Friday, April 25, 2014

It Worked For Gilligan's Island – Will It Work For Your Home?

We watch reruns of Gilligan's Island today and amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we may dream of living as the 7 survivors did in the TV show. Then we remember, that was fiction. In real life, we couldn't do without our computers, electronics, television (so we could watch those reruns) and all the other conveniences we enjoy today.

However, one thing they had and we could utilize today are the thatch roofs they had on their huts. There are several good reasons to having a thatch roof. Just like anything else in life, there are down sides as well. A few good reasons for a thatch roof is the going back to all natural materials. The readily available amounts of raw material in most parts of the world is the number one reason. Many places, such as Europe, combining thatch and tiles is very popular. It is lighter in weight and requires less timber to support it making it less expensive to build.

A thatch roof is perfect to cover roof structures that are irregular and non-conventional too. A thatch roof is very eco-friendly whether you choose new, second-hand or recycled materials, making it a sustainable roof.
The biggest downside to thatch roofing is the difficulty in finding homeowners insurance. When you do find a company willing to insure a house with thatch roofing, it is expensive. Building and maintaining a thatch roof is labor intensive which will override the inexpensive part of the materials.

A thatch roof is also a natural attraction for birds and other wildlife. They find them to be a place to forage for food. Rodents are drawn to them as well. For areas like Tulsa Oklahoma, a thatch roof is not a logical choice due to the weather, especially the winters where we experience ice and snow.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Gutters Are More Than An Up Sale – They Are A Must


One thing that many older homes may not have are gutters, and while they may seem like an unnecessary expense, the damage they prevent to your home make them priceless. When gutters are installed properly and maintained on a regular basis by professional company like DunRite Roofing, the value they add to your home and also give a roof line an aesthetically finished look.

Gutters on your home will help the soil stabilize around your home and avoid foundation problems. They also keep the water away so that it isn't seeping into the ground and walls of your basement as well as keep the landscape whole by avoiding erosion. Properly installed gutters will lessen the possibility of water damage to your home's brick or siding as well as keeping the walkways around your home from cracking. When water is directed away from your home or garage, the doors and windows will open and shut as they should.

For the handy person, you can install gutters yourself. For those not as handy, a company such as DunRite Roofing has many years of experience and professional equipment to install them properly. You'll also have a guarantee should you ever have a problem with the gutters. Once installed, keep them clean and repaired as needed. They will keep your home safe and keep it looking good, too!