Category Archives: Construction

The Concept of Passive House: An Interview with Toyin-Ann Yerifor

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Green building concepts have come a long way. As architects, designers, and builders gain access to better tools that help push the limits of construction energy efficiency; we see longer strides made towards more mainstream adoption of green building standards. One such standard that is coming of age is passive houses. The concept of passive houses was first mooted in the early eighties when the idea of green homes was still in its infancy. Today, the concept is well entrenched with over 25,000 houses and buildings across the world qualifying as passive houses.

We recently caught up with Toyin-Ann Yerifor, an architectural consultant focused on exploring new and innovative ways to design with reduced impact on the environment to explain what passive houses are and their benefits. She holds an MSc in Architecture (AEES) from the University of East London, an MBA from the University of Northampton and an MSc in Computer Science and Engineering from the Université Grenoble Alpes.

What is a Passive House?

First, what is a passive house? Toyin-Ann explains: A passive house is any building that adheres to rigorous energy efficiency standards. The term passive comes from the fact that the building’s energy efficiency comes from its passive structures, which include the roof, walls, windows, doors, and floor. By radically improving the building’s insulation and energy conservation features, it is possible to reduce its heating requirements by up to ninety percent. As such, passive housing as a standard is focused on helping reduce the energy requirements of buildings through insulation, and by extension, their overall energy footprint.

When you reduce a building’s energy footprint, says Toyin-Ann, several benefits accrue, including environmental, health, and cost efficiency benefits.

Environmental Benefits of Passive Houses

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “energy efficiency is the first fuel of a sustainable global energy system. It can mitigate climate change, improve energy security, and grow economies while delivering environmental and social benefits.” Passive houses deliver on this mandate superbly, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor.

One of the biggest challenges traditional buildings face is energy loss. When a building easily loses energy in the form of heat, it takes burning more fuel to heat the building. When this happens, overall energy consumption goes up, which is bad for the environment because a major portion of heat generation comes from burning fossil fuels. When buildings are radically energy efficient, on the other hand, less energy is required, and so fewer fossil fuels need to be burned.

While this is the macro view of the environmental benefits of passive houses, are there any micro benefits of investing in this technology? Here are two, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor. First, think of the air quality that comes with less energy consumption. In homes that rely on furnaces, doing away with the furnace improves the air quality in and around the home significantly.

Second, sound pollution is eliminated if you no longer need to use a furnace, HVAC units around the home, or any other heat generation and management devices. Essentially, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor, passive houses reduce the need to burden the environment. Through radical energy efficiency and self-sufficiency, passive house buildings become a part of the environment and not just an addition to it.

Health and Comfort Benefits

When most people hear about passive houses, they imagine living in a sealed paper bag. That thought can be quite disheartening because issues of quality of air, air adequacy, and comfort come to mind. Although the idea behind passive houses is energy efficiency through a tightly sealed envelope (building), this does not mean health and comfort are compromised. Take air quality, for instance. Most people consider opening a window the best way to guarantee air quality in a room. Now, passive houses rely on closed windows to ensure no heat escapes, which presents a dilemma. Passive houses address this dilemma well, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor.

Although you can open a window in a passive house, even if you do not, the heat recovery ventilation system ensures there is enough quality air circulating the house. Regarding comfort, passive houses maintain a comfortable temperature regulated by the passive heat sources in the house like appliances, body heat, and lighting. Also, they tend not to have cold spots or hot spots, which is often the case with traditionally heated homes. Through rigorous design standards afforded by tools such as the Passive House Planning Package, homes built on the passive house standard adhere to comfort standards as rigorous as the energy efficiency standards stipulated.

Cost Efficiency Benefits

Cost efficiency is at the heart of the passive house concept. When a building is exceptionally well insulated, it can use as little as 10 percent of its regular heating energy requirements. This, of course, also significantly reduces the costs associated with heating the building. So, how does the passive house concept achieve such a radical reduction in energy needs? The answer is insulation, says Toyin-Ann Yerifor. Passive houses rely on extensive insulation to gain this level of energy efficiency. Why is insulation so effective?

