Do Hardwood Floors Increase Your Home’s Value?

Floors, just like ceilings, are important in beautifying your home. But keeping aesthetics aside, do floors have other impacts on your home? Yes, they do especially in terms of increasing or decreasing its real estate value.

Hence, it is always best to avoid floors which will affect your home’s real estate value. Floors like tiles, carpets and rugs or hardwood imitation; avoid this trio. However, floors such as hardwood floors help increase your home’s value primarily because of its durability (hardwood floors have the lasting capacity to go through seasons, years, decades and even a century with just bare minimum finishes done to them) and ease of maintenance (easy to clean, easy to polish and easy to wash).

Also, when you resell your home, the new occupants can thoroughly clean them without too much hassle, without too much time dedicated to the process, without spending lots of additional dollars to purchase expensive cleaning liquid, without hiring a professional cleaning company and without thinking of entirely replacing them with another floor because of their bad shape.

Hardwood floors provide good entertainment value in the home by reducing vibrations and hollow sounds from TV sets and jukeboxes; this vibration and hollow sound reduction is the exact reason why entertainment studios go with hardwood floors more than other types of floors. This makes for good relaxation and excellent sound.

Coming to colors, no one wants a floor with color that fades only after a few months or a couple of years. Unlike carpets, hardwood floors stay retaining their original color because it is easy to remove different types of stains, wears and tears.

Because we know you want a floor that is easy to maintain, has a great look and increases the real estate value of your home in the present and in the near or distant future, fitting the floor of your home with hardwood floors is the right way to go. We have an interesting inventory of hardwood floors at Flooring.org. You can order via email by writing to us at sales@flooring.org, placing an order on our website at http://www.flooring.org or on the phone at 800-689-9006.

from Flooring http://www.flooring.org/blog/hardwood-floors-increase-homes-value/

Kicking goals to encourage more women in construction

If there’s one thing Iilish Ross believes you need to be an elite athlete, it’s the feeling of certainty. The rising AFLW halfback said it’s difficult to play your best when you’re worried how you will pay next week’s rent.

So, when statistics revealed that employment for women would be the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Iilish was relieved she had found certainty in a partnership between the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project, Fulton Hogan and the Richmond Football Club.

The partnership has not only allowed her to focus on her football training this year through flexible employment, but also allowed her to continue to raise the flag for women in construction.

It’s predicted that women will be disadvantaged by the slow economic recovery, with more than double the amount of men able to return to work by the end of October. This is because the industries and businesses reopening first are traditionally male dominated, construction is one of these industries.

Iilish has spent the last six months seeing her friends and AFLW teammates stress over keeping a job. She wants to see more women enter construction and be role models, encouraging greater gender equality.

“A lot of my friends, especially those who play in the AFLW, have been concerned as their work dries up due to restrictions and it doesn’t look like they will return to work for quite a while,” Illish said.

“But I’ve been really blessed to be able to work in construction during this time at the Level Crossing Removal Project’s Cardinia Road site. It’s kept me in a strong routine and motivated me when football has to take a back foot this year.”

Statistics show that women currently only represent 11 per cent of the entire construction workforce in Australia, Illish would love to see those numbers rise as many look at new career opportunities in the wake of COVID-19.

She said there were many benefits to working in the industry, and with more barriers into being removed with the introduction of flexible working hours women should embrace being on a construction site. “I love the job. I’m always learning something new, or doing something different. I’ve never felt intimidated on site or felt I had to prove myself because I was a female. It’s a really welcoming environment to be in.”

Fulton Hogan Alliance Manager Dean Riha said the alliance has a focus on developing and encouraging more women to enter the construction industry. Fulton Hogan’s partnership with the Richmond Football Club, and subsequent support of its Women’s Football Program, not only provides opportunities for more women to enter the construction industry, but gives the flexibility and financial means for female footballers to focus on their training.

“By offering flexible career pathways within our business we are also providing the industry with role models for young women and school-aged children to aspire to. This will help boost awareness of viable career options for women in construction, and that can only be a good thing for the industry and our workforce,” said Dean.

