The Mysteries of Soundproofing Uncovered!

It seems like the big guys never want to tell you their so-called ?Secrets of Soundproofing?. That sort of sounds like a self-help book doesn?t it? Here at Soundproofing America we know that the more knowledge our customers have the easier it is to discuss soundproofing issues intelligently. We will give you in depth information on the best soundproofing materials for your situation and will always provide detailed installation instructions for all of our quality soundproofing products.

There are no secrets regarding soundproofing, but the other guys figure that if you don?t know anything about soundproofing, they can sell you anything they want and will not be held accountable if it doesn?t work because of the buyer beware clause in their contracts.

We here at Soundproofing America don?t do things that way. We know that the more knowledge you have the better your chances are for success.

Soundproofing has many aspects that I will discuss briefly in this article. One is the addition of mass to walls and ceilings or even to your floors. By mass I am referring materials such as lead sheeting and mass loaded vinyl. These barrier materials add mass to your walls for example and act as blockers. Generally lead sheeting or MLV do not have any absorption characteristics, they and basically reflective barriers.

The are best used on bare studs and joists, though they can be adhered over top of existing drywall as long as you de-couple the barriers from the drywall. We will discuss this further in subsequent articles.

The next soundproofing agent we will discuss is a product we call America Mat. America Mat is a closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat that is used to like the insides of joist or stud cavities. Lining these cavities with America mat will seal the cavities and create a dead air space that if very helpful for soundproofing. America mat can be purchased directly from Soundproofing America by calling their toll free number (877) 530-0139 and please feel free to ask for Dr. Bob, I?ll be more than happy to answer any and all of you soundproofing questions.

Now the third in our countdown of great soundproofing agents are sound dampers. Sound Dampers like Green Glue are my favorite soundproofing agents. Sound dampers are generally a liquid product that is applied to that backside of a layer of drywall and then installed over top of the existing drywall in the area you are soundproofing. The Green Glue is a visco elastic damping compound that actually deadens the drywall so it is unable to resonate. This inability of the drywall to resonate or vibrate with the sound will actually stop the sound from passing through the drywall and will cause the sound to dissipate. It actually turns into a low-grade heat energy.

Of all the materials described so far, the Green Glue is by far the easiest to install and most effective soundproofing agent on the market today. The difference between the Green Glue and other soundproofing agents is that Green Glue is more effective at stopping the transmission of low frequency sound. Frequencies of 125 Hz and below are the most difficult to stop because they are a much longer sound wave. The longer sound waves are much more difficult to combat than the higher frequencies which are shorter sound waves.

If you want to learn more about soundproofing material and their installation, call the professionals at Soundproofing America your #1 soundproofing resource from coast to coast. This is Dr. Bob?..Out!!!

Dr. Bob is the Senior Technical Advisor at Soundproofing America Inc, the leading authority in Soundproofing and Acoustical treatment technology.

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
http://www.soundproofingamerica.com

Solar Roofing Shingles

Find out how to generate power on the roof of your house with solar roofing shingles.

No matter where you?re located, the price of electricity, the available sunshine and incentives by local and state governments have made it very appealing to install solar roofing shingles on your home or business.

In the beginning, solar power from the roof was considered too expensive for most homeowners. The initial expense has been reduced and often your electrical company will pay you for any excess power generated by your solar roofing shingles.

Solar roofing shingles are shingles that look very much like ordinary shingles but they allow your roof to generate solar electric power. Solar roofing shingles install just like traditional asphalt singles. Once you hook them to your home?s electrical system, you?re generating solar power that can drastically reduce your electricity bill.

Solar roofing shingles don?t require any additional support structures. They can withstand the elements of weather just as normal shingles. Some will even handle up to 80 mph wind loads.

Solar Roofing Shingles

If you?re wonder how they look, they?re designed to be aesthetically pleasing and can be integrated into almost any architectural style. They won?t stick out and look like an intrusion on the roof of your home. It doesn?t matter whether you?re remodeling or doing a new construction, solar roofing shingles are available for your project.

Most solar roofing shingles are made for a twenty year power output and do come with warranties. They are lightweight and can be installed directly on fire-resistant roofing underlayment.

If you?re planning to use solar roofing shingles, be sure to check with your local and state governments. Many offer assistance and other types of incentives for those choosing to use and produce solar energy. Some tax credit may even be available.

