8 Reasons Why Copper Roof Shingles Are Your Ideal Roofing Solution

If you’re looking for durability coupled with beauty at an affordable cost, then look no further than copper roof shingles for a premium solution. Copper shingles make the best option of all in the roofing industry since they are simple enough to be installed by any roofer. Others like cedar, slate and tile shingles often need a roofer to first acquire specialized skills or buy unique tools. Not so with metal plated roofing.

1. Easy to install: In addition to being easy to install, roof shingles also give your home a sleek, elegant and rich look. With a simple, lightly embossed style, this kind of roofing suits many different types of buildings, home or office, historic or contemporary.

2. Long lasting: Copper roof shingles also last long and lend permanence to any architectural roofing. That makes them ideal choices for public buildings and commercial establishments in addition to homes. You will see copper shingles on many different kinds of roofs – and they’ll all look good!

3. Excellent waterproofing: Copper shingles also deliver reliable waterproofing. Being engineered to resist the elements, each copper shingle has two distinct parts. One, the visible, is a solid shingle made of copper. The other, concealed, is a joint pan. Both are tightly bound with no seam or cracks leaving potential leaks. Because of a unique structure, these roofing tiles provide protection against all kinds of weather conditions.

Testing under field conditions has been rigorous and thorough. Hurricane force winds and rainfall do not result in leaks in such tests with copper shingles. In one study, wind speeds up to 100 mph and rainfall up to 8 inches were studied, and the results were standing clearly in favor of this roofing solution.

4. Environment friendly: Copper shingle roofing is not just an attractive, functional and cost effective solution – it also is a ‘green solution’ because the shingles are recyclable with high salvage value in case they need replacement. A beautiful patina of verdigris coats these shingles, giving it a calming green color, too. And the components used in manufacturing these shingles leaves little to take to the landfill. There aren’t many other building materials that strain the environment as little as this.

5. Fire and heat resistant: And copper roof shingles are fire resistant. You’ll save a fortune on insurance costs alone by using this material in your construction, especially with the concern about forest fires in recent times. Resistant to weather, extremes of temperature and UV radiation as well as environmental pollutants, these unique shingles are any home-owner’s delight.

6. Cost effective: When it comes to cost, too, copper roof shingles have an advantage over other alternatives. Not only is the material itself economically priced, the advantage of being easily installed by any competent roofer without needing specialized equipment or training will cut down on your installed cost significantly as compared with slate, wood or asphalt shingle.

7. Low weight: This form of roofing weighs around 140 pounds per square, which is much lesser than asphalt. This means you don’t have to reinforce your roof in any way, further lowering your construction costs. The shingles are designed in a way to make it intuitively simple to install. There is no risk of leaking at a seam if a particular sequence is not adhered to.

8. Durability: Being durable and strong, it is likely that your copper roof shingles will last the lifetime of your building. That’s the reason most manufacturers will offer you a lifetime warranty when you buy their material. At least 50 years is the expected life of your shingle roof.

For all these reasons, homeowners, architects and builders alike have preferred copper roof shingles for years. It’s a combination of beauty with quality that will enhance the look and value of your home for years to come.

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Home Solar Panels – 9 Steps To Building Your Own Panels From Scratch

Are you planning to build home solar panels? You can do it from the comfort of your home and it is easy.In this article we will discuss the steps to building residential solar panels. Building these panels are simple if you know how. When you build them you have the satisfaction of having contributed your bit to the environment. As using home solar energy reduces our dependence on oil and gas.

Home Solar Panels: Preparatory Steps Before Installing

Before you start the process of putting together the home solar panels get yourself a step-by-step guide or a tutorial to building a solar panel. Loads of such manuals are available in the market today. Reading them will help you understand the basics and in just a few days you can become an expert! Here’s a suggestion – make the home solar system project a family one and your whole family can have fun making the home solar systems which will help you save energy over years to come.