The post Kicking goals to encourage more women in construction appeared first on Fulton Hogan.

from Fulton Hogan https://www.fultonhogan.com/kicking-goals-to-encourage-more-women-in-construction/

How Acme Brick is Meeting the Historic Demand for New Homes

The effects of the COVID pandemic have dramatically changed – perhaps forever – the building, buying, and selling of homes. When these are combined with some of the lowest mortgage interest rates in modern history, it makes the opening lines from the classic novel by Charles Dickens -“A Tale of Two Cities”- more relevant than ever before.

It is indeed the best of times for home buyers with decent credit and the cash for a down payment. Conversely, the construction industry is feeling the stress as they try to keep supply chains open, workers healthy and on the job, and the dirt flying! 

In its almost 130 years of working with architects, builders, and homebuyers, Acme Brick has successfully navigated some very tough times, including the first pandemic in 1918, the Great Depression, and two world wars. The company’s mettle has been tested and “on the other side” of these events has gotten even stronger than the hard-fired brick it has been known for!

Did you know Acme Brick sells a whole lot more than just brick? Explore our newest product lines here.

Challenges or Opportunities?

Brent Snyder is one of the Acme Brick managers who is responsible for synchronizing the “new normal.” He is charged with meeting the demands of architects, who are designing homes and specifying building materials for builders who are trying to keep inventory equal to or ahead of the demand from consumers. Fortunately, his vast experience (37 years) in the construction industry has served him well in this current state of affairs.

“The ‘social distancing’ demands of dealing with COVID has completely changed the way we communicate with our customers,“ Snyder said. “Almost no one in the construction ‘ecosystem’ wants us to schedule an in-person appointment and talk in depth about a property they are designing and building. This due to health concerns.

“This can be challenging for companies that produce construction products such as roofing, lumber, or brick because there are so many variations on these materials. With our company, we offer thousands of colors, sizes of brick, and just as many other building materials ranging from cladding to tile. Rather than having in-depth discussions with our customers about their projects, as we have always done, we must now offer options for colors, styles, and pricing in one or maybe two emails.  Our sales team now uses digital assets, such as online specification sheets, product brochures, and technical reports.

“While no one saw the pandemic coming, we have been adapting our product materials to be delivered online. 

for a couple of years. This has made a big difference in the efficiency of communication and allows designers, builders, and homebuyers an opportunity to obtain product information from our website, with no human contact. This is the new normal and we have had thousands of visits to the ‘products’ section, found on the homepage of brick.com.”

Builder Practices Have Changed 

When mortgage interest rates are below 3 percent, as they have been for the entire time of the COVID pandemic of 2020, the demand for new homes is at 30-year highs. It seems that builders can’t build these new homes fast enough! For existing homes, this demand has even led to bidding wars among potential buyers.

For builders, this means greater planning must occur to ensure that the supply chain of construction materials, appliances, heating and air conditioning and all of these other elements that go into a new home show up on time. Successful builders understand that any delays due to supply chain miscalculation can be costly. This makes the Acme Brick online resources – product brochures and information – even more critical to keeping building on schedule.

“Even with the emphasis on online communication, we are still here to ensure that products arrive on time and on budget,” Snyder said.

“Because we manufacture our brick products in plants around the U.S., we have real-time information about what colors or styles are immediately available and what our current inventory is for every product. When we execute a sales order, the builder can be confident of the arrival date and plan his other tasks around this.”

“As a side note, our plant managers and workers have diligently avoided COVID related slow downs that many other construction materials manufacturers have experienced, using recommended social distancing, masks, and aggressive hygiene practices. As a result, we have only had a couple of instances of the virus infecting our associates. This has enabled us to keep cooking brick and transporting them to job sites,” he added.

Times have certainly changed and manufacturers like Acme Brick are meeting the challenges of COVID. However, long after this current challenge is nothing but a bad memory, the technology that is helping the company improve customer satisfaction now will continue.

If you are thinking about building a new home or need more information about the many products that Acme offers, just click here for one of our product specialists to assist you.

