It’s a fact – over time, asphalt shingles age, and eventually they will need to be replaced. Give or take, the average lifespan of an asphalt shingled roof is about 8 to 10 years, depending on the climate where you live. When shingles show any of the signs mentioned below, roof replacement is likely to be the only solution. Visible Damage: Shingles weaken and become brittle as they age. Damage such as multiple broken tiles or tabs are easy to spot visibly. The roof should be replaced right away before it starts to leak. Penetrations: It’s not only asphalt...

Carpet can hold significant amounts of dust, soil, etc., without appearing to be dirty. According to ShawFloors.com, it has been proven that carpet is actually efficient at keeping small particles like pollen and allergens out of indoor air. In fact, data from a study conducted in Sweden showed that when carpet declined in popularity, the number of people with allergy problems increased. In 2002, two North Carolina schools were the subject of a study by investigators at the RTI (Research Triangle Institute) and the UNC (University of North Carolina). One school was 70 to 75 percent carpeted, while the...

The type of floor installation in areas prone to water and moisture like basements, bathrooms and kitchens, is of paramount importance, but surprisingly, many people make bad decisions and end up with huge hassles. Let’s go through the various choices and see how they fare. The biggest NO is carpeting, and the reason should be a real no-brainer! Solid Wood: Definitely not for below-grade settings like basements, and not recommended for bathrooms, but it might work in a kitchen floor installation. Laminate: In the moisture test, this fares slightly better than solid wood because laminate flooring can be glued...

If you are ready to upgrade your kitchen cabinets, there are few tips and tricks to choosing the best option for your needs. Since it’s generally a pretty significant investment, you want to make sure you find the cabinets that you will love for years to come, and will remain stylish and well-maintained. Most kitchen cabinets are made of wood, but you do have a wide range of options in what type of wood cabinetry you select. Red oak is one of the most popular choices, since it’s strong and durable with an attractive pronounced grain. White oak is...