We’ve finally started facing our demons – most of us are becoming aware of just how real and imminent climate change is and how it is affected by our consumption of fossil fuels. Fortunately, everything from shopping bags to cars to energy production can be changed to a more sustainable and less harmful variant.

When it comes to energy production, there’s no better poster child for renewable energy than a humble solar panel. They can be found everywhere, from your home’s roof to a remote cabin in the woods to all the space faring objects to massive power plants replacing fossil fuel based ones where it is viable.

That being said, most people still have no idea just how solar panels work and if they are a viable option for their own homes. This is why we decided to ask solar panel installation experts at Action Solar to tell us more about it. Specifically, we wanted to know if solar panels are still viable in areas with less direct sunlight.

Basic Principle of Operation of Solar Panels

If you’ve never really thought about solar panels and how they work, it might be easy to slip into one of the biggest misconceptions of how solar panels work – and that’s that these panels collect the heat from the sun and somehow turn that into electricity.

There are solar facilities that do that – the concentrated solar thermal facilities. These facilities use mirrors to direct sunlight to a tower at the center of the facility. These towers contain water or molten salt fluids which are heated by the sun and turned into steam which generates electricity. In fact, one of the biggest such facilities in the world is found in California, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

That being said, your run-of-the-mill solar panel works nothing like that. Residential solar panels (and the majority of the commercial ones as well) are all photovoltaic type.

How Do Photovoltaic Systems Work?

If you understand the meaning of photovoltaic, it’s pretty simple to understand how these panels work – it’s not the heat of the sun that generates electricity – it’s the light itself. Solar panels contain a special semi-conducting layer which has natural photovoltaic properties – the electrons in these materials are easily knocked out of position when the material is hit by a photon, thus generating electricity.

In fact, the temperature has little impact on photovoltaic panels – here’s the proof: they’re also used in Antarctica and in space, where it’s freezing cold pretty much all of the time. Your solar panels will work in summer and in winter, as long as there is sunlight.

What About the Clouds

And thus we come to the most important question in this article – what happens on cloudy, rainy or snowy days? Do solar panels just stop working? And the answer is another question: is the sunlight completely blocked on such days? No, we still get plenty of light even on such days – typically 80% of all light still gets to the ground despite the cloud cover.

This, in turn means that your solar panels will work even on such days, albeit with lower output. Snow and rain also have no impact on the productivity of solar panels unless snow completely covers the panels (which is quite rare).

What Else to Consider when Considering Solar

One thing that can affect the effectiveness of solar power as a power production option for you is the duration of the day. Higher latitudes tend to have shorter days (especially in winter) – which reduces the amount of time per day that the solar panels can remain active.

The other thing to consider is positioning. Solar panels require direct exposure to light, meaning that it is best to put them somewhere where they will have the longest exposure to the direct sunlight as you can – typically it’s the roof of your home.

Choosing solar energy is not only good for the environment, but it is also a good financial investment, as well as a backup plan if the grid ever goes down – which we sadly know is not impossible thanks to Texas last year. Consider solar panels a small piece of the puzzle that is our grid system – a piece that you own and contribute to the whole.

The home office is a great way for working professionals to keep their work and personal lives separate. It is also a good way to keep distractions from home at bay. The following tips will help you create a home office environment that is productive, comfortable, and inviting.

Find a Room

First, find a room that is set away from the rest of your house. This will provide you with an area where you can focus on work without distractions. If there is not enough space in one room, try using two rooms. One for working and one for relaxation during breaks or overnight shift work.

When working from home, having ample desk space is vital in maintaining productivity levels on par with a typical office setting. Ensure you have plenty of room to work and store your files and books.

Furnish the Office

The right furniture is critical in creating the ultimate home office. To begin, you must have a desk that can handle all of your work needs. Make sure there are drawers to store extra supplies and filing trays for important documents. A good chair with lumbar support will help you avoid back or neck pain after a long day of work.

Lighting

Natural light is the best option for an office setting because it mimics outdoor lighting and keeps you from feeling drowsy during those afternoon lulls. However, if natural light is not available or practical, opt instead for a bright overhead fixture to keep your energy high throughout the day.

Color Palette

The color palette of your office should enhance productivity and creativity. Neutral colors such as beige or gray are perfect for creating a quiet and inviting workspace. In addition, consider cool and warm tones.

