When you've made the decision to replace your roof, it's normal to want to jump right in. But before you do, you may want to consider what impactáa roofing replacement will have on your everyday life and how to get through it without too much discomfort. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a roof replacement from choosing a contractor to when you'll want to get a hotel room for the week.

• The low quote won't necessarily end up being the one that costs you the least amount of money. Some contractors will intentionally give you a low quote and then add on extras on the back end to make up the difference, others will provide sub-standard work or may be a scam, especially if there's been a lot of roofing going on in your area due to storm damage. Make sure you get detailed, itemized quotes from several contractors, including having the specific materials used listed.

• It's well worth the extra money to hire a quality contractor who offers a warranty on their work. Going with a lower-cost contractor and then having to hire in another contractor to repair their mistakes can easily and very quickly make up the difference between a low-cost, poor-quality contractor and getting the job done right the first time. Going with a quality contractor also means that you have the reassurance that the materials are installed correctly and in a fashion that doesn't void the material's warranty.

• Don't go for the lowestácost materialsáunless you're selling your home immediately. Even if you are planning on moving, using better quality materials can be a selling point that helps you sell your home faster. If you are planning on staying in your home, using the best possible materials for your budget help protect your investment in your home. Spending a little more money today means your next roofing replacement will be even further down the road.

• Roofing replacement takes time and cost money. Though the crews can get the work done fairly quickly, you're probably not the only job they're working on at the moment. Expect to wait a bit, especially during the roofing season or if you have weather that isn't cooperating with your project. Plan on the project taking up to twice as long and being twice as expensive, and then you'll be pleasantly surprised when it's not that bad or will have a contingency plan in place if things do go wrong.

• Construction of any kind is usually messy and roofing is no exception. Don't plan on hosting any special events at your home for at least a few weeks after the construction is completed. This gives you time to fix any damage that was done to your home, allows your landscaping to recover and gives you time to see to any other necessary work that has come about because of the roofing replacement.

• You could have unintended damage if you don't prepare your home first. Make sure that you take down any items hung on walls or breakable items on shelves. The vibrations as the old roofing is removed and the new roofing is attached can knock these items down, causing damage to special things that can't always be repaired. You may also want to plan on dusting and changing out your air filters more often due to dust that appears while the work is underway. Closing your windows and covering or moving any outdoor decor or landscaping will help your home's appearance recover more quickly once the work is done.

hbspt.cta.load(385819, '008cb463-2917-49cc-ab3f-12ed4a3a6f33', {});

Photo credit: HotlantaVoyeur / iwoman / CC BY

Photo credit: HotlantaVoyeur / Ashley Modern / CC BY

Steel framing is becoming much more prevalent in construction, but we often think more of the limitations of the material rather than the possibilities. But some contractors have begun to undertake truly amazing projects using steel framing. In this post, we'll take a good look at several beautiful structures that you won't believe used steel framing:

1. Catholic Charities

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors.

This beautiful buildings for Catholic Charities blend in perfectly to the southwestern architecture common in their area, but they actually used extensive steel framing though out the structures. Who says that giving isn't physically beautiful? The range of structures constructed for this project helps this worldwide charity get the job done for poverty and disaster relief.

2. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

Image courtesy of Huggett Betten Corp.

This beautiful church building has the appearance of laminated wood joining in a beautiful pattern at the peak of its dome, but it's all a beautiful example of the amazing possibilities of steel framing and faux finishes. From the exterior, it has the appearance of a traditional stone and masonry construction. The intertwined beams are actually built up and around each other to create the aesthetically pleasing knotwork star at the apex of the chapel ceiling.

3. Kendall Whittier

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors.

Though these beautiful surroundings have the appearance of classical architecture and old-world framing and plaster, they're a great way that steel framing can be incorporated into even the most traditional projects, in this case a neighborhood revitalization program. In this case, it was the entrance to a health clinic, creating a relaxing atmosphere for healthcare workers and patients alike.

4. Fire Pit

Image courtesy of Kurt Krueger Architects.

Just to show that you can take steel framing outdoors and incorporate it into your outdoor living design, this beautiful fire pit uses thin sheets of onyx over steel framing, with LED lights on the inside to backlight the stone's natural beauty. This is a great example of how steel framing can actually be incorporated as part of the design element, creating gentle upright bars and strong verticals across the fire pit.

