Tips and technology to make your chores easier (BPT) – Most of us have chores we would do almost anything to avoid. The good news is, advanced technology and new products have focused attention on making housework easier - or taking it completely out of our hands. Did you know you can leave many chores to technology, or use new products that make them easier? Here are some examples:
Floor cleaning Everyone’s seen robot vacuum cleaners, which help keep your floor free of dust and debris without you having to lift a finger. The latest technology uses Wi-Fi to control your robot vacuum, making the job even easier. You can also find robotic mops to clean your non-carpeted floors without you. Window cleaning If you “don’t do windows,” you’ll be happy to hear that the next step up from robot vacuums is of course robotic window cleaners. While some models currently on the market appear to be easier to use and more effective than others, this technology will likely be perfected in years to come.
Pet care The unpleasant task of cleaning up cat messes has inspired a few different types of self-cleaning litter boxes, some of which have a pretty high price point. It may be worth it, however, if you’re a cat owner and this is your least favorite chore. Automated pet feed-
ers are also available, to make sure your cat or dog gets fed when you can’t be home at their regular feeding time. Some users have reported issues with pet food clogging these products, but that may depend on the type of pet food you’re using.
Cleaning the bathroom In a recent study by Kohler, 42% of consumers admitted that toilet cleaning is one of their most disliked chores. While there may be no
such thing as an entirely self-cleaning toilet, Kohler has just developed the next best thing - the innovative Betello toilet, with advanced technology to help keep the toilet bowl clean. Kohler’s Revolution 360 flushing technology powered by AquaPiston cleans two times better than a conventional flush. Water flows out of the tank at 360 degrees, increasing the power and effectiveness of the flush to keep the toilet much cleaner. The bowl also uses CleanCoat surface technology,
made from an ultra-thin protective layer that repels water and dirt, minimizes debris and prevents bacteria, mildew and hard water mineral deposits from forming. For an even cleaner toilet, the Betello also offers a model with ContinuousClean technology, a system in the toilet tank that dispenses a consistent dosage of cleaner during each flush.
Taking out the trash Dealing with trash and recycling just got easier with a Kohler dual-compartment step trash can that provides a single solution for refuse and recyclables. The can’s fingerprint-proof finish keeps the exterior
clean longer, and the proprietary Quiet-Close lid reduces noise. Inside, two 5.5-gallon removable buckets help make taking out the trash easy and mess-free.
Yardwork If lawn care is your least favorite chore, a few robotic lawn mowers are available on the market that use smart technology to make your yardwork much quicker and easier. With all of the household chores that everyone needs to tackle daily, it’s good to know about the latest products and technology that take some of the stress and mess out of housework.
The homeowner’s guide to reading your roof - what’s normal and what’s not not considered a defect. It is natural for asphalt to age and shrink with time, which may result in a slight curling of the shingle edge. Minor cracks may also appear on the shingles as they age, but industry experts say it is a normal weathering characteristic and not cause for alarm, as long as the cracks do not penetrate through the shingle and the roof is still performing the intended purpose of shedding water. “Minor cracks may not be noticeable from the ground, but people often spot them while hanging their Christmas lights,” said roofing industry expert Rick “the Roofer” Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as a traveling trainer for shingle manufacturer TAMKO Building ProdWhat is normal? ucts. “The intense heat It’s natural for a roof from the sun can deplete to age, and the process begins as soon as shingles some of the protective asphalt oils, and that can are exposed to nature. The sun can raise rooftop cause minor cracks.” Dark brown or black temperatures as high as 50-70 degrees above the streaks down the roof are ambient air temperature. common in particularly Ultraviolet radiation from moist or humid areas of the sun and heat have the country, and are the been shown to accelerresult of algae growth on ate roof aging, as have the shingles. While not pollution, hail, snow, ice, particularly attractive, falling tree limbs and peo- these stains should not ple walking on a roof. affect the shingles’ ability Here are a few to shed water. common signs of aging Some granule loss shingles: on the shingles is to be Curling is a comexpected, especially if a mon phenomenon in roof has been recently some shingles and is repaired or replaced, since extra granules are a part of the shingle manufacturing process. Loose granules are usually noticed collecting in roof gutters after the shingles are installed. This type of granule shedding is common and not a cause for concern. (BPT) – Four out of five homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingles on their roof. And it’s easy to see why. The wide variety of available colors and styles, combined with durability and affordability, has made asphalt shingles the leading choice for residential roofing in the country. But, like all exterior building products, asphalt shingles start to age as soon as they are exposed to nature. Buildings experience aging factors differently, so it’s difficult to predict how long shingles will last. With storm chasers and insurance adjusters claiming roof damage or defective shingles after major weather events, it’s important for homeowners to arm themselves with information about what type of roof aging is normal, and most importantly, what type is not.
What is cause for concern? While minor curling, surface cracking, closed blisters, algae stains and some granule loss can all be signs of normal roof aging, some more serious roof wear and aging could be indicative of a potential problem, and should be examined and monitored. These roof issues may need attention: Blisters, or small circular raised areas, are often the direct result of under-ventilated attics or excessive use of plastic cement - both of which are installation errors. If the blisters are closed and are not affecting the shingles’ performance, they are not a cause for concern. But if the blisters are open, exposing the asphalt, the roof is vulnerable to water penetration and requires immediate attention. Buckling, a distortion of the shingles, can be a possible sign of inadequate roof ventilation, issues with the roof deck or other installation errors and may require attention. Deep cracks that penetrate through the fiberglass mat should be investigated, as they may compromise the roof’s ability to shed water and make it susceptible to leaks. Excessive granule loss that exposes the shingles’ asphalt layer is a reason for concern and requires immediate attention. Armed with this basic information, homeowners should be able to distinguish between natural processes that are no cause for alarm and issues that do require attention and repair. Visit www.tamko.com for more information about roofing repair and replacement.