animal bones, corncobs, pasta and rice, cooking greases and fats, or instant “just add water” foods like stuffing and potatoes. Throw all of these leftovers away in your garbage can, rather than risking a damaged disposal or a clogged kitchen drain. Always use cold water with your disposal to solidify any remaining grease and fat so it can be chopped up by the blades and flushed through the pipes.

Washing Machine

More fun in the sun often means more dirty laundry. Check your washing machine hoses to ensure they are in good repair. If you see signs of bulges, cracks, or leaks in the rubber hoses, replace them immediately. You should also consider switching out your rubber hoses for braided metal ones, which provide additional leak protection. Make sure your washing machine is situated at least four inches from the wall to prevent kinking or other damage to the hoses. Turn off the water input to your washing machine when it’s not in use and never leave a load of laundry washing while you’re not at home.

Water Heater

You can save energy by turning your water heater down during the summer, when the ambient temperature is higher and standby heat loss is reduced. Reducing the temperature of your hot water by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit can save you up to $400. If you’re going on an extended vacation for more than a few days, turn your water heater to its lowest setting (often marked “vacation”) to save even more while you’re gone. Summer is also a great time to perform regular maintenance on your water heater by flushing it to remove sediment. Check for standing water around or beneath the appliance, which could indicate a leak or dripping valve that needs to be addressed by your plumber.

Outdoor Faucets

Before hooking up your garden hose, check all outdoor faucets for leaks. Even if you don’t see an obvious leak, spongy ground or standing water beneath the spigot is likely a sign of a plumbing issue. A leaky hose bib is usually due to a broken or missing washer, which you can replace yourself. When you’re through using the water outdoors, shut off the valve and allow any remaining water to drain from your hose before detaching it. The best way to store garden hoses is on a spool or hook with the ends pointed downward to prevent water retention inside the hose, which can lead to bacteria or mold growth.

You can enjoy an eco-friendly and stress-free summer this year by taking steps to ensure your plumbing doesn’t give you any trouble. If you do run into a plumbing snag, your Anderson plumber can help. Visit our website to find out more about our plumbing services or to contact an expert with your questions. You’ll find even more helpful seasonal and general plumbing information, tips, and how-tos on our blog.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at Home!

An eco-friendly lifestyle fits perfectly with your San Diego state of mind. Taking care of your environment will ensure there are always miles of clean, sandy beaches and clear ocean water for all to enjoy. There are so many ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle at home that it’s easy to get started. Keep reading for a little inspiration to discover how you can make a big impact with a few small changes right at home.

Reduce

Reducing your energy and water consumption are two small changes that can have a big environmental impact. Start by switching off lights and fans when you leave the room to save energy. You can save even more energy by swapping out incandescent light bulbs for CFLs, which use less energy to produce the same light. They’ll also last much longer, meaning less waste and less money spent to replace light bulbs. Saving water at home is also easy and painless. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, rather than leaving the tap running the whole time. This simple step can save almost ten gallons of water each day! Other ways to save water include keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge (so you don’t have to wait for the tap to run cold for a refreshing drink) and doing loads of laundry only when you can fill your washing machine completely.

Reuse

In addition to reducing the amount of water and energy you use in your apartment, you can also reduce the amount of waste you generate by reusing items rather than throwing them away. While you can reuse many items for their original purpose many times, other items can be used for completely new applications. Plastic or paper shopping bags can be reused many times, preventing you from accumulating even more bags (and eventually throwing them all away). Glass jars and pots can be reused either for food storage, as drinking glasses, or to contain small items, spices, and more. Reuse newspapers, bubble wrap, old boxes, and other items as packaging whenever you mail an item to keep your parcel safe and reduce the cost of mailing supplies. If you tend to keep notes and lists, use scrap paper or turn other sheets of paper over rather than pulling out a fresh sheet of paper every time.

Recycle

Recycling at home will further reduce the amount of waste generated to provide you with both necessities and luxury items. Find out if your apartment community offers recycling; if not, locate the nearest city or county recycling facility. Keep a separate bin where you can place recyclables to make recycling more convenient. Check to find out which types of items you can recycle in your area—not all areas will accept all types of plastic, paper, or cardboard. When recycling food or drink containers, wash them out first to remove food residue. Some of the most commonly-recycled items include newspapers, aluminum cans (including soup and pet food cans), glass jars and bottles, and #2 plastics.

You can enjoy a low-key, high-style lifestyle when you lease a luxury apartment at BLVD63. Our community features plenty of outdoor living space in addition to indoor amenities that include stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans, and high-speed internet. We are now leasing for summer 2014, so stop by our website to learn more today!

Exploring the Best San Diego Beaches

Living at BLVD63 offers you many benefits—chief among which is your proximity to the beach. There’s nothing like spending a sunny day at the beach to truly get you into the San Diego state of mind. Plus, studies have shown that people who live near the beach are both healthier and happier. You can take advantage of these benefits by visiting some of the top-ranked San Diego beaches, just minutes from your apartment home.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is one of San Diego’s most iconic beaches, providing West Coasters with a classic East Coast experience like that of Atlantic City or Coney Island. However, Mission Beach still retains its own unique West Coast vibe; here, you’ll find a classic carnival boardwalk adjacent to beach volleyball courts and plenty of sand and surf. Just off the beach, you can take a ride on the historic wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster, challenge your friends to bumper cars, and try your hand at the arcade. Grab a beer or a snack at one of the plentiful cafes, shops, and stalls, then head on down to the beach for some of the area’s best surfing, fishing, and snorkeling. If you venture just a half-mile from the shore, you’ll find a veritable diver’s paradise created by a series of artificially-placed shipwrecks that have created a vibrant living reef.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is more laid-back than Mission Beach. It’s also a local surfing haven. This beach is extremely popular among college students and young adults. You can enjoy miles of sandy beaches dotted with locally-owned beach shops, snack huts, one-of-a-kind bars, and equipment rentals. Swimming and surfing areas are segregated so you can enjoy your preferred beach activity without worry. Venture along the three-mile boardwalk at dusk and you’ll find a thriving chic, modern dining and nightlife scene. If surfing is your gig, stop by Tourmaline Surfing Park, a surfing-only beach that provides just the perfect level of challenge for beginners. North Pacific Beach features a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere, lifeguard-supervised swimming, and facilities open to the public.      

Coronado Beach

Voted America’s Best Beach in 2012 and one of the Top Beaches for Families in 2014, it’s easy to see how Coronado Beach won these prestigious titles. Mica mineral sand sparkles in the sunlight and shimmers in the clear ocean surf, all with stunning views of some of San Diego’s most expensive and beautiful homes and hotels. Coronado Beach provides the perfect setting for singles, couples, and families to enjoy the San Diego way of life. You’ll find miles of gorgeous beaches, the dog-friendly North Beach area, plenty of well-kept public restroom and shower facilities, and free parking in multiple locations along the beaches. Coronado Beach also features seasonal lifeguard-supervised swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, sunbathing, public picnic areas, and plenty of tide pools just waiting to be explored during low tides.

The San Diego weather is perfect, the sun is shining, and your BLVD63 home is just minutes from these beaches and all they have to offer! At the end of a long, enjoyable day, you’ll love coming home to your luxury apartment with its contemporary kitchen, full-size washer and dryer, and high-speed internet. Are you ready to make BLVD63 your San Diego home? Visit us on the web to explore our prices, floor plans, and community amenities, or contact us to discuss your move-in date today!