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The Advantages of a Metal Roof

Are you interested in making your house more energy efficient, adding a beautiful and striking major design element, and never having to replace your roof again? Consider a metal roof. While the cost of a metal roof is significantly higher than a shingled roof, it will likely last a lifetime and it is practically maintenance-free. The practical advantages of a metal roof are that it makes your home safer in harsh weather and can significantly cut down on your energy bills. Aesthetically, a metal roof is versatile in design to complement many architectural styles, from a century old farmhouse to a contemporary home.

Another attribute of metal roofing is that, it lends itself well to rain water harvesting. With its smooth clean surface, less filtering is required of water from a metal roof, compared to asphalt shingles which shed small particles, and possibly other chemicals.

While the initial outlay for a metal roof is more expensive than that of an asphalt shingled roof, a big percentage of the costs can be recouped, especially if you plan on staying in your house for a long time. While asphalt roofs will likely need replacing every 15-20 years, a metal roof can last a lifetime.

A metal roof is also much more energy efficient than an asphalt roof. It can decrease your energy costs significantly, especially if you live in a hot climate. Roofs that reflect rather than absorb heat will keep your air conditioner from having to work so hard. In some areas, it can even help save on homeowners insurance, and can increase your resale value.

Riccar Vacuum Cleaner – Tips On Choosing The Best Model For You

A Riccar vacuum cleaner is a quality, durable, American-made appliance. Consumer vacuum cleaner reviews constantly give its vacuums a top rating. You could do worse than buy a Riccar vacuum cleaner but, to avoid disappoint, you should buy the model that best suits your needs. No matter what your requirements are, there’ll be one model that’ll fit the bill.

First off, how much floor area does your home have and what kind of flooring? Generally, speaking, the larger the floor space the larger the vacuum required. Also, choosing the right vacuum for the right flooring is essential. Hardwood and tiled floors need a vacuum with bristles that will remain in contact with the floor and form a tight seal, so that hair and dust isn’t blown away by the vacuum head. Also, dirt is generally a lot easier to suck up on a hard floor so you won’t necessarily need a vacuum with the biggest motor.

Generally speaking, uprights are more powerful than canisters. This is because the motor is nearer the brush head. For this reason uprights are the best choice for those who have fitted carpets or large area rugs. There’s a choice of Riccar upright vacuum cleaners too. There’s the Vibrance, Brilliance, Radiance and Premium Radiance. Each vacuum comes in Standard, Deluxe or Premium models. Personally, I would dismiss the Standard models as they don’t come with onboard cleaning tools.

All Riccar uprights come with headlights, floor selector switch and powerful motors. But what’s really impressive is the amount of metal used in their construction; they come with metal wands, metal bottom plate, metal brushroll and even a metal cord hook.

One more thing to be aware of with the upright models; each comes with something called Tandem Air. Simply put, there are two motors, one near the vacuum head to suck up dirt of the floor and one higher up that is used in conjunction with the onboard tools. Very few other brands offer this feature. It’s a feature that’s highly appreciated in many vacuum cleaner reviews.

As well as floor size and type you should also think about ease of use. If you suffer from back pain when bending, then an upright might be more appropriate. However, if you suffer back or shoulder pain because of lifting/pushing weight, then the canister is a better option.

The number one reason why people are dissatisfied with their new vacuum cleaner isn’t because they’ve bought the wrong brand; it’s because they’ve bought the wrong model. So, before you buy a Riccar vacuum cleaner, first assess your cleaning requirements, set your budget, read as many vacuum cleaner reviews as you can, and then select the model that’ll work best for you, whether it’s a canister, upright or the Oreck vacuum cleaner look-a-like, the Supralite.

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5 Advantages of Vinyl Siding

In the late 1950s and early 60s, vinyl siding made its debut on American homes, in an era when aluminum siding reigned supreme. The earliest vinyl gained a bad reputation; the inferior materials of the day had a tendency to crack and sag. But today’s high-tech plastic and vinyl materials combined with modern manufacturing techniques have turned vinyl siding into an exceptionally versatile and high-performing choice for cladding. In fact, it’s now chosen for over 32 percent of all new home construction, a trend that is only increasing over time.