See also: 

Browse Our Digital Brochures for A Peek Into Our Latest Products

Click Here to Find Available Brick Colors in Your Area

Post COVID: 10 New Priorities for Building a Home

from brick.com https://brick.com/how-acme-brick-meeting-historic-demand-new-homes

Discover the Advantages of Laminate vs. Wood Flooring

When it comes to providing flooring for your home, you have a lot of options. Two of the most popular options are 1-800-689-9006 and wood flooring. To learn about the advantages of laminate vs. wood flooring, keep reading.

One of the reasons people pick laminate flooring over hardwood flooring is because of the cost. Laminate flooring is a more affordable option for several reasons. One reason is because laminate flooring is made from synthetic materials and wood by-products. Laminate flooring includes a photo layer and a plastic protective surface. These materials are cheap, as is the installation process. If you opt for laminate flooring, expect to spend half as much money on installation as you would for hardwood flooring.

Another reason people lean towards laminate flooring is because of its durability. Solid hardwood flooring is susceptible to scratches and abrasion, while laminate flooring can hold up against routine wear and tear. Laminate flooring is made from pressed wood, making it harder and stronger than solid hardwood.

The third reason people pick laminate flooring over hardwood flooring is maintenance. Laminate flooring is simple to clean and maintain. All you need to do is sweep or vacuum the floors from time to time to remove any debris, dirt, or dust that collections. If there’s any spills, a damp cloth or mop will do the trick.

If you are hands on with your home upgrades and remodeling projects, laminate flooring is for you. Laminate flooring is one of the most DIY-friendly choices you can make for flooring in your home. In order to install this flooring, you will need a tapping block and pull bar, but these tools are affordable and easy to find.

To find the best laminate flooring, shop with Flooring.org. You can connect to our sales staff by phone at 1-800-689-9006 if you have any questions. You can also email us at sales@flooring.org. We hope to provide you with flooring for your home!

from Flooring http://www.flooring.org/blog/discover-advantages-laminate-vs-wood-flooring/

Industry briefing for South Australian businesses

Businesses across South Australia are encouraged to attend a virtual industry briefing for Zone 2 of the South Australian DIT Road Maintenance Contracts.

 

Those wishing to attend can register online – click here.

 

The briefing will be hosted by the successful contractor, Fulton Hogan.

Zone 2, the southern zone, covers a large portion of the state, spanning from Port Wakefield across to Renmark in the Riverland, down to Mt Gambier and back across to Victor Harbor – covering approximately 5,800 kilometres of sealed roads. Work on the contract will begin on the 2^nd of November 2020.

Fulton Hogan Infrastructure Services CEO, Matthew MacMahon, said the virtual industry briefing was an opportunity for businesses across South Australia to find out more about the maintenance program and register their interest in providing goods and services.

“We currently employ 400 South Australians, contributing more than $350 million per year to the local economy across our civil maintenance infrastructure services, utilities and construction activities”, he said.

“One of the biggest benefits of this program of works will be the opportunity for local companies to be involved in supporting its delivery.”

Mr MacMahon added “We encourage suppliers, subcontractors, service providers, social enterprise and Aboriginal businesses to join us at the online briefing to learn more about the maintenance program and find out how they can get involved.”

Fulton Hogan will also be hosting 15-minute one-on-ones with interested businesses (numbers limited) allowing them to share details about their capacity and areas of expertise with the project team and have any questions answered.

The virtual industry briefing will take place at 11am (SA time) on Tuesday, 13 October.  It will run for approximately one hour.

Registrations close Friday, 9 October. Please register at the link on the top of this post.

 

The post Industry briefing for South Australian businesses appeared first on Fulton Hogan.

from Fulton Hogan https://www.fultonhogan.com/industry-briefing-for-south-australian-businesses/

Bottling innovation

Halting the exports of recycling waste is having a mountainous impact, with growing piles of bottles looking for a home across Australia. With this problem, though, comes an opportunity.

“People have been frantically trying to solve this problem, and one of the obvious solutions is to recycle glass back to what it was originally – sand,” says Ben Hayward, GM Infrastructure Services, Eastern Region.

