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Spaces That Can Benefit From the Addition of a Skylight

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 13:43:44 GMT

At its most basic, a skylight is a window in your roof. Just like any window, skylights provide natural sunlight. They can also be fixed, meaning they don't open. However, you can also install vented skylights, which open up to provide ventilation. Tubular skylights are a reflective tube with a domed top.

While you must account for architectural considerations when installing a skylight into your roof, for the most part any space directly under the roof can benefit from the addition of this window. Below are some spaces that can especially benefit from the addition of light and, in some cases, ventilation.

Kitchen

Prospective homebuyers often prize kitchens full of natural sunlight. Even if you don't plan to sell your home anytime soon, natural light can still help your home's value. Natural light can help banish shadows in a high-function room like the kitchen, which helps you in kitchen tasks and makes the utilitarian space feel homier.

With a kitchen, consider a vented skylight. Steam, smoke, and odors can accumulate in the kitchen. If you have a skylight that opens, you have a handy method for ventilating those. Look for an area that's near steam- or smoke-makers, such as the stovetop or sink. Also, keep in mind where you'd like that natural light.

Shower Stall

The shower is another area where steam accumulates. Shower stalls sometimes get mold and mildew because they're so hard to dry out. Therefore, a vented skylight is ideal for this space to let the steam out and promote drying.

The bathroom is another space where homeowners prize natural light, but the privacy factor comes into play. However, since skylights are located in the roof, you don't have to worry about passersby while you bath.

Laundry Room

Privacy isn't a main concern in the laundry room, and even natural sunlight might not be a big consideration in this space. However, extra light is always a boon. Being able to utilize sunlight over electrical light can help lessen your utility bills. To that end, many home designers recommend tubular skylights, which can even work around obstructions in the roof to deliver light.

On the flip side, ventilation can be important in the laundry room. While you often don't have steam or unpleasant odors, increased ventilation in the laundry room can help heat from the dryer dissipate. So, if you have the space, consider a vented skylight.

Master Closet

Privacy and steam concerns don't really affect the master closet. What's more, most closets don't feature any kind of windows. That fact is a disappointment because natural light is very helpful when you pick out clothes or even just get dressed.

Closets, even master closets, are much smaller spaces than kitchens and bathrooms. Therefore, you probably don't need the full skylight. Master closets are an ideal area for tubular skylights, which diffuse the light and help block UV rays. As noted above, you can route a tubular skylight to provide light right to this space.

Enclosed Porch or Sunroom

Homeowners often enclose a porch to protect them from the elements while enjoying the outdoors. However, because of the roof, covered porches can feel a little dim. Here is an ideal space for a skylight. Since you probably have open sides with screens, ventilation isn't important. Therefore, consider a fixed skylight in a spot where you want that natural light to banish shadows.

Where do you want maximum sunlight? A sunroom is a perfect example. Sunrooms can include different kinds of windows. Some may include ceiling windows to let sunlight in, while others will only have large windows set into the walls. For the second type of sunroom, a fixed skylight is an ideal way to open up the space.

Increase the value of your property and lifestyle by inviting more sun into your home with a skylight. Consult with the roofing experts at Ohio Roofing & Siding about adding skylights to your house.

Protect Gutters and Eaves From Birds | Ohio Roofing & Siding Co.

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:56:06 GMT

Pigeons, starlings, swallows, and other birds that nest in and around homes can be annoying. Not only do they leave a mess, but their hatchlings make a lot of noise and their nests can be a haven for a variety of pests such as bed bugs, mites, and ticks.

In addition, birds’ nests can block your attic ventilation at the soffit, which can cause condensation and mold, or block your gutters, causing overflows and even roof leaks. But fortunately, with a little effort, you won't have to put up with these problems. Here's how to protect your gutters and eaves from nuisance birds.

1. Scare Them Away
You can easily buy affordable reflective tapes to repel birds, or you can install a plastic owl or hawk decoy to trick them into thinking predators live at your house. An alternative to the owl is a balloon bird repellant, which may be even more convincing (to birds) because it moves around instead of staying still.

Another way to scare away prey species is by playing recordings of predators. You can buy devices designed for outdoor use that will play recordings targeted to startle nuisance birds.

2. Keep Eaves Sealed up Tight
If your eaves have gaps in the soffit where water damage or missing vent screens have caused vulnerabilities, birds may try to get in and nest there. And any sheltered nooks that provide a ledge for a tiny amount of nesting material is an open invitation to some birds. Block up these nooks with blocks of wood, and keep soffit and vents in good shape so birds can't intrude.

3. Use Gutter Guards
Different types of gutter guards have different purposes. If you just want to keep birds from nesting in your gutters but you aren't too worried about leaves clogging the flow, you can choose spiky inserts that make the gutters inhospitable to birds.

Of course, many situations will require gutter guards to do double duty. If you have trees near your house, spiky inserts may actually cause more problems by catching leaves and holding them in place. In this situation, you'll likely want to choose another style of gutter guard, such as a wire screen that blocks both birds and leaves.

You can also use a brush-style gutter guard or a foam insert to reduce the availability of nesting spots. These types of gutter guards don't reduce the need for gutter cleaning, though.

4. Make Landing Unpleasant
Shock tapes work a little like an electric fence. When a bird lands on them, it gets an electrical shock (although in theory it's a small one, not enough to injure the bird). But if you want something more humane, you can choose a bird repellent gel for your hardest-hit ledges. These gels make the surface sticky so birds won't want to stand on it.

5. Use Wire Mesh
Typical nylon window and vent screens may not work since some nuisance birds are strong enough to simply shred their way through. So if something on the other side of the screen is desirable to birds, be sure you cover it with strong metal mesh.

These strategies can remove the opportunity for birds to make their nests around your roof eaves and in your gutters, keeping these areas bird-free.

