Virginia Beach Homes Need Hurricane Shutters for Storm Protection

Virginia Beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the opening of the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia Beach is the most inhabited city in Virginia, and is a humid, sub-tropical area, with mild winters and warm, wet summers. Because of the location, it is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Isabel, which hit Virginia Beach in 2003, was the costliest disaster in Virginia's history. Hurricane force winds were recorded at 107 mph, and Isabel caused significant beach erosion and home damage before she was finished.

storm doors with screens

Hurricane Isabel is not the only hurricane to damage Virginia Beach:

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Hurricane Charley passed over southeast Virginia Beach, and winds were recorded at 104 mph and over 110,000 homes were without power during and after the storm.

Hurricane Bonnie knocked out power to 320,000 customers in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area. Structural damage to buildings occurred. The heavy rain and storm surge produced street flooding in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Portsmouth. Storm damages in Virginia totaled more than million.

When Hurricane Floyd hit the area and caused rainfall of up to 20 inches in some parts of Virginia. More than 300 roads were closed in the peak of the storm from flooding and downed trees.

Obviously, homes in the Virginia Beach area need storm protection, and hurricane shutters are one of the best ways that you can protect your home. Hurricane shutters protect you from the missile impacts that occur during a storm, also keep pressure changes from occurring quickly inside your home, and keep out wind and rain that storms bring. And out of all the hurricane shutters available on the market today, rolling shutters are the best available.

Roll-down shutters can be closed in a matter of moments when a storm is imminent. Rolling shutters cover your windows and doors with a touch of a button, and if there is no power (during Hurricane Isabel, 1.8 million electrical customers were left without power) there is a manual option to roll them down. Whether the power is on or not, roll down shutters have got you covered. They remain on your home year-round, so there is no putting up and taking down when storms come and go, and they are both convenient and unobtrusive. They can be matched to your home's color, making them both attractive and practical.

No matter what kind of hurricane shutters that you choose, they are necessary to protect your home during a storm. Install hurricane shutters today and provide your home and family with the defense against the storm that they deserve.

Virginia Beach Homes Need Hurricane Shutters for Storm Protection

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Three Reasons to Choose Larson Storm Doors

A house is a huge investment and should be treated with great care. To maximize its value over the long-term, it's essential to take good care of it. Since it's important to protect the value of your house, be sure that you do so with quality products. During storms, front doors can really take a beating. So how do you protect them? Your best bet is to check out some storm doors. If you are looking for unparalleled quality in the industry, I highly recommend Larson storm doors. You can't find a better array of features. Below I'll discuss these features in more detail.

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Higher Quality Roll Screen
One popular design involves a top window that slides vertically, with a connected screen. Larson storm doors excel at this design. This feature allows you to slide down the window in order to access the screen. The most important thing is the durability of the storm door, and Larson leads the pack here because of the fact that it uses thicker, sturdier metal than its competition. Able to withstand a wide array of weather forecasts, it's routinely chosen by those who have really done their homework.

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Varied Material Selection
Larson storm doors are available in a wide array of materials. In addition to the standard of wood, you can also choose fiberglass and PVC. Wood has been a popular option for many years. But since wood is not able to last long when exposed to the elements unless a lot of work is invested in sealing it with protectants, it's steadily losing popularity. As a result, aluminum is quickly replacing wood as the industry standard. Combining quality with price, aluminum also has the affordability factor. Affordable quality is something we can all appreciate! Fiberglass may be an attractive option for you if you're willing to shell out a little more cash. It won't corrode like aluminum eventually will, and it can be fashioned in the image of wood if you like.

Top-Knotch Durability
When protecting possibly your most valuable asset (your house), it's important to do it right. Don't skimp to save a few bucks, because you'll just end up spending ten times that in the future because you didn't spend it in the first place. Larson storm doors are installed by professionals so you can rest assured that your property is protected on a professional level. Since doors are in motion so much and prone to being slammed or hit by objects entering and exiting, it's important to ensure that they are protected by real quality fixtures. That's what you'll get with Larson. Sleep peacefully at night knowing that not only are your storm doors made from quality materials, but the installation procedure is done by highly trained professionals. And since all doors are different, you'll be sure to get custom installation.