Sand typically makes up between 10% and 15% of asphalt by mass. It is often transported large distances to urban sites – often more than 100 kilometres – adding a considerable carbon emission burden on the environment. Fulton Hogan has been working with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) to modify asphalt mixes to include crushed glass as a sand substitute in asphalt, allowing the raw material to be sourced much closer to where it’s needed.

In recognition of Fulton Hogan’s leadership in this space, the company has been awarded a A$250,000 grant from the NSW Government to upgrade its Eastern Creek asphalt plant, and a further A$236,000 grant to use recycled glass in asphalt on the Albion Park Rail bypass project.

This project is a NSW Environmental Protection Authority, Waste Less Recycle More Initiative funded from the waste levy

Albion Park Rail bypass is a marquee site for the use of crushed glass in New South Wales. On the project, being delivered by Fulton Hogan Construction on behalf of TfNSW, crushed glass will make up to 10% of the base course, by mass. This means between two thirds and three quarters of the sand used in the structural asphalt layers on the project will have originated as recycled glass.

Fulton Hogan has undertaken detailed laboratory testing of particle sizes and grading envelopes, and has optimised the asphalts mix properties for the recycled glass. This blend ensures high performance results are achieved under various test methods.

An additional feeder and conveyor has been added to the Fulton Hogan Eastern Creek asphalt plant, enabling glass to be blended along with recycled asphalt (RAP), thus maximising the amount of recycled product being incorporated into the end product. “We didn’t want the addition of crushed glass to be at the expense of our use of RAP, and we are happily able to use maximum levels of both in the mix whilst maintaining the high performance levels required under our specifications,” says Ben.

The post Bottling innovation appeared first on Fulton Hogan.

from Fulton Hogan https://www.fultonhogan.com/bottling-innovation/

Why Metal Roofs are Awesome!

No matter what type of home you have, metal roofs remain the number one sustainable and durable roofing option. Are you looking for energy efficiency? Do you want a versatile attractive roof that enhances overall curb appeal and raises your home value? Then you need a metal roof. When you install a new roof with metal roofing suppliers at London Eco-Metal, you will enjoy over fifty years of high-quality protection and innovative cooling technology.

The Power of Energy Efficiency

In today’s volatile climate, saving money on energy costs doesn’t just save cents, it makes sense. Because your new roof reflects solar heat, expect to lower your overall cooling costs by about 25%. Yes, that much. Additionally, your metal roofing suppliers can work with you to install solar panels with most roof solutions.

Enjoy the best in sustainable technology and environmentally friendly design. Did you know that many metal roofs are made of recycled materials? And metal is 100% recyclable. Save extra money and reduce waste when you install a new metal roof over your older roof.

Fire Safety

As climate change drastically changes weather systems and temperatures, having additional fire safety will protect your home and family. Your new metal roof will not ignite and spark during lightning strikes or wildfires. Protect what matters most to you.

Longevity

When you have professionals at London Eco-Metal install your new roof, you will enjoy over fifty years of security. Most traditional roofs last only fifteen years, less in harsh climates with high winds, heavy precipitation, and cold weather. The key to roof longevity lies entirely with the quality of the initial installation. You need the best materials and the most experienced team to install your new roof. Trust London Eco-Metal.

Versatility

Enjoy increased home value and curb appeal with metal construction. Choose from hundreds of style and color combinations. Find the style that fits your unique needs. Not sure what options are available? Our talented designers at London Eco-Metal will be happy to guide you through the process. Find the right roofing solution for you. Contact us today for your consultation.

The post Why Metal Roofs are Awesome! appeared first on London ECO-METAL Manufacturing Inc..

from London ECO-METAL Manufacturing Inc. https://www.londonecometal.com/metal-roofing-ontario-blog/2020/09/why-metal-roofs-are-awesome/

21st Century Innovation: The Rise of Metal Roofing

In the North America, metal roofs gained popularity in the late 1800s. Partially for economic reasons and partially because of convenience, homeowners and farmers used metal for barns and homes. The low metal roof cost and ready availability during the industrial era, as well as its strength and durability, explains why millions of structures from a century ago still have metal.