If you need help installing gutter guards, retrofitting your soffit vents, or altering any other part of your roof or gutters for bird prevention, be sure to get in touch with Ohio Roofing & Siding Co. today. We offer professional services for a variety of home improvement projects such as gutter and roofing services.

All About Fiber Cement Siding: An FAQ

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 20:08:32 GMT

Fiber cement siding is a popular siding material that some homeowners choose over vinyl siding. If you're trying to decide for yourself which type of siding is right for you, it helps to know a few details about fiber cement, like what it's made of, how it performs, how long it lasts, and what it looks like. This FAQ will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is a product made from wood pulp, filler, Portland cement, and water. Fiber cement siding can be shaped or textured to look like wood, shingles, and other types of siding.

Fiber cement siding is desirable for its durability and longevity. Homeowners prefer fiber cement because of its resistance to fire, mold, wind, and freezing cold temperatures. Fiber cement siding is uniquely able to handle the hazards of warm-weather and cold-weather climates; it also performs well in humid and wet parts of the country.

What Does Fiber Cement Look Like?

Fiber cement can be shaped so that it takes on the texture of raw wood; it comes in planks and thus looks most similar to wooden boards, but only when painted.

Raw fiber cement lacks the beauty of raw wood. Without paint, it looks very much like a concrete board or a piece of drywall. Fiber cement siding must be painted when installed, except in cases when it has been painted before installation. After paint is applied for the first time, the paint must be reapplied on a regular basis, just as paint must be reapplied to wood.

If fiber cement siding is not painted regularly, the paint may fade or begin to peel, just as it would on a home made of wood. Unlike wood, fiber cement will not rot, even if the paint exposes the fiber cement board underneath.

Can Fiber Cement Be Installed By the Homeowner?

Fiber cement is fairly brittle and also heavy. These features make handling fiber cement difficult, and thus this material is best installed by a professional.

How Does Fiber Cement Compare to Vinyl Siding?

Fiber cement is far more durable than vinyl siding. Where vinyl siding may blow off in strong winds, fiber cement stays firmly secured. Where vinyl siding can be damaged, fiber cement holds strong.

The great benefit of vinyl siding over fiber cement is that it is much less expensive to install. Vinyl siding costs an average of about $4 per square foot to install, while fiber cement siding costs around $10 per square foot to install.

How Can You Tell If Fiber Cement Is Right For You?

Fiber cement is a good product for homeowners who want a reliable product that is long-lasting and who have the budget to pay for it. Fiber cement is an especially smart choice on homes that are in high-risk areas for fire.

What Kind of Maintenance Does Fiber Cement Require?

Aside from regular painting, fiber cement boards should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning the boards helps ensure that the home will continue to look its best. While fiber cement boards do not mold, and mildew is not much of a concern, it's important to remove dirt to prevent the paint from becoming stained.

Fiber cement boards should be allowed to dry out after rain storms, so homeowners should trim shrubs and plants that grow up against the house. Doing this maintenance task helps ensure that the boards are given the chance to dry after rain.

If you have more questions about fiber cement, contact a construction contractor that installs fiber cement. At Ohio Roofing & Siding Co., we're happy to answer your questions and give you more information about fiber cement siding. Call us today .

TOP 5 BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you are looking to install new windows on your home, call 419-531-4605 and talk to one of our window experts or reach us online. You can also stop in at our showroom at 30 N. Westwood and see the many styles and brands we offer here at Ohio Roofing & Siding.

REPAIRING SHINGLES

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you notice any of these problems with your roof, contact Ohio Roofing & Siding and we’ll come out right away to evaluate and repair your roof. Call 419-531-4605 or complete our online form today.

KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR SIDING IS DAMAGED BY STORMS

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re siding has been damaged by a storm, give Ohio Roofing & Siding a call at 419-531-4605 to have one of our siding experts come out and examine your siding.

WHY YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR FRONT DOOR

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

THE MANY STYLES OF RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re unsure which windows will work best in your home, call Ohio Roofing & Siding at 419-531-4605 and talk to a representative about the look you’re wanting to achieve in your home.

THE SIDING DEBATE: VINYL VS. FIBER-CEMENT

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

For more information about which siding is best for your home, call 419-531-4605 to talk to one of our specialists. You can also complete our online form and have one of the experts at Ohio Roofing & Siding reach out to you.

DIY CLEANING SOLUTIONS FOR VINYL SIDING

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Home builders rely on vinyl siding because of its versatility, durability and cost.

While vinyl siding is weather resilient, it does need to be cleaned occasionally to prevent mold and mildew growth. Here are some cleaning solutions you can prepare yourself:

Use a 70-30 ratio of water to vinegar. This mixture will remove light mold and erase mildew stains.
If you need a stronger solution, mix 1/3 of a cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 of a cup of powdered household cleaner, one quarter of laundry bleach and a gallon of water. Beware, this solution may kill some of the landscaping near your home.
To preserve your landscaping, mix one cup of oxygen bleach with a gallon of water.
Simple Green is also environmentally friendly and will clean vinyl siding, stucco, and painted wood.

To apply these solutions, simply use a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush. You can also use a power washer, but some vinyl siding manufacturers advise against this practice.

For more information about vinyl siding or to have it installed on your home, contact Ohio Roofing and Siding at 419-531-4605 or send us a message .

COMMON CAUSES OF LEAKY WINDOWS

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re experiencing a problem with your windows, contact Ohio Roofing and Siding today at 419-531-4605 or send us a message to have one of our window experts come out and examine your windows to determine the cause of your leak.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T NEGLECT YOUR ROOF

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

To have one of the experts at Ohio Roofing and Siding inspect your roof or repair a problem area, give us a call at 419-531-4605 or contact us online.