Rainwater is free. Every time it rains you are looking at free water that you could use for a variety of purposes including gardening and cleaning your porch.

Creating a rainwater harvesting and collection system in Miami roofing is easy and cheap. Here’s how you do it:

Collection Area

Your Miami roofing acts as your collection area since that is the place where rain falls without getting absorbed by the ground. Knowing exactly how much rainwater your roof collects requires a complex calculation and is unnecessary for our purpose. Just keep in mind that the average roof of 25 foot by 40 foot collects around 600 gallons of water for an hour of one-inch rainfall.

Transportation System

The transportation system consists of the gutters and downspouts on the edges of the roof. The type of material the gutters and downspouts are made of is not material; what matters is the size. Both parts have to be large enough to hold and transport the water from the roof. In most houses today, gutters come in either 5 or 6 inch-wide size with attached downspouts having a diameter of 3 to 4 inches. The larger the roof, the bigger the gutters and downspouts should be.

Do not forget to install covers at the top of downspouts to keep falling leaves and debris out, which could block the flow of water down to the receptacles below. Put fine mesh screen on the barrels to keep away mosquitos and other insects.

Storage Facility

This is the last part of our harvesting and collection system. Barrels work great in storing the water collected from the roof. You can find specially-designed barrels at local stores or online or you can customize an ordinary barrel yourself.

Place and connect the barrels to the downspouts nearest to the place of your garden where you will be using the water most often. Clear away rocks and dirt from the area that is large enough to accommodate the barrels. Dig a 4 to 5-inch deep rectangle and fill it with around one-half to one-fourth inch of pea gravel. This creates a drainage around the area to keep water away from the foundation of the house.

Place concrete blocks on top of the pea gravel to create a raised platform on which to place the barrels. The higher the barrels are placed, the stronger the water pressure will be. Connect the barrels using hoses attached to each other at the sides. The more barrels you install, the more water you can store.

More households are using solar energy to power their homes through the use of Miami roofs solar panels. Before using these roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems, homeowners need to understand a few things for them to make intelligent decisions in using this natural and renewable source of energy.

Energy Needs. Consult a professional solar contractor to calculate your planned energy usage, not your current or actual usage. You have to consider if your energy needs will go up (growing family) or down (kids going to college).

Property Tax. Your property will not be reassessed for tax purposes if you installed solar panels. Reassessment is made only if the square footage of your house increases such as the construction of additional rooms. Generally, solar panels installation is exempt from property taxes.

Solar Panel Lifespan. A solar panel lasts around 30 years with very minimal maintenance. You only need to hose it down with water and clean leaves and other dirt on the surface, especially during summer. Solar panels lose around half percent conversion efficiency every year.

Safe on Miami Roofs. Solar panels should not cause any harm to your roof when properly installed. In fact, they could enhance insulation of your house, particularly the rooms or attic located just below the solar panels.

Batteries. Unless you are building a self-contained house in remote areas, you need not to worry about getting power at night because your local power utility will continue to supply you with electricity after the sun sets. In fact, some rebates do not start unless your power system is linked to a grid.

Installation Cost. Various roofing styles necessitate different installation costs. Putting solar panels on asphalt shingles costs less than if you put them on shakes or Spanish tiles because the latter are far more brittle and require more care and preparation in installation.

Orientation. While southwest-facing roofs are best for solar panels, the orientation of your solar panels is not that important as others may think. Positioning the panels to face south, west, southeast, east or north-northwest is also acceptable.

Solar Warranties. Two kinds of warranties are usually offered by contractors – the one on panels and inverters lasting around 20 to 25 years (panels) and 5 to 10 years (inverters) and the other on their work quality, which means that they did not mess up your roof.

Insurance Coverage. Get insurance after you install solar panels on your roof. Though you may have to pay the extra premium each month at probably not more than $10, you will be protected from fires and other hazards.