If you are considering siding for your home, here are five major advantages of vinyl siding.

1. Overall Costs Are Less

In general, vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners because it’s quite cost effective. According to CostHelper, professionally installed vinyl siding can cost you between $2,500-$8,750 for 1,250 square feet, while professionally installed wood siding can cost you $6,500-$10,000 for the same square footage.

2. It’s Incredibly Versatile

Today’s vinyl siding comes in hundreds of colors, textures, and profiles to give you complete versatility in designing your dream exterior. Like the look of cedar shakes but prefer the qualities of vinyl? You can find a vinyl replacement that looks so authentic, it fools even the most discriminating eyes. Love Victorian scallops? There are plenty of inexpensive vinyl options for that, too. You can find a vinyl siding style that works with both horizontal and vertical applications for any home profile.

3. More Durable Than Other Siding

Vinyl siding is made to withstand the elements, including heavy wind and impact from hail. In addition, vinyl resists excessive moisture, meaning it won’t rot or corrode over time. In many cases, you can get a lifetime warranty on your vinyl siding that is often prorated for up to 50 years on successive owners.

4. It’s Virtually Maintenance Free

When it comes to siding, vinyl is about as low maintenance as it gets. Since it resists pests such as termites and blights such as rot, it will keep its original qualities for many years, giving you your money’s worth. Also, you’ll never need to paint your home — a simple cleaning once a year or so is more than adequate to maintain its original good looks. Once your vinyl siding is installed, you won’t have to tax your budget with unexpected costs to keep it looking great.

5. Cuts Home Heating and Cooling Costs

Insulated vinyl siding prevents heat loss between the wall studs in exterior walls, a phenomenon known as “thermal bridging.” While most homes have insulation between the wall studs, the studs themselves bleed heat where they come in contact with exterior siding. Insulated vinyl siding places a blanket of protection over the studs, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. In addition, insulated vinyl siding may make you eligible for energy tax credits, making it even more economical to install.

If you’re considering your siding options for your new home or remodel, don’t overlook the many advantages of choosing modern vinyl siding.

What to Consider While Shopping:

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Pros: Uprights tend to cost less than canister vacuums and offer a wider cleaning swath. They are generally better at deep-cleaning carpets—particularly the bagged models. Most are easy to store.

Cons: Pushing and pulling the weight of the machine. Some top performers weigh 20 pounds or more, although lighter models can still do the job. Uprights tend to be noisier than canisters.

Canister Vacuum Cleaners

Pros: Canisters are better than uprights for cleaning bare floors, stairs, drapes, and upholstery, and under furniture – and some are as good as uprights at cleaning carpets. Most are quieter, and the separate power head makes them seem lighter as well.

Cons: Overall, these vacuums are bulkier than their upright brethren. The hose and wand make a canister harder to squeeze into a closet.

Modern vacuums come in a range of designs, sleek shapes, and cool colors. But what matters most is how well they clean. Remember that one type of vacuum might have features that appeal to you, but it should also fit your cleaning needs.

Pet owners, take note: Upright and canister vacuum cleaners that excel at regular jobs tested best in show for picking up pet hair.

• Check Features

A vacuum cleaner with a motorized brush cleans carpets better than one powered only by suction. A switch that can deactivate the brush will help protect the finish of bare floors and avoid scattering debris. Consider models with a manual carpet pile-height adjustment control, along with suction control for cleaning draperies and other delicate fabrics.

• Bagged or Bagless

Bagless vacuum cleaners save on the cost of purchasing bags but they also require more filters that need periodic cleaning or—for HEPA filters—replacing. The dust and mess of emptying their bins can be a concern if you have asthma or allergies.

• Try It Out

Go to a store first. Push, pull, turn, and lift the vacuum cleaners you're considering. Check out the controls and features.

• Keep an Ear Out for Noise

No vacuum cleaner reached the level at which we recommend hearing protection, but any vacuum will seem louder in a room with a lot of echo, such as a tiled bathroom. Canister vacuums tend to be quieter.