by Taha E.H | Feb 28, 2022 | Exterior Coating
Got questions about TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems exterior coating? We’ve got answers!
COOLWALL® is a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to traditional house paint. We formulate the material to reflect heat away from your home so you keep cool and lower your utility bill. Following are the most common questions we’re asked.
How does TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® work?
A quick primer on thermodynamics: Your house absorbs a lot of ambient heat, up to 90%. On a blazing summer day in Texas, that’s a lot of heat. So your air conditioner has to work overtime to fight it and keep you comfortable.
Surfaces that absorb heat show up clear as day on a thermal camera. This is called a heat signature. For most people, this fact is inconsequential. But for the military, it can cause problems. Military vehicles in the desert have no chance of stealth if the enemy has a thermal or infrared camera. They can spot that heat signature from far away.
The military formulated a special coating that deflects heat and drives down heat signature to solve the heat signature problem. The coating makes it much more difficult for thermal cameras to spot military vehicles.
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®, that same powerful technology to reflect heat away from your house. When your house’s heat signature is lower, your home is cooler, and you’re paying far less for air conditioning.
How long do TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coatings really last?
This may be your favorite of all our answers to questions about TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior:
It lasts a lifetime.
TEX•COTE® has tested the COOLWALL® system in a Xenon Arc chamber, a testing chamber that mimics solar radiation. For reference, 1000 hours in a Xenon Arc chamber is comparable to two to three years of direct sun exposure.
Competitor products usually start fading around the 1000-hour mark. But TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® shows virtually no evidence of fading after 5000 hours of testing. You can see a few samples here.
In a sunny climate like Texas, 5000 hours translates to 10-12 years of real-time service. But, of course, the lifespan is even longer in the northern states. And TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® doesn’t start to fade at that point.
Laboratory tests prove our product lasts for at least that long. But TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® is designed for decades of durability and fade resistance.
By comparison, most other paints and coatings require replacement every 3-7 years. The exact number will depend on the product, the climate, and the home’s building materials.
What’s the installation process like for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®?
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating applies directly to bare, uncoated materials or a new build. It may also be applied over existing paint or coatings without losing longevity.
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems should always be installed by a professional to ensure long-lasting performance and great aesthetics.
Can I really save money by choosing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems over traditional paint?
Yes. Studies show that opting for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® can reduce your cooling costs by up to 21.9%. Also, TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® lasts much longer than traditional paint. So you’re not paying for new paint and a crew to repaint your house every 5-10 years.
However, the savings are somewhat affected by the colors you choose. For example, if your house was painted white and you cover it with black COOLWALL®, you may not notice a massive difference. But if you replace your home’s dark gray paint with light blue COOLWALL®, the change will be more drastic.
Can I choose whatever color I want?
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® comes in over 570 different colors. The selection includes a wide range of neutrals, so finding something that adheres to HOA regulations is easy.
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The team at Texas Home Improvement has years of experience installing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems. We’ve become experts on the product and can answer any additional questions about TEX•COTE® you may have. Please speak to a member of our team about whether it’s suitable for your home.
by Taha E.H | Feb 23, 2022 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint, Uncategorized
Changing your home exterior color is a big decision. Here’s how to make it a little less stressful.
Quality exterior coatings can last up to 15 years. That’s great for your wallet, but it puts a lot of pressure on you to choose the right color. Because if you choose wrong, you either have to hate it for 15 years or pay to cover it up.
Today, we’re sharing six tips for choosing the right color for your home’s exterior with confidence.
Check with your neighborhood or homeowner’s association (HOA) first.
Depending on where you live, you might be limited to a few preselected items. This is usually done if the HOA is looking to achieve a uniform look in the neighborhood. Some cities also place limits on color options for historic homes. Save yourself from the heartache of falling in love with a color you can’t use and do your research first.
Consider your home’s origins—and its best features.
Certain colors may not match certain architectural styles. Be sure to consider the unique shape and history of your home when choosing a color for its exterior.
Do a few paint or coating samples.
Choosing an exterior color is very different from choosing an interior color. The lighting in your office will stay fairly consistent throughout the day. But outdoor lighting changes dramatically in a twenty-four-hour period. Make sure you see your color choices in full sun and throughout the day before you commit.
This is especially important if you’re choosing white. There are many, many shades of white, and it’s very important to choose the right one.
Match the other features of your home’s exterior, such as stone or brick.
Natural material features will impact your strategy and color choices for your home’s exterior. The undertones in brick and stone will clash with some colors and look beautiful with others. If you’re planning to paint over the brick entirely, you may need to consider a specialty paint.
Consider your neighbors.
If you paint your house bright pink, it might make you smile every time you pull into the driveway. But your neighbors have to look at it way more than you do. For them, it’s right out the window. This means two things:
- You and your wacky house color may become the talk of the neighborhood—and not in a good way. If all your neighbors hate it, it can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation.
- We’ve all heard urban legends of the house that won’t sell because the neighbors are too weird. Don’t be that neighbor.
