Tile is a highly attractive and non-combustible material that is popular for roofing on Southwestern and Spanish style homes. Coupled with stucco siding, this type of home has an excellent fire safety rating. However, mistakes in construction and maintenance can make a tile roof less of a barrier against flames than it would otherwise be. Basically, anywhere there is a crack or other hole in the clay material there is the potential for a fire to gain a foothold.

Consider a classic barrel style clay tile roof. Each tile is round on top and open on the end. They are overlapped to make a solid roof. However, at the edge the tile is open to penetration. Embers that are blown into these openings can catch the roof underlayment and wood structure on fire. There are caps called “bird stops” that should be used to close off these apertures as part of the installation process.

As the name suggests, these bird stops are intended to keep feathered intruders from creeping under the clay tiles to make nests. Since nest materials are generally highly combustible, they present an additional fire hazard. The bird stops should be checked regularly (for example, twice a year when you check your gutters). They may become dislodged and require re-affixing to restore the integrity of the clay tile roof.

One of the most challenging aspects of owning a hot tub is protecting it from the weather. Extreme cold can damage the mechanical parts of an outdoor spa. This means it is necessary to keep a hot tub running all winter long to maintain a safe minimum temperature. If it is snowing, a cover must be placed over the tub.

What if you could install a hot tub in a more protected environment while still enjoying an “outdoor” feel? This is an idea many homeowners are experimenting with by installing a hot tub in a sunroom. In these cases, the sunroom may be furnished and decorated more like a spa than a reading room or plant conservatory. A table for serving refreshments, a few lounge chairs, and a tile floor with a textured surface are great design elements for such a sunroom.

Special Challenges

Of course, the requirements for a hot tub room are different than those of a typical sunroom. The materials used should be resistant to moisture. The room must also be appropriately vented so steam doesn’t build up and make the space uncomfortably hot and humid (although some people like the sauna effect!) The excess moisture should be able to condense and drain to the exterior of the sunroom instead of inside the room.

A hot tub also has unique plumbing (and electrical) requirements. Such considerations are easiest to accommodate during the initial planning stage rather than as a retrofit. Putting a hot tub in a sunroom that is not designed properly for such a use may result in damage and disappointment.

Although the specifics of the law vary by state, homeowners generally have specific rights when they sign a contract to have windows replaced in their home. One of the most important is the right of cancellation. This is a lot like the “lemon law” that applies to car sales. Basically, if a window manufacturer or installer comes to your home and convinces you to sign an agreement to have your windows replaced, you have 3 business days to cancel the contract. There can be no penalty or other charge assessed against you for doing this.

The salesperson making the presentation in your home is usually required by law to inform you both verbally and in writing of your right of cancellation. He or she must also provide you with a form to use in case you change your mind. If the salesperson fails to do this, the time period for your right to cancel may be extended.

To actually cancel a contract, you would need to call the company you signed the contract with to notify them of your intent. Then, you would send them the completed cancellation form or letter within the 3 day window. The company is then required to return any signed copies of the contract to you.

Pros and Cons of Cancellation

It isn’t uncommon for a homeowner to get “cold feet” about a home improvement project as extensive as window replacement. If the monthly payments are truly outside your ability to pay, it may be best to wait until your budget isn’t so tight. That way, you won’t fall behind and damage your credit history.

However, bear in mind that high-quality replacement windows can add over $10,000 to the value of a home. Plus, energy efficient windows begin delivering utility savings immediately upon installation. This can offset some of the cost of payments on an installment plan. They also make the home more attractive from the outside and more comfortable on the inside. You miss out on all these benefits when you cancel a contract to have your windows replaced.

Shaker style kitchens are a popular design option for people who love rustic surroundings but want something simpler than a “Country” or “Southwestern” motif. If you are remodeling your kitchen and want an old-fashioned look with clean lines, this may be the right choice for you. Here are some of the features you can expect to see in a kitchen built on the Shaker model.

Straight Edges

A Shaker cabinet usually has a light to mid-toned finish (think maple, cherry, or white oak). The door panels may feature a recessed center surrounded by a rectangular frame of wood slats. There are no fancy curves anywhere in the wooden design of these cabinets. Everything is focused on function and sturdy serviceability.

Smooth Surfaces

Stone countertops make an excellent pairing with the plain wood of a Shaker inspired kitchen. Pull knobs, handles, and faucets in a matte finish (like brushed nickel or stainless steel) also work well. The flooring should be wood for a fully authentic look, but a muted stone or tile floor is also suitable.

