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How long does stucco last?

There is an acrylic-polymer finish on most exterior stucco sidings. It contracts and expands with the weather, which is one reason it is a popular choice among homeowners. There are minimal cracks, it has a lifespan of fifty years or longer, and when it does crack, stucco repairs are easy. 

Because of the application of stucco, and the material it is made from, it is an excellent insulator of both cold and warm air.  A stucco exterior is comfortable and inexpensively maintain, keeps the temperature constant inside your home regardless of the outdoor temperature, making in a tremendous energy-efficient material for homes everywhere. These are the reasons why you’ll find stucco in regions where the summer temperatures are extreme, like in the Southwest. 

From the design perspective, stucco has a finish that is hard to beat because the southwest look is popular today, for exterior and interior everywhere. A smooth and traditional look, stucco can be made to match any color by adding color to cement coats as it is being applied to the house. Many homes have artistic designs carved in exterior coatings or mosaics and murals to give a home a unique look. With these features and the ease of stucco repair when it does have cracks, it explains the popularity of this material.

The Types of Cracks

Different factors cause various types of stucco cracks. The following will help you identify the signs of stucco damage your home may have: 

• Hairline Crack:  A very thin crack that is approximately one-sixteenth of an inch or smaller and is the most common stucco crack, especially is newer homes. This crack is from settling and shifting after or during construction.
• Foam Trim Crack: Stucco has a foam trim, which can crack sometimes, and usually indicates that fiberglass mesh tape was not used during the foam trim installation. So, when the stucco contracts and expands, the foam trim allows the stucco around those areas to crack. 
• Spider Crack: As the name indicates, this stucco cracking resembles a spider web. This type of crack indicates the stucco wasn’t adequately cured usually because it had too much water in the mixture, the stucco dried too fast, or it was applied in a temperature setting that wasn’t stucco friendly. 
• Pattern Crack: You may notice pattern cracking on your stucco walls, something of a horizontal, vertical pattern cracking. This type of cracking indicates the lath was installed incorrectly and isn’t nailed on to the wood frame properly. You will continue to have pattern cracking because there is no fix for this other than multiple stucco repair jobs. Fortunately, these cracks and repair go with the stucco appearance.
• Diagonal Crack A diagonal crack is found around the doors and windows and are caused by seismic foundation changes and shifting. You should perform stucco repair on the wider cracks immediately

How do you repair stucco?

You may be surprised at the ease of stucco repair how to be using the following methodology for stucco repair options. The type of crack will make a difference in how much work is needed. For example, a hairline crack stucco repair is a matter of filling it in to prevent the crack spreading more. Many different products on the market can be used for this type of stucco repair. However, a diagonal crack or patterned crack stucco repair often requires more work or call in experts for a professional stucco repair job. 

To do your stucco repair job, follow these steps: 

• Use an acrylic caulk for filling gaps. 
• Widen the crack to a quarter of an inch width.
• Clean the crack with a wire brush to remove any debris.
• Using a caulk gun and the mixture of acrylic caulk, fill in the crack
• Allow the caulk a 24 hour cure period.
• Use water-based paint to cover the stucco repair job. 

How do you fix crumbling stucco?

When you notice a sizable patch of stucco is bulging, crumbling, or loose, this doesn’t mean your house is falling apart. This is a type of stucco repair that you can do yourself by cleaning the crumbling, defective material, and expose the lath underneath. 

If the lath is rusted, remove it, and any torn building paper underneath the lath. You’ll replace that with new paper nailed on top of the wood sheathing. Use large head galvanized nails or rust-resistant staples. Next, cut a section of metal lath that will fit the area that needs repair and affix it with galvanized nails so that there isn’t a reaction with the cement. 

Either holding the lath out or use two-headed nails to create a quarter-inch of space between the lath and paper 10 to 12 inches from each other.

Now, create a mixture of mortar cement, sand, and water to create a doable mix that isn’t too thick or to thin, a pliable consistency that trowels easily and holds its shape when piled on without sagging. You don’t want it too dry and stiff, or it will crumble again.

