Orlando, FL (PRWEB) August 19, 2014

Choosing a resilient, quality siding is essential for the integrity of a home as well as exterior appeal. When it comes to selecting siding, its important to remember that not all products are created equal.

Vinyl siding is certainly a lot more durable than its ever been. Vinyl as opposed to wood siding is the same color all the way through, and there are additives to make it fade-resistant. However, when it comes to strong wind, its not a very reliable product. Back in the 2004 hurricane season, many vinyl siding homes had pieces of siding completely blown off. Wind certainly is an issue with vinyl siding, and, exposed to the elements in Florida, wood siding product is going to dry, crack, and deteriorate, says Jared Mellick of Universal Roof & Contracting.

Additionally, since vinyl is not tightly nailed to the home, it invites insects and moisture to build behind panels, potentially penetrating the structure of the home. Since vinyl siding is often installed over old, problematic existing siding, any current problems may continue to get worse.

In his recent article in Lake Mary Healthy Living Magazine, Jared Mellick emphasizes why fiber cement siding is superior to other options.

Fiber cement siding is a great alternative for those who want the look of wood, but not the cost or maintenance associated with it. It is extremely durable and will help protect your home from rot, fire, wind, and insects. This revolutionary material employs weather and color technologies that provide solid protection and a surprisingly varied range of factory-applied colors and textures. Only slightly more expensive than vinyl siding, fiber cement siding is definitely worth considering for a long-lasting, cost-effective exterior makeover.

Universal Roof & Contracting uses James Hardie products inventors of fiber cement siding. James Hardie offers a full line of siding products engineered specifically for the demands that Floridas climatic conditions place on a homes exterior. Due to its impact resistance against hail and windblown debris, fiber-cement siding has been specified by hurricane-zone building codes for building homes in hurricane-, tornado-, and wildfire-prone areas. Fiber cement siding resists rotting, warping, cracking, hail, and high winds up to 150 mph.

James Hardie fiber cement siding is enhanced with Color Plus a baked-on finish that comes in a variety of colors and offers maximum durability and resistance to climate and moisture contact. Moreover, this revolutionary finish lasts up to 2xs longer than field-applied paint and comes with a 15-year warranty.

When compared to fiber cement siding, vinyl siding and wood siding cracks, fades, leaks, is susceptible to warping from heat, and consequently, lacks the durability necessary to withstand Floridas variable climate.

About Universal Roof & Contracting:

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Vinyl and Wood Siding Are Unreliable in Floridas Climate; According to Universal Roof & Contracting, Fiber Cement ...

(PRWEB) August 19, 2014

11. Neighborhood Improvement: Location is the most influential aspect of a homes value. While one cannot literally relocated the home, there are many ways to improve the neighborhood to improve home values for the entire block. Participating in a neighborhood association and neighborhood watch is a great start. Neighborhood associations organize events that increase interactions between neighbors and provide a group to better voice neighborhood concerns as a group to the local municipality. Neighborhood watch groups provide an additional deterrent against crime and act as an extra pair of eyes for law enforcement in general. Often, a home owner could participate for no more than an hour a week to significantly improve the efficacy of these groups.

10. Cut the Clutter: It goes without saying that a clean home is a more appealing home. However, clutter refers to the extraneous stuff that commonly lies around in plain sight. Examples include keys, tools, briefcases, backpacks, notepads, magazines, toys and any other every day item sitting in plain view. Simply find a temporary storage place for these things before a viewing or appraisal.

9. Paint and Plaster: Nearly every home has a few walls with dings or scrapes. Although seemingly insignificant, such spots may tarnish the whole room in the eyes of a prospective house buyer. Luckily paint, rollers, paint brushes, plaster, and a putty knife are all cheap. Painting and plaster repair are very basic for even the newest do-it-yourselfer.

8. Opening New Doors: There are one or two doors for every room in a home and every time someone opens a door they will touch the doorknob. Therefore new and matching door knobs are a clever way to subtly improve every room in the home. It is unlikely, though, that a complete door replacement is necessary as doors may just need a new finish or coat of paint. However, the front door is an exception. A nice front door improves the entire face of the home.

7. Slick Siding: Whether its siding, brick, stone or even the hallway outside of a condominium unit, the outside of the home looks much better if it is clean. Simply spraying the outside down with a hose is another quick way to improve the home that many home owners often forget. Home owners willing to spend a bit extra will see a great return on new siding as well.

6. The Bright Side: Upgrading light fixtures will quickly and easily brighten up a room. Replacing lights is a relatively easy project for do-it-yourselfers, as many complete such a project in less than two hours and only pay for the light itself. However, installing additional light fixtures often requires a licensed electrician.

