DARIS BROWN, WRITER If you think choosing the right shingle color is hard, you are not alone. With an endless array of colors to choose from, getting started can be difficult. But don't worry – we’ve got a great system to help you pick the perfect shingle color. If you are ready to look at shingles in a way you probably never have before, our three-step process can help you choose the color that works best for your home. Choosing By Style Before you can start flipping through a collection of earth-tone samples, you need to determine which shingle style best fits your home — and your price range. You don’t want to waste time falling in love with a beautiful shade of brown (let’s say hickory) if it’s not available in a style you like. Most homeowners are not aware that shingles come in different styles, including three-tab, architectural and slate-look. Three-Tab: These shingles have a traditional, flatter look and are considered the most affordable. They also are available in a wide range of colors. Slate: These asphalt shingles, as the name reveals, are meant to mimic the look of slate but offer the easy care and affordability of asphalt. They come in a variety of colors. Architectural: Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles are manufactured with aesthetic appeal in mind. Layered to resemble wood shake, they are thicker and provide a more dimensional, interesting look than traditional three-tab shingles. Choosing By Features By comparing the available features, you can systematically narrow down your options to determine the best shingle available. Here are a few features to consider: Class 4 Impact Resistance – Do you live in an area of the country that experiences regular hailstorms? Class 4 impact resistant shingles deliver superior impact resistance to help protect your home during hail season. Algae Resistance – How humid is your region? Do you see roofs all around you with black streaks? Shingles manufactured with Scotchgard Protector help resist those ugly black streaks caused by algae. High Wind Rating – Do you get nervous anytime a strong wind blows? Shingles with high wind resistance, up to 130 mph wind speed coverage, are designed to stay put – and look good in the process. Comprehensive Warranty Protection – Do you want to feel secure with your investment? For maximum protection and warranty coverage, have a full roof system installed and receive an enhanced Premium Protection Period for total peace of mind. Extensive Color Palette – Are you tired of plain black shingles? Get ready for an explosion of color, as there are many different options available. Woodland Green, Desert Shake, Burnt Sienna and Pristine Oyster are a few of the many great colors you can explore. Choosing By Color By choosing shingle style and features first, you can significantly narrow your list of colors. Now go through your shortened list and pick the best color for your home. You could match the shingle color to your shutters or door. If you want to enhance your home, lighter-colored shingles can help make it look bigger. Finally, opposites attract. If you have a light-colored home, you can go with a dark roof, and vice-versa for a dark-colored home. The contrast will help your entire home pop. Don’t be afraid to spread out your sample boards and make a side-by-side comparison to help with your selection process. Likewise, don't hesitate to lean on the advice of your roofer. Years of experience and thousands of homes roofed make them a valuable resource for homeowners trying to choose the best shingle color. Choosing By Heart While many homeowners will go straight to color, taking a methodical approach often provides better results. Take a step back. Decide what style you truly like and what features are available, and the best color for your home will fall right into your lap. Visit AtlasRoofing.com for a quick start to your shingle selection process. Atlas offers a broad range of beautiful designer colors and styles, which makes it easy to find an exceptional shingle to boost your home’s curb appeal.

SHEEX® PRO • COTTON Performance Sheets amp up the performance of traditional bedding through innovative, technical SLEEP•TECHTM fabric advancements in temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture wicking. Traditional sheets trap excess heat against your body, which makes you hot and sweaty and, consequently, causes you to wake up in soaking wet sheets. SHEEX® PRO•COTTON offers the familiar comfort of cotton that you love with the added benefit of patented TransDRY® technology to release excess heat and wick moisture away from your body. You stay cooler, drier and more comfortable throughout the night, and you will sleep better and stay asleep longer.

The homeowners contacted us regarding damage to the siding and trim caused by woodpeckers. However, they wanted to maintain as much of the original siding as possible. The scope of work posed a challenge due to the need to match the grey wash shakes and the repairs to the ornate posts at the front of the home. The trim is where the majority of the damage occurred so, we replaced and repainted the trim; following the trim repair, we moved onto the posts in the front of the house. We were able to find similar crown molding for the posts and the homeowners elected to replace it as opposed to repairing the one side to ensure a consistent appearance. While repairing the shakes we noticed damage to the roof which appeared to have been caused by a wind storm; after advising the homeowners of our findings they chose to file a claim with their insurance due to the damages. We worked with the insurance company to document the damages and got the roof approved. The homeowners selected a class 3 Owens Corning shingle, and black vents and flashing. Now that the work has been completed the homeowners have the peace of mind that their exterior will stand the test of time, and bring tradition and character in the design of the neighborhood.

A simple 1-storey boathouse located on Lake Muskoka in the Milford Bay and Beaumaris area between Bracebridge and Port Carling, Ontario. Modern Muskoka boathouse designs incorporate welded steel construction to create large, open boathouse interiors without interference to pedestrian circulation paths that would otherwise be caused by structural columns/posts. Boathouses in Muskoka can also incorporate structural steel in order to allow winter boat storage using boat-lifts or hoists that elevate boats and other personal watercraft out of the water and suspend them for storage inside the boathouse. We have an appreciation for the building forms and architectural ornamentation found in traditional Muskoka boathouse designs.