5. Jenks Aquarium

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors.

The rounded forms used in this aquarium fit well with its aquatic theme, but is a technique seen much more commonly with wood framing, but with the advances that have been taking place in forming metal framing tracks, this beauty is all steel framed. With the aquarium's focus on aquatic education, these flowing forms make it easy for children and adults to swim gently through the exhibits.

6. Niles, Michigan YMCA

Image courtesy of Huggett Betten Corp.

You already know that these sweeping curves and circular windows had to be an interesting framing job, and the exterior brick on this active YMCA would almost have you convinced it's a cast-in-place job, but it's all beautifully-imagined steel frame construction. The windows almost give the structure a Hobbit-esque appearance, making you wonder where the round door is located.

7. Cliff House

Image courtesy of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited.

Though your eye is drawn immediately to the steel I-beams that are holding the structure over the face of the cliff, this beautiful home was entirely steel framed, which works very well with its modern appearance. It's easy to be inspired by the amazing views, but you can't help but hope it's not in a landslide-prone area or how they worked with the codes board on this modern home.

8. Renaissance Hotel

Image courtesy of Green Country Interiors

Though the amazing old world interiors and sweeping exterior architecture seems like something from centuries ago, this recent construction uses a wide range of steel framing techniques to bring off the appearance without breaking the bank. From the leather upholstery to the beautiful floors and sweeping columns, you'll think you've stepped into the old world, not Oklahoma.

These projects are a fabulous example of what can be done with steel framing. If you're considering using steel framing for your next project, whether grand or simple, please download our free Metal Framing Product Guide below.

//

Your feet hold you up, hour after hour, day after day, while you're doingáa demanding job. But how well do you take care of them? When you're choosing a quality work boot that isávital to how successful you are working in the field, knowing what to look for in a work boot that will deliver when you need it takes a little time and effort. In this post, we'll discuss the ins and outs of construction work boots, what features to look for and which features really make the difference between a solid day working and one spent just getting along.

What to Look for in Quality Construction Work Boots

Proper Fit - Size, Width andáFlexibility.áWhen it comes to work boots, having a good fit is vital to how effectively the boots can protect your feet. A too-small pair will leave you with blisters and aching feet, while a too-large pair allow your feet to slip when you need solid traction on the job. A pair that is too wide or too narrow enters into the same hazards. Flexibility is something that often isn't considered, but is very important if you need to stretch, bend or otherwise move through a range of positions safely to get your job done, when a stiff boot may keep you from having full range of motion.

Safety Features - Toes, Tread Grip,áPuncture Resistance andáElectrical Resistance.áSafety features are also very important. Steel-, aluminum- or composite-toed boots help protect your feet from crushing or dropping injuries, keeping you moving. Tread grip helps keep you in place, preventing the primary accident that occurs in construction, slips and falls. Puncture resistance means there's a much lower chance that the nail hiding in the grass from the roofing job you've completed will go through your foot, while electrical resistance protects you from shocks when something goes wrong on the job site.

Construction - Sole Attachment and Weatherproofing.áThere are several ways soles can be attached, including gluing, which tends to be the lowest-quality and will fail fastest, Blake stitching which is durable, but requires a special machine to re-sole the boot, and Goodyear welt stitched, which is a durable classic that is easy to have repaired or re-soled. Weatherproofing ensures that your feet stay dry when the weather is wet, making you more comfortable and keeping your feet in better health.

Comfort - Support and Weight.áBoots that provide sufficient flexible support allow you to maintain a range of motion while protecting your joints from injury due to overextension. A boot with proper support helps protect you from rolling your ankles or otherwise injuring your feet and ankles. But at some point as you're adding options and features to your boots, you may realize that they're getting heavier. In construction, you do enough heavy lifting without adding heavy boots into the mix. If the boots seem excessively heavy, look for a better option if possible.