Another important factor to consider is your energy bill. Browse through your bills for the past year and find out how much power in terms of wattage you are consuming on an average every month. During a few months your usage will be much higher than the average. This happens in summer and winters when you use more energy to cool or heat your homes. With these numbers in mind you can start planning for the number of home solar panels needed. The cost of home solar panels kits depends on the wattage so, naturally, more wattage means more home solar panels and your costs will go up accordingly.

Decide on the location where your residential solar panels will be placed. Choose a sunny spot that does not have trees or building casting shadows over it. Your ideal location should allow the panels to capture the maximum amount of solar rays. Best will be the roof or if you own a farm then the vast open spaces are ideal for setting up the home solar panels array.

Basically, there are 8 steps to making home solar panels which you will find in any DIY manual.

  • 1. Measure and cut the plywood into sections and make sure all the solar cells can fit into these sections.
  • 2. Now, using a UV-protective varnish paint the plywood sections.
  • 3. Connect all the solar cells to each other using wires and solder them in place.
  • 4. Using silicon caulk dabs attach the solar cells over the plywood.
  • 5. In the last solar cells make two holes for the two wires to pulled out.
  • 6. Seal the holes with silicon beads once the wires are pulled through.
  • 7. Make holes in the plexiglass to fix screws in them.
  • 8. Construct a frame to support the plexiglass.
  • 9. Using silicon and screws attach the plexiglass frame to the plywood containing the solar cells.Repeat the process for the number of home solar panels you need.

    The panels are now ready for installation. So, you see that it is quite simple and easy to build a solar panel from scratch. Why not make this your weekend project? The cost of this whole project will work out less than $200 dollars maximum. By building and installing home solar panels you will be saving hundreds of dollars in your energy bills over the years and also helping towards making Earth a greener and cleaner planet.

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Choosing The Perfect Custom Sofa Slipcovers

When redecorating a living room or den, one of the most costly furnishings to replace is a sofa or couch. Choosing a new sofa to coordinate with existing furniture or home decor is not always a practical option. For many people who choose to go with a brand new look and interior design, custom sofa slipcovers can be the answer.

Custom sofa slipcovers can be made especially to the customer’s specifications. This means the size, style and materials used for the slipcover is virtually limitless. Any person can go out to a local department store and purchase a ready-made slipcover for a chair or sofa, but it will not always be the style or design one is hoping to achieve. Having slipcovers specially designed and custom made to fit the unique shape and size of an existing sofa can save the day.

It’s relatively simple to go online and order custom sofa slipcovers. The great thing is, one does not even have to leave the comfort of her own home to do so. The first step when ordering custom sofa slipcovers is to take measurements of the sofa to be covered. This should be a painless process, as all that is required is a tape measure to do so. The length and width of the sofa need to be accurately measured, however.

Many companies offer product swatches and samples for prospective buyers to look through before making their slipcover selection. There should be a nominal charge for this fee, and some manufacturers will not charge at all. Looking over the swatches is vital before making a decision, and it is helpful to feel the material as well. It’s a good idea to get an estimate before making a final decision, and some companies offer free catalogs to browse through, or their inventory may be viewed online.

Choosing the fabric for a custom sofa slipcover should not be a challenge. Simply match the fabric to existing furniture fabrics for a complete and coordinated look. For a room that includes solid color chairs, choosing custom sofa slipcovers in geometrical patterns and designs might offer a bold appeal. Stripes work nice as well, just so long as the colors blend nicely and match existing decor.

It is important to consider the style of the sofa to be outfitted. Slipcovers may be available in box cushion, L cushion or straight back styles. Wedge arm and square arm styles are also commonly made. Some couch slipcovers also feature a matching custom cushion cover as well. There are other options to consider as well, such as corner inverted pleats or ruffled skirt.

When ordering custom sofa slipcovers, it’s important to obtain a satisfaction guarantee. This assures that. if for any reason you are not satisfied within a specified period of time, you may receive an exchange or your money will be refunded. Equally important, is customer service from the company manufacturing the custom sofa slipcovers. A toll free customer support telephone number can be of great assistance when needed.