Early Days

Unlike today, roofs of the past consisted of materials did not withstand rust and harsh climates well. Before the 1800s use of sheet iron covered surfaces. Galvanizing metal in the 1830s made the metal much stiffer. Metal roof cost for installation lowered considerably with less labor and time. The French first started using zinc to protect the roof from rust.

The 1900s

Builders used stamped sheet roof tiles and large panels for a variety of structures. For example, agricultural and industrial buildings used the very expansive wide panels. Homeowners who wanted the look of Spanish tile often opted for stamped tiles.

Today’s Technology

Metal roofs have advanced considerably in the last fifty years. Today metal roofs have become the first choice for energy efficiency, durability, and sustainability:

• Withstand high winds and harsh temperatures
• Fireproof protection
• Easy to install
• Additional insulation conserves heat
• Ideal for food and medical storage
• Low maintenance
• Versatile
• Lightweight for any project
• Affordable
• Last for five decades or more
• Sustainable
• Compatible with most solar panel systems
• Available in a limitless number of colors
• Perfect for agricultural
• Increase home value
• Additional tax benefits
• Lower insurance costs
• And so much more

As you can see, when you choose metal roofs today, you have a durable material that will protect your family and property for half a century.

Call the Metal Roof Experts

When you need to install a new metal roof, call the roofing experts at London Eco-metal. We pride ourselves on unparalleled customer service and the best manufactured products on the market. We remain industry leaders you can trust. Find out why thousands of customers in Ontario have chosen us again and again.

Schedule your first consultation with us. We promise to provide you with the perfect roofing solution. Large budget or small, London Eco-Metal will be there for you. Contact us today.

The post 21st Century Innovation: The Rise of Metal Roofing appeared first on London ECO-METAL Manufacturing Inc..

from London ECO-METAL Manufacturing Inc. https://www.londonecometal.com/metal-roofing-ontario-blog/2020/09/21st-century-innovation-the-rise-of-metal-roofing/

5 Great Reasons to Pick MAC Metal Siding for Your Home

 

While there is nothing more durable than brick for home construction, some homeowners are considering steel siding for their homes. This can be due to several factors, including the lower cost of siding versus that of brick. Acme Brick is proud to be one of the distributors of what many builders consider to be one of the best steel siding products – MAC Metals Siding .  

For 25 years, MAC Metal Architectural has offered customers top-of-the-line steel siding. MAC is constantly seeking to innovate and offer products with unique, rich colors that will add a touch of style and sophistication to homebuilding projects.

Our promise is to offer durable, high-quality products that will embellish and protect your home. With a 40-year warranty, our products bring you peace of mind for years to come. In addition to bolstering the look and value of your home, MAC products require no maintenance and provide genuine beauty that will stand the test of time.

~ MAC Metal Architectural

Shop for your home virtually! Browse our MAC Metals color selections here.

Five Reasons to Choose MAC Metal Siding Over Wood or Vinyl

#1 No Maintenance is Required

“While vinyl siding can become brittle over time, especially in below freezing conditions, and wood and fiber cement siding will require painting and caulking at least every decade, MAC Metal Siding is maintenance free,” said Gary Pearce of Acme Brick. “That’s why these products have such an outstanding warranty of 40 years. It is extremely durable. Plus, MAC is not affected by moisture, which precludes the mold and mildew problems that can occur with wood and vinyl siding in damp climates.”

#2 MAC Metal is Color-Fast

Unlike wood, vinyl or other synthetic sidings, the colors of MAC Metal siding will NEVER fade. The exclusive MAC TEXTURAL Color System includes a six-coat painting process (unlike others that use three coats) that is twice as resistant to UV rays and three times more resistant to corrosion, offering increased performance against bad weather and extreme climatic conditions.

The wide range of colors offers an unmatched depth of hues and textures, which perfectly mimic materials such as copper, zinc and bronze. The matte finish process of MAC Metals eliminates all undesirable glimmer effects from the sun. This process also increases the resistance to scratching and delamination.