Traditional buildings lose a lot of heat through the roof, walls, floor, doors, and, most of all, windows. With a passive house, each of these structures is carefully designed and built to ensure close to zero loss of heat. When you look at the thermal scan of a passive house next to a traditional house, you’ll notice the passive house is almost entirely blue, meaning there’s close to no energy loss. The other building is close to all red, meaning it is losing a lot of energy. This level of energy conservation and efficiency is what leads to the massive energy savings that make passive houses so cost-efficient.

Passive houses are a concept that is yet to hit mainstream construction. However, this does not mean it is impractical to build passive houses. What it does point to is the need for better awareness of the concept. Toyin-Ann Yerifor recommends anyone interested in the concept to visit a passive house showcase home to experience its benefits firsthand. She says this is the only way to understand and internalize this breakthrough energy efficiency concept.

The Three Most Important Benefits You Didn’t Know about Precast Concrete for Your Project

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For many construction and building projects, concrete is already a standard. But concrete panels made from pre-formed moulds, or precast concrete, have also become a more common sight across a good number of building projects, including entire buildings and structures, walls, and more. If you are involved in a building or construction project and are looking for the best material and component you could use, precast concrete may well be your best option.

Precast concrete comes with the best strength and durability, and it is also a flexible and versatile component you can utilise for many different purposes. But along with all this, it comes with a few other advantages you may not even know about.

So what are these advantages? Here are the three most important benefits you didn’t know about precast concrete for your project:

benefits of precast concrete

1. Immense capabilities for load-bearing

Precast concrete panelling is made of concrete with the highest possible strength, and this is combined with steel strands that are also pre-stressed. It is a standard for many precast concrete panels or walls to have a strength of around 7000 PSI. What this means is that it won’t be a problem for you to apply a load or weight in excess of a hundred thousand pounds to your precast concrete panels.

If you are planning to build a structure made of steel, for instance, you will have to set up perimeter columns and beams, and then you can place a ‘skin’ made of steel against the columns and beams. The steel columns and beams will need to support the enclosure panelling. But if you utilise a precast concrete system, you’ll no longer need to have the perimeter columns and beams, as you can tip the panels up and then just attach the steel elements onto the precast concrete panels.

This also means more savings because you don’t have to spend too much of your budget on buying steel. It’s the same if you construct a precast king post wall as well – it is designed to act as an effective retaining wall that can retain soil and water and protect a road or property most effectively.

2. High Wind Resistance

Furthermore, precast concrete is made to withstand the elements and has high wind resistance and can resist winds with speeds of up to 400 kilometres an hour, and the panels can handle storms and projectiles without damage.

3. Sound and fire ratings

You may already be aware that concrete has proven to be an effective fire barrier because it doesn’t conduct heat that easily. A precast concrete panel or wall can provide a fire rating of between two to four, and walls can remain intact when there is a chemical fire.

In fact, many warehouses make use of precast walls and panels so they can act as dividers, protecting goods and personnel from areas that are prone to fire. The greater the delay of the spread of fire, the higher the chance to save people and get them out without any incident.

Building and constructing a structure, wall, or other critical components can be a huge endeavour, and it entails a big investment as well. But if you want your project to go smoothly and benefit from one of the most effective components and materials, precast concrete is your best choice.

The Eco Revolution in Property Investment

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Many of us are now making more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious decisions every day. Whether it’s taking our own carrier bags to the shops, having a reusable water bottle or recycling your tin cans – little changes are making a big impact. When it comes to property, the eco revolution has increasingly been making waves. From solar panels to energy efficient light bulbs, our properties are becoming better for the planet. These eco-friendly priorities are also affecting real estate investment, with an increasing number of tenants looking for eco-friendly properties.

Eco-friendly homes are becoming increasingly popular with a new environmentally conscious generation starting to look for rental properties. Young professionals who are living in the city are less likely to buy a home than ever before, so are looking for a rental property that meets their exacting requirements. With many of them choosing to make environmentally friendly choices, like going plastic free or cutting down on how much meat they eat, accordingly they are looking for eco-friendly homes too.