It’s also worth noting that the wrong color can also diminish your home’s resale value. So go orange if you want. Just keep in mind that when it comes time to sell, there may be a price to pay.
If you simply must choose a crazy home exterior color…
…save it for your front door.
Brightly colored front doors are a popular choice these days. In fact, an attention-getting front door can increase your home’s curb appeal. Plus it’s a great way to have fun with a wild color without going overboard. A bright pink house might be overwhelming, but a brick house with a bubblegum door can be very charming!
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Choosing a color for your home’s exterior can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling the pressure, talk to the experts at Texas Home Improvement. We can help you choose a color you feel great about.
by Taha E.H | Feb 21, 2022 | Roofing
Understanding the current roof repair trends landscape will help you streamline the decision process.
Recently, Roofing Contractor Magazine published a great article on 2022 roofing trends. We’re sharing a quick breakdown of their report—and what these trends mean for homeowners thinking about a roof replacement.
Material shortages are still a problem.
Virtually every industry, especially construction, has experienced some shortages since early 2020. According to Roofing Contractor, “…84% of contractors face at least one material shortage in their business.” The roofing industry is no expectation. These shortages are causing delays, price spikes, and other challenges—and the landscape remains unpredictable.
Don’t wait until the last minute if you’re thinking about replacing your roof. A fast turnaround is no guarantee. The potential issues are significant if you encounter a delay when your roof is already in tatters. It’s much better to plan ahead—within reason—so you’re not dealing with leaks and ambiguous timelines. Don’t replace your roof three years too early, but start calling around if it’s getting raggedy and winter’s coming.
Labor shortages are still a problem.
The labor market has changed dramatically since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction is one of many industries struggling to hire enough workers to meet demand. In fact, “35% of [contractors] said they’ve turned down work because of skilled labor shortages.” The industry is also struggling with negative perceptions of its career options.
For homeowners, the labor and material shortages demand the same strategy: Plan ahead. With so much demand and few workers to meet it, scheduling a timely roof replacement requires foresight. You can’t assume that you’ll find a contractor on the timeline you want, so be flexible and think ahead.
Eco-friendly roofing options are increasing.
It’s wasteful to replace a perfectly good roof early because more environmentally friendly materials are available. But when it is time to think about replacement, more and more homeowners are choosing the eco-friendly route. There are several options to consider.
- Metal roofing. Steel is recyclable and durable, making it a more sustainable option. And metal reflects heat, so your house can stay cooler without running the AC on full blast all summer.
- Solar roofing. Solar shingles are popping up on rooftops all over the country, especially in sunny states. They protect the home and traditional roofing while absorbing sustainable solar energy to keep the house running.
- Living, “green” roofing. Did you know that you can literally grow plants on your roof? Living roofs replace shingles with soil and vegetation, everything from grass to flowers to complete landscaping. All that plant life absorbs rainwater and CO2 and increases your home’s energy efficiency. Of course, this approach doesn’t work for every home, but it’s becoming more popular.
Each of these options has its benefits and its drawbacks. If you’re a beginner in eco-friendly home building, it can seem overwhelming. After all, there’s much more than just your roof to consider. You can replace your windows, opt for eco-friendly exterior coatings, and more. If you’re considering an eco-friendly roof replacement, talk to an expert. An experienced contractor can help you navigate your choices and decide which option is best for you.
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As a homeowner, you can benefit from a peek behind the scenes of the roofing industry. These tips will give you the advantage of being strategic about your roof replacement project. And remember: Your most important ally is an experienced contractor throughout the process. As supply and demand fluctuate, a good contractor can help you navigate the changing landscape and make confident decisions. If you’re planning a roof replacement, get in touch with the team at Texas Home Improvement >
by Taha E.H | Jan 18, 2022 | Patio Covers
The benefits of pergolas and patio covers go well beyond their beauty and aesthetics.
The good people of Texas love pergolas, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re attractive, they’re enjoyable, and they make grilling a lot more fun. But outdoor spaces like patios and pergolas have many benefits that you may not expect. So today, we’re talking about how they can be good for your health—and your wallet.
Pergolas and patio covers boost the resale value of your home.
Even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, you can do your future self a big favor. Investing in an outdoor space can make a big difference in your home’s resale value.
If you add a pergola or patio cover before you’re planning to move, you can enjoy it for years. Then, once you do relocate, you can recoup a good chunk of the money you spent. The ROI on a pergola or patio cover is 50% to 80%. This is especially true in a warmer state like Texas.
We have the luxury of enjoying our outdoor spaces much longer than our friends in Minnesota or Vermont. As a result, pergolas and patio covers are strong selling points in the Lone Star State.
Outdoor spaces are good for your mood.
Your mom was right: Fresh air really is good for you.
In Japan, there’s a practice called shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” The premise is pretty simple: It’s just purposeful time spent soaking up the natural world with all your senses. Thankfully, you don’t need a literal forest to reap the benefits of shinrin-yoku. Instead, just spending a little time on your patio or under the pergola can give you a boost.