Cool tones are best for rooms that need to be more energized, and warm hues work better in spaces where more focus is required.

Personal Touch

When decorating your office, make sure you have some personal touches as well. You want the area to feel like a home away from home. Therefore, include art or photos of loved ones on display.

Having a few personal items will make you look forward to working. Additionally, it will reduce time spent away from your family. A plant or two will add a touch of nature to the room and create an inviting environment.

Soundproof the Home Office

Noise is a distraction that can easily break your concentration and ruin a productive workday. If the home office is near any common living areas, soundproofing will help keep out distractions such as television or loud conversations so that you can focus on work.

If you live with other people, chances are they will not appreciate the sound of your typing or phone calls. Soundproofing is a good way to minimize distractions and keep peace in the home.

Designate Work Hours

Finally, make sure everyone knows when it is work time. If family members are not accustomed to seeing you in the home office, they might inadvertently distract you or ask for favors that will break your concentration and affect productivity.

Be clear about when work hours are and what is expected of everyone during this time to maximize efficiency.

No matter what kind of home you live in, there will always be some space set aside for working from home. With these tips, it can become the ultimate space for productivity, creativity, and comfort.

 

While most people think about erosion happening on a grand scale, erosion can also take place within your own property. And when this happens, you can experience all kinds of issues with your home’s foundation and with the landscaping of your property. While these problems can be small and easily fixed, they could also be very costly and cause a lot of damage.

So to help ensure that big issues with erosion don’t take place at your house, here are three ways to stop erosion from happening on your property.

Properly Direct Debris Flows

Depending on where you live, what kind of land your home is built on, and how things like irrigation have been dealt with in the past, you might be dealing with a big possibility of erosion or just minor erosion. But either way, knowing how to properly direct the flow of debris around your property is vital.

First of all, you’ll want to look at where and how water flows around your property. If water is frequently pooled up around your home, you’ll want to divert this water so that it moves away from your property. This will help to protect your home and its foundation. Additionally, if you live in an area with frequent winds, you’ll want to make sure that any place where debris could come through is clear of obstacles or hindrances.

Use The Right Landscaping

The landscaping that you have throughout your property can also play a role in how common or uncommon erosion will be.

If there are areas of your property that you’re worried about having erosion take place, planting grass there could be a great solution. Grass can serve to hold soil in place and keep it from eroding. Along with this option, you could also plant trees with larger root systems, lay down some rocks or gravel, or use other hardscaping options to keep the ground stable and secure.

Build Structures To Break Up The Slope

In circumstances where you have property that has a lot of sloping, erosion is something that you’ll have to be concerned about. So if you’re not wanting any movement or erosion to take place, one thing you can do to ensure this is to build structures that will help to break up the slope.

Things like terraces or retaining walls can work great for breaking up a steep slope and keeping it from experiencing a lot of erosion. These things can also help to redirect water down a slope if you’re having trouble with that.

If you’re worried about soil and other debris eroding on your property, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn how you can keep this from happening.

 

Time is a precious commodity, and when it comes to scheduling a roofing service in the winter – you don’t want to waste an inch of it. The best time to prepare roofing services is when there are no significant storms headed your way.

Scheduling roofing services is a great way to plan for your home and maximize your budget. If you schedule services in advance, not only will it be cheaper, but you will also receive more options and better customer service.

When a roof reaches its usefulness limit, it will inevitably leak and need a repair or replacement. The extent of damages sometimes does not always conform to when the services of roof repairs might be busy or not. If the damages are too bad, then you urgently need the service of a roofing contractor. But if the damages can be managed, you can take more time to decide when to schedule a repair, what company to schedule with, and the cost of scheduling. However, all is agreed on, including HomeAdvisor, that the Fall is the best time of the year for roofing installation or roof repairs.

Interested in learning more? Check out our website at brightonroofingcontractors.com

What Time of Year is Best to Replace a Roof?

Although seasons are great for repairing roofs because of the palatable weather condition, the best time of the year to replace a roof is relative. You have chosen the best time for repair or replacement when you have the opportunity to plan, meet with different companies, compare and contrast prices and then choose which is best, irrespective of when you got a repairer to fix it.

However, the weather condition plays a very important role in deciding when to schedule replacement or repair. This is not to say that when your roof is badly damaged, you cannot repair it when you want just because it is not the best weather. This implies that when you request the service of a roof repairer in extreme weather conditions, you will end up footing more expensive bills.