5. Appliances Applicable: There are two different directions that a home owner may go when deciding the role appliances will play in improving their homes value. The most obvious choice is to buy all new appliances, although this may be rather timely. It is important to give sufficient consideration to how new appliances will affect a price assessment and whether new appliances is the right investment for you. While replacing appliances will certainly raise a propertys value, relatively new appliances can easily be improved with some appliance paint and a good cleaning.

4. Counters and Cabinets: Most real estate professionals agree that the kitchen is the most important room in determining home value and making the sale. One easy way to improve the kitchen is to improve the cabinets. However, replacements are not always necessary. Refinishing existing cabinets and installing new pulls are a quick and easy way to improve the whole kitchen, while leaving the cabinets in place.

3. Better Bathroom: After the kitchen, bathrooms are next in line for determining home value. New tile, showers and tubs can be costly, but there are other ways to improve the bathroom. A new sink and toilet are quick and cheap projects that can add value to a bathroom. Paying the extra $20 to $60 on the new faucet and paying $15 for a nicer seat cover can greatly improve the rooms appearance, especially given the low cost.

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11 Best Home Improvements to Quickly and Inexpensively Increase Home Value

By Gord Bowes, News staff

Neighbour complaints about the shabby state of Sherwood Secondary School have resulted in an order from the city to fix up a decaying exterior wall. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in mid-July was issued a property standards order for repair or replacement of the siding on the north wall and northwest corner of the building. It has until Sept. 12 to comply. East Mountain councillor Tom Jackson said a number of residents in the Sherwood neighbourhood have called his office and city departments requesting something be done with the unsightliness of the north wall. Large sections of the stucco exterior are missing as a result of weather and vandalism. Jackson said the city tried to work with the school board to have the problems fixed, but nothing happened. I think failing that, work orders have been issued, he said. Laura Peddle, the school board trustee for the area, said a temporary fix and a coat of paint is in the works for the wall. A board spokesman said the work is expected to cost less than $10,000, but as of Monday there was no timeline regarding when the work would be undertaken. Board staff proposed Sherwood be closed during a review of Mountain high schools in 2011. Its condition was rated poorer than any other building up for closure, requiring about $30 million in repairs, but at the eleventh hour trustees decided to shutter Barton instead, along with Hill Park and Mountain. Neighbourhood resident Stephanie Baschiera said she has watched the deterioration over the last five years and emailed the board in June about the continued state of decline but did not receive a reply. I think it sends a message about the condition of the school that I dont think is true, she said. The school was saved. The school has been identified, in a meeting as recently as the spring, as a priority for the board. Its a real shame the exterior looks like it looks. Peddle said the board is making improvements at the school. This summer, for example, a new hardwood gym floor is being installed. She said $3.5 million has been allocated for new science labs, upgrades of electrical, heating and ventilation systems, painting and asbestos removal, along with a permanent fix for the north exterior wall. That work is expected to be done in the second half of the school year and continue through next summer. Sherwood is catching up for lost years, said Peddle.

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Hamilton school board ordered to fix up school after neighbour complaints

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett announced today that 39 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain nearly 34,000 jobs across Pennsylvania were approved for funding from two PennDOT-managed programs.

"Transportation is a proven economic driver and these investments will help these companies maintain and create more jobs,'' Corbett said. "Ensuring that these facilities and assets are ready to meet consumer demands is vital to keeping our state competitive."

The State Transportation Commission (STC) voted Thursday to approve nearly $35.9 million for 13 projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and 26 projects through the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). RTAP is a capital budget grant program funded with bonds and RFAP is underwritten through the new Multimodal Fund, created by Act 89.

"We have continued investments in Pennsylvania's rail network because it helps keep our transportation assets strong as a whole," Corbett said. "Since January 2011 we've invested over $167 million in rail and Act 89 will help us continue those efforts."

Last November, Corbett signed Act 89, a far-reaching transportation program that clears the way for significant investments in all transportation modes.

For more information, visit http://www.dot.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Rich Kirkpatrick or Erin Waters-Trasatt, PennDOT 717-783-8800 Steve Chizmar, Governor's Office 717-783-1116

Editor's Note: Following is a by-county list of approved rail freight projects under the programs with the state share:

RTAP Projects:

Allegheny County

Link:
Thirty-Nine Rail Freight Projects Approved For State Funding; Action Sustains Nearly 34,000 Jobs

US demand for siding is forecast to rise 7.1 percent yearly to 103.5 million squares in 2018, valued at $12.1 billion, according to the forecasting company Freedonia. As is the case with many building materials, an expected rebound in construction activity will be the primary driver for growth. For siding, the link to new housing is particularly strong, given that nearly every home in the US features exterior cladding. (In contrast, most nonresidential buildings opt for curtain walls or unclad structural walls). Homeowners are increasingly turning to lower maintenance, more durable siding materials such as fiber cement, brick, EIFS, and stone, although all siding products are expected to benefit from the forecast recovery in new housing completions. Also adding to gains will be continued growth in the key replacement market, which accounted for 57 percent of sales in 2013. Vinyl will remain the leading replacement siding by far but will continue to be challenged by newer materials with better performance characteristics.