Simply stated, rain chains are alternatives to downspouts in draining water from the Miami roofing to the ground. A more elaborate definition is that rain chains are decorative, more beautiful and equally-functional alternatives to downspouts in transporting water to the ground or container.

Origin

Rain chains are not a new invention of modern times. They originated and are still widely used in Japan. Japanese have been using rain chains to collect water from the roof, transport it through the decorative rain chains, and eventually collect the water on the ground through large barrels for household use. Most Japanese temples incorporate large rain chains as part of their design.

The Art of Draining Water

What makes rain chains attractive to a lot of people is their aesthetic appeal in bringing water down from the gutter through the use of differently-designed chains and cups that serve the same purpose as the relatively-plain and common downspouts. Rain chains transform the otherwise-mundane draining of water into an art, from the relaxing and soft tinkling of water droplets through the chains to the calming sound of water rushing through the individual cups tied in a chain.

The typical rain chains are either simple chain links that span vertically or made from a series of metal cups with holes on the bottom and are chained together vertically. Rainwater drops down from the gutter through the connected series of rain chains.

Types of Rain Chains

Present-day manufacturers of rain chains incorporate different materials and designs in their production. Most rain chains today are made of copper; however, other materials are also available including aluminum and brass. The traditional cups and chains are still used although hybrid designs can be found. With a wide range of styles and prices on the market, consumers can choose which particular rain chain type suits their taste and home architectural design.

If you are a traditionalist then the link chains are for you because they conform most to the traditional style of rain chains. However, they create more water splashes than cups so  you have to keep this in mind when considering to install rain chains on areas that are near walkways, windows and doors.

Cup rain chains offer better performance to link chains because their open bottoms act as funnels through which water flows down from one cup to the next below it. Water splashes are greatly reduced even during heavy rainfall, which make them ideal to be placed on just about any area of the house including those near openings like doors and windows.

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) is a single-ply roofing membrane that first appeared in the market in early 1990s and became one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing materials in the construction industry. It was marketed as possessing the qualities of Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) without their disadvantages and costs.

The product is supposed to have the same heat and UV resistance as EPDM and at the same time heat-weldable similar to PVC. With these qualities, TPO is hyped as a cheaper and more efficient alternative than PVC roofing products. Is it safe then to state that TPO is a viable Miami roofing material for use in today’s buildings? Let us examine closely the benefits and disadvantages of TPO roofing.

Benefits of TPO Roofing

Versatile

TPO can be manufactured to fit and look great on different home designs and styles. Homeowners can choose between various colors, including white, light grey and black. Modern technologies make all colored TPO roofs resistant to Ultraviolet rays.

Cost Effective

TPO roofing costs less than PVC roofing. The cheaper cost of TPO material makes it an attractive alternative to PVC products while offering the same benefits of PVC, including heat-weldable seams and energy efficiency.

Durable

TPO roofing can better withstand a building’s contraction and expansion from fluctuations in temperature compared to other single-ply membranes. It is also durable and can resist impact, fractures, dirt and mold. The material is flexible enough to withstand the building’s natural movements.

Disadvantages of TPO Roofing

No Track Record

The strongest argument against TPO roofing is its track record, or lack of it. The technology has been around for only about ten years and has not proven itself to be durable in the long term unlike other roofing materials that have been in existence for decades. Manufacturers of TPO are still looking for the perfect balance between an economical price and product durability. The roofing industry has seen letdowns of TPO in the past such as failures at the seams and membrane cracking and curing.

Weak Heat Resistance

TPO roofing is noted to be weak when constantly exposed to high temperatures. The material experiences accelerated weathering and deterioration from high thermal loading. Most problems were noted in Southern states and cities where the sun shines most of the year. Asking the manufacturers about the suitability of their products to withstand at least 160 degrees of heat is recommended for safety purposes. Otherwise, a different roofing material is advisable to avoid untimely deterioration of the roof. So if you live in Miami with its hot and humid summers, TPO roofing may not be the best material for your roof.