Apply the first coat by troweling it on top of the wire mesh so that it is completely embedded and bring the stucco on a piece of metal or wood to the area the stucco repair is being done. Using a trowel, scoop up a good amount and starting at the bottom, apply with a pressure that will force the mortar into the mesh openings. Keep building this coat up until it is ½ inch thick, and the lath is covered. 

After it has reached a set texture, crisscross stroke the surface with a scrap metal piece that has ragged edges. As this coat dries over the new few days, spray a fine mist over it to get proper curing. Then wet the surface and apply the second coat in the same process as described above. This will need to set up to 7 days, still keeping it moist for the first three days. Now apply the final coat by troweling on ta smooth surface that is marginally higher than the surrounding area and let it become stiff before putting a texture on the stucco. 

How do you know if your stucco is bad?

If you notice any of the following things on your stucco cover, call a professional to inspect and advise you what should be done: 

• Heavy stains
• Thin cracking
• Long cracking
• Stucco wall finish bulges
• Stucco missing

Do Roofers Repair Chimneys?

If you are wondering whether all roofers are qualified to repair chimneys, you may be surprised at the answer. The more experienced a roofer is at repairing chimneys, the more likely it is for the job to be well-done. That is why it is important for homeowners to be very thorough when vetting a chimney repair company or a roof repair company. If the damage is dramatic enough, a roofer may recommend a chimney repair specialist for the task.

Why Does Chimney Leak When it Rains?

If your chimney is leaking while it rains, you’re likely looking for a few answers as to why. Here is a list of reasons why your chimney is leaking when it rains.

• The chimney cap. The chimney cap is supposed to protect the top of your flue from water intrusion. The chimney cap also protects your home from animals and debris. If your chimney cap is not properly fitted or broken, the flue and fireplace are vulnerable and exposed.
• The flue pipe. If the flue pipe is too wide, water can condense and leak at a joint. Wind can also cause the vents to bend and the joints to loosen.
• The flashing. The flashing around your chimney is critical. Water can infiltrate through any cracks in your flashing or mortar.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Repair?

Are you wondering whether homeowners’ insurance will cover your chimney repairs? It’s certainly a viable question. Generally speaking, any chimney work like masonry repair, chimney cover replacement, or damper repair will not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. This is because normal wear and tear are seen as the homeowner’s responsibility. If the damage occurred due to storm damages or other associated coverage, the insurance company may accept the charges. In order to find out if your chimney repairs can be covered by your insurance company, it is important to consult with a qualified roof repair expert. 

Who Do You Call to Fix a Leaking Chimney?

If you are wondering who your best resource is for a leaking chimney, it is important for you to first conduct some research. One of the ways you can start your search is by asking a friend or family member for the chimney repair referral. If that proves to provide a lead, you can then call the chimney repair company or roofing company and discuss the particulars of your chimney. If you are not successful in your initial search, you can also conduct an internet search. Using relevant search terms like “chimney repair near me” you can usually drum up some good resources. It will be important to check the credentials of your final chimney repair selection.

How Repair Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is the upper-most form of the chimney. The purpose of the chimney crown is to allow smoke and fume to vent through the flue. This prevents moisture from getting inside. It is built with wire mesh that is then reinforced with cement. The wire creates the structure, and the cement provides stability and security. The lip of the crown is sloped in order to funnel moisture away from the chimney. In order to repair the chimney crown, you should first consider whether replacing it is a better option. If there is damage that is more significant than a hairline crack, it’s a wise investment to move forward with a chimney crown replacement.

Is Chimney Repair Covered by Home Warranty

A builders’ warranty will usually cover such problems as cracks in a home’s foundation, poor wiring, bad plumbing, and other defects. Whether or not your chimney is damaged as a result of wear and tear or as a result of major structural issues will be clear after a proper inspection has been done.

How to Repair Chimney Flashing

Like the chimney crown, if your chimney flashing is in need of repair, it may be a better idea ultimately to replace the flashing entirely. A consultation with a professional roofer will prove useful.