Environmental impact is increasingly on the agenda of consumers in every aspect of their lives. Many are also willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly purchases. Research has shown that UK consumers would pay an average 10% more if they were buying something they thought had a positive impact on society. Property investors would be wise to bear this in mind when looking for new property investments. In an increasingly competitive rental market, the ability to raise prices because of eco credentials is a lucrative option for investors.

Furthermore, 40% of consumers think that sustainability is important when they are making a purchase. The impact of this can be seen in the growing number of brands and businesses that are making their environmental commitments obvious to consumers. It is clear that savvy property investors can be both environmentally friendly and business smart when looking to purchase new properties.

In another study, 80% of tenants believed that their landlords should be considering the environment more, and suggested measures like double-glazing, insulation and eco-modifications. These simple measures can make a large impact on the appeal of a property to prospective tenants. Increasing energy prices are another concern for occupants.

In addition, 55% of renters asked said they would prefer a rental property with a smart meter if it was the same price. Energy efficient measures are both good for tenant’s monthly costs and for the environment so buy to let property investors can be at an advantage if their property offers these.

As of April 2018, buy to let landlords are legally required to have an EPC rating of E or above in their properties. This means that property investors are increasingly looking at new build properties which are already energy efficient and don’t require costly renovations. Tenants can also legally request that a landlord makes property improvements if the EPC rating is F or G.

Developers are increasingly taking sustainability and environmental impact into consideration when building new properties. Properties with energy efficient specifications, like many by RW Invest are providing investors with lucrative returns and high tenant demand. Recent changes to regulation mean that new build properties need to be energy efficient and this is making a huge impact on the buy to let market.

The trend towards environmentally conscious properties looks set to continue, with eco-friendly qualities high on the agenda of both potential tenants and investors.

4 Things to Consider For Your Roofing Project

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Getting a new roof can sometimes be a very exciting experience. Your pets and kids can watch what’s going on in awe as they look at the professionals ripping, hauling, tearing and nailing things. They might just even be tempted to once in a while get as close as to the action as they possibly can. However, that’s, of course, extremely dangerous and you should keep careful watch over your children when all this is going on. Anyway, there a lot of things you need to think about before taking on a roofing project. Below are a few of them.

1. Go top shelf

If you don’t want to have roofing as something you need to think about again for a very long while, as well as give your place a few additional selling points when it comes time to move then you might want to consider going for high-quality products.

Selecting the right choice of roofing for your building involves picking the right roofing and guttering products. Things like copper flashing should be what’s running through your mind. If you didn’t know, well, it happens to be the most durable metal material used for sealing those joints where a wall meets the roof or a roof meets another roof.

2. Communication is the Key

Lack of proper communication is what makes most projects fail. This is exactly why you need to always make sure that you’re communicating enough with the contractor you’ve chosen to go with.

If the contractor you’ve chosen is not the type that follows up with you during the project unless you specifically ask them to, then you might want to seriously think again and get one that truly cares about being responsible. Good quality contractors are the ones that keep you updated every step of the way.

3. Shop around

Some roofing professionals don’t really care much when it comes to customer satisfaction because replacing roofs is often like a once-in-a-decade job or so. This means that they rarely rely on repeat business to keep them going, much less profitable.

Furthermore, most homeowners normally pick their roofers based on price, and a lot of these roofing contractors employ low-wage laborers ensure the lowest possible bids are what they deliver. All in all, be very careful with whom you decide to go with. Get yourself some trusted references from family, friends and neighbors and also check different manufacturers’ websites for certified installer lists.

4. Play close attention to all the paperwork

Quick jobs like these, which usually takes around two to five days to complete, depending on the roof’s size and style, involve tremendous amounts of money as well as liability. Ensure you understand all the essential documents required for this process to be successfully accomplished. One of the said documents includes the building permit which many towns require if you want to undertake a roofing project.

Taking these steps before you undertake a roofing project can help you protect yourself and your finances.  According to the Crockett Law Group, if something goes wrong with your roofing job, you want to make sure you know who’s liable for your injuries or the other person’s injuries.

Getting an Orange County personal injury lawyer could be your next step if something goes wrong, so be sure you’re prepared for anything.

