September 7th, 2021 by tisner
Modern shingles have been in use on homes for over 100 years, and it’s no wonder that they have become more or less a default for roofing choices. Shingles tend to be more budget-friendly than some other options such as metal roofing and tile, and they’re also available in a wide range of colors and styles. The main downside to shingles is that they can suffer wear over time or be damaged during inclement weather, necessitating repairs and occasional replacements. While you might not have to replace your shingles right away, the longer you put off these needed repairs then the more likely it is that your roof will develop some problems.
When the time comes to install a new shingle roof, you may find yourself facing kind of a big decision as you consider your options. If you aren’t sure what type of shingles to get, you’re not alone; many homeowners struggle with this same decision. Here are a few things to consider to make the decision easier and to help you find the perfect shingles for your home.
Choosing the Right Look
Obviously, there are a lot of color options available when it comes to shingles. This isn’t the only way that shingle manufacturers can customize the look of shingles, however. Different shingles may feature different shapes, creating a unique look that sets your home apart from other properties in your area. Granule shading can also play a big part in the look of shingles, creating an intentional emphasis on the cuts and overlaps of the shingles to really play up their 3D look. Some shingles may take this even farther, creating an alternating design of light and dark shingles that really makes your roof pop.
Depending on your budget, other shingle options may appeal to you as well. Some shingles are highly reflective, giving them a sheen while also helping to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Shingle patterns may also alter between larger and smaller tabs, creating a patterned effect on your roof that will really catch the eye. Other options may be available as well, allowing you to create a look that few other homes will be able to replicate.
Types of Shingles Available
In addition to a wide range of looks, there are also different types of shingles that offer their own unique benefits. These shingles may offer increased algae and mildew resistance, increased stain resistance, and even increased flexibility to make them more resilient against things like hail and other harsh storms. Shingles designed for use in high-wind zones are also available, significantly decreasing the likelihood of shingle damage during wind storms.
Other types of shingles may be available as well, helping you to both achieve a desired level of roof protection and creating some unique aesthetics. You can even choose from a few types of wooden shingles to complement your home’s aesthetic or so-called “solar shingles” that are made up of interlocking solar panels which provide roof coverage instead of a standard shingle roof. Depending on your unique needs, there may be other types of shingles available to you as well.
Getting Some Help
While installing shingles can be a DIY project, many homeowners choose to call in a pro to make sure that the shingles are installed correctly. If you’re considering bringing in a roofer anyway, feel free to ask for their recommendations if you’re unsure of what type of shingles you want or which shingle features would best benefit your home. These pros have plenty of experience and can help you find the shingles that are the best fit for your home.
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to finding the right roofing professional, consider HomeKeepr. Using the HomeKeepr app, you can connect with roofing pros in your area that will get the job done right. Creating an account is free, so sign up today to get started on the roofing renovation you require!
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 31st, 2021 by tisner
Air filters serve a wide range of purposes in your home. They remove dust and dander from the air, eliminate other allergens, keep some odors under control, and even reduce the wear and tear that your HVAC system experiences throughout the year. Depending on the filters you use, you may even be able to remove some viruses and bacteria from the air to keep the people in your house healthier. With all of the benefits that good air filters provide, the only real downside is that you have to replace them every few months to keep your home’s filtration system filtering at its best.
There are a few other options available when it comes to filter types, however. One air filter that’s increasingly popular with homeowners is the electrostatic filter, which not only provides excellent filtration but is also cleanable and reusable. If you’re not familiar with electrostatic filters or how they differ from the disposable filters that you’re used to, here’s the basics of what you need to know.
How Electrostatic Filters Work
Traditional air filters work by putting pleated material that’s made of a lot of material fibers in the way of air moving through your system, allowing the air itself to pass through but catching dust and other unwanted material on those fibers. It’s fairly effective, but if there aren’t any fibers in the way of any given particle then the particle will pass through without resistance. Electrostatic filters work differently, actually attracting those particles even if they would otherwise be able to pass through the filter unimpeded.