If you require chimney repair in Philadelphia, PA, the best time to call is now. Our team can be reached 267-622-7158 and would be happy to help.

As long as your roof is in pretty good shape, these coatings can extend your roof’s life by as much as 10 years. They’ll also protect your roof from damage and serious issues like leaks. The restoration process is particularly useful for flat and metal roofs. If you would like to know more about roof restoration in Philadelphia, PA all you need to do is check with the commercial roofing professionals at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting. We can give you all the advice and direction you’ll need for restoring your roof. Give us a call at 267-622-7158 to find out more.

What does roof restoration include?

Roof restoration is actually a very simple process. Once your roof is inspected to check for any damage and to get the overall condition of the roof, any minor repairs are made. After the repairs are made, the roof is cleaned. Usually this involves a power wash to remove debris as well as any mildew or algae growths or other dirt and grime. After that, a silicone, acrylic, or similar coating is added directly to the roof. Simple as that. No roofing components are torn off and business operations aren’t interfered with.  

How long does roof restoration last?

Once a coating is applied, a roof restoration should last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. After that a new coating can be applied to further extend your roof’s life.

How long does a roof restoration take?

When you are trying to decide between a roof replacement and roof restoration, time is often plays a big factor in the decision, especially if your roof is in relatively good shape. Restoration is much faster than replacement, two to three times as fast in most cases. Normally, you can expect the restoration to last no more than two days, depending largely on the weather and on what repairs are needed, as well as the size of the roof. 

Is roof restoration worth it?

If your roof is in good shape, roof restoration is one of the best options you can take to preserve it and extend its lifespan. You won’t lose any time from your day-to-day operations, as you might from a full replacement, and you’ll definitely save money. Not only will you not have to pay as much for a restoration as you would a replacement, you’ll find it will save you in the long term as well. You’ll spend less on repairs, especially with leaks, and you’ll notice your building’s overall energy efficiency will be improved, as the coatings reflect heat away from it.

Does roof coating stop leaks?

One big reason people choose roof restoration is that the coatings create a seamless seal over the roof that helps prevent leaks from developing. If you already have minor leaks such as pinhole leaks, the coatings will seal over small holes. Larger leaks, however, will need to be repaired. Moreover, some building managers actually add roof coatings to new roofs precisely because they are so effective at preventing leaks from developing.

How do you restore a metal roof?

If you have a metal roof on your building, roof restoration can be just as valuable for it as on any other roof. It will protect the roof from leaks, but also from rusting. The process to restore the metal roof is basically the same as it is for any other roof: Minor repairs will be made, the roof will be cleaned, and the coating will be added. 

Roof restoration or replacement

If you are undecided about roof restoration over replacement, some of the reasons you might want to consider restoration include:

• Restoration takes less time than replacement.
• Restoration costs much less than replacement.
• Your roof will gain about 10-15 more years, and the coating can be reapplied.
• Coatings will protect the roof from developing leaks.
• Your roof’s energy efficiency will improve, so you’ll save on utility costs.
• You won’t need to shut down business operations.

How much does a metal roof save on insurance?

When it comes to metal roofing or shingles, the benefits are way better for the homeowner, one which we just discussed, and for your insurance company. Metal roofing is impact resistant, unlike traditional asphalt roofing materials which deteriorate over time. Metal roofing is also fire resistant, which is another reason insurance companies love them. They love them so much that you could save up to 35% on your annual premiums.

Do you need gutters on a metal roof?

Yes, and no. Water is funneled by gutters from the roof to a drainage area, preventing that water from damaging rain, sleet, snow, and melting ice. Metal roofing can withstand no gutters, and your house will be fine. Your foundation and landscaping, however, will not.

Gutters are difficult to install on metal roofing, and if they aren’t installed properly, it can cause more damage than it prevents. A gutter system that is installed improperly on metal roofing can get ripped easily from heavy snow or heavy winds. Some homeowners will choose to forgo gutters because of that possibility.