While the cost of solar roofing shingles is still higher than traditional shingles, with the incentives and the reduction of your electric bill you should be able to re-coup your investment in a short period of time. It?s well worth the effort to harness the power of the sun by using solar roofing shingles.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors

Public Relations for Roofing Industry

Not all industries are easy to develop good public relations strategies for. As a case study let us consider the roofing industry and how difficult it is to develop a good public relations program for something that is above our heads but no one seems to consider. Of course people know when the roof leaks it is a very big deal and gets their attention right away.

Weather issues during the first rain of the season always have roofers very busy trying to fix things. In the roofing industry roofing manufacturers need to promote their products as long-lasting and environmentally friendly. These are two issues that concern most consumers, citizens and the general public. But how can you do a public relations strategy for the roofing industry, as it is something no one really talks about?

Well, many roofing industry specialists spend lots of money in writing articles to put in to trade journals and they spend lots of money on trade shows and seminars and CD-ROM training materials for all the contractors. Often roofing material industry manufacturers will put someone in building material retail outlets to talk with contractors one-on-one and assist them in using their product and explain how it works.

It is not easy to develop a strong public relations strategy in the roofing industry, but the trick is to get the public talking about it and hopefully before it rains. Please consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.

Soundproofing a shooting or firing range

Many cities and municipalities are looking for state of the art soundproofing products and procedures for soundproofing a public, private, or and even home shooting ranges. The soundproofing materials used must be impervious to smoke and gunpowder residue and must be resilient (able to take a round without disintegrating) and easy to clean. Some folks feel that convoluted foam mat (bedding or egg crate foam) will work in such applications. This is a completely wrong assumption because convoluted foam is an open celled foam and has no soundproofing qualities whatsoever.

So how do you get both absorption and sound blocking from one product, that is impervious to moisture and will stand up the rigors of a live firing range? Many large cities have contacted me desperately looking for just such a material and believe it or not we have exactly what they are looking for. It's the closed cell vinyl nitrile America mat and it has been used in many different ranges throughout the country. It is extremely flame retardant and only absorbs water into the first 6% to 8% of the mat. We have found through real life experience that this absorbed moisture dissipates rapidly and never causes mold, mildew, or deterioration.

America mat is both a blocker and absorber that is extremely resilient and versatile in the shooting environment. The mat comes in thick nesses of ?" all the way up to 2" thick, but we have found that in most instances the ?" America mat does the job. This foam mat would be adhered directly to the walls and ceiling of the range tunnel and in some cases it would even be adhered to the floor. This will provide complete coverage thus forcing the sound to be absorbed into the mat and with no way out it dissipates rapidly. Major shooting ranges have used this foam mat even on outdoor ranges where the material is exposed to the elements.

Now we really don't recommend direct exposure of this material to the elements (especially in the snow), but the feedback we have received in such applications has been favorable indeed. This material has been used in the cities of Boston, New York, Oceanside California, and Kansas City and all the feedback was positive. The thicker the foam, the better the results, but for a basic handgun range, the ?" America mat should be sufficient. There are many other applications for America mat, but one of the most popular is for shooting ranges. It is a phenomenal product.

There is now a new product that is also used extensively in firing ranges and police training facilities. This new product is called Silent panel. I will talk more about Silent panels in my next article. Thanks for reading and learning about soundproofing a firing range.

To learn more about Soundproofing and soundproofing materials visit our site http://www.soundproofingamerica.com/

To order Mass Loaded Vinyl see our site.

You can read more http://www.soundproofingamerica.com/mass-loaded-vinyl.asp

Roofing Shingles Installation Basics

When it comes time to replace the shingles on your home, you will need all the information you can get in regards roofing shingles installation basics. Therefore, why not start at the beginning, with the types of roofing shingles. There are four popular categories of shingles, wood shakes, slate, laminated, and asphalt shingles. To know which you should be choosing, you should understand how each one works and what features they have, all of which can help you determine which is right for you.

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular of all types. They are constructed with paper, glass, or fiber, with intense durability. These shingles are designed to last between twenty and thirty years.

Laminated roofing shingles are also becoming extremely popular. These shingles have a design that adds depth, color, and character to any room. Constructed with many different materials, such as asphalt, it creates a look of expensive roofing materials, without the large costs.

Slate roofing shingles also referred to as stone shingles are heavy but durable. Popular, but not overly used before it tends to break easy and can be extremely hard to work with. Many people enjoy the natural, handcrafted, and colorful look that slate shingles offer, as well as the durability, which allows the shingles to last for more than 100 years.