Bonus tip: Make sure you check with your insurance company before you undertake any projects to make sure you remain compliant with their terms. If you have any issues, we highly recommend visiting Consumer Insurance Report to get free insurance quotes.

Bottom Line

Your roof is arguably your house’s most important component. Without it can a house really be a house? After all, it’s what keeps the water out of the building during the rain. Even though no one really likes having to replace their roof, the aesthetic and critical function it serves is undeniable and can help reduce the pain you feel when having to spend all that money.

The 5 Environmental Issues That Construction Firms Must Address

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For the last couple of years, it seems like barely a week has gone by without an alarming sign of climate change. There have been extreme weather events, as well as unexpected wintry conditions in California and the record-breaking heatwave that we saw here in the United Kingdom last summer. The government has made pledges that it will take the issue seriously, but there has been a lot of scepticism from leading figures about how much that will actually amount to. It is very clear that businesses and individuals must also step up and take responsibility.

When it comes to construction, there are a lot of different areas that require focus. So much of the conversation around the construction and property industries over the last couple of years has focused on other issues which, while admittedly important, do not factor in the long-term environmental concerns. For example, there was a huge amount written about the shortages in construction supplies, and the shortage of skilled workers in that industry. Meanwhile, the property market ballooned during the pandemic years and has since come crashing back to earth. As we look forward to the rest of the year, and the years beyond, here are the major environmental issues that construction firms must address when they are working.

environmental impact of construction projects

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution has been pushed to the forefront in recent months. For example, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has made cleaner air a huge part of his mission. It is important to remember that during the construction process, there are a lot of opportunities for exhaust fumes and other noxious vapours to be emitted for extended periods.

Construction firms must be aware of the air pollution that they are causing and look for ways that they can either mitigate it or rule it out entirely. A simple example of how they can cut down on exhaust created is to use electric vans and other vehicles where possible for transporting materials to the work site.

2. Non-Recycled And Non-Recyclable Materials

This is an area that every business needs to focus on, regardless of sector, but it can be particularly relevant here. People who are looking to build their properties from scratch may insist on using entirely new materials, but there is no need for such a definitive approach. Take something as simple as a wooden deck, for example. Recycled materials are just as hardy, just as effective, and just as easy to style.

It is the responsibility of the contractors to offer a range of materials to their clients and to recommend the use of recycled materials where they can. This will massively cut down on the amount of waste that the construction industry generates. It is also important to think about using recyclable materials.

construction-waste

So much waste from construction projects ends up in landfills. It is vital that the industry as a whole considers this issue and tries to avoid using everything from single-use plastics to non-biodegradable materials.

3. Impact On The Local Wildlife

Every time a construction project gets underway, the local wildlife will be affected. There is such a huge number of different elements and species at play that the idea that a project could be completely free of this issue is a hard one to believe. However, with the right preparation, surveys and consideration, the impact can be kept to a minimum. The specifics will vary from project to project depending on the location and the type of wildlife that lives in the area. For example, a project taking place near water will have to consider everything from fish and frogs to the animals that use the area.

One of the most important species that anyone thinking of renovating or demolishing a building will need to consider is bats. Bats are a protected species in the UK, and they often make their nests in roofs, lofts, and barns. They are also often found in trees, and a bat survey must be conducted to ensure that you are not damaging their habitat.

The first step is to take a preliminary roost assessment. If a roost is found, then you will need further surveys about the best way forward. For more information about bat surveys and a range of other wildlife surveys, talk to the team at Arbtech. They can help you to get surveys done quickly and efficiently and advise on how your project can proceed.

4. Noise Pollution

This point may seem a little less grave than some of the others that have been discussed already, but it is a major factor not just to the local people, but to the local wildlife. Sustained noise pollution can be a serious problem, which is why it is advised that construction companies check with the local council before they begin a project. It may be that work must be restricted to certain times of day, or it may be that the project needs to be moved entirely.

methods for stabilizing soil for construction

5. Using Methods That Cause Erosion And Contamination

As unfortunate as it may be, there are still a lot of ways that construction companies can damage the local environment through carelessness. For example, it is possible for the soil surrounding the worksite to become eroded thanks to the coming and going of heavy vehicles and heavy equipment, not to mention the ongoing disruption of the construction work itself. Soil and water contamination is also a major risk on a lot of projects and requires constant vigilance from the people working on the site to ensure that it is not happening.