Like anything, though, metal roofing has some disadvantages:

• Cost: Metal roofing cost as much as three times more than other roofing materials. Because of that initial investment, metal roofing isn’t recommended for a house that you’re buying to resale.
• Loud: Metal roofing can be noisy during a hailstorm or heavy rain, if not installed properly and the right amount of insulation. Because this can cause an increase in installation cost, many contractors and homeowners will cut corners in this area.
• Contract and Expand: they make metal roofing from large panels of metal, which contracts and expands with the temperature. This movement can loosen the fasteners used to install the metal roofing.
• Color Matching Inconsistent: If metal roofing needs repair, it’s difficult to match the color exactly.
• Performance. When metal roofing accumulates water, it typically is because of poor installation. When left to sit, it can create damage and with a low-grade metal, it can rust through and dent easily.

After getting quotes from professional metal roofing contractors, DIY homeowners may ask, “Can I install a metal roof myself? and the answer is yes. That answer would be followed up by this question: “Why would you want to?” because it isn’t worth the few dollars that you’ll save in labor to do it yourself.

However, if this is a personal bucket list thing, there are metal roofing systems for DIY installation, and you’ll find several videos online on how to do it. You want to be comfortable working at tall heights and with metal. There are specialty tools needed, which the online videos will review. Facts to consider if you do install your metal roofing yourself:

1. The insurance company may not give as deep a discount if not installed by a professional.
2. The manufacturer of the metal may not warranty the materials if not installed by a professional.
3. There is no guarantee, or warranty provided by a contractor if you do your own installation.

Need metal roofing for your home in Philadelphia, PA? Call the Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting experts at 267-622-7158 today!

How long should gutters last?

A gutter installation can last a person an extended period of time depending on a list of factors that are not necessarily in their control but can be negated with a small amount of upkeep to the system. Modern gutter systems last between twenty to fifty years with particular dependency being on the material used and the intensity of the weather. 

One point that should be noted about gutter upkeep that helps keep it lasting for years is keeping it clean and free of materials that could affect it. Unless there are corrosive materials washed off your roof, there isn’t anything that can immediately degrade the metal of gutters. However, when leaves, branches, and granules are allowed to pile up in at gutter it can lead to more strain on the system as well as the fascia it is connected to. It is recommended that regular inspections are apart of the overall care of your gutter system. Companies like ours, Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting in Philadelphia, PA, are more than capable of doing such a service. 

It should be mentioned that there is a debate about a specific part of gutters that are optional to put on and can help with keeping your gutter free of debris, gutter guards. Past models of gutter guards were not as reliable as their modern counterparts. While older installations may have contributed to piling up debris and product failure, modern models are far more successful in keeping larger debris like leaves and branches out of a gutter system. While older models were more made from wire or weaker metals, modern gutter guards are crafted from stronger metals and have the capacity to withstand as much punishment as your gutter.

Which type of gutters is the best?

When you choose to have gutter installation for your home, you have options as to what type of gutter you want. Each can be installed onto a home without any problem and do the job, but some may last longer and some may be cheaper. There aren’t necessarily any drawbacks to each, it more so depends on the material you’re interested in that defines the appearance on your home and how long it will last. The materials that you can use for a gutter are:

• Steel
• Aluminum 
• Copper
• Galvalume 
• Vynil 
• Zinc

While each of those mentioned is highly popular and will last the customer, the cheapest tend to be vynil and the most popular on the market is aluminum. In the same breath, zinc will last a customer the longest in a gutter system while galvalume can take the harshest elements being that it could be considered a hybrid of a sort.

As mentioned, a gutter system can use your home to support it through what is called a “K style.” There is not exactly much more detail in the system except that it looks like the letter when installing into your roof rather than just on the fascia. The system itself does offer more support to gutter installation.

One of the most important aspects of choosing roof material is making sure that it is going to last for a long time. While the term “long time” is a bit ambiguous, generally speaking, it indicates a rather extended period of time. In terms of how long most people want a roof to last, it generally means that they do not want to be concerned with having to replace it. At most, people only want to replace a roof once. This is one of the reasons that EPDM is an excellent choice. On average, EPDM roofing lasts at least 50 years and has the potential to last longer. This average is with little to no maintenance. With regular inspections and maintenance, it can last well beyond the expected 50 years. For more information about how long  EPDM roofing can and will last, contact a professional for commercial roof installation information.