Wood roofing shingles, also known as shakes, are constructed with different treated woods such as pine, spruce, or cedar, and although cedar is the best type of wood used. While with first installation, the wood shingles are bright and lively colors, after the first year of use, it will dull quickly to the color of gray. Furthermore, splintering, warping, and shrinking are common complaints with wood roofing shingles, and generally have to be replaced within thirty years or less.

If you simply do not know how to or want to install your own roofing shingles, your best bet is to hire a professional roofer. When contacting roofers make sure that you opt for a company that is well established, carries a business license, and has permanent addresses and telephone numbers. Ask to view the companies insurance, bonding, training, and certificate information.

You will also want to choose a company that provides you with a full, written estimate of every aspect of the job; this includes time of completion, warranty, labor costs, and materials they intend to use. Before choosing a roofing shingles installer, make sure that you obtain a minimum of three estimates. This allows you to compare prices, as well as warranty, services, and ultimately work ethics. Obtain references, this is obviously important, you are entrusting the roofer with a valuable possession, your home. You want to be sure that they are qualified, trustworthy, hardworking, and professional.

Daniel Roshard is a interior designer fascinated by garden architecture, he is currently studying interior design integration to public parks and gardens. Daniel is writing Roof Shingles and Roofing reviews for ZupaTips.com

Waterproofing Foundation: What are your choices

If you are going to build a new home you need to waterproof the foundation of it so you won't have a wet basement in just a few years.

There are different waterproofing products and systems on the market so it really can be confusing. Hence what are your options?

Here is the short overview of the most common foundation waterproofing systems to help you to decide:

1. Liquid rubber foundation waterproofing membranes

Are elastomeric polymerized coatings made from liquid rubber - the same quality material your car tires are made from.

Advantages: They are easy to apply, quick to dry, cold applied. You can do it by yourself, by using sprayer, roller or trowel. The liquid cures into an elastic rubber coating, able to fill up current small holes and bridge possible future cracks in foundation wall as the building settles down. Rubber is flexible. They also usually come with a long warranty, and many are environmentally friendly with low solvent content, or solvent free. Very economical.

Disadvantages: Possibility of inconsistency in coverage, but the newest products will help you to determine the "right" thickness by the intensity of color, i.e. if you apply the product and you see any lighter patches, you just add more liquid. Additional surface preparation and curing may be required. If there are bigger cracks or holes in the structure you have to fill in with cement or other trowel-grade material before applying the overall coating. Also some of the liquid membranes require longer curing times for the concrete before they can be applied to insure proper bonding.

2. Hot applied Liquid Rubber Foundation waterproofing products:

It's a rubberized asphalt compound that forms a strong, flexible monolithic waterproofing membrane. Can be also applied on roofs.

Advantages: Adheres to virtually any structural surface. Ideal for rough uneven surfaces. Monolithic, free of seams, watertight, eliminates water migration and buildup of moisture. Offers strong protection because of the way it has to be applied.

Disadvantages: The surface has to be primed by primer first. The cost is higher because the product has to be applied in layers - basically you apply first coat of hot liquid rubber, then you have to quickly firmly press on the fabric reinforced sheet into that hot layer, then apply a second coat of hot liquid rubber waterproofing. Also, depending on the local building code you may have to apply 2 or 3 of these sheet layers. Because of this, the elasticity is low. And because it is Hot you have to be very careful - the best is to have it applied by a certified specialist.

3. Sheet membranes

The most common are self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes composed of rubberized asphalt laminated to a waterproof polyethylene film.

Advantages: The biggest one is consistent thickness because they are "pre-made" to a required standard. Mechanically strong, resistant to hydrostatic pressure. Cover even the bigger holes or damaged areas. They can be applied to concrete, metal, wood or masonry surfaces.

Disadvantages: Harder to apply because of their very high "stickiness", also the cost for in-place is higher. Application requires at least 2 people to put in on properly. Requires lots of additional work = additional cost. If there are irregularities on the surface you want to put a sheet on they have to be smoothed first with some coat to make the surface even. You also would need to learn of joint treatment, lap joints, corners, penetration, priming, patching etc. And once the piece is down you won't get it back up in reusable condition.

4. Cementitious Waterproofing

Is a cement based flexible waterproofing membrane. It can consist of Portland cement, sand acrylic mixture, plasticizer and other active waterproofing chemicals to increase it's durability and effectiveness.

