Sunday, January 21, 2007

DECRA Metal Roofing Shingles

By Mark J. Donovan

DECRA’s metal roofing shingles, look like traditional asphalt shingles when installed. The metal shingles are sold in bundles and squares. Each metal shingle is 21” x 52” in width and height and is stone-coated in one of five color variations.

DECRA’s stone-coated metal shingles are much less sensitive to damage. You can walk on them without concern for denting. They are also guaranteed to not be damaged by hail due to their unique construction.

DECRA’s metal shingles weigh approximately one third of standard asphalt shingles. They are extremely light which enables them to frequently be installed over existing asphalt shingle layer(s). As a result, the labor cost savings associated with installing metal shingles can somewhat mitigate their high unit cost.

DECRA metal shingles are installed similarly to regular asphalt shingles, however they include an interlocking mechanism between the top of one course of shingles and the bottom of another. This interlocking mechanism helps to enable DECRA to provide a 120MPH wind warranty with its metal shingles.

To learn more on metal roofing installation and technology see Metal Roofing Installation.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

I’m Buying a Portable Electric Generator for the Home

By Mark J. Donovan

Today I decided that it is finally time to buy a portable electric generator for the home. I have been putting off buying a portable electric generator for years, but no longer. After spending the past 24 hours in a frigid home due to an ice storm and a subsequent loss of electricity, I told myself today – No More.

As the sun was setting and I was contemplating how I was going to keep my plumbing pipes from freezing this evening the electricity finally came back on. However, only after the freezer defrosted and several trips to the creek to fill buckets of water to flush toilets.

Next week, when Home Depot has replenished its portable electric generator supplies, I’ll be there, credit card in hand. Unlike 5 years ago, this time I mean it!