Can EPDM Be Used On A Pitched Roof?

The short answer to this is yes. EPDM is quite versatile and flexible. It is recommended to stick to low pitched roofs, but you can consult with a professional if you are interested in installing EPDM on a higher-pitched roof. A professional will be able to assess your specific roof and advise you on the best method and materials to use. If you are unsure whether you have a low pitched roof or a high pitched roof, the minimum pitch is 2 ½ while the average pitch is between 4 ½ and 9 ½. Low sloped pitch is defined by anything under 4 ½. If you do not know how to obtain these measurements, it is best to call a professional. In fact, if you have any questions at all regarding your roof, it is best to talk with a professional.

Are EPDM Roofs Any Good?

To answer this, you must first consider this question; EPDM roof what is it? The scientific answer to this is ethylene propylene down terpolymer. The simple, layman’s terms answer is a synthetic rubber membrane. This rubber is incredibly durable, which is one of the reasons it makes a fantastic roofing material.

Benefits Of EPDM Roofing:

• Inexpensive. EPDM is one of the cheapest roofing materials currently available. For this reason alone, it is an incredibly popular choice.
• Sturdy and durable. This roofing material is tough and can withstand quite a bit. This also means that it will not scuff or scratch easily.
• Lightweight. EPDM is a lightweight material which means that you do not have to be concerned with installing reinforcements.
• Easy to repair. Should a breach occur, this material is incredibly easy to repair.
• Waterproof. So long as there are no breaches in the EPDM and it has been installed correctly, you do not have to be concerned with leaking.
• Easy to install. If you are a total do-it-yourselfer, this is a great choice. While it is always recommended to hire a professional to install your roofing, this is one of the easiest to install yourself. There are some EPDM roof how-to guides available, but again, it is best to consult with an industry expert.
• It can be used with a skylight. If you are interested in an EPDM roof with skylight installation, talk with your roofing professional.

Is EPDM Waterproof?

Since your roof is what protects you from rain and other weather, one of the most common questions is whether or not EPDM roofing is waterproof. The short and simple answer to this is yes, it is. It simply could not act as a roof if it were not waterproof. Many people often put EPDM against a similar roofing material TPO. In terms of how waterproof they are, there are not any real differences when it comes to an EPDM roof VS TPO debate. If you suspect a leak, call a professional immediately. Early leak detection is key.

Need EPDM roofing in Philadelphia, PA for your commercial property? Call 267-622-7158 today to speak with the professionals at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting.

If you need new siding on your home, consider Hardie board installation in Philadelphia, PA. For reliable installation services, choose the team at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting. Find out how we can help by calling 267-622-7158.

While siding protects your walls from the outside, your interior walls can get damaged by water from frozen and burst pipes if the pipes aren’t properly insulated from below freezing temperatures. If your pipes have burst, you want to get burst pipe repair as soon as possible.

Hardie board installation instructions

While it’s preferable to have a professional install Hardie board for siding installation, if you do it yourself here are some instructions you can follow to ensure you install it correctly.

• Before you install the siding, it needs to be stored in an area where it will stay dry. It also needs to be stored off the ground.
• Prep work includes sheathing the walls with plywood, oriented strand board or foam, and covering the sheathing with house wrap or felt paper. Mark location of studs with chalk.
• Cut the siding with either a circular saw, fiber cement shears, or jigsaws. 
• Install the trim, starting with the inside or outside wall corners. The corners should be at ¼-inch thicker than two pieces of siding so caulking can be applied later.
• Install the siding six inches or more above the home’s grade level. A one to two inch gap should be left between horizontal surfaces. Either nails or screws can be used to install the siding.

If you are wondering, “What nails do you use for Hardie siding?” or “What kind of screws are used for Hardie board?” The answer is corrosion-resistant, galvanized or stainless steel nails and or screws.The nails should be long enough to get through the sheathing and at least one inch into the studs.

