When it comes to roofing materials, thanks to modern technology, times have changed. For example, several years ago T-Lock roofing shingles were largely discontinued by the year 2005. The reasons were lack of demand, less effective material, cost of production and manufacturers ceased production of the T-Lock shingle.

Modern roofing options include asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, metal roofing, concrete, clay, plastic, and fiber-cement tiles, natural and faux slate, and Tesla solar tiles. Many style options include traditional metal roof style and roofing material which look like shingles, shakes, and tiles. Metals used include aluminum, lightweight steel, and zinc. Roof materials made of copper are appealing but they are expensive.

Additional materials include solar tiles, stone-coated steel, slate, rubber slate, and green roofs.  What are green roofs or living roofs? Green roofs are partially or fully covered with vegetation which grows over a waterproof membrane. Additional layers contain soil, a root barrier, and drainage and irrigation systems. Other green roofs use rooftop ponds which treat grey water which is clean waste water from baths, sinks, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and other kitchen appliances. Grey water does not include sewage water or other contaminants. Older versions of a green roof are traditional sod roofs (turf roof) which were commonly used in northern Scandinavia, Ireland, England, Iceland, and other parts of the world and they have been around for centuries. During the Middle-Ages period, from the 5th to the 15th centuries, most houses had sod roofs. About the early 19th century, tile roofs and other roof materials became popular. In the 21st century, they are reappearing as an alternative green roof. People are exploring all types of green roof alternatives. Modern turf roof construction uses bitumen roofing felt combined with dimpled plastic drainage membranes which provide a drainage layer. Turf material is laid over the drainage layer. In Norway, turf roofs are still used.

Mercer Island Home Builders

Examples of long lifespan roofing materials are shown below.

• Asphalt Roll Roof has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
• Asphalt Shingles: This type of roof material lasts about 15 to 30 years. More than 70% of U.S. homes have asphalt shingles. But, take into consideration severe weather damage which necessitates roof repair and replacement. Any type of roof material can suffer from severe weather damage such as hail.
• Composite Shingle Roof will last anywhere from 15 to 50 years and it is a popular roof material.
• Wood Shingle Roof: This type of material will last up to 25 years.
• Standing Seam Metal Roof materials have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
• Wood Shake Shingle Roofs can last from 35-40 years.
• Clay (Spanish) Tile Roofs are reported to last up to 100 years. Though, tiles can crack and need replacement. Factor in the type of severe weather, i.e., hurricanes that can cause severe damage to any type of roof material.
• Slate Roof material is reported to last up to 100 plus years. Again, factor in severe weather damage.

On the fence about choosing the correct material, with many available choices, it is not an easy decision. To make an informed decision, plan ahead and research style and material choices. Many factors, such as climate, purpose, and style of a home, influence the choice of fence material. Add to that building, zoning, and homeowner association regulations also factor into the decision to choose one type of material over another. Popular material choices include wood, metal (aluminum, steel, wrought iron), vinyl, and bamboo. Common metal fences are chain-link, or wrought iron type, with chain-link as the favorite choice. Cost includes a wide range from as low as $9 per linear foot to $35 per linear foot.

Each fence type has advantages and disadvantages to explore. Choice is based upon usage and fence type. For privacy and security, i.e., to protect children, pets, or for a pool enclosure, a solid fence panel, of wood or vinyl composition, is a good choice. Some people prefer visibility and like the elegant style of wrought iron type fences made from modern steel which is flexible and less expensive than a traditional wrought iron fence. To find suitable fence material, research online.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain-link fabric is made of galvanized metal with some fences constructed of vinyl covered chain-link fabric. Steel posts secure the fence fabric. Metal wires run in a vertical zigzag pattern and are hooked together giving the appearance of a diamond shape. Chain-link fence is available in 10 to 50 foot rolls. Weather-resistant vinyl covered chain-link fencing comes in green or black colors with bare silver metal as the most common choice. Decorative plastic slats are inserted for aesthetic appeal and privacy. Many homeowners choose this type of fence to protect their pets.

Wood Fencing

Wood fence panels, commonly called stockade fence, are long lasting and widely available. Pressure-treated wood panels and posts last several years longer than untreated wood panels. Pine, Douglas fir, redwood, and spruce wood may be treated with a pressure-treated chemical to prevent termites and fungal decay. Lattice topped panels provide beauty and function. Stick-built fences constructed of individual boards, rails, and posts follow the lay of the land, called racking, easier than preformed fence panels. Preassembled panels come in sections that are 4 to 6 ft. tall and 6 to 8 ft. long.

Since the 1980s, vinyl panel fences have become a popular choice. Vinyl, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, fences have low-maintenance and compare in price to wood panels. Many homeowners choose vinyl fence because they are attractive, easy to clean, and do not decay or fade. Vinyl panels are constructed in 4 to 6 ft. tall and 5 to 7 ft. wide sections. Vinyl rails vary from 8 to 16 feet long. Vinyl panels sometimes use racking and stair-step installation to conform to the contour of the landscape.

Concrete walkways or sidewalks leading up to and continuing around a property add safety, value, and curb appeal.  Add attractive landscape and instantly a picture postcard comes to mind. Welcome visitors with a beautifully designed lighted walkway and sidewalk system. Designs abound when it comes to creating stylish colored and patterned walkways. While the standard plain gray sidewalk is commonly chosen for safety and budget reasons, adding pattern and color really dresses it up. During recent decades, concrete has gone from utility to creativity surpassing boring and forging ahead to exciting. Afforded by changes in concrete usage and style, landscape and concrete designers have eagerly taken on new challenges.

Most concrete walkways or sidewalks are approximately four inches thick with cost varying from $6 to $12 per square foot.  Obviously, larger and elaborately designed walkway systems will cost more than a simple basic sidewalk. Plan accordingly for budget and schedule changes. Sealing a concrete walkway increases safety value as well as the finished product’s lifespan. For ultimate ROI and curb appeal, find a reputable concrete contractor and hire a skilled landscape and concrete walkway designer. Prior to the project start, check for references, licenses, certifications, and proper insurance coverage.

Concrete steps or stairs, similar to concrete sidewalks and walkways, have surpassed previous standards, style and quality options. One may still purchase a plain standard precast two to five step concrete stair set. However, options have changed with some including solar lighting. A simple three step concrete stair set may be poured using frames or purchased as precast step systems. Common materials and tools will include, safety glasses, gloves, wood for frames, a saw, framing square, tape measure, hammers, shovels, levels, concrete mix, water sprinkler, edger, wheelbarrow, line level, tamper, plumb bob, spade, broom, mason’s hoe, and other necessary tools. When pouring cement, weather permitting, allow four to five days for planning, layout, and curing time. Unskilled DIY homeowners should consider hiring a licensed cement contractor skilled at working with poured concrete and precast step systems. Many options are available and should be explored in order to make an informed decision. Prior to planning and purchasing materials, consult local building codes and homeowner association guidelines. The rise and run of poured reinforced (rebar) concrete steps, similar to precast steps, must conform to local building codes. A building inspector may force removal of non-conforming concrete steps systems.

ColumbiaConcreteCo.com

Either way, an appropriately poured walkway can add a ton of character and value to your property.  When choosing a concrete company, always look for one that has great online reviews as a bad concrete company can leave your property looking worse than it did before.