What is the difference between the average roofing material and a premium material? For one, cost. The most common roofing material, asphalt shingles, will cost around $5,000 to cover a 1,256-square-foot roof. In contrast, slate will cost $18,000 and copper $30,000 to cover the same area. On the other hand, the high cost of premium roofing buys you some pretty impressive features.  Weather Resistance Some roofing materials are easily damaged by hail, high winds, frost wedging, UV rays, and ice dams.

Some of the threats to your landscaping trees are nearly unavoidable, like insect infestations and some tree diseases. Luckily, though, many of the things that threaten your trees are in your control. Understanding how your actions and some environmental threats affect your trees can help you combat many of the damaging issues. Here are a few of the things that can damage your trees and what you should know about them.

You may think you know everything there is to know about recycling. But there are many things that you can do to help the earth that you might not have thought about. The following guide will show you a few ways to do more with your company's recycling efforts. 1. Reduce Packaged Items Take a good inventory of the things your company uses. Are there paper cups or spoons in your breakroom?

Installing a deck around your swimming pool can be a great way of providing your family with a comfortable place to spend the afternoon. However, there are many different options for decks, and the type of material you choose will have both a cosmetic and functional impact. For those wanting a low maintenance option, vinyl decking may be the best choice, but this type of deck will still require some maintenance done to it.

When first starting in construction, there may be times when you are required to work high off of the ground and not know the safest options available to you. Attempting to work in a high area without knowing how to do so properly could lead to a nasty fall, if you do not have the right equipment. Use the following guide to learn about the different types of equipment that are available to help lessen your chances of a fall, while you are working in high spaces.

The more you look at your home, the more you start to see that it needs to be painted. Unfortunately, hiring a professional is just not always in the budget and you know that this is not going to be an easy job. However, there are a few notes you can take from professional house painters that will help ensure you have an easier time with this painting project. Furthermore, you will be able to complete the job much faster and may even avoid a few slips and falls.

Is your electric bill sky high? If so, you are not alone. Electricity and utility bills take up a large portion of monthly bills—especially during the frigid temperatures of winter. Fortunately, reducing your energy consumption is easy and affordable—and a great way to reduce your monthly costs. If you're looking to reduce your electric bill, take control and use these five clever tips for reducing your energy use: 1. Avoid Using Appliances During Peak Hours

It's important to your quality of life to have water when you need it. From taking your morning shower to cooking a meal, there is always a need for water. Being able to resolve plumbing issues as these arise is important for any homeowner. By knowing common reasons you need a plumber, you will be more prepared to rely on this professional when needed. Reason #1: Lack of hot water

If you have a deck , like those installed by Alfa Decking & Floors, attached to your home, you probably use it in the summertime to relax, BBQ, or entertain. If your deck is looking faded and worn, it may be time to clean it and give it a new coat of stain. Staining a deck can improve its appearance tremendously. Here are some instructions that you can use to help you learn how to stain your own deck.

Throughout the world the history of rail transport is a long and fascinating one.  The first traces can be found in early Greek and Roman times.  Wagons filled with different types of freight were pulled by both men and animals through grooves in limestone which acted as the tracks.  In Canada small railways may have been used as early as the 1700s to transport quarried stone and timber.  To build the Quebec Citadel in the 1820s, a winch that was powered by a steam engine was used to hoist cable cars filled with stone uphill.