Can I use a framing nailer for Hardie siding?

A framing nailer can be used for siding installation. When using a framing nailer, you need to use a nail that’s long enough to attach the siding to the wood sheathing. It’s preferable to use a siding nail gun to install siding. Siding nail guns don’t require as long of nails as a framing nail guns. Siding nailers are also preferable for fiber cement siding like Hardie board.

How much Hardie plank siding do I need?

For siding installation using Hardie plank siding, to determine how much you’ll need, you’ll first need to figure out your home’s exterior square footage. You’ll subtract areas like windows and doors that won’t be covered. It’s easier to make the measurements by dividing the home into sections and then adding the measurements together after calculating the area of each section. From there you can get the total square footage. Measure and get the area of your windows and doors and subtract these measurements from the total square footage. Add about 10% to this number, and you’ll have the total square footage of planking you’ll need.

Hardie board siding installation around windows

One of the many advantages Hardie board has over other siding are some of the innovative solutions developed for siding installation. One innovation is developing aluminum tabs that can be stapled to the back of window trims. These tabs prevent nails from sinking into the trim material and leaving holes that either have to be filled in or painted over. While useful, you may not want to use the tabs if you are planning to replace your windows anytime soon. The tabs make the trim tough to remove.

Hardie board installation problems

Although it is rare for Hardie board to have problems, most fiber cement siding products can experience issues from time to time. One of the main problems with Hardie siding is that it will need to be repainted about every seven to 10 years, as the paint on it will begin to fade or peel or crack or chip. You also will need to reapply caulking from time to time as it shows signs of wear. The caulking needs to be applied to areas like flashing, plank and trim connections, as well as between plank joinks. Signs of wear like dents, chips or cracks can easily be remedied with cement patching compound.

Benefits of a Roof Restoration

At this point, you may be wondering is a roof restoration worth it? There are a number of valuable benefits to restoring your roof. We have already mentioned a few, but there are a few others that need to be mentioned. 

• Cheaper: As mentioned, restoring a roof is significantly cheaper than replacing it. It’s about 50% cheaper to choose restoration over replacement. However, your roof needs to be in relatively good condition for this to be the case. 
• Life Extension: A restoration will actually add several years to the life of your roof. Most commercial roofs have a lifespan of about 20-years. Adding a restorative layer can add up to 15-years to your roof! 
• Sustainability: This is a much more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. There is little to no wasted material taking up space in a landfill. More than that, you are reusing materials as well. 
• Tax Benefits: One of the best benefits is that a restoration can be claimed on your taxes. This type of service is considered a maintenance expense, which can see fairly large returns on tax day. 

One of the biggest questions contractors get about a roof restoration is how often does it need to happen? If you are good about maintaining your roof, you should only need to restore it every 10-15 years. That amounts to large savings that you likely won’t experience with a replacement. When it does come to a restoration service, it is important to work with an experienced and professional team. Doing so will ensure you can and will experience the benefits listed above. For that, the best company to turn to is Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to replace a commercial roof?
  • It’s best to average about 2-3 days in total for a commercial roof replacement. There are several factors such as weather, labor, the condition of the roof, the type of roof, etc. Certain materials will be harder to remove than others, which can eat into time. 
• How long does a roof restoration take?
  • Similar to a roof replacement, a restoration will average about 2-3 days to complete. There are just as many things to consider and factor into the overall time it will take to complete a restoration.
• How much is a roof restoration?
  • A roof restoration will cost between $6 and $9 per square foot for the material chosen. In comparison to a replacement service that can cost between $18 and $22 per square foot, a restoration is often ideal.
• What is involved in a roof restoration?
  • The general process for a roof restoration usually involves repairing or removing any extremely damaged areas of a roof then coating the entire structure with a restorative material. Rarely is the entire roof removed and replaced with something else.

What exactly about hardwood flooring that makes it such a popular feature in homes everywhere that it has become the most requested flooring? For starters, hardwood floors make an instant improvement to any room, making it feel cleaner and open. And when it comes to selling a home, hardwood flooring brings a higher value than carpeting or other types of flooring.