One of the main factors that contribute to these harmful scenarios is businesses not investing in newer techniques and new equipment which are less likely to have a negative impact. Given how tough the market has been, it is understandable that spending a lot of money is the last thing any firm wants to commit to. However, the environmental impact of any construction project must be going to be kept to a minimum.

Sustainable Waste Management in the Construction Industry

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Construction business is booming worldwide driven by population growth, urbanization and increased need for dwellings, business sites and commercial spaces with volume output expected to grow by 85% to $15.5 trillion by 2030. Unfortunately, it also means that there is a serious challenge to implement sustainable waste management in the construction industry.

It is not only the duty of waste management contractors and companies to ensure sustainable collection and management of construction wastes responsibly but also individuals who are doing their own DIY projects at home. Without a concerted effort to collect, recycle and dispose waste properly, there is real danger to the environment that will eventually spill over to people, vegetation, and wildlife.

Role of education and behavior change

On a global scale, over half of the world’s population have no access to a steady collection of trash. Illegal dumpsites hold over 40% of the world’s waste. It’s not only the lack of facilities but also inadequate information that is contributing to waste-related pollution all over the world.

Sustainable waste collection begins by educating people about reducing, reusing and recycling efforts or the 3R approach. From education and information campaigns to changes in behavior and attitudes, when people know and are aware of the benefits of reducing, segregating, collection, reusing and recycling, they become a collective and conscious effort.

Right materials and equipment

The availability of skips, bins, collection containers, and recycling centers also has a great influence on how much a person and their communities recycle and reuse or dispose of construction waste properly. For people who are able to hire a 20 yard dumpster in West Chester, Lancaster, Norrington, Reading or any other town in the world, it is easier and convenient to remove construction and renovation waste knowing that the company will dispose of it properly by bringing it to approved landfills.

What is also important is for clients, contractors and recycling specialists to put their heads together to minimize construction waste according to Oyenuga and Bhamidimarri.

General awareness to reduce dumping is increasing as about 35% of construction and demolition waste (CDW) goes to landfills. Construction rubbish can contain lots of toxic materials such as lead, asbestos, and other dangerous substances that can find their way into the soil, groundwater, and the air that we breathe.

The construction industry has also recognized that reusing components and materials in making or erecting structures is sustainable and saves money. Most of the parts of construction consist of wood, sticks, steel, and concrete. Rubble can be compacted and reused. Demolition is carefully considered if renovation can be carried out.

The Way Forward

Waste generated from construction sites need not be a nuisance to the environment. With the right education to increase awareness to reduce/recycle/reuse, provision of collection and recycling points and the newer and better techniques to reuse construction materials, sustainable management of construction waste can become a reality.

Biotechnology in Architecture: Building Homes that are Alive

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For many centuries, architects have continued to amaze the world as they continue to design more complex buildings thanks to fast advancing technological development. Architecture and nature have been closely related to building design reflecting a certain part of nature or being inspired by nature.

Recently, biotechnology architecture has begun taking root with structures that intertwine with nature being designed and thereby creating harmony and favoring natural equilibrium. What has for many years be seen as stories only achievable in fantasy and sci-fi books is now a reality.

Nature contributes a lot to building materials

From traditional homes, complex modern squares to places to spend holidays, you will find natural material in every square inch of any building. Cement is mined from limestone, metal ore is processed to produce metal, trees are cut for wood, and so on.

green home on a mountain slope

Without natural material, it would be impossible to build any lasting structures. One thing will always remain as truth and it is the fact that all houses are built in collaboration with nature.

From books to reality

The Hobbit was written in 1937 by J.R.R Tolkein. The fantasy novel was awarded by New York Tribune as the best novel for children. Hobbits lived in houses that looked like holes in the mountains. The fantasy book inspired the writing of Lord of the Rings, followed by Hobbit movies, cartoon characters, and games.

Architecture lovers inspired by the fantasy novel have to date put some greatly striking house projects around the world. Some of the projects are Woodland Home – West Wales, Hobbit Hotels – New Zealand, and the Dune House, USA.