This modern traditional home's fireplace had no mantel. Ordinarily, we would remove some of the tile to attach everything and recess the edges of the mantel inside, but with the way it had been installed cutting into the tile would have caused the whole thing to crumble and collapse. We had to scribe a hanging ledger and fit the mantel to the tile and secure it in a way that would wear for many years to come.

The Science of Light and Learning To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings. LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education. Durability and Longevity LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment. Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers. Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present. Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

SHEEX® PRO • COTTON Performance Sheets amp up the performance of traditional bedding through innovative, technical SLEEP•TECHTM fabric advancements in temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture wicking. Traditional sheets trap excess heat against your body, which makes you hot and sweaty and, consequently, causes you to wake up in soaking wet sheets. SHEEX® PRO•COTTON offers the familiar comfort of cotton that you love with the added benefit of patented TransDRY® technology to release excess heat and wick moisture away from your body. You stay cooler, drier and more comfortable throughout the night, and you will sleep better and stay asleep longer.

WOODLAND, WILD FEEL BALANCES CONTEMPORARY LINES FOR HOME OFFICE VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE ALL YEAR ROUND INTEREST
Photo of a modern landscaping in London.

The homeowners contacted us regarding damage to the siding and trim caused by woodpeckers. However, they wanted to maintain as much of the original siding as possible. The scope of work posed a challenge due to the need to match the grey wash shakes and the repairs to the ornate posts at the front of the home. The trim is where the majority of the damage occurred so, we replaced and repainted the trim; following the trim repair, we moved onto the posts in the front of the house. We were able to find similar crown molding for the posts and the homeowners elected to replace it as opposed to repairing the one side to ensure a consistent appearance. While repairing the shakes we noticed damage to the roof which appeared to have been caused by a wind storm; after advising the homeowners of our findings they chose to file a claim with their insurance due to the damages. We worked with the insurance company to document the damages and got the roof approved. The homeowners selected a class 3 Owens Corning shingle, and black vents and flashing. Now that the work has been completed the homeowners have the peace of mind that their exterior will stand the test of time, and bring tradition and character in the design of the neighborhood.

Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and a double-bowl sink

Treatment For Residential Waste water Every home generates wastewater and while there is no way of getting away from this fact, it is good to know that there are quite a few options when it comes to treating residential wastewater. The traditional septic tank For a very long time, the septic tank ruled the roost when it came to residential water treatment. This tank is a fairly simple construction and is very widely used. It relies on the sedimentation process to deal with residential wastewater. Sometimes the septic tank can be boosted in its processes with the use of: • Flocculates. • Chemical inputs. • Patented or proprietary technology and so on. Use of chemical methods Processes such as chlorination have emerged as cost effective methods to treat wastewater. At the heart of the following processes is the use of a chemical agent and a chemical reaction to get the wastewater treated: • Ion exchange. • Adsorption. • Chlorination. • Use of polyvalent metals for coagulation and so on. Biological processes In a very unique wastewater treatment approach – bacteria are used to break down the components of wastewater! Of course there is a lot of science and research that has gone into these methods of treating wastewater. For instance, the use of a septic tank, as stated above is a biological, anaerobic method of treatment. Biological processes will also cater for destroying any disease causing organisms. The combined approach Residential wastewater is also treated with the use of a combination of methods. For instance, a device that uses an aerobic approach to wastewater treatment will also have mechanical components to get the process to be even more effective. It is critical to invest in a system that promises total – 100% - treatment of the wastewater. If the residential wastewater is not treated comprehensively then the effluents can cause all kinds of health issues to the people in the property. Effective systems If you are scouting for a system to help in treating residential wastewater then you should know that there are systems that are sophisticated in their working. Flow equalization to ensure 100% treatment and the use of an internet based alarm system make such products very effective and energy efficient too. It is also a good idea to check with your local sanitation authorities before investing in products so you can ensure you are compliant with all local health and public safety rules and regulations. For instance, using NSF certified systems can help in this regard.

A simple 1-storey boathouse located on Lake Muskoka in the Milford Bay and Beaumaris area between Bracebridge and Port Carling, Ontario. Modern Muskoka boathouse designs incorporate welded steel construction to create large, open boathouse interiors without interference to pedestrian circulation paths that would otherwise be caused by structural columns/posts. Boathouses in Muskoka can also incorporate structural steel in order to allow winter boat storage using boat-lifts or hoists that elevate boats and other personal watercraft out of the water and suspend them for storage inside the boathouse. We have an appreciation for the building forms and architectural ornamentation found in traditional Muskoka boathouse designs.