Options - Zippers, Laces and Insoles.áAs a law enforcement volunteer, I love that my duty boots zip up the side. I can completely customize the fit through the laces and then enjoy the convenience of just zipping them back off again at the end of a long day without having to fuss with the fit. Cheap laces can leave you hanging when you need to work, so make sure to get heavy-duty boot laces or latigo leather laces. If you have problems with flat feet, high arches or any other number of similar issues, make sure to get a pair of work boots with great insoles or the option to add separate insoles to your boots.

hbspt.cta.load(385819, '4794f09f-3d17-40c8-a9ee-65a31ef5ec8e', {});

There are a number of new buildings being constructed using cold form steel framing. These products are well known for offering all the structural stability that many teams need to complete projects on time. There are a few aspects that will set cold form steel framing apart from many other materials. Versatility and lightweight are a few reasons why cold form steel framing has been gaining ground for projects.

These materials are increasingly seeing a wide range of uses, which should draw in support from a few different sources. They are popular materials for use in large buildings and bridge designs. But they have also been used to construct storage racks and car bodies.

Benefits

• Versatile, can be formed in many ways
• Used in Large or Small Structures
• Lightweight
• Can be stored in many forms until they are needed

Transmission towers and poles have been used using this material as well. Consumers are increasingly looking to use this material to adapt to the some of the different types of options that they have. But they should plan to use it alongside other materials to improve the structural stability that may be in place.

Since modern techniques have diversified, there are a few different types of systems available to people. Most owners will appreciate the opportunity to use the highest grade cold form steel framing. It can be generated into bars, which are increasingly common for some structures.

Other structures can be pressed in to plates and set alongside other materials. Modern techniques have made it much easier for people to adjust to the way that these products are made over time. Builders should coordinate with their team to use these kinds of materials effectively as well.

Finally, the price point of these different types of materials are starting to decline as well. This has made it surprisingly simple to stock up on these products over time. Builders may want to find a way to store these materials in a few different types of settings. This is part of the appeal behind these projects, since the cold form steel can actually be put into storage until it is ready to be put in to place.

á hbspt.cta.load(385819, '8904bb7e-cc50-4c4c-99bb-a2340a3d098d', {});

1. Photo credit: kaz k / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

2. Photo credit: D H Wright / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

When it comes to the insulation industry's workhorses, fiberglass is a strong contender. Sometimes referred to as fiberglass wool, it's produced from many short fibers of glass drawn through tiny openings. It has superior sound and thermal insulating properties, making it ideal as an insulation product for homes and loud environments. Here's a quick look at some of the facets of fiberglass insulation.

Types of Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is available in blown-in form, batts and blankets. In the latter two forms, it's fairly fast to install between studs or posts, depending on the construction. It comes in a wide range of formulations, from unfaced batts that can be secured in place with a plastic sheathing to paper-faced batts with side tabs for stapling the batt securely in place with no further materials needed to keep it there. The blown-in form is much lighter in weight than cellulose and can be used in areas where blown-in cellulose would be too heavy, for example over a 1/2" drywall ceiling on 24" centers.

Though it does use high heat to form the glass fibers, it is also manufactured from up to 60% recycled glass. Because it is often manufactured regionally, it can quite often meet the requirements for regionally-sourced materials for LEED certification. It can be a bit itchy to handle due to the small size of the fibers, so make sure you wear long sleeves and gloves when handling it. Small amounts of the fiber can also become airborne, requiring a basic face mask to help prevent it from being inhaled.

How Fiberglass Insulation is Used

Fiberglass provides good to superior thermal insulation and superior acoustical insulation. Because of its light weight, it can be much easier for a homeowner to handle and install. In blown-in form, it reaches an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. Batts and blankets achieve a much higher R-value between 3.0 and 4.0, depending on the specifics of the manufacturing process.

Though the blown-in form is lower in R-value when compared to cellulose, its lighter weight allows you to insulate areas that may otherwise prove difficult to impossible. It works very well for a wide range of applications, which is why it's such a popular option for homeowners and contractors alike.

Other Facts About Fiberglass Insulation

In addition to its use in structures, fiberglass insulation shows up in submarine and ship bulkheads, as well as a wide range of commercial and industrial applications including lining auto body panels to reduce noise. To form such fine fibers, the glass must be maintained at 2,500░ F during the process of drawing the fiber. Unlike cellulose, fiberglass doesn't settle and lose some of its thermal properties. Phenol formaldehyde is a binder that has been used in fiberglass batts and blankets in the past that is being phased out of production due to potential cancer risks.