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Residential Home Solar Panels – 6 Crucial Points To Consider Before Buying Residential Solar Panel Kits

Want to know how to buy residential solar panels to generate electricity?

Then you have come to the right place. Here we will discuss important points to be considered before buying solar panels and how much they will cost.

Residential solar panel installation cost is largely dependent on the size and design of the residential solar power system you build. Naturally, bigger panels will require more materials to make them. Rooftop panels will take more resources to install than simple backyard solar panels. Either way, the cost of building your own residential solar panels will be only a fraction of the money it would take to buy them ready made and getting them installed using professionals.

As you know there are great benefits to generating solar energy for your domestic, farm or industrial needs as the residential solar power generated is completely free. Some people are using a combination of solar power and residential wind power for all their energy needs. Wind turbines are needed to generate wind power and to generate solar power you will need solar panels or solar shingles. These panels or shingles contain a series of solar cells which traps sun’s heat and convert it to tiny amounts of electricity. A number of solar cells are connected in a series in a solar panel. When a number of panels are connected together you get enough energy to power many of our residential power needs.

While shopping for residential solar panels consider these:

Efficiency

Solar panels have different efficiency rates. Better efficient panels convert more light into energy but they are more expensive. If space is a constraint then go for the more efficient panels as then you will need lesser number of panels. For this the highly-efficient mono-crystalline solar cells are suggested.

Efficiency is not a big factor as far solar power is concerned. Solar energy is a freely available resource and you don’t have to pay more money just for increased efficiency if you have the space. Complete residential solar panel kits are available both online and offline.

Flexibility

The thin film solar panels are flexible and adaptable. They are useful because they can be molded into shapes. If flexibility is important then you can opt for these panels and forego efficiency. Use thin-film amorphous cells for areas with partial shading.

Strong And Sturdy Mounts

Look for mounts that are certified to withstand cyclones and wind storms. The residential solar panels will be mounted on these mounts.

Efficient Converter

Buy a sine wave converter to prevent the wastage of DC electricity and ensure full efficiency of the residential solar power.

DIY Guide

You can build your own solar panels with some handy tools and a few spare hours. Get a dIY guide or or a video tutorial. With the step-by-step instructions you can have your solar panels ready in one weekend or two if you want to it more leisurely. Many people have built their own solar power panels over a weekend and save many thousand dollars in the process. A professional can charge $20000 dollars or more for this. You can build your solar panels for as little as $200.

Only word of caution get a professional to connect the final wiring from the solar panels to the mains. Don’t do this yourself unless you are certified electrician. You don’t want to damage yourself or your current electrical system by doing this yourself.

Effectiveness

Your home made solar energy panel can be just as effective as a branded panels like first solar bought from a store like home depot or ordered online. Also, you can get them for a fraction of the cost of professionally installed system. The cost of residential solar panels is easily offset by electricity savings within a few months.

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Discount Sofa Slipcovers – How And Where To Find The Best Deals

So you’re looking for discount sofa slipcovers? Decorating a house can be an expensive undertaking. This is especially due to the escalating cost of living. This is what has made many people opt to live in ugly-looking houses. Many people opt to keep using outdated furniture because the cost of buying new ones has hit the ceiling.

If you want to decorate your house, then sofa slipcovers are the best option. They are inexpensive alternatives that most people opt for. These are covers made in such a way that they fit into the existing furniture to give them a whole appealing look.

Most of the slip covers are made from linen, canvas, chintz and denim. These are long lasting materials that will take a long time to wear out. To get discount sofa slipcovers you need to make use of the internet. This is the only way through which you can find cheap slipcovers for your house. There are a number of online stores that you can make use of in order to get discount sofa slipcovers.

When you make use of the internet as a way of getting cheap sofa slipcovers you need to be cautious. This is because not all the dealers you will find online are genuine. Some of them are conmen who will siphon your money and run. Make use of the reviews to know the kind of services a given dealer offered to clients. Know the level of satisfaction of the clients before you order from the same dealer.