What Types of Wood Floors are There?

There are 5 different types of hardwood flooring, separated by color tones, wood grain patterns, and durability. From each of those, finding the perfect match for your own personal design and lifestyle is easy. The five different types of hardwood flooring choices are:

• Oak Wood – Within this type of hardwood, there are two diverse types, each is highly desirable for flooring options:
• Red Oak – Well suited for almost all hardwood flooring needs with its warm tones ranging from a creamy pink, a golden red, or a rusty brown. They are accented with patterns of elegant swirls in the grain throughout, each board having a variance in color and pattern. This type can complement a diverse range of décor styles, from classic to contemporary or from country to rustic.
• White Oak – This option has cool hues with fine grain patterns and is a harder type of oak, making it the right choice of hardwood flooring for areas with high traffic. There is a very little variance in the color and grain, but the gray undertones give a room a smooth elegance that makes it a perfect match for most design styles.
• Cherry Wood – This wood offers a smooth grain pattern with warm brown hues and is somewhat a softer hardwood, making it best for areas of low traffic, like the bedroom or a formal dining or living room. This type of hardwood flooring tends to turn darker over time, so installing it in rooms with minimal bright sunlight is recommended.
• Walnut – This deep, rich type of wood with its chocolate tones and large grain patterns are a popular choice for hardwood flooring. It offers drama with sophistication and is good in areas with medium-to-light traffic. However, after a few years, wear and tear of higher traffic areas may begin to show. From board to board, the colors vary slightly, thus the look is more consistent.
• Hickory – Of all the hardwood flooring choices, this one is a very durable wood and is perfect for high-traffic areas, being an important one reason why it is the choice for gym floors in schools. The mocha-tones of this wood range between a creamy beige with a touch of red to a warm brown complimented with streaks of dark brown. Each board will vary with color and accented with large knots, making it the perfect choice for country and rustic décor.
• Maple – A highly durable choice for hardwood flooring that is light in color, accented hues that include beige, light cream, and tan, with a touch of red tint occasionally. Occasionally there are dark specks and streaks within the fine grain pattern, giving it a visual interest that blends well for contemporary, eclectic, or transitional style.

Which is Better Solid Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood?

The main difference between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring is the price. Traditional solid hardwood flooring is milled from one piece of wood. Engineered hardwood flooring boards have a multiple layered base and a real hardwood layer on top.

You can refinish solid hardwood flooring many times and it will last for years. It is typically installed over a subfloor, board by board. It must be nailed, thus making it not a hardwood flooring to use on a concrete base or in basements because it is not durable in humid or moisture areas.

Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over many types of flooring such as linoleum, tile, or wood, even concrete. This type of wood is nailed, but snaps together at the grooves of each plank, creating somewhat of a floating floor and is suitable for basements.

What is the Most Durable Hardwood Floor?

When choosing a species of durable hardwood flooring, Red Oak, is the most common choice. Other durable hardwood flooring materials are Black Walnut or Brazilian Cherry. The difference in how any hardwood flooring resists dents and scratching is made by the finish. The two types of finishes typically used are:

• Traditional Oil-Based Polyurethane: It is a flexible finish perfect for areas with high traffic and where the wood moves. It offers a warm glow to the room.

• Acrylic Urethane: This is typically referred to as a water-based finish and is harder and not as flexible. The urethane makes the resin scratch resistant and tougher.

What is the Best Hardwood Floor for Dogs?

Because our furry family members can be tough on flooring, there are a few things to consider when choosing hardwood flooring for a pet-friendly home, the final decision needs to be one that you should consider the following:

• Scratch resistance
• Damage resistance
• Pet comfort and pet traction

A popular choice in hardwood flooring for a home with pets Bamboo. This natural hardy wood that is resistant to scratches and stains and is antimicrobial, keeping allergens and molds at bay. Other flooring types to consider are cork, stone tile, and vinyl.