Winter

During winter, most construction trades slow down roofing projects because the weather does not permit roofing installation. But when it is not to the extreme, the winter can be an excellent time to get started. Contractors’ prices are usually lower during the winter because they are eager to work. However, there are some constraints; Asphalt shingles, for example, cannot be installed in most parts of the country during the winter because the material will not adhere properly. If you have a metal roof or other materials that can be installed in the winter, you can save a lot of money and schedule your roofing job at a time that is convenient for you.

Summer

Summer can also be an excellent time to schedule a roofing service, but the roofing contractors are relatively busy during the summer season. Most people tend to avoid the other seasons to request the service of the roof repairer in summer. This makes roof contractors very busy during the summer. Meanwhile, the summer is a great time to work on your roof based on the weather condition.

Spring

After the winter, most homes need the service of roofing contractors. Many homeowners are left with repairs after a difficult winter season or prefer to schedule work during this season because their cash flow is better than during the holiday season. In either case, spring is a better time to schedule roofing projects, but there is also a spring construction rush that may increase the cost of your repairs.

Fall

In fall, most homeowners are getting prepared for winter ahead. Even contractors have agreed that the best time for our roofing repairs is in the fall because the cold season is approaching, and nobody wants to freeze in their home. In the fall, roofing contractors are at their busiest because everybody wants their roof fixed.

The bottom line is, you get to decide when it is best for your roof repairs. All of the seasons come with their pros and cons. What is most important is that you schedule your roof repair.

What are the Benefits of Scheduling at the Right Time?

As winter approaches, homeowners who have put off replacing their roofs are frightened. Roofing contractors are regularly overburdened with work. The roofing companies have the most extended lead times in the fall season. Customers may need to be prioritized, and those with non-critical roofing issues may have to wait until early winter. In contrast, roofing contractors have a slow season in the spring and early summer. There are several advantages to choosing this slow season: which are;

• Great Price: Suppliers regularly raise prices just before the busy season. Roofing companies will also have to raise their prices accordingly. Some roofing companies will also offer discounts during their slow seasons to keep their crews alive.
• Speed: Roofing companies can begin projects faster during the slow season because there is not much demand. During peak season, the time it takes to start a roofing project could be 4 to 6 weeks or longer. It could be as little as 2 to 3 weeks during the slow season. The roofing contractors do not have to spread their teams as thin because they do not have as many projects on the go at the same time, allowing them to complete tasks more quickly.
• Stress-free: Making plans on your installation during the off-season will relieve both you and your roofer of stress. You will not have to wait for weeks or months for your contractor to start your installation, and you’ll be able to reach your roofer more quickly if you have any questions or concerns. During peak season, your roofing contractor may be overburdened with calls and may take longer to return your calls.

Start planning for a new roof now if you know you’re going to need one soon. Plan your project ahead of time and sign a contract to lock in labor and material costs for the best price.

The Best Way to Schedule Roofing Services

You can find a roofer to schedule a new roof by following these steps:

• Step 1- Identify the type of roofing material needed, check your budget, and decide what you want to spend.
• Step 2- Find out who installed the original roof – if it was the same company. If not, contact roofers in your area to get estimates.
• Step 3- Calculate how much time is left before you need the new roof. If you still have more than six months, call contractors at least twice monthly. If you have less than two months, contact contractors weekly or daily.

Hire a Roofing Company You Trust This Fall

Hiring a roofing company in the winter is not a good idea because of time constraints. It’s best to hire a roofing company when your roof is starting to leak or when you notice that your shingles are curling up and need replacement.

Time is of the essence, and it’s essential to consider your schedule. You also want to ensure you get quality roofing work at a reasonable price. The busiest season for roofing contractors is usually the most expensive, whereas booking in the off-season can save you a lot of money. Furthermore, scheduling roofing replacements or repairs during the slow season is in your best interest because quality roofers are more likely to be available, and the quality of the work is expected to be better as well.

 

Home inspection reports usually provide a narrative description of the home’s condition as well as attached photographs, plans, and/or illustrations. The report should give an opinion about the overall quality of the home including all major systems and components.

It should also include information on whether or not a house in New York is in good repair and ready to be lived in by its occupants. Due to limitations on what can be inspected, inspectors may miss items that require professional repairs which could lead to problems later such as leaks.

