Skylights in roofs.
ucts and is fire retardant, energy efficient and made from recyclable materials. Metal roofs can also be installed over existing ma- terials because they weigh very little. Cedar shakes remain very popular, not
the least reason being their long lifespan, if properly maintained, and their attractive quality. The cost is in the neighbourhood of $200 to $350 per square. Wood shakes can encounter other problems such as insect damage and mould or rot and repair can be expensive. Fire rating is also difficult. Ceramic tile, slate and concrete are three
other options with potentially hundreds of years of durability, but the cost is somewhere in the range of $1,000 a square and up. While there is no question that these prod- ucts are attractive from an aesthetic point of view, they are probably better used in new home construction than in renovations given that they add a half-ton per square to the load your roof trusses must bear. Nor are they the best choice for a cold weather climate. If you are the adventurous type, there
are some creative applications using sod on roofs (or is that taking gardening a bit too far? ), but sod roofs are energy efficient – and you’ll certainly get noticed! Regardless of which product you choose,
add another $100 to $150 per square for re- moving and hauling away your old shingles. Durability is a major consideration in choosing the tiles for your home’s roof. This is especially true for those of us who live in places with harsh, unpredictable weather. The type of adhesive seal used is just one consideration and may dictate just how resil- ient the tile is in the face of the elements. Some tiles can withstand winds of up to
200 kilometres, but others may not be so tough. This is something you should em- phasize when you go shopping for your new roofing product.
Sky lights Installing skylights in roofs has also be-
come a popular option, for several reasons. The utilization of solar power is becoming more popular with homeowners and the use of indoor lighting can be cut significantly with the installation of a skylight. Skylights can also add light and warmth to a north- facing room. A skylight can also turn a dark bathroom into a cheerful, naturally lighted space.
Skylights are generally made of acrylics
which can be clear, translucent or tinted to your taste, creating a white light or a warm- er, brighter, sunnier light. Skylights lend a modern look to your home.
www.localgardener.net
Sod roofs are energy efficient.
Vinyl siding is still a great choice for durability and low maintenance. Siding
Speaking of a modern look, the type of
siding you choose for your home can make or break its appearance. For those who are working on a budget, there are few options better than vinyl siding. The fact that this material is inexpensive doesn’t mean that it looks cheap. There are also several different colours and styles available, which means that you’ll probably be able to find a type of vinyl siding that fits in with your home’s ex- terior design. Many types of vinyl siding are equipped with UV protection. This serves to cut back on the fading that may happen with exposure to the elements. Stucco remains a popular material and
lends itself readily to being refreshed with a coat of paint to give a home a modern, current look.
If durability is a major focus for you, then
there are few better options for your siding than cultured stone. Besides being able to endure severe weather, this manmade stone product has something of an antiquated look to it. The installation of this product is easy, as it can be installed over existing stucco. If energy efficiency your main focus, then
you may want to look into insulated sid- ing. This is a relatively new product that has gained popularity quickly, thanks to the en- ergy saving benefits it provides. Many differ- ent styles of insulated siding are available. As with any product for the home geared
toward energy efficiency, looking for the Energy Star label for tiling, lighting and sid- ing is a good guideline. The Energy Star is the internationally recognized symbol that indicates energy efficiency. `
Spring 2012 • 25
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