To get best sofa slipcover you need to compare the prices offered by different dealers. There are a number of retailers of these stuffs. Take your time to shop around for one who will give you high quality slipcovers at cheap price. The package of the deal should be able to fully cater for your needs. Get the colour, material and size that you want. An internet search is the one that will deliver you to best deals.

If you do careful searching and comparison you will be able to get discount sofa slipcovers. With best slipcovers you will give your home a new face lift. This is a cheap way of making your house appealing as compared to when you would have bought new sofas. It is good to visit local stores to see the options that they offer.

The use of coupons is another recommendable way of getting discount sofa slipcovers. Online stores that deal with sofa slipcovers do have online coupons. These are the ones you can make use of to get these stuffs at cheap cost. Look for covers that stretch as they are the ones that you can use of different sizes of sofas.

Be a smarter shopper by choosing material that will last long. Take your time to get the best quality discount sofa slipcovers that will last you long. There are many custom covers that you can make use of when in the market. Make use of the internet to buy the best. It is not advisable to buy from the first retailer you meet. It is good to do comparison if you want to get discount sofa slipcovers.

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Sofa Throws – How To Make One?

So you’ve bought recliners or a sofa with a cushion at a great deal paying wholesale rates. But now you’re facing the dilemma of how to protect them against stains and spills. Here’s an idea. Make sofa throws to guard against accidents.

Sofa throws are simple to create. You can give your new furniture some much needed protection while preserving a bright and cheery look to your living room at the same time. It won’t take long to make a sofa throw, and will definitely be much cheaper than buying one. And what’s nice about learning how to do it is that you can make multiple sofa throws for the same sofa, and then rotate them often giving your living room a new, fresh look from time to time.

Choose the fabric you want to use in your living room sofa throws. Will you prefer a floral pattern or a simple checks or stripes pattern? What color matches the interior of your room? Do you want a denim throw, or silk, or something else? Make those choices and then purchase the material.

The first thing to do is carefully measure your sofa sizes. Depending upon these measurements you will have to buy the fabric to use in the sofa throws. Decide which parts of the sofa you want covered, and then use a measuring tape to record the dimensions. Allow an inch extra for the overhang and to tuck into the joints.

Cut two rectangular pieces of the plaid designer fabric you plan to use. Typically a piece that is 72″ by 55″ will suffice for most common models. Cut the fabric leaving an extra couple of inches on all sides. Make sure you use a sharp pair of scissors to get a nice looking cut and to avoid frayed or irregular sides.

Place the two pieces of fabric one over the other. Make sure the insides are out. Secure the bits with pins. Leave one edge open, but secure three sides. Using a sewing machine, stitch together the pinned edges. Stay one inch inside the cut edge. After you’ve finished sewing together 3 sides, remove the pins and turn the cover right side out.

On the unsewn edge, you’ll now be left with a raw surface. Trim any extra bits of thread. Fold it in, and sew the free edge to seal the throw. Remove the pins that were used to hold it in place temporarily while you did the sewing.

You’re all done. You now have a sofa throw that’s neat and simple, yet will add elegance and class to your room. Iron the throw that you’ve sewn to create a smooth edge. Then place it over your sofa and stand back to take a look. You’ll realize that as far as beautifying your room goes, you won’t need to buy new furniture or expensive accessories. Just a simple thing like a sofa throw will spruce it up and transform your living room into a rich, elegant area.

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Armless Chair Slipcovers – Choosing The Best Covers

Armless chair slipcovers can turn around the look and feel of your living room by giving it a facelift at very little expense. When your armless chair looks frayed and worn, or gets stained with food and drink spills or a careless pet scratching up the upholstery, don’t panic or worry. You won’t have to spend a fortune in having it replaced or repaired. Just slap on a slipcover and you’re back to nearly new.

Today you can get a range of colors and fabric and patterns for your armless chair slipcovers. These will help color co-ordinate your furniture with the interior decor of your room, even if you repaint or re-decorate often. Just go shopping for a matching slipcover and then pull it over your furniture. It’s easy, it’s simple and it’s cheap.