Natural Accents

Any modern appliances should be tucked away out of sight so that the beauty found in the quality craftsmanship will be more apparent. Natural lighting works best with this kitchen style, so a discrete tubular skylight might be a perfect fit here for daytime use. Light fixtures can be selected in metal finishes that match the hardware on the cabinets to make it blend with the rest of the room.

The bedroom isn’t the only room in your house that should feel like a sanctuary. Your master bathroom is a perfect location to spend a relaxing hour at the end of a long day. To make this experience as pleasant and pampered as possible, consider creating a spa style bathroom. Take design hints from your favorite spa getaway to find ways to make this room truly luxurious.

Your spa tub doesn’t have to be gigantic, but it shouldn’t make you feel cramped. Pick one with jets to give you a deep, soothing massage. If you prefer a shower, go for one with pulsating shower head and a filter that ensures the water touching your skin is totally pure. Remember to add a waterproof sound system so you can sing along with your favorite music – this is your time!

Invest in the Best

Temperature is one of the most critical aspects of comfort. If your bathroom tends to be chilly, consider installing an under-floor heating system. This can be laid down under tile to keep your feet toasty warm without the annoying noise created by a heater vent.

Everything that influences your senses in your personal spa should be delightful. Invest in smooth granite countertops, elegantly formed fixtures, and lush fabrics for this space. Put the bright lights around your mirror on a separate switch from softer, indirect lighting so you can choose the perfect level of illumination to suit your mood. Select wall sconces that double as candle or flower holders so you can add fragrance to your private bathroom getaway.

If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, there are probably building ordinances in place dictating the required fire rating for your roof. For the rest of us, this choice is based on our own level of awareness surrounding the issue of fire safety. Not every home absolutely needs the highest rated materials for roofing, but knowing what’s what never hurts.

The Basics

The classifications for roofing range from A (the least likely to catch fire and burn) to C (the least fire retardant). The rating is not always based on just the shingle material. Instead, it may take into consideration the entire roof assembly including the underlayment, insulation, and construction method used. The ratings are determined by exposing a sample roof to fire from an exterior source. This means it doesn’t indicate what will happen to your roof if a fire originates inside your home.

Material Considerations

Cap sheets (roll roofing felt) or fiberglass reinforced gypsum board products may be used to enhance the fire rating of a less retardant shingle material such as cedar shakes. Materials such as metal and slate are non-combustible. However, they should still be installed on top of an appropriate underlayment. If a severe fire occurs, even a Class A roof may need to be replaced because of damage. However, it is still a good investment if it keeps your entire house from burning to the ground!

The use of double pane windows has become standard for today’s energy efficient houses. Argon or other inert gases are used to fill the space between the inner and outer panes. The gas doesn’t conduct differences in temperature very effectively.

This means heat isn’t as likely to be lost through your windows in the winter. It also means hot weather in the summer won’t tend to warm up the interior of your home quite as much. This translates to a lower electricity bill when compared to single pane windows.

Should You Go Triple?

In the world of residential replacement windows, more is not always better. Well-designed triple pane windows do a better job of retaining heat in your home and preventing cold from penetrating. However, unless you live in an area with severe winters the difference will likely be irrelevant.

For example, if you live in Florida you won’t recapture the extra expense of installing triple pane windows. A UV blocking tint on a double pane window would be a cheaper and more effective way to keep your cooling costs low. But, if your house is in Fargo, North Dakota the extra insulating capacity could be important for both comfort and energy savings during the harsh winters.

A center island is one of the most popular additions to a remodeled kitchen. It provides extra workspace and storage. The top can be matched to existing counters or finished with a luxurious granite or marble slab to make it the focal point of the room. An island can be built into the kitchen space, or it can be a cart or table style that is set on casters. Which one should you choose?

Consider Complexity

If you are planning to install an extra sink, warming oven, or other appliance in your island, it needs to be fixed rather than moveable. A larger island with a thick stone top might be too heavy to move, so that kind might as well be permanently installed as well. With a lighter structure, you still may not want it to roll around. For example, if you are using it for a wine rack or if it has open shelving, items might accidentally roll or slide out.

Seek Space Management

A rolling island cart or table is the preferred solution if a permanent island would take up too much space in your kitchen. It’s important to maintain adequate walkways in your “work triangle” (the areas connecting food prep, stove top, and sink locations).