Advantages: Very easy to use, just mix the powder with water according to manufacturers recommendation and apply with brush or trowel. Very accessible - available from suppliers of masonry products, or specialized dealers. Paintable. Also comes in a variety of colors. In most cases one coat is sufficient, although some areas may be needing a use of the reinforcing mesh. Low cost. Corrosion and weather resistant. Can be applied as a positive or negative side waterproofing.

Disadvantages: No flexibility - cement does not stretch, so as the structure settles down there are the possibilities of the future cracks. Before applying the surface has to be free from protrusions, gaping cracks, oils, paints, water repellents and any other foreign material that could act as a bond breaker. Holes must be filled with approved block filler.

5. Bentonite Waterproofing

is a bentonite clay below-grade foundation waterproofing product which consists of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between 2 layers of woven and no-woven puncture resistant polypropylene fabric. Comes as a clay panels and sheets.

Advantages: Can absorb tremendous amount of water. And as it takes the water in the clay swells and pushes itself into cracks and voids where it stays permanently as a barrier against the water. It is flexible and resistant to most chemicals. Non-toxic, non-polluting. No fumes. Can be applied in cold weather.

Disadvantages: Because of the way the clay works the seal does not form until the foundation is backfilled and the water reaches the bentonite material, which means you cannot confirm the integrity of the seal.

Summary: As you see a lot depends on your own situation, needs, requirements and what you feel comfortable with. The best way is to talk to the experts, check the manufacturers requirements especially for the concrete curing time, temperature limitations and additional labor requirements. Yes, waterproofing of the foundation can seem to be expensive at the first glance, but remember that it is a Long-term solution which when applied properly will save you lots of time, headache and money in the future, so please, don't skimp on it.

Dany Daylight is the site Administrator of Waterproofing-foundation-guaranteed.com
Get more info about Foundation waterproofing, basement waterproofing and construction. Tips, advice, articles, and waterproofing resources.

Installing Rolled Roofing the Easy Way

Installing rolled roofing no longer has to be a life-threatening experience. CCW EZRoof, a product manufactured by Carlisle, makes torching and hot-asphalt mopping a thing of the past. This self-adhering, peel-and-stick product is made for waterproofing low-slope roofs (from 1" to 6" per foot) and installs easily, quickly, and painlessly.

EZRoof makes installing rolled roofing simple, too. First, unroll it and then cut it into workable sections, rolling it back up as you finish. Prepare the deck of the roof by making sure dust, debris, and any protrusions have been removed. If removing an existing roof, take off and discard old shingles, roofing felt, nails, and any decking that has been broken or damaged.

Part of installing rolled roofing includes applying an asphaltic primer to the deck. For each 200 to 300 square feet, you'll need to use one gallon of primer and allow it to cure for half an hour before installing rolled roofing.

When you begin installing rolled roofing, nail the metal drip edge to the deck at the rake and eave, and then place the EZRoof with the adhesive zip strip facing the top of the roof. Beginning at the lowest part of the roof, peel back 12" to 24" of the backing. Align with the lower edge of the deck and press firmly into place.

Tear away the release film as you work when installing rolled roofing, pressing with a metal hand roller, if possible, to keep the EZRoof smooth. Panel ends should then be overlapped by six inches with a generous bead of mastic applied to the area for good adhesion. Roll the seams as you go with the hand roller or by applying smooth pressure with your foot. For subsequent rows, be sure and overlap the EZRoof while installing rolled roofing to ensure proper and adequate sealing against moisture.

Once you've used this product when installing rolled roofing, you're sure to never use anything else! EZRoof makes installing rolled roofing easier than ever. So what're you waiting for? Get EZRoof - and take the headache out of installing rolled roofing.

Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you can read tips on attic radiant barriers, metal roofing and other home/garden topics.

DIY Roofing - Is It Advisable?

Whether it’s snow, rain, sleet or hail, our roof endures a lot of exposure and often takes a serious sting from mother nature. Regardless of what home improvements, decorating or repairs you have done or are in the process of doing, nothing matters if you do not have a solid and stable roof over your head. Before you take on a DIY roofing project, bare the following in mind:

You should only attempt a DIY roofing project if you have completed a similar project successfully in the past, have extensive knowledge or training in roofing or plan to hire a contractor to help supervise your progress. When it comes to your roof, you will want to make sure that it is done correctly in order to avoid leaks and other mishaps. Afterall, your roof is the only thing between your family and the sometimes harsh weather elements.

When it comes to a DIY roofing project, you will need to consider what type of roof you want to install. Do you prefer shingles or a metal roof? Many are selecting a metal roof if they live in areas that are prone to