In fact, everyone in the house can benefit. If one of your kids needs a little quiet time, send them outside with a book or a toy. If you’re the one who needs a break from the chaos, peace is right out the back door.
Spending time outside can give you some much-needed rest and perspective. Studies show that spending just two hours outside every week can make you happier. But, of course, that’s much easier to achieve if you have a beautiful outdoor space in your own backyard.
When you invest in a pergola or a patio cover, you’re investing in your happiness. Everyone in the household can benefit from easy access to fresh air and comfort.
Better than carrots!
Ok, this one might be a bit of a stretch, but the truth is being outdoors is good for your eyes.
We spend a lot of time looking at screens and other up-close items these days. But it’s good for our eyes to switch it up and take in some far-away sights. Also, when we’re outside, our line of sight expands, which provides our eyes relief from the tight focus indoors.
Studies on children have shown that time spent outside can even prevent nearsightedness. In other words, you don’t have to eat rabbit food to improve your eyesight. Just go outside!
If you live in a busy area, finding a secluded outdoor setting isn’t always easy—unless you’ve got one in your backyard. It’s hard to resist the allure of a beautiful patio or pergola. If you have one, you’re probably hanging out there a lot. And all that time outside, admiring the birds and the clouds, benefits your eye health.
Outdoor entertainment is memorable.
Having people over is less stressful with the flexibility of an outdoor space.
Four walls no longer hem you in, so you can let people spread out and enjoy the space. Plus, you can probably accommodate more guests if folks bring their own chairs.
And don’t forget the fun of grilling, yard games, and other activities that are most enjoyable outdoors.
Let those rowdy teenagers hang out under the pergola.
It can be fun to have a bunch of high-energy young people around, but sometimes you might need a break.
If you have a beautiful outdoor space, you can kick the kids outside without a shred of guilt. It strikes a good balance between supervision and privacy, so you can let them be while knowing they’re safe. Plus, your house might become the go-to spot for a comfortable hang-out. There’s great comfort in always knowing where the kids are.
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Ready to reap the benefits of pergolas and patio covers? Get in touch with the team at Texas Home Improvement. We’ll help you create the outdoor space of your dreams.
by Taha E.H | Jan 7, 2022 | Windows
There are various good reasons to replace windows, ranging from aesthetic to practical to environmental.
Windows play a significant role in the comfort and beauty of a home. They let in natural light and keep out the harsher elements of the natural world. Windows can also impact the efficiency of your home and the size of your utility bill. So investing in quality windows has many benefits.
Many of us strive to stretch the life of our windows as long as possible.
Seeking an extended return on a significant investment is wise, and delaying the inconvenience of replacement is understandable.
However, it can be tempting to put off replacing your windows for too long. That type of procrastination can have serious consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to find the right time to replace your windows.
We’ve pulled together a list of good reasons to consider replacing your windows:
Your utility bill is higher than you’d like, no matter the weather.
Does it cost a fortune to keep your house comfortable in extreme temperatures? Your windows may be to blame.
Your windows should provide insulation against the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Unfortunately, windows that are past their prime will leak a lot of air.
As a result, it will be much harder and more expensive to maintain the temperature you want.
If your utility bill is creeping up, it might be time to replace your windows.
You always feel a draft.
One of the reasons to replace windows is when you can feel it.
A chilly draft is another symptom of a leaky window. If your windows can’t keep the outside air outside anymore, you’ll feel it blowing around your house. On the other hand, you may not notice a draft during mild weather.
But a cold breeze can be a real drag in the dead of winter.
Your windows are compromising the safety of you and your family.
Old windows simply don’t offer the same level of protection. Fragile glass and broken locks leave you vulnerable to break-ins. In addition, leaky frames can’t hold up against extreme weather.
If your windows make you worry, it may be time to replace them.
Your windows are just old.
The lifespan of a window depends on the quality, the environment, and a few other factors.
However, most windows last 15-25 years. So if you’re lucky and your older windows are still in good shape, you might not need to replace them. But keep a closer eye on them as they age.
There will come a time when they’re simply too worn out to do their job well anymore.
There’s visible damage to your windows.
A battered window can cause many problems for you, so check yours regularly for damage. Keep an eye out for wear and tear, such as:
- Cracks in the glass or the frame.
- Broken locks.
- Soft, damp wood around the frame or the wall.
- Issues with opening and closing.
These issues might indicate more severe damage or problems such as leaks or safety risks. Some may be repairable, while others will merit a total replacement.
You want to reduce your carbon footprint.
Newer windows are engineered for better insulation and reduced air leakage. Without so much heated or cooled air escaping, you don’t have to be so aggressive with the heat and the air conditioning. As a result, you get much more efficient climate control in your home. This means you can lower your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort in peak summer or the dead of winter.
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After reading these tips, you can always talk to an expert if you’re still feeling uncertain. An installation professional can often spot the things you might overlook and help you make an intelligent decision. The right windows can make a big difference in the comfort and safety of your home.