Another important novel is Hyperion, a Novel by Dan Simmons, published in 1989. He describes a creature named Shrike that is worshipped by some, some want to destroy it and some fear it. Yggdrasill, which connects the seven worlds, inspired some architects to designed Yggdrasill homes, bringing them to reality.

The Veldt by Ray Bradbury has a lot of lessons that college students can learn and turn into practical lessons. The themes presented in The Veldt college essay samples on EduZaurus provide an even greater way to better learn the lessons contained in this book.

There many more books and essay examples that contain lessons about the future and students can study them and write wonderful essays. Even after referring to the essay examples and books, a student can seek help from a writing service if they want more quality work.

Importance of biotechnology architecture

For many years. Biotechnology has been applied to improve plant species for better production. The technology later advanced to include animal species where cross-breeding was first adopted before technology advanced to the use of genetics.

Today, biotechnology is used to develop better products, fight diseases, reduce harm to the environment, produce cleaner energy and promote safer manufacturing processes. Biotechnology architecture relies on information instead of form. Its recommendations are not based on the structure of a building but its behavior.

Living homes

Using biotechnology in architecture, bio architects envision future homes as homes that are alive. When biology and engineering are brought together, building structures that are part of nature can become a reality. Recent technology has discovered mycelium, a fungus that can grow fast and create material with important structural performance.

use of biotech in architecture

Veldt – a good example of a jungle room

In his book titled The Veldt, Ray Bradbury describes a scenario where some children created a fully automated house. They are living a leisure life and then Peter and Wendy create a nursery, which is a virtual reality room. Interestingly, the room can create any environment-friendly living for the children to live in. The house performs all chores like cooking, laundry, brushing their teeth. Soon, the parents and children realize the nursery is too real.

The sci-fi book is currently 70 years old but its stories continue to live. The fictional stories of a happy life home are today’s real stories. Inspired by the Veldt story, Krista Kim created the first NFT digital house and offered it for sale. Although it’s virtual, the house opened a new door for green homes realty. More real green homes are the Hobbit Holes in New Zealand that have been turned into hotels.

Advantages to future generations

A green home will save future generations from pollution, environmental destruction, and unhealthy lives. Green homes will be able to produce their own energy to power them, heal themselves and provide a healthy environment to live in.

In his book, Ray Bradbury envisioned a future generation that would create a living corner of wildlife in the house. Back in his time in this book, Ray Bradbury raised the question that against the background of developing technologies, a person should be closer to nature and not live in a “concrete jungle” and that a person will try to be closer to nature.

Therefore, the topic of biotechnology will always be relevant. Even when a person colonizes distant planets and flies off the earth in a spaceship, he will still need nature to survive and maintain inner harmony.

Conclusion

Bioscientists and architects look forward to future green cities whose reality must start today. The once fantasy and sci-fi books have today inspired technology-driven green buildings. The hobbit holes hotels in New Zealand are real testimony that it is possible to bring the future to today and build green homes around the world. It calls for commitment from architects, bioscientists, and governments to bring this vision to reality.

How Cities Manage Their Road Maintenance

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Cities can only run smoothly if all of the parts that build them up are working together.  The road maintenance part of the municipality has the difficult job of keeping roads safe and functional, even if crashes or accidents have occurred.  Here are the four things every city must do to ensure all of the residents are safe and the roads are open for use.

road maintenance in cities

Clear Problem Reporting Services

It’s vital that if a giant pothole or a bridge is damaged, the city can be notified as soon as possible.  A general hotline for the area is helpful, but so is a website to report issues and request area maintenance.  The residents in the area pay to live in a safe and well-maintained area through their taxes.  You must show that you’ve heard them.

An essential part of any road maintenance system is that it’s responsive and gets the information across clearly and promptly.  Poor road maintenance can lead to car crashes, accidents, and injuries.

Repair of All Sudden Damage

Sudden damage, like a vehicle cracking the foundation of a bridge, a road that’s damaged, or trees that have fallen onto a major street, is all things that have to be repaired quickly.  Well-run municipalities will quickly assign workers, find a fix that will work, and will set to the job of putting that plan into action.  Although it’s not easy work to do, the faster the plan is put into action, the fewer people and pieces of property will get injured.