This attraction is caused by static electricity, which is the same thing that causes socks to stick to your clothes in the dryer and can make balloons stick to the wall if you rub them in your hair. These filters carry a slight static charge, allowing them to attract even microscopic particles that would normally be too small for a filter to stop. Particles passing through the filter become ionized, meaning that they pick up a charge themselves which causes them to have a natural attraction that pulls them toward a collecting layer in the filter. Once the particles are attracted to the filter, they become stuck, just like that proverbial sock or balloon.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One positive of traditional pleated filters is that they become more efficient as they build up more dust and other particles; because the stuff filtered out of the air clogs up holes that small particles could pass through in the filter, it becomes less likely that additional particles will pass through. Unfortunately, this isn’t an advantage that electrostatic filters share. As electrostatic filters attract dirt and other particles out of the air, the available attractive material becomes covered up and they actually become less efficient. The good news is that this can be taken care of simply by cleaning the filter.
Cleaning an electrostatic filter is a pretty straightforward process. After turning off the HVAC system and removing the filter, simply take it outdoors and spray it with a hose in the opposite direction that the air would normally flow. Keep rinsing until the water comes out clean, then allow the filter to air dry. Once it’s dried, simply reinstall the filter and it’s ready to start filtering fine particles out of the air again. Repeat this process once a month or whenever the filter appears dirty.
Should You Upgrade Your Home’s Filtration?
Though electrostatic filters cost more up front, the ability to clean them and the greater efficiency that they show when clean means that you can actually save money on filters in the long run. Making the switch is definitely worth considering, and might be worth discussing with an HVAC professional when you schedule a maintenance check before switching on the heat this winter. If you don’t have an HVAC check scheduled yet, HomeKeepr can help you find a pro to get the job done. Creating an account is free, so sign up today and get your HVAC inspection on the books.
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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By: Homekeepr, David Weinstein
Posted in Home Tips from Teri, Homes | No Comments »
August 24th, 2021 by tisner
Weekend family movie nights may or may not be a tradition for you and yours, but there is no better time to start one! The investment is certainly worth it, as you can have family or close friends over for an evening of outdoor fun without the extra work and clean-up of a cookout. Create your own “drive-in” theater using these tips:
- Supply list: outdoor extension cords, outdoor power strip, projector, movie source, speakers, screen, flat surface for the projector, seating, tables (optional items) outdoor lighting, insect repellent, and snacks
- For as little as $100, you can purchase an outdoor projector. Not in the budget? Check out a projector from your local library or find a local rental store that carries them. Make sure you have the correct cables and cord to connect to your movie source.
- While a Blu-ray player is the easiest player for your outdoor cinema, your smartphone or a tablet will work just fine. Check the Wi-Fi signal to make certain there will not be a lot of buffering during play. If the signal is not strong, use a Wi-Fi booster or download the movie to your device before showtime. A Bluetooth speaker is an inexpensive option if the projector does not have them built in.
- Your screen should be secured to a wall or fencing, or build a frame from which to hang a sheet, tablecloth, or painter’s drop cloth. Whatever method you choose, be sure your screen is smooth and braced against winds that may breeze up.
- Seating is important, and while some will be comfortable with a cushion or floor pillow while reclining on an old blanket, you will need chairs, and maybe even a few tables. Just make sure that items you use can get damp and/or dirty from being on the ground.
- Unless you ask others to bring their refreshments, ready-made snacks and drinks will be the most convenient and will keep you from being stuck at a table serving concessions. Have a “buffet” of pre-packaged goodies in baskets or on serving trays with drinks on ice.
- Consider showing your movie out front where neighbors can sit in family groups around the front yard or even on the sidewalk.
- Remember to keep an eye on the weather for a few days in advance so you do not risk ruining equipment with rain.