You'll be very happy with your decision to go with Larson storm doors! No matter what kind of budget you have, you can choose a material that will work for you. I guarantee you'll be happy with your decision. Good luck!

Three Reasons to Choose Larson Storm Doors

I hope you enjoyed my article! I have more reviews and information about Larson storm doors at my website, www.larsonstormdoors.org and I'll even let you in on a little secret: Where you can get them for cheaper than anywhere else on the internet;) Thanks again for reading, and good luck!

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Can Roof Hail Damage Result in Replacing an Entire Roof?

How much damage to your roof can come during a hail storm? In Georgia, hail storms are not that uncommon and many homeowners visually see hail several times during the year. That is the case in metro Atlanta, where the last few years have resulted in elevated hail activity.

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Most people are somewhat aware of the damage hail can cause, in particular the larger variety of hail that is notorious for damaging and denting cars. This awareness doesn't always fully translate into the impact a hail storm can have on your home's roof. While you can visually see the damage to your car after a hail storm, you can't always see the damage to a roof. The damage you can't see can put the longevity of your roof at risk.

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Roof replacement due to hail damage is one of the most expensive fixes for homeowners and insurance companies. Hail can vary in size dramatically, falling as small as the size of tiny pellets, or as large as baseballs. It is typically the larger hail that can cause enough damage to your asphalt roof to justify a roof replacement.

Asphalt Roof Shingle Damage from Hail:

Hail damage to asphalt roofs occur when hail beating against the surface of asphalt shingle results in the protective granular surface of the shingle to loosen and potentially fall off. When the granules are loosened, the asphalt shingles loses some of its protection potential and becomes vulnerable to additional damage.

- Note: Damaged asphalt layers can potentially allow water seepage into the roof.

- Tip: If the granules of an asphalt shingle are removed by a hail storm, the shingle's longevity can be severely diminished.

Signs of Hail Damage to an Asphalt Roof:

- Bruises or small dents in the asphalt shingle
- Granulation is displaced exposing the asphalt
- Granulation has settled at the base of your downspouts
- The spots hit by hail usually leave a soft spot in the shingle
- Significantly damaged metal air vents on the roof indicate similar hit pattern for roof
- Damage and denting of siding, or gutters

If my Roof is damaged, how fast should I replace it?

There is a misconception if your roof sustains damage from a hail storm that your roof needs to be replaced immediately. You'll find some conflicting evidence online from other roofers that advise immediately replacing your roof. In Georgia for example, any reliable roofing contractor in Atlanta should tell you otherwise. Typically the damage sustained from a hail storm will pose no immediate threat to your roof. The threat is in the longevity of the roof, because hail can dramatically decrease a roof's life expectancy. The deteriorated protection from a roof that is not expected to last its full life is why insurance companies will authorize the replacement of your roof.

Will Homeowner's Insurance Cover a New Roof?

This answer varies by the coverage on your homeowner's insurance policy. For some homeowners the answer is "yes." If you believe your home has been the victim of hail, contact your insurance company to determine if your policy will cover the damage. For many homeowners they will be able to have the roof repaired, or replaced and will need to pay a deductable.

- Tip: If you are unsure if you homeowner's policy covers hail damage to your roof, contact your insurance company.

Caution: Avoid Storm Chasers!

Homeowners need to beware of 'storm chasers.' A storm chaser typically consists of an out of town roofing contractor that goes door to door after a hail storm soliciting for business. While it may seem tempting and convenient, these roofers can do more harm than good. Make sure any roofer you look to work with has a good reputation in the community. Look for a roofer that is located locally and check references. Look for references that are over a year old and ones that are more recent, within the last 30 days. Finally never give a deposit for a roof. A reliable roofer will only ask for payment once the roof has been complete.