Therefore buyers need to ask their inspector what was specifically inspected during their visit so they understand the extent of the inspection before purchasing a property. Furthermore, how each client interprets those results may also vary depending on their expertise and experience with home construction.

Validity of Home Inspection Reports

A home inspection report is only valid for a short period, but it can be requested again at any point after that. However, there are reasons to request the same house inspection multiple times.

Getting a home inspection is not something that should be viewed as permanent or binding in many cases. It is important to understand what the home inspector looked for when they were gathering evidence and providing their professional opinion on the structure of houses in New York, but things change.

Home inspectors are well aware of this fact and make sure to state right away how long inspections remain valid in their reports. That way, clients know if they need another inspection done soon after their first one so everything stays up to date accurate.

If there was something wrong with the house, or if repairs were made, further inspections should be scheduled. It would be ignorant to not understand this reality and move forward assuming that everything is fine without knowing for sure.

When to Request for a Home Inspection

A home inspection report usually remains valid for about one year after it has been conducted. There are some exceptions to this rule, but generally speaking, homeowners who want an update on the state of their residence need to request another inspection at least once per year.

Of course, checking off what needs fixing doesn’t necessarily mean anything else will happen immediately. Repair requests can fall by the wayside as time goes on and people tend to make decisions based on their current situation rather than long-term goals. So, a simple request to check up on the status of things is often more than enough.

A home inspection can be done as many times as needed, but like any other service rendered it will cost money every time. Home inspections let you know about the New York house‘s condition and give people a better understanding of whether moving into the property is a smart choice or if they should look into investing elsewhere.

Of course, paying for an inspection once per year is preferable before work begins trying to fix issues twice per week after living in a place for several years.

What a Home Inspection Covers

• Doors: A common problem with exterior doors is misalignment (doors stick when opening and closing). Check to make sure there is an even gap between the jamb and the door. Also check to make sure there are no gaps or spaces on vertical surfaces such as stucco, brick, etc.
• Windows: While checking exterior windows for caulking and weather stripping, also check the inside of the window for any cracks in the caulk around sashes or glass defects that need to be repaired by a professional since this would indicate that water infiltration may have already occurred.
• Window Wells: Check to see if they hold water after rain. If so, look under them to see if you can spot leaks from bad flashing seals. In addition, damaged window wells with missing framing components will allow termites easy access into walls which can lead to termite damage.
• Roof: Pull back the rubber membrane (felt or tar paper) and look for damaged or rotted plywood underlayment, loose nails on sheathing, and tears in the membrane itself which may be allowing water infiltration into your home. Also, check your roof shingles carefully to make sure there is adequate ventilation between them to prevent the buildup of heat and moisture (black spots usually indicate this condition).
• Walls: Check walls thoroughly for dry rot damage, including wood studs, top plates, bottom plates, sill plates, and anyplace else where moisture can accumulate. If you see any evidence of rot, call a professional immediately because it will eventually lead to structural problems with important safety implications! Furthermore, check the foundation exterior brick veneer to ensure that the mortar joints are not cracked.
• Plumbing Penetrations: Check for any penetrations in the exterior walls such as plumbing vents, flues, and electrical wiring. Make sure they have a proper flashing system around them to prevent water infiltration which can cause extensive damage inside the home. Also, check chimneys for similar problems above the roofline since these are important safety hazards!

It is important to realize how long home inspection reports remain valid because it is a way to ensure that things stay up-to-date and accurate. A lot of information can change over a year, so a home inspector will need to relay the current findings now and then. This is only reasonable because houses do not remain in good condition forever, even if they are well taken care of.

The simplest way to think about a home inspection is that it’s an unbiased opinion of the house from a trained, professional inspector who will inspect your home using a detailed list of items. This list consists of nearly 500 things to inspect throughout the entire house which includes everything from light fixtures to appliances to plumbing to electrical systems and much more.

The inspector is not only identifying problems but also giving their thoughts about how serious these problems may be. In some cases where there are major issues with structurally unsound building materials, for example, the inspector can test for this by tapping on walls and listening for a specific sound that would indicate a hollow wall or area in need of further investigation.

Note that inspectors do not perform any actual repairs, they only identify what items need attention. At this point, you will contact a professional contractor yourself if the issue requires immediate action. The purpose of a home inspection report is to give you peace of mind about your purchase because it will help you know exactly what conditions are awaiting you after the sale.