The high cost of electricity pushed homeowners to devise new ways to lower their power bills. Different solutions to lower energy consumption include the installation of cool roofs (lowering the temperature of the structure and therefore requiring less energy to combat the heat) and solar panels (to collect heat from the sun, which are used as heater for devices within the house or energy to power them).

The rise in the popularity of solar power can be attributed to people’s efforts to make their houses more energy-efficient. For people living in places with plenty of sunshine throughout the year like Florida, the installation of solar panels on the Miami roofing or the ground is a wise investment.

The Sungrabber Solar Panel Kit

We take a look at one such product in the solar panel category that offers to heat up your pool using the free and clean energy from the sun. This is the Sunsolar Energy Technologies’ Roof Mountable Solar Panel Kit, simply called the Sungrabber.

The Sungrabber is a solar panel system that is attached to the roof of your house. Its primary purpose is to heat up your pool by tapping sunlight to generate heat. According to the manufacturer, the product will easily heat your pool through the free and reliable heat from the sun. A solar system of the proper size can generate all the heat to warm up your pool. The immediate benefit from using the Sungrabber is reducing the use of electricity to totally eliminate if not minimize your water-heating bill.

The panels consist of 1-1/2ʺ headers optimally designed to maximize solar efficiency and therefore present the best circulation of pool water through the solar panels. To increase the heating capacity of Sungrabber, additional panels may be added. Sungrabber circulates the water from the pool through the solar panels. The system utilizes solar energy to warm the water before it returns to the pool.

Mixed Customers’ Review

Customers’ satisfaction from the product is mixed. One buyer extols the product for heating up his spa at 100°F despite having a 60° F temperature. Others, however, complained that the solar panel package does not contain all the parts needed to install the system. You have to buy additional items from the store to use the product. Most complaints are centered on the stock hoses that connect to the panels. They apparently do not connect properly and could not withstand water pressure resulting to unwanted leaks.

Cracks in concrete commonly happen during construction. The causes for these cracks vary as well as the resulting cracks. They may be caused by mixing too much water or extreme heat that affects the surface of the concrete.

Several methods are available to repair cracks in concrete Miami roofing. You just have to choose the best solution for the cracks.

Evaluating the Cracks

The first step is evaluating whether the crack is active or dormant. Active cracks move and grow such as those produced from continuing foundation settlement. Dormant cracks do not grow, and future movement is not anticipated.

Generally, active cracks need flexible materials for repair and special considerations for future movements. Dormant cracks can use either flexible or rigid repair materials.

The nature of the crack must also be considered, which are typically divided into three categories: Those that require repair to restore structural integrity; those that require sealing and lastly, those that require improvement in appearance only.

Different Repair Techniques

After taking these steps, you are now ready to make actual repairs on the cracked concrete. Some of the repair methods are:

1. Stitching and Doweling. Stitching works by drilling holes on opposite sides of the crack and installing metal staples with short legs across the crack. Doweling works similarly but instead of using U-shaped metal staples, straight steel dowels are used and placed at a 45-degree angle on the length of the crack.
2. Dry Packing. This is ideal for dormant cracks as it is very economical. It consists of opening the crack to a certain depth and width of around one inch. A commercial bonding agent is poured on the expanded crack topped by low-water content cement mortar. Tamping the mortar forces it to enter the pores of the concrete for that tight and durable repair.
3. Polyurethane Injection. This repair method could be used for wet and leaking cracks. The primary purpose of this type of repair is to stop water leaks. A reactive resin is injected into the crack, which when combined with water forms an expanding gel that effectively seals the crack.
4. Epoxy Injection. It bonds cracks together and brings back concrete integrity. The method involves pressure-injecting epoxy on holes drilled on the concrete at regular intervals. The crack must be dormant and not leaking for epoxy to work properly. The presence of water reduces the effectiveness of epoxy.
5. Routing and Sealing. This repair involves enlarging the crack and filling it with sealant. It is one of the most economical ways to repair cracks, whether they are fine or large. It can seal both dormant and active cracks, depending on the sealer used and sealant reservoir.