If hardwood flooring is your dream flooring, there are many choices. Finding the one that is perfect in coloring and designs that can match any personal lifestyle. Whether you live alone, have a household full of children and pets, the perfect hardwood flooring material is out there! Let Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting help you find the best one for your needs. Call us today at 267-622-7158!

The first step in any remodeling is demolition. Taking care not to damage plumbing and wiring, you’ll tear out old fixtures like your toilet and tub, and then remove cabinets, mirrors, floor tiles and other items.Follow up the demolition by installing your new shower or tub basin. Next you’ll lay down the new tiles, and then hang your new drywall and do the painting. Once the new drywall is in place and painted, the cabinets, mirrors, and vanity will then be installed. You may need to do some rewiring beforehand to ensure the wiring fits with the new fixtures. You follow up with your new sinks and toilet. Your final steps will be the touch-ups like adding trim around the room and mirrors.

If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling professional in Philadelphia, PA, count on the team at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting. We put your needs first. Call us today at 267-622-7158 to find out more.

As the bathroom remodel chugs along, you’ll definitely want to enlist a residential plumbing service for all your plumbing installations. 

Bathroom remodeling ideas

Are you thinking about a bathroom remodel but aren’t sure where to start? Here are some bathroom remodeling ideas to get you started:

• Go all white: For a modern look, think about all white fixtures and flooring.
• Go all black: Black can make a bathroom look elegant. Add a few splashes of color for contrast.
• Add a walk-in shower: Walk-in showers have become trendy in the past few years. They can be very luxurious.
• Go natural: Use white as a base but mix it up with natural colors like greens and browns. Add bamboo shades over the windows to add to the natural look.
• Get simple, but elegant: Soft blues and greens with clean lines and simple shapes can make a bathroom elegant.

How long should a bathroom remodel take?

Ideally, with all the parts working together, a bathroom remodel should take about 4 ½ to 5 weeks, or roughly 20 to 25 days, if no work is done on the weekends. But that’s an ideal world in which no one gets sick, all the workers show up, and all your materials are readily available, and no change orders are made, and there are no gaps between the work steps. It’s probably more realistic to expect the work to take about double that time. In business days, this is about 9 weeks, or 40 to 50 days.

Bathroom remodeling and cost

On average, a bathroom remodel will cost anywhere between about $10,000 to $15,000. About 20% of your bathroom remodeling budget will go to labor. If you are planning to remodel your bathroom in Philadelphia, PA, and want affordable, reliable service, check with the professionals at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting. When you choose our team, we always put your needs first.

What is the cheapest way to remodel a bathroom?

A you can see, a bathroom remodel can be expensive, depending on your design and the materials you use. But, the remodel doesn’t have to break your budget. You can lower costs in various ways including:

• Limiting tile: Bathroom remodeling with tile can be expensive because, tile is one of the more expensive items on your bathroom remodel shopping list. Use tile sparingly on high-impact areas like flooring or inside the shower.
• Saving on countertops: You can go with less trendy countertop styles and colors or try something trendy like repurposing an old dresser into a sink pedestal. 
• Painting: Sometimes just adding a different color to the walls is all it takes to give the bathroom a completely new look.
• Updating fixtures: Getting modern, updated faucets and fixtures like towel racks can add a little punch to the bathroom without breaking your budget.

How do you remodel a small bathroom?

Remodeling a small bathroom can take just as much time as a large bathroom remodel. Planning is always the key for any remodeling project. You also want to consider the different types of bathrooms, as well as who will be using it, before you make your remodeling decisions. With a powder room or half bath that’s little more than a sink, toilet, and door, you may just want to paint or update its fixtures. On the other hand, a full bath or guest bathroom that you or several others may use might require a larger makeover. You could remodel the cabinets or install new fixtures. As with any bathroom remodel, the decisions are all up you and your needs and budget.

How long does it take to replace a shower?

How long it takes to replace a shower will depend on the type of shower you install. Showers come in many shapes and sizes, and use a variety of materials. On average, in a bathroom remodel, it takes about one or two days to install or change out the plumbing and about two more days to install fixtures like showers and toilets. Again, the time it takes will vary with the type of shower you’re installing.