Some repairs do take longer, but this must be well planned out and executed.

Annual Road Infrastructure Maintenance

Roads deteriorate and age with time.  Municipalities must work to create roadways that stay safe as possible for as long as possible.  This plan could mean refinishing pavement that’s older, filling in potholes, widening car lanes, and putting down fresh guideline paint. Urban planners should also take into account the cost of full depth reclamation.

In most cities, this construction runs from May through October, but in some warmer states, it can run year-round.  This type of work is especially vital for constantly hit areas with natural disasters, storms, earthquakes, or fires.  If a roadway is poorly maintained in the middle of an emergency, it can cost lives.

Clarity With Residents

If there are going to be delays in certain areas for a few weeks, or if the city is looking at repairs that may inconvenience residents: it’s essential that this information is put out there.  People get angrier if they feel like they’re being lied to or tricked than they would if the correct information was given to them in the first place.

Make it clear when and where repairs will happen to show that the municipality is taking it seriously, and residents can plan around the delays and traffic issues.

No two municipalities are the same, but these steps will help ensure that most small towns can have a lower accident and injury rate.

How to Choose Weather-Resistant Siding for Your Home?

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There used to be only a couple of options available to cover the exterior of your home. Nowadays, new products are hitting the market with fervor. The problem is that with added options come both advantages and disadvantages. It is no longer just a question of wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding. Now you have better and longer-lasting materials to choose from, but the cost of siding can vary significantly, and it can become overwhelming to choose a material based on budget, weather conditions and aesthetic desire.

weather-siding

The biggest problem with exterior siding, especially in warm or humid regions, is going to be its weather resilience. Water build-up is going to be one of your biggest enemies.

There are four types of siding to choose from. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are limited either by your climate or the money you must spend, below is a breakdown to help explain which might be the best for your area, seeing as how the harshest home sidings are tested on the farm. Read to know more about how to choose weather-resistant siding for your home:

1. Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is going to be one of the least-expensive materials you can put on the exterior of your home. That makes it one of the most common types of materials used. The advantages to vinyl siding aren’t just the price. It is impervious to water and many insects.

The biggest disadvantage is that it can melt, burn or crack. In high winds, it can also make rattling noises. Also, if you are going for an upscale look, vinyl doesn’t have the same aesthetic appeal that other siding materials can deliver, and it typically isn’t used on higher-priced homes.

2. Plastic siding

Plastic siding is a relatively new alternative. The advantage of plastic siding is that it can resemble more expensive roofing material and requires very little upkeep. It is much thicker than its vinyl alternative, but that makes it more expensive.

Although it’s costlier, if you are looking for a good weather-resistant siding, it is a grade above vinyl and may save you money in the long term as it is less prone to damage or necessary repairs.

3. Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding is also a new material on the market. It is typically a blend of cellulose, sand and cement and gives a much more aesthetically appealing look to the house. It looks much more like real wood than both plastic and vinyl. Its advantages are that it is insect- and fire-resistant. However, if you live in a harsh climate, it is probably not going to be your best choice.

Plastic siding is one of best options for weather-resistant conditions

Plastic siding is one of best options for weather-resistant conditions

Water that can accumulate from the freeze-thaw cycle can damage the siding if you don’t maintain it correctly by painting it with water-resilient paint. You can buy it pre-painted, but it is much costlier and the colors that you must choose from can be somewhat limited. The pre-factory paints tend to last longer. Although higher-maintenance than plastic and vinyl siding, it still requires less maintenance than wood siding.

4. Wood siding

Wood shingles and clapboard are considered the most aesthetically pleasing materials for your siding. They are also going to be the costliest and require the most maintenance. Wood siding is easily attached using a coil siding nailer and they have a traditional charm that you can’t get from other materials. Clapboard is going to be less expensive than wood siding, but it is still pricier than other alternatives such as vinyl, plastic and cement board.