#3 It’s Fire Resistant

Wildfires are a serious consideration for homes in the far West, Mountains, and Southwest and synthetic siding such as vinyl can cause extreme damage and harm to the individuals inside the home. According to this article, “Even if a home is struck by lightning, a metal-clad dwelling is almost impervious to fire. This can be a tremendous advantage in high fire areas or areas prone to frequent lightning storms. Such protection might also translate into lower monthly homeowner insurance premiums, you can check with local homeowner’s insurance agents regarding any potential savings on premiums.”

#4 The MAC Metal Warranty is One of the Best in the Industry

“As long as the MAC Metal Siding is installed to the manufacturer’s specifications, it has a 40-year warranty,” Pearce said. “When this is compared to wood siding which must be re-painted and caulked every 10 years, this is a huge saving for the homeowner.”

#5 It’s Environmentally Friendly

More and more homeowners are wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and demanding GREEN products for their home. MAC Metal Siding is made from 100% recycled materials. This means homes and buildings can earn points toward LEED certification with this GREEN metal siding.

Homeowners Can Choose from Two Types of MAC Metal Siding

1. Harrywood

The Harrywood is a refined, European-inspired siding that perfectly reproduces the look of wood, thanks to its wide range of hues, tones, and wood veins. Strong and durable, the Harrywood is available in 15 colors that will suit contemporary and classic architecture designs.

2. Norwood

With a beveled edge creating a natural space between the panels, the Norwood is adding depth to the design. The wide range of hues, tones, and wood veins perfectly reproduce the warm and welcoming look of wood that will bring style to your house for the years to come. This type of siding in also available in a “mini” version making it very versatile for any design. 

“Both of the MAC products have received rave reviews from builders,” Pearce said. “Homeowners can come to any Acme Brick Tile & Stone and get expert information from our product specialists.”

For more information on MAC Metals available in your area, visit brick.com/mac for a full list of colors, designs and details. 

See also: 

Shop Our MAC Metals Collection Virtually

Compliment Your Home with the Hottest Brick Colors of the Year

10 New Priorities for Building a Home

from brick.com https://brick.com/5-great-reasons-pick-mac-metal-siding-your-home

Here’s How You Can Choose Between Hardwood and Engineered Flooring

If you are looking to make a change to your flooring, you may want to consider buying a hardwood floor. Hardwood floors are amazing, and many people love them, because they are versatile, and they can pair with nearly any decor. Your house might be green and contemporary, farmhouse or primitive, or industrial-factory style, but hardwood floors will match any of them. Hardwood floors are great for people with a lot of allergies, and they are easy to clean. There are two types of hardwood floors: traditional hardwood or engineered hardwood. Which one is right for you? Here are some tips for choosing which floor is best for you.

What’s the Difference?

Traditional hardwood floors consist of a plank of solid wood. The hardwood planks can be made of several different kinds of wood, but traditionally, they are made from pine. Engineered hardwood floors are made of a combination of plywood on the bottom, several thin layers of hardwood, and a layer of hardwood on the top.

The Pros and Cons

First, you need to think about your lifestyle. If you have dogs or kids–traditional hardwood may not be the best solution for your flooring needs. Traditional hardwood is also not a good idea if you are looking at flooring options for a kitchen, bathroom, mudroom or laundry room, because all of those rooms may have a lot of moisture. However, traditional hardwood can last for decades, because it is easy to sand down and refinish. Also, traditional hardwood is more expensive, but it retains its value beautifully.

Engineered hardwood is more durable, and is perfect for dogs, kids, and areas where moisture might be a problem. It is easier to install than hardwood, and it is less expensive. However, engineered hardwood usually cannot be sanded and refinished. Also, engineered hardwood is not as durable as traditional hardwood flooring.

If you need help making a choice between traditional hardwood and engineered hardwood, we can help. When you’re ready to buy a hardwood floor, we hope you’ll give us a call at 800-689-9006 or you can email us at sales@flooring.org.

from Flooring http://www.flooring.org/blog/choose-between-hardwood-and-engineered-flooring/