New Hardiplank Siding And Exterior Paint — Metro Atlanta
A completely updated Atlanta home, with new hardiplank siding, exterior paint, and a new garage door.
This home in metro Atlanta has had a complete exterior makeover. Hardiplank siding, a very popular choice here in Georgia, has replaced the old wood siding. A new steel garage door from Amarr’s Classica line was installed. A fresh coat of paint in some updated colors provides the icing on the cake.
Four Great Home Improvement Projects – Decks, Patios, and More
Four Great Home Improvement Projects – Decks, Patios, and More
By Chris Robertson
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Decks, Patios, and More for Texas Residents
Expanding your living space by adding exterior structures is not only a smart way to add value to your home, but value to the quality of your outdoor life. There are many types of structures to choose from and virtually something for every type of yard and design aesthetic. Deciding whether to build a deck, patio, sunroom, pergola, covered patio, or screenroom is the first decision the homeowner needs to consider. The benefits of each of these structures are numerous, and any one of these structures will add value to your property.
1. Decks – These relatively uncomplicated structures are one of the most popular exterior additions. Decks can be made of treated lumber or composite decking material, which comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. The addition of a deck, like any other exterior living space structure, alters the exterior of the home and should be carefully planned to incorporate the style of the home. Consideration for the site of the deck should be given to take advantage of all outdoor conditions in order for the homeowner to spend time outdoors in the conditions they prefer.
2. Sunrooms – Another great way to extend living space with year round comfort, sunrooms can include heating and cooling, lighting, ceiling fans, tile flooring, and energy efficient windows. The addition of a customized sunroom adds light, gives the home a more spacious look and adds tremendous value to the home. Sunrooms blend with any style of home while bringing added visual esthetics to both the interior and exterior of the home. Customizing a sunroom to match exterior siding such as Hardie siding is easy and affordable. If an existing sunroom needs replacement windows for more energy efficiency, consider that cost as added overall value to the home.
3. Pergolas – Also referred to as arbors or shade covers, pergolas are a beautiful addition to any home. A pergola can either stand-alone or be attached to an existing structure and can be made of wood or termite resistant metal. Pergolas provide dappled shade and can serve as a trellis for climbing vines. Pergolas can transform a yard and landscape by adding elegant style to the backyard. Freestanding arbors can also play an important part in great garden design and can lead from one garden area to another.
4. Screenrooms – Screenrooms are making a comeback from the first half of the century, when virtually every home had an attached screenroom. They are a great way to add living space to the back or side of your home. Screenrooms allow for enjoyment of the outdoors in shaded comfort while staying free of insects and pests. Screenrooms are simple, economical, and can even be built using an existing patio or deck! Patio covers are another great option for expanding outdoor living space and staying out of direct exposure to the sun.
Home improvements, whether adding a carport, replacement windows for energy efficiency, Hardie plank or siding for a long lasting exterior, or upgrading exterior paint will all add great value to your home. Whether you are adding a carport to protect an extra car or boat or adding outdoor living space by building a deck, sunroom, pergola, arbor, screen room or covered patio, these structures are sure to add to the enjoyment of your home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Four-Great-Home-Improvement-Projects—Decks,-Patios,-and-More&id=1802808
Fiber Cement Siding (Hardiplank) vs. Vinyl Siding
An Introduction To Fiber-Cement Siding
By Budda Oliver
Budda Oliver is a marketing agent of Blue Ridge Exteriors. The James Hardie siding contractor provides siding in Richmond Virginia. For more information on their Hardie siding products for central Virginia please visit their website.
Today, many homeowners are finding that exterior siding can be a viable method to enhance both the appearance and the value of their home. Exterior siding, sometimes called cladding or clapboard is the outermost layer of material on a home. There are a variety of types of siding ranging from popular vinyl sidings, to aluminum, wood, and natural or cultured stone.
However, the newest and currently best-received exterior siding alternative is fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie siding, is the most popular brand of siding in North America. In fact, a recent study has shown that, of homeowners who have recently purchased vinyl siding for their homes, about 50% of them say they would have chosen fiber cement siding over vinyl, had they been better informed.
What is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is made from a composite of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, which is then blended with water, waxes, and resins. The material is then autoclaved, a process in which the mixture is subjected to highly pressurized steam that presses the material into its final form. This autoclave procedure provides increased strength and durability to the final product.
Fiber cement siding is normally manufactured into a much thicker and more durable product than its vinyl counterparts. While this increased thickness will add more weight to your home, it will also provide more protection.
Problems with Vinyl Siding
While vinyl siding is the most commonly known and most inexpensive siding alternative, it presents a host of problems and tribulations to the homeowner. For instance, since vinyl siding is not tightly secured to the walls of the building, gaps are left in which insects and moisture may accumulate and create problems down the line.
Also, vinyl siding is extremely flammable and can catch on fire or melt if to close to a flame or other heat source, such as a barbeque grill or even a reflective light source. In addition, vinyl siding will fade over time from exposure to the sun. When faded, it is often difficult to find replacement panels that will match your existing vinyl siding shade and color. Vinyl siding is also infamous for not being able to be painted with quality results. While paint may be applied to the vinyl, the paint very rarely holds on the plastic and will most likely peel and crack.
Vinyl siding is extremely thin, sometimes only 5/100” thick. This leads to structural inadequacies, so the siding is more prone to damage from being struck by objects, weather, and temperature changes. The vinyl siding may crack, split, or become misshapen.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver
http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Introduction-To-Fiber-Cement-Siding&id=620830