Wood shingles are not going to be the best weather-resistant materials for harsh conditions. It is not uncommon for them to succumb to insects, be less fire-resistant and to twist or warp when subjected to harsh climates. Overall, it requires the most maintenance too. Painting frequently is a must. Although being capable of being factory-primed and painted, it will take periodic maintenance to keep it looking good and safe from exterior conditions.

Conclusion

Of all the choices, available, plastic siding may be the best for weather-resistant conditions. Offering you a hardy material, it can stand up to a lot. It may not be as aesthetically appealing as the other options, but you don’t have to worry about maintaining it or siding replacement. Whether budget is an issue or not, plastic siding offers the best protection against the harsh conditions of nature.

Exploring the Potential Benefits of Implementing a Telehandler in Home Construction and Maintenance

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Are you a homeowner interested in utilising the latest technology for your home construction projects? If so, you may want to look into what a telehandler can do for you. A telehandler is an expanded forklift that can move material vertically and horizontally, thus making it versatile. Below, we’ll explore how implementing a telehandler could benefit your home construction endeavours. Also, we’ll look at how to choose the right telehandler for your needs.

benefits of using telehandler in home construction

 

What are the Benefits of Using a Telehandler?

Using a telehandler in home construction and maintenance projects can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Here are some potential advantages that you might experience when implementing this type of equipment:

1. Increased safety

Telehandlers can provide increased safety in home construction and maintenance projects. They have a range of features that allow the operator to work while standing away from the equipment. These include remote-control operation, height adjustability and the ability to lift heavy objects. It is especially beneficial for tasks that involve working at heights or with hazardous materials. Some also have extra safety features such as guard rails and automatic brakes. And, if you are interested in cost effective rentals of telehandlers for rail projects, there are many companies that offer cost-effective rental solutions.

2. Performing Heavy Lifting

This vehicle is capable of performing heavy lifting tasks. It also helps lift and transport large amounts of materials at once. They are also highly manoeuvrable, making them ideal for tight spaces that other vehicles can’t reach. This makes them incredibly versatile for a variety of tasks and projects.

3. Capabilities on and off the Road

Telehandlers can be used both on and off the road, meaning they can be used in a variety of locations. This makes them ideal for jobs that require movement through various terrains or tasks which need to be completed quickly.

4. Service That Is Efficient and Timely

Telehandlers are designed to be efficient and speedy, allowing homeowners to complete tasks on time. It is especially helpful when completing home projects, as it can save time and money. In addition, they are easy to maintain and require minimal servicing.

5. Versatility

Telehandlers are incredibly versatile, meaning they can be used for various tasks. It also helps stack objects or moving materials. They also come with various attachments that can be customised depending on the task.

How to Choose the Right Telehandler for Home Construction and Maintenance Projects?

Now that you know the benefits that telehandlers can bring to your projects, it’s time to take a look at how to select the right one.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a telehandler:

1. Project Requirements

One of the most important things to consider is the specific needs of your project. Different telehandlers are designed for different applications and can have vastly different capabilities. Consider the size, weight, and type of material you will be working with when selecting a telehandler that fits your needs.

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2. Project Environment

When trying to pick the right telehandler for your project, you will also want to consider the environment it will be used in. For example, if the machine is going to be used outdoors, you may need to look for one designed for outdoor use. It means larger wheels, extended booms, and other features that make it suitable for working outside. So, if the telehandler will be used indoors, you may want to consider a smaller model with more manoeuvrability.

3. Consider the Attachments

Depending on the project, you may need certain attachments for your telehandler to be successful. For example, if you’re working on a roofing job and need to lift shingles up onto the roof, then you may need an extension ladder attachment. Consider any attachments that will help make the job easier before selecting a telehandler.

4. Weight Capacity

It’s important to ensure that the telehandler you select can handle the weight of any materials you plan on moving. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications and determine what the lift capacity is before renting one. In addition, you’ll want to ensure that the boom is rated for the weight of any load it carries.

Final Thoughts

Telehandlers can be an invaluable tool for home construction and maintenance projects. It also offers a safe and efficient way to move materials from one point to another. When selecting a telehandler, consider the project requirements, environment, attachments and weight capacity. Then, with careful selection and proper operation of the machines, you can make sure that these projects go smoother and safer. Happy lifting!