Recently, I was called to a work on a Limestone tiled floor in a house near Hove Park. Hove Park is a popular park in Hove, East Sussex, which was once opposite to the Goldstone Ground, the traditional home of Brighton and Hove Albion football club until the ground was demolished. My client informed me that the house was used a meeting place every Friday, and the high traffic of people was taking its toll on the floor. The floor was clearly in need of a good clean, especially the grout. You do need to take care when cleaning Limestone as it can be affected by the acidic substances you get in some cleaning products which can break down the surface of the Limestone and cause further damage. The results of my test clean showed the Limestone tiles responded well to the cleaning, but I was concerned about the grout, which was not cleaning very easily. I suspected that the grout had, in fact, been discoloured by a bleach-based cleaner, turning it grey. Bleach contains strong chemicals, so there is a good chance that any bleach-based cleaners used on tiled floors will discolour the grout over time. After discussing this issue with my client, I quoted separately for a possible grout recolour. On the first day of working on the floor, I started the cleaning process using a black buffing pad attached to a floor buffer machine, in combination with a solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, which I applied to the floor. This combination really helped to remove the heavily built up grime and dirt. Although the tiles looked great after the clean, I still wasn’t convinced by the state of the grout. After drying a test area with a heat gun, I confirmed that the grout was not continuous in colour and would need a recolour to get it back to looking its best again. I left the rest of the floor to dry for a period of two days, allowing any residual moisture to evaporate, before returning to recolour the grout with a white Grout Colourant which was applied using a good old fashioned toothbrush and baby wipes to remove any excess. I was careful to apply thin, even coats in order to prevent the possibility of the Colourant staining the tile. After several hours of knee-breaking work, the recolouring was complete, and I was extremely pleased to be able to show my client the finished product. She was very happy to be able to show off the floor to her friends, which was now white all the way through, without the dark lines caused by the discoloured grout. Another satisfied client.

Without Kinston gutters, rain water will pour off of your roof splashing your home, causing water stains that can lead to mold and mildew, erode the ground and cause basement leaking or other unwarranted problems. Gutter installation is one of the most easiest and cost effective solutions to helping prevent this problem. You will find that rain gutters are relatively inexpensive for the amount of protection and value they add to your North Carolina home. When it comes to Kinston gutters and guttering, there are many different options available. Seamless gutters are among the most popular type of gutter system available today. Since there are no seams, these gutters are not prone to water leakage unlike some traditional forms of guttering. From gutter guards and gutter protection to seamless gutters and gutter installation, the pro Kinston roofing contractors at Coreyco Roofing Services, Inc., has your home covered.

This kitchen was fabricated by The Beveled Edge! Check out their work: https://bevelededge.net This kitchen's countertops have Blue Fire granite with a polished finish.. Search "blue fire" granite, see more granite of this family or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

The dining table is the heart of the home, where families come together to share meals, laughter, and memories. As such, it is important to choose a dining table that is both functional and stylish. Enter the sintered stone dining table, the latest trend in dining room furniture that is taking the design world by storm. Sintered stone is a material made by compacting and heating natural minerals at high pressure, creating a solid and durable surface. This unique material is ideal for dining tables because it is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it perfect for daily use. Its sleek and modern look adds a touch of sophistication to any dining room, and its versatile design can complement any decor style. One of the best things about sintered stone dining tables is their durability. Unlike traditional wood or glass dining tables, sintered stone tables are highly resistant to damage. Whether it is spills, scratches, or heat, sintered stone can withstand it all, ensuring your dining table will look beautiful for years to come. This is especially important for families with children or pets who can cause accidental damage to furniture. Another great aspect of sintered stone dining tables is their easy maintenance. Unlike wood tables that require regular oiling or sanding to keep their surface smooth, sintered stone tables simply need to be wiped clean with a damp cloth. This makes it easy to keep your table looking like new, no matter how much you use it. The design options for sintered stone dining tables are endless. From round to rectangular, from light to dark colors, and from modern to traditional styles, there is a sintered stone dining table to suit every taste. The material itself has a matte finish that provides a neutral background for any design style. And, with its neutral color palette, it is easy to mix and match with other pieces of furniture, making it a great option for those who like to change up their decor frequently. Combined with its stylish and versatile design, you are able to make it the perfect choice for any dining room.

SHEEX® PRO • COTTON Performance Sheets amp up the performance of traditional bedding through innovative, technical SLEEP•TECHTM fabric advancements in temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture wicking. Traditional sheets trap excess heat against your body, which makes you hot and sweaty and, consequently, causes you to wake up in soaking wet sheets. SHEEX® PRO•COTTON offers the familiar comfort of cotton that you love with the added benefit of patented TransDRY® technology to release excess heat and wick moisture away from your body. You stay cooler, drier and more comfortable throughout the night, and you will sleep better and stay asleep longer.

This kitchen was fabricated by Lapptops and the cabinets were done by King's Woodwork! http://lapptops.net/ This kitchen features Tropical Brown granite which blends perfectly with the beige cabinets and floors. Search "tropical brown" granite, see variations of this granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

This modern traditional home's fireplace had no mantel. Ordinarily, we would remove some of the tile to attach everything and recess the edges of the mantel inside, but with the way it had been installed cutting into the tile would have caused the whole thing to crumble and collapse. We had to scribe a hanging ledger and fit the mantel to the tile and secure it in a way that would wear for many years to come.