The most obvious and immediate benefit of using solar energy is savings from electricity bills. While the initial investment in a solar energy system may seem expensive to some people, the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront cost.

Having a solar power system at home is like owning an electric company. You control everything from installation and maintenance to how you use the power generated. If you live in a city like Miami, known for its hot and humid summers and short warm winters, using solar energy is a wise decision. For those interested in tapping this clean and sustainable energy source, take note of the general tips we listed below for a successful installation of solar panels in Miami roofing.

Sourcing the Materials

Purchasing solar panels is the first step. You can buy from several known solar panel manufacturers. Compare prices from different producers before buying them to get the best price. Remember that prices differ from each seller. Online sites selling solar panels are a good place to start.

Installing the System

Solar panels are generally installed on rooftops where they get maximum exposure to the sun. However, they can also be installed on stand-alone facilities. Wherever you install them, their direct exposure to the sun is vital since you would want them to be fully operational the whole year. Therefore, positioning and orientation of solar panels are important.

Online resources are available that can help you determine the exact position of the sun in your area throughout the year. The information will help you position the solar panels. Some homeowners engage the services of professionals to assess the visibility to the sun at their place and to effectively harness solar energy.

Consider Roof Load

If you plan to install the panels on the roof, make sure that your roof is strong enough to bear the extra weight from the solar panels and mounts. A typical solar array adds approximately 5-6 pounds per square foot.

The roof mounts consist of grids where the solar panels are attached. They serve to secure and anchor the panels to the roof. Look for mounts that are adjustable, which allows you to alter the angle where the panels are facing. A slight tilt could result to more power being produced by your solar power system.

Electrical Components

The next step is wiring the solar modules. This aspect of solar power installation involves connecting electrical cable from the solar array on the roof to the inverter panel inside the house. It also relates to the grounding of the system through the use of a rod driven to the ground. This part of the installation may require you to engage the services of professionals because of the intricate work and inherent danger involved.

Going for concrete tiles in Miami roofing is highly recommended. It presents a lot of advantages for the home owner.

This article will focus on the benefits of getting concrete roof tiles in this tropical city. The downsides of this choice will be discussed here as well. Hopefully, at the end of the article, this will help you decide if you should go for this option in your roofing.

Advantages

Here are the benefits of having concrete tiles in Miami roofing:

1. Very Resilient

The product is very durable. Provided that the tiles were installed properly, they can stand heavy winds, rain and other elements that can easily wear or tear down other roofing options. Concrete tiles are ideal for people living in coastal areas as well because these are resistant to salt and moisture that usually corrode other types of roofing, especially those with metal composition.  Also, these are normally flame-retardant.

2. More Affordable

The clay or slate types will surely give you a bang for your buck. Concrete is a lot cheaper than most roofing tiles. Combine that with their guaranteed longer life than other alternatives plus low maintenance costs and you will have a money well-spent.

3. High Insulation

These offer enhanced convenience within the home because of their capability to maintain temperatures at a cool and comfortable level. An added sarking under the tiles can help maintain their cooling effect better.

4. More Quiet

The density of the tiles buffer sounds from the falling rain or vibrations produced by noisy vehicles like cars, trains, and even the aircraft flying over the home.

5. Safe for the Health

Concrete tiles are typically made from natural ingredients. Thus, people with allergies to certain components of  synthetic stuff need not to worry about these.

Disadvantages

Despite its benefits, this type of tiles has its downsides, these are:

1. Heavy

Concrete tiles are heavy. You must ensure that the structure of your home can support it. On the other hand, there are now lightweight types of these products. Then again, the lighter ones are usually less resilient than their heavier counterparts.

2. Needs Reliable Sealant

Although concrete tiles are resistant to water, the roof still requires a quality sealant that will fill the gaps in the installation of the material. This will prevent water from accumulating at the base of the roof.

3. Color Fades

These are hard, but their colors can fade in the long run after long exposure from the sun, rainwater, and other natural elements.