And your armless chair slipcovers will be durable and sturdy. If made of waterproof fabric, they will help guard your sofa or chair from water or liquids and keep away stains. All this increases the longevity of your prized purchases. You’ll have your chair looking good for many years after you buy it.

If you own a piece of furniture like an armless chair that is odd-shaped or a non-regulation size, don’t fret about finding a slipcover that will fit. You can get custom chair slipcovers designed specially for your needs. Just measure your chair carefully, hop over to the website of a slipcover maker, and place your order after selecting a pattern of fabric that you like. Your slipcover will be tailored to specifications and even home-delivered right to your doorstep.

In case you are a lover of vintage collections, you can now get retro slipcovers for your armless chairs. They’ll help you step back in time to the 1930s. Ballard has some choice designs that you may want to take a look at. And there are many other options, which you can find easily when you do a search online.

And it will not be as expensive as a re-upholstering job or even replacement of your frayed old chair with a brand new one. In fact, you could simply buy a set of different slipcovers to use in rotation, one for each season or occasion – and still save a lot over the cost of replacing an armless chair.

Most often when you furnish a room, you are looking for comfort and style. When you find a comfortable sofa or chaise longue or chair, you want to keep it with you for as long as possible instead of having to change it frequently just because the cushions are dirty or there are some light scratches. That’s where armless chair slipcovers come into play, adding to the look of your curved modular two seater or chair without breaking your budget.

So don’t waste any more time on this easy decision. Get yourself a set of slipcovers for your armless chairs and enjoy the bright, warm look in your living room today.

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Living Room Furniture Stores

Your living room is special. It welcomes you to a new day every morning, and comforts you in the evening when you return after a long day at work. And the furniture you buy for it reflects your inner world. Everyone likes to have attractive and stylish living room furniture, and stores stock some elegant pieces. The only problem is finding ones that are affordable and yet offer good quality.

Budget conscious buying does not automatically mean a compromise on quality. In this day, it is easy to find living room furniture stores that stock affordable material that’s suitable for any budget or taste. The options range from designer furniture imported from exotic locales to simple yet tasteful pieces crafted by local artisans. Readymade furniture is one option while do-it-yourself assembly sets are also popular among those who like to build their own living room sofas and chairs.

Choice is wide. IKEA offers basic items at affordable cost. Other luxury brands are more upscale, and have product offerings that match their promise of comfort and style. Generic Freedom range of couches and chairs compete in living room furniture stores with Balinese and Burmese wooden pieces imported from faraway lands.

You can get anything – and in any combination. Whether you want a suite or a chaise longue, a sofa or an ottoman, a set of chairs to match your table or a T cushion sofa, you are literally spoiled for choice. And trends will differ from time to time. At one period, sleek looking sofas or chairs may be more in demand than traditional rounded arm-chairs or antique wooden furniture.

Color ranges too are vast. Where there was once only black or white options when it came to buying a wicker-chair, you can now get your couch, bed or chair in red, black, brown, beige or even more unusual shades like blue or green. And to add further to this variety, you can use sofa slip covers which are perfect matches to your living room decor.

No longer is the cost quoted by living room furniture stores exorbitant or scary. It’s like a piece of string – and the price you pay depends upon what you want and like. If you have pets or kids, the buying decision is weighted by that, more than the actual price a piece of furniture is marked with.

You can find quality living room furniture stores everywhere, including online by searching on the Web. IKEA, the Swedish retail giant, dominates this space. But what will amaze you is how affordable some pieces from even designer brands can be. Popular looks are usually priced attractively, and by searching online for living room furniture stores you will be able to pick up some excellent deals.

The most common purchase of living room furniture is a set of two sofas. They may be 2 or 3 seaters, and you’ll get great value in some deals. Elaborate arrangements like a two-seater couch or an armchair with ottoman can also be ordered, though the price may be a little higher. Most living room furniture stores have buyer-friendly policies about shipping and returns too, so be sure to take advantage and decorate your living room in style, and for a low cost.

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