A small, mobile island gives you an extra worksurface but can be rolled out of the way when not in use. It may also serve as a buffet table or a breakfast bar depending on the height of the island. If the edge detailing is fragile, you will need to take care in moving the unit so that it doesn’t get chipped or dented.

Converting a tub to a shower is one way to make your bathroom accessible if you plan to “age in place”. A shower is much easier to get in and out of than a bathtub. It can also be readily fitted with seating and support bars.

Replacing a large tub with a corner shower stall can create more space in a very small bathroom. However, that requires redoing the floor to cover the area where the tub used to be. Most shower retrofits involve putting in the stall in the same footprint as that occupied by the tub.

A full remodel often involves removing not just the tub, but the existing tile surround as well. However, some prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass shower stalls are installed over the tile. These can be formed and colored to mimic more expensive surfaces such as tile or marble.

Additional Considerations

When panels are installed, the existing surface (including the grout) should be thoroughly cleaned and treated with a product such as Microban. Otherwise, mold and bacteria may continue to grow in the moist environment between the old tile and the new liner.

Prefab or hand-tiled stalls may be fitted with glass doors to improve the look and performance of the shower. For a stall with a low lip, a door prevents water spills better than a curtain does – reducing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents in the bathroom.

Is there a south facing wall above your kitchen sink? This is the ideal place for a garden window. This type of window extends 1-1.5 feet past the exterior wall of your home. It usually features a large, fixed pane on the front and two single-hung side panes that are screened for venting. The overhead pane of glass is sloped downward away from the house to allow rain and condensation to run off.

Grow A Kitchen Garden

The inner sill of a garden window provides a perfect place to grow potted plants or an indoor herb garden. You have water from the sink readily available for the plants. Plus, you don’t have to worry about spills or dirt getting on your carpet. The inside ledge can even be tiled to match your countertops. Just make sure the underside of the window box is well supported with brackets to handle the extra weight.

Material Considerations

A garden window frame can be made of wood, aluminum, or vinyl. Of these three materials, vinyl is the most energy efficient and requires the least maintenance. Using double pane glass in this type of application is fine. However, you should avoid glass that is coated to block UV radiation. Plants need the full spectrum of sunlight to grow.

If you are investigating the pros and cons of aluminum versus vinyl siding for your home, consider this – you may get the best of both worlds by choosing vinyl coated aluminum. The aluminum is resistant to corrosion. When installed properly with sufficient flashing, it offers decent protection against moisture penetration.

However, there are problems with traditional aluminum siding. The original factory applied paint tends to become chalky with age. It also scratches off easily exposing the underlying metal to view. Aluminum is also highly susceptible to denting. This makes repairs and repainting an ongoing concern.

Adding a layer of vinyl to the aluminum can strengthen it slightly and reduce its tendency toward denting. Also, if the material does get scratched it won’t be as noticeable since the vinyl coating is thicker than enamel. The vinyl-clad aluminum won’t need to be painted and it will tend to retain a new appearance over the years if you choose a finish that is resistant to UV fading.

Potential Issues

It is possible to paint a vinyl surface, but you would need to apply a de-glosser first. Even then, there may be adhesion problems. If possible, install a siding color you will be happy with for a long time so repainting is unnecessary from an aesthetic standpoint. Vinyl clad aluminum siding is on the expensive side compared to aluminum or vinyl alone, so reducing your ongoing costs makes sense for realizing a faster return on your investment.

Unlike aluminum or vinyl, galvanized metal gutters will eventually corrode over time. When spots rust through, your gutters will start to leak. A few drips here and there might not seem so bad, but holes caused by rust tend to grow. When they reach the point where water is pouring through and pooling around your foundation, you may be stuck with replacing whole sections of gutter. It is much cheaper to simply patch spots before they get out of control.

Steps for Gutter Repair

• Clean the leaky area with water to remove dirt and debris
• Scrub the rust off with a wire brush
• Paint the area with a rust resistant coating such as Zin Cote 601
• Coat the leaky area with plastic roofing cement. Wear gloves when working with the cement so it doesn’t get on your hands.
• For larger holes, cut a piece of plastic from a milk jug and press it down over the sticky cement making sure there is a good seal all the way around the patch. You can also use heavy duty aluminum foil for patch material.

Additional Tip: For leaky gutter seams – especially in downspouts – use silicone caulk to plug the leak. Scrape off the existing sealant with a wire brush and wipe the metal down with paint thinner prior to applying the caulk.