Brick, concrete & stone siding to see fastest growth Among material types, brick, concrete, and stone siding are expected to see the most rapid advances in demand going forward. Brick siding demand will be driven by increasing residential building construction in the South, where the material is most commonly specified because of its favorable aesthetics and long tradition of use in the region. Moreover, home builders across the US are expected to increasingly install brick siding because of its desirable appearance, long lifespan, and fire resistance. Concrete and stone siding is widely used in both residential and nonresidential structures. Concrete blocks can be utilized to provide functional yet durable exterior cladding, while precast concrete panels and synthetic stone veneers are specified to recreate the look of more costly siding materials -- such as brick or natural stone -- at a lower cost. Vinyl siding accounted for the largest share of siding demand in 2013; however, vinyl siding has seen its share of the US market fall from 39 percent in 2003 to 27 percent in 2013. Vinyl siding has faced strong competition from various other materials -- such as fiber cement, stucco, and wood -- seen as more aesthetically pleasing. Going forward, vinyl siding will remain the leading material installed in the US because of its low cost, long lifespan, and minimal maintenance needs. However, vinyl siding will continue to lose market share to materials seen as better able to improve the exterior appearance of residences.

Residential market to regain leading share status Residential improvement and repair applications were the leading siding market in 2013, indicative of the low level of housing completions in that year. However, going forward, the new residential market is expected to regain its leading market position in 2018 as housing completions rise rapidly from their low base. Residential improvement and repair demand for siding will exhibit solid growth as homeowners who put off re-siding projects during the 2007-2009 recession will do them going forward. Nonresidential demand for siding is forecast to grow 6.8 percent per annum to 25.0 million squares in 2018, driven by rebounding nonresidential building construction. The commercial and lodging and office segments saw the steepest demand declines between 2008 and 2013, and will thus post the fastest advances through 2018. Improving economic conditions will spur the construction of shopping malls, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and offices.

For more information on the report, go to: http://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-study/3144/siding.htm

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Siding Demand in U.S. to Rise 7.1% Annually Through 2018, Says Forecast

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Royal Windows and Siding- Replacement Window Dollar Days- Little Rock - Video

Northern Virginia siding replacement and repair
Roofing More conducts a full siding inspection before all siding replacement and repair jobs.

By: Roofing More Inc

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Northern Virginia siding replacement and repair - Video

The Alamo Heights City Council has given the green light to homebuilder Jack Dabney to build a larger home on his recently replatted property in the 200 block of Cloverleaf.

The council July 28 unanimously approved the design for the 3,430-square-foot house, which would replace a 2,170-square-foot structure.

Dabney got city permission in June to demolish the latter building. The new home would be two stories and have a bigger garage.

Dabney filed a request May 5 to replat the lots on his property into two 62.5-foot-by-145-foot lots. Dabney and his representatives, along with city staff, previously told the council that the five lots, individually, were not buildable.

City staff received approval from three utilities for the then-proposed plat, and notified the public, including nearby property owners, about Dabney's request. The city received 24 responses all in opposition.

Dabney's supporters have said the replat would enable his company to build two quality homes on the replatted lot. Opponents had said changing the lot could lead to a change in the character of their neighborhood.

Because the council did not act on the proposed replat in the time allotted by state laws for local government, Dabney's replat request was effectively approved.

The city's architectural review board (ARB), in separate meetings, reviewed the significance of demolishing the old house and the design of the replacement. The board's recommended both actions.

However, for the new house design the ARB requested that Dabney replace the siding of the main structure with stucco, and the garage's siding with stone.

The city urged Dabney to meet with his neighbor, Dr. Thomas Spalten, about plans for his property. They did meet but Spalten still has concerns.

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Alamo Heights council approves replacement house

Replacement Vinyl Siding Houston TX | I Need Home Siding Replacement (713) 936-5454
Replacement Vinyl Siding Houston TX | I Need Home Siding Replacement (713) 936-5454.

By: THE SIDING CONTRACTOR EXPERT

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Replacement Vinyl Siding Houston TX | I Need Home Siding Replacement (713) 936-5454 - Video

Lake County

Construction: Gov. Pat Quinn this week announced capital investments of more than $333,000 in Lake County construction projects.

Funded by the Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of a push to create jobs and drive the states economy forward. Joint and substructure repairs will be made to a bridge carrying state Route 176 over the Des Plaines River in Libertyville. Kovilic Construction Co. Inc. of Franklin Park was the lowest of five bidders at $208,493. The project will be managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The South Unit Service Building at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion will be rehabilitated in a project managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board. The project includes roof and siding replacement. G.E. Riddiford Co. of Arlington Heights was the lowest of four bidders for the work at $125,119.

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