What to Bring up With Home Inspectors

It’s an opportunity for you, as the buyer, to ask questions about anything that may be concerning before purchasing the property. If there are issues with the Queen’s New York house that cannot be repaired without considerable expense, then having this knowledge ahead of time will let you decide on how you would like to proceed.

If there are serious issues with the home that cannot be resolved without further expense, then These conditions could affect your ability to obtain financing for the house as well as the possible value of the home in today’s market. The inspections can help you determine exactly what needs to be done before closing and what may need attention later on after you have moved into the home.

Inspectors should be careful when inspecting homes, especially if infested by termites, because of dangers from live termite colonies. In this case, inspectors may need additional training or equipment such as monitors or detection dogs to identify live termite activity.

Inspectors should therefore inform clients of what is involved with inspecting potentially dangerous property conditions. This would include the potential dangers and risks associated with such infestations.

Therefore, the client should ask the inspector to explain potential problems discovered during an inspection so they can understand any limitations of the report. They may also wish to hire another professional such as a contractor or other building specialist for information about particular systems or components if desired.

Most clients rely heavily on the inspectors’ “opinion” within the report rather than technical terms because it is written in plain English. The main purpose of this report is therefore to provide detailed information regarding the overall condition of the property so that cash home buyers can make an informed decision about whether or not they would like to purchase it.

 

There’s no difference between a glass and polycarbonate greenhouse; both are beautiful. Greenhouses made out of polycarbonate materials have several benefits over traditional glass buildings.

The polycarbonate greenhouse is one of the most long-lasting and durable types. Continue reading to learn more about its advantages, as well as why it’s one of the greatest greenhouse designs. Furthermore, discover why glass sliding doors are a great choice for your commercial or residential complex!

Better Insulation

A polycarbonate greenhouse can keep you warmer than a glass building. Because plastic transmits heat more slowly and less effectively than glass, it absorbs less of the energy generated by friction. Polycarbonate greenhouses are also less expensive on average. It will maintain the heat while saving money in the long run. The ability to retain heat is crucial for a successful greenhouse operation! Polycarbonate has good heat and noise resistance as well. A polycarbonate greenhouse, therefore, is the way to go if you’re looking for a peaceful place to reside.

Shatter-resistant

Polycarbonate panels are more robust than glass glazing when it comes to damage. The chance of harm is considerably lower with any fractures or shattering. Polycarbonate glazing is a great option since it is both durable and long-lasting. This kind of greenhouse does not contain a single shattered pane! Average greenhouse glass is typically thinner than this quality of glass. It’s easy to damage or break it. Glass greenhouses have one disadvantage: any type of glass can shatter under specific weather conditions, even bad weather. Even average glass may be damaged by severe weather. It’s critical to utilize a robust material for your greenhouse’s windows since sturdy glazing may help you avoid putting yourself in danger on a regular basis. Polycarbonate is the most inexpensive greenhouse glazing, which is an advantage of buying a glassless greenhouse.

Quicker Installation

The precision of Polycarbonate windows varies considerably more than other forms of glass. Because they are more durable, this will make installation much easier for them. Expert installation is required for many greenhouses made of glass. A metal frame lacks the strength and durability of a wooden frame, and it takes longer to build. It would take far longer to construct than a polycarbonate greenhouse. Silicone windows have a longer lifespan and are more shatterproof than wood windows. This project may be done by a novice or a professional! This is fantastic news for people who want to put in their own windows! Blinds made of DIY window glass are easy to install, unlike glass panels. One of the benefits of polycarbonate glazing in a greenhouse is its speed. You don’t have to hire anyone! Polycarbonate glazing has something going for it, in this regard!

Longer Lasting

The technical distinction between polycarbonate and acrylic is that polycarbonate materials are more durable and long-lasting than glass. This implies they can withstand a greater amount of pressure before their polycarbonate windows shatter. A football, on the other hand, would not leave any damage if it were kicked against a window; nevertheless, a glass window would break. A glass greenhouse construction might be challenging and time-consuming to build. It must be done with attention to detail and care. When it’s time to finish the job, you’ll need a contractor. A polycarbonate greenhouse is both lightweight and long-lasting. You’ll be able to construct and maintain your facility on your own.