If you think your home has sustained roof hail damage, get a professional opinion. Experienced roofing contractors should be willing to provide free roofing estimates upon request.

Can Roof Hail Damage Result in Replacing an Entire Roof?

Tim McLoughlin is a reliable roofing contractor and expert on common roofing problems. His company, KTM Roofing is renowned among roofing companies in Atlanta.

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Impact Resistant Sliding Glass Doors

Opening your home to the outdoors is one of the benefits of living in SW Florida. Your lanai area becomes a part of your living space with the simple slide of door panels.

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Sliding glass doors comprise a large area of most homes. While this is great for light and the appreciation of the outdoors, walls of glass can be a point of vulnerability in storms. Impact resistant sliding glass doors offer strength and security upon impact while maintaining the integrity of the open-air construction.

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You will protect your furnishings because UV Rays are kept out, and you will notice a dramatic reduction in outside noise. Both benefits are especially important for large areas of glass.

Take a look at some of the benefits of having impact resistant windows installed:
Reduce unwanted air and moisture infiltration
Reduce noise
Improve energy efficiency
Beautify the home inside and out
Eliminate fading of carpets and furniture
Enhance the architectural integrity of your home
Protect the structure from hurricanes
Protect your loved ones and valuables from intruders 24-hours a day Replacing your sliding glass doors updates your home. Impact resistant sliding glass doors protect your home effortlessly. You will be protected in the event of a storm without dealing with shutters.

One of the latest trends in sliding glass doors is a "french door" style frame, offered by PGT Industries. This is available in an optional wood-grain finish, two, three or four tracks as a by-pass, pocket or corner-meet configuration.

Replacement sliding glass doors are custom made to fit precisely in your existing opening. You won't have to worry about your room being torn apart.

Impact Resistant Sliding Glass Doors

Jim Atkins, president of Southern Home Service, http://www.southernhomeservice.com, is a Florida state-certified Building Contractor, license CBC1255867. Additional Qualifications: MySafeFlorida approved contractor- Alcoa Building Products Master Contractor-Vinyl Siding Institute Certified-Factory Certified for window and door installation and glazing-Independent distributor: PGT Windows & Doors, CGI Windows & Doors, Armor Screen Protective Systems. Jim welcomes any home remodeling questions that you may have. Learn more in the News|Center section of the web site.

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Standing on the Promises - Finding Comfort in the Midst of Your Storms by Joan M Blake

Finding Hope in the Rough Times

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"Standing on the Promises: Finding Comfort, Hope, and Purpose in the Midst of Your Storm" combines memoir, inspiration, and encouragement, with a promise of hope and joy for times of crisis. Joan Blake (no relation to this reviewer) tells of growing up in Trinidad, of receiving a college education in Boston, of her engagement and marriage, of the early days of beginning a family, and of how she found find peace and hope in the midst of crisis and chaos when in the depth of devastating disappointment.

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Each chapter concludes with an original prayer poem of inspiration, a heart stirring response, and a thought provoking reflection. I especially appreciated Joan's insight into human nature in light of man's spiritual hunger. These meaningful prayers are as moving and relevant to the individual reader today as they were when Joan was inspired to write them during her times of crisis throughout her own spiritual journey.

Another unique feature of the book is that in addition to providing practical help for the individual reader, the material can easily be adapted as a small group discussion guide, for use when mentoring, or in a discipleship relationship.

"Standing on the Promises: Finding Comfort, Hope, and Purpose in the Midst of Your Storm" is a compelling example of the results of walking in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ while stepping out in faith. Joan's is a powerful message of hope, well-timed and applicable to all who find themselves in the tight spots we so often find ourselves in today.