Talk with your neighbors about your plans, and if they are concerned about noise, promise to keep it down. It is especially useful for movie-goers to connect their phone’s Bluetooth to the sound, so the main speaker’s volume does not have to be turned up. Keep the screen out of the line of sight of your neighbor’s windows so the light will not disturb them if they turn in early. Outdoor movie nights should be fun, relaxing, and memorable for everyone!
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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Photo credit: The Garden Glove
Posted in Just for Fun | No Comments »
August 19th, 2021 by tisner
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 17th, 2021 by tisner
Garage doors work hard to protect your vehicles and other possessions from inclement weather, theft, and other issues. Despite this, a lot of garage doors are pretty boring. Many garage doors are made up of nothing more than single-color panels with no decoration at all. Others have basic windows, but that’s it. While decoration certainly isn’t essential to a garage door’s function, sprucing up the look of your garage door can make a big impact on the overall impression your house makes.
Fortunately, you don’t have to completely replace a garage door in order to spruce it up with some additional decoration. There are a number of decorative kits that you can add to your garage doors to completely revitalize their look. The kits are often low cost and easy to install, making them perfect for a DIY project over the weekend that will have a significant effect on the look of your home.
Decorative Kits
There are several options available when it comes to choosing garage door decorations. You can install handles and faux hinges, corner straps, knockers, latches, floor bolts, and more. If your garage door has windows, you can even install window grill coverings to help replicate the look of old carriage houses. You can even affix fake windows to the front of a windowless garage door, making it look like you have tinted or blacked out windows, with relatively little effort.
If you want to create an even more rustic look, imitation nail heads can be added which makes the garage door look like it was assembled using hand-forged nails. There are also a variety of other decorations including shapes and figures that customize the look of your garage door. All of these options exist to help ensure that the look of your garage door matches with your own personal preferences.
Kit Installation
Depending on the type of kit that you buy, there are a few different options for installing the decorative pieces. In the event of imitation nail heads, many of these come attached to small pins so that you can simply press the nail head into the garage door material where you wish it to go. Screw-mounted decorative hardware requires a bit more work, as you’ll need to drill holes in the garage door to start the screws before attaching the handles or other hardware. Once the pieces are attached, though, they’re pretty firmly in place on your garage door.
For those who don’t want to make permanent changes to the garage door, a lot of decorative kits are available in magnetic forms as well. While these only work on metal garage doors, the installation is much simpler as you only need to place the decorative bits where you want them to be, and the magnets will hold them in place with no additional work. While the magnets are generally strong enough to hold your decorations in place without issue during normal garage door function, it’s important to keep in mind that they won’t hold against the hardware being pulled on or otherwise forcefully moved.
Garage Door Revamp
In some cases, you may decide that you want to upgrade your garage door and add decorative pieces at the same time. If using screw-on additions, you can often get the garage door installer to add the pieces before mounting the new door. Magnetic or push-pin accents are easy to add after the new door is installed, and you can either get the installer to add these accents or do it yourself after the fact.
If you are getting a new garage door installed, it’s important to find an installer that you can trust. Fortunately, HomeKeepr can help you with this. Once you sign up for a HomeKeepr account you can connect with garage door installers and other pros in your area directly from the HomeKeepr app. Best of all, it’s free to sign up. Join today and you’ll be one step closer to the garage doors of your dreams.
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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By: Homekeepr, DAvid Weinstein
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 12th, 2021 by tisner
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
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Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 10th, 2021 by tisner
NOW is always a good time to do what you must to help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly, as well as saving money on your energy use. You want your unit in the best shape so you can stay cool!
- Before doing any maintenance on an outdoor unit, be sure to locate the power supply and turn it off or remove the supply pack.
-Use a gentle spray from your water hose to clear dirt and debris from the condenser fins to help airflow and improve performance.
-Check the drain tube on the unit and clear anything that could keep condensation from flowing freely and away from your house. Use a small piece of wire or very small bottle brush to clear out any gunk that has built up on the inside.
- Sometimes homeowners will hide their unit with shrubbery or other plants. Air needs to flow unobstructed around the unit, so if anything is growing too close, it should be trimmed to a distance of two feet away.