Key to Life Publishing Company, 978-0981460918

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Standing on the Promises - Finding Comfort in the Midst of Your Storms by Joan M Blake

Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant, Freelance Writer, Editorial Resources, Critiques, Reviews

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Entry Door Selection, Avoid the Top 10 Most Common Pitfalls

When selecting a new entry door it is easy to be wooed by a beautiful piece of decorative glass or on the other end of the spectrum a super low price tag. But before you run out and plunk down that hard earned dollar, take into consideration the following Top 10 tips to avoid heartache or worse headaches from your new door selection.

storm doors with pet access

I can tell you that each person will rate these differently depending on how big a problem they would create but every item on this list will turn into a problem if not addressed. I am going to assume you are shopping for a complete door, meaning a door hung in a new frame.

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You must know the measurements, not just the height and width of the existing door but the often forgotten measurement of how thick is the door frame. The standard frame you will find in most building centers is either 4-9/16" or 6-9/16" for a standard 2x4 or 2x6 wall. But what if your old wall is something different? Anyone can order you a door with a frame to match your wall, it will cost slightly more but if not do you have the skills to rebuild or extend the stock frame? What color is your hardware? Are you willing to settle for the stock brass hinges that come standard on most doors or will you confirm your hardware color and order your door with matching hinges to avoid the cost and labor of changing those stock hinges? Which way does your door swing? I do not just mean when you are pulling the handle towards you is the handle on the left or right? I mean does your door swing into the house or towards the outside. This concern will affect the frame and sill setup and if you try to reverse the wrong type you are inviting a leak for sure. Are you aware that most manufacturers are offering their products with maintenance free metal or vinyl cladding over the frame of the door. You do not have to settle for a wood frame that needs periodic painting and while I am on this subject make sure your new door has frame saver technology so it will not rot. If you are considering a beautiful new stainable fiberglass door do you realize the special gel stain and finishing process required if you stain it yourself? Check to see the cost of having your new door professionally stained; it could be money well spent when investing so much and expecting a realistic look when finished. Do you also realize that the beautiful new stained fiberglass door you purchase will need to be resealed per manufacturer's recommendation on average every one to two years? Who will handle that chore? Did you know that most steel doors sold today only have a primer coating on the surface? If you leave that unpainted for more than 90 days you void the door warranty. Once again most door providers offer a professional finish process in a wide variety of colors with a finish comparable to auto finish. If you want the security of a deadbolt did you know you could have all the holes for it pre-drilled in your new door and frame for under ? When it comes to installing the door remember two things. Most new doors come with a package of long screws in a bag attached to the frame. Be sure and install these screws one in each hinge after the door has been properly plumbed and leveled to assure a solid anchor to the framed wall. Lastly, make sure and properly seal your new doors exterior by installing a sill dam with caulking below the door and sealing the top and sides with a sealing system like Tyvek Straightflash. If you short cut this part of the process you are just asking for a leaking door and that usually results in damaged entryway flooring.

I have been out on countless job sites in the last 30 years to examine door complaints of defective product and 9 times out of 10 I find either a modified door not functioning like it was intended or an improperly installed door.

Entry Door Selection, Avoid the Top 10 Most Common Pitfalls

If you find this article valuable please drop me a message and let me know some other topics you would like to see me write about as I am constantly on the lookout for article topics relating to home construction and home repairs. You can also keep up to date on my latest home building content through my blog link below.

My name is Jim Patrick, I have been designing custom homes for over 30 years. In addition I specify and sell all products used in the construction of new homes and additions. You can keep up on my writings by visiting either my web site at http://www.homebuilding-questions.com or by checking out my site blog at http://www.homebuilding-questions.com/Homebuilding-Questions-blog.html

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Soundproofing On a Budget

Soundproofing your home does not have to cost a fortune. If you are under new construction we all know that money it tight. There are many common hardware store items that can be used for soundproofing that won't break the bank. Most people don't think of sand as a soundproofing material, but it actually a very good for soundproofing. If your walls are re-enforced, you can use sand in the stud cavities as a soundproofing material. You must be sure that your walls can withstand the weight of the sand. Always use refined or purified sand, not common beach sand that could cause mold or have other bacterial in it that will cause you problems down the line.