- Changing the intake filter monthly may not be necessary, but checking it is. If it is noticeably dirty, replace it. What if you do not have an extra on hand? Give it a quick clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum and get a new filter as soon as possible.
- While it might sound sensible to close the doors and vents of unused rooms, it is not. Airflow is important inside, so keeping interior doors and vents slightly opened is better than closing them tight.
- On that note, if your nest is getting empty, you could consider replacing the central unit with ductless air conditioning.
- When your home has ceiling fans, use them! Make sure the fans are turning in a counter-clockwise direction so that it gives a wind chill effect, but turn them off when you’re not in the room to save energy.
When you need to replace your unit, do some research to decide what type of system will fit your needs and be sure the contractor you hire is installing the correct size unit for your home–even a unit that is too large can cause problems. Just remember that keeping it clean and helping air flow freely are the two most important things for an air conditioning system.
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Photo credit: Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 5th, 2021 by tisner
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in Financing, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 3rd, 2021 by tisner
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, as problems with your roof can end up causing damage to a variety of other parts of your home. While most people are familiar with shingle roofs when it comes to home roofing options, there are actually a few different roof types available. One that is gaining a significant amount of popularity in recent years is metal roofing, due in part to its extreme durability and resistance to environmental factors that can damage traditional shingles.
Once upon a time, metal roofing was largely made up of flat panels which seemed more at home on businesses or other non-residential structures. The material has come a long way since then, however. Modern metal roofing often mimics the look of shingles or tile roofs, adding a unique beauty to your home while also conveying a number of advantages over other materials.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
There are several benefits to choosing a metal roof. While the full list of advantages will differ depending on the type of metal roof you choose and where you live, here are some of the most common ones:
- Longevity: Traditional asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years on average, though some may last up to 20 years or more under ideal conditions. Metal roofs, on the other hand, have a life expectancy closer to 70 years.
- Customizability: When choosing shingles, you’re limited by the color options and layouts that are available at the time of purchase. Metal roofs are often paintable to give you a wider range of options.
- Fire Resistance: Unlike shingles, metal roofs will not ignite in the event of fire or lightning strikes. And contrary to myths, they do not attract lighting to your home.
- Energy Efficiency: Because metal roofs reflect UV rays, they tend to stay cooler than other roofing materials during the heat of summer. This can result in less radiant heat buildup, which in turn will reduce your home cooling costs.
Metal roofs also typically contain a significant amount of post-consumer recycled material and can themselves be recycled instead of scrapped once they are replaced. This is a great benefit for those who want to have more control over their environmental impact.
Installing a Metal Roof
When it comes to installing a metal roof, things are a bit more complicated than they are for traditional shingle roofs. The additional work required is worth it, though, as it helps to ensure a leak-free roof that will last for decades.
Most of the time, the existing roof is stripped off completely and the underlying sheathing and flashing are inspected and replaced as needed. Additional plywood or similar materials may also be installed if necessary to provide a firm backing for the metal roof. A waterproofing underlayment is also added to the entire roof deck, along with slip sheets that go between the underlayment and the metal itself so that the metal will be able to move slightly as it expands and contracts.
The roof itself is installed in panels, with polyurethane sealants used to adhere to the metal and allow for movement and expansion as the weather changes. The edges of panels are crimped together to ensure a leak-free fit, providing seams that blend in naturally with the pattern of the roof. Chimneys and other edges are sealed around, and the eaves are capped to prevent water from getting behind the panels at the edges.
Professional Installation
Installing a metal roof can be a big job, and in order to get the most out of your roof it’s important that it’s done right. This is why many people choose to have metal roofs professionally installed, trusting in the skill and experience of roofers who know what they’re doing and have worked with the materials before. HomeKeepr can help you find the perfect roofer for your metal roof install, so sign up for a free account today to get started.
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
By: Homekeepr, David Weinstein
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
July 29th, 2021 by tisner
Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