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Let's say you are in the middle of new construction on your new home and you know that one of the rooms is going to be your new home theater. You want that room soundproofed but you budget is already stretched to its limits. Did you know that you can use common rolled roofing material from Home Depot or Lowe's? Rolled roofing is what is generally used on buildings like chicken coops and other roofs where aesthetics is not an issue but stopping leaks is. Rolled roofing generally comes in 30' long rolls and is 3' wide. I hear the little wheels in your brain spinning at a hundred miles and hour. What am I going to do with all this rolled roofing material? Well, I'm glad you asked. One of the best soundproofing agents on the market today is mass loaded vinyl, (MLV for short) Mass loaded vinyl is a high grade vinyl material that is impregnated with barium salts and silica to give it the same soundproofing properties as lead sheeting without the hazards associated with lead.

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Now MLV can cost from .25 to .00 per sq ft and when you are building your new dream home that just might be beyond your budget. So now enters the rolled roofing material. I am suggesting that you stretch the rolled roofing material across the studs or the joists if you are soundproofing your ceiling. You will staple or nail the rolled roofing directly to the stud structure like a membrane across the face of the studs. The next section of rolled roofing should overlap the first piece by at least 1". It is essential to caulk the over lap with an acoustical caulk (hey you have to buy something from the soundproofing guy for giving you all this free advice, right?). The acoustical caulk can be purchased from any reputable soundproofing company like Acoustical Solutions, Sound Isolation Company, or Soundproofing America. Any of these companies will carry a good quality acoustical caulk and can ship it to you. Now back to our soundproofed walls. Once you have the rolled roofing in place and you have caulked the 1" over lap, you will also need to caulk around the entire perimeter of the newly installed rolled roofing membrane. There is a little saying we have in the soundproofing industry, "Caulk is cheap". I think you get the pun. The point is, use as much caulk as you need to seal every seam gap or crack in your soundproof membrane. You want this roofing material to be as sealed and air tight as possible. Now seeing as the rolled roofing does not have the same soundproofing horsepower as MLV, I would strongly suggest a second layer of the rolled roofing be applied to each wall and to the ceiling area that you that you are soundproofing. Stagger the seams wherever possible This is a small investment to have a soundproof room for your home theater or simply a quiet place to study.

Once you have your 2 layers of rolled roofing installed on your walls and ceiling and everything is caulked liberally, it is time for the finished layer of drywall. I would suggest installing a layer of 5/8" fire code drywall to finish off your soundproofing project. Don't forget to tape mud and paint the finished drywall.

Now finally I would like to say a little bit about the acoustical caulk. Acoustical caulk is a cheap commodity when compared to the cost of other soundproofing agents, but it is one of the most essential parts of any soundproofing endeavor. Buy a good acoustical caulk and not some cheap silicone caulk. We are already being frugal with the soundproofing material; lets not skimp on the caulk. A good acoustical caulk is OSI-175 SC caulk or Tremco Smoke and Sound caulk. Both of these caulking compounds possess superb acoustical properties. If you have questions about acoustical caulk call one of the online soundproofing companies, they will be glad to help you.

Once the drywall is up and the rolled roofing is completely covered, you will discover that you have a well-soundproofed room and you did it a half the cost of using the professional soundproofing agents. That being said, today's modern soundproofing products are extremely effective and I feel very reasonably priced compared to other specialized building materials. In this article I just wanted to show that there are other ways to soundproof a wall or ceiling with out using the more costly professional soundproofing agents. I hope this narrative has been informative; it was a pleasure writing it, as there is so little information out on the net about soundproofing. Once again, this is Dr. Bob...Out!

Soundproofing On a Budget

Dr. Bob O. Soundproofing America, Inc. Senior Technical Director Soundproofing Expert to The New York Times, The San Francisco Herald Examiner, The San Diego Union Tribune, and the Charlotte Observer Ph (877) 530-0139 Toll free Fax (347) 721-9079 E-mail: Dr.bob@soundproofingamerica.com Website: http://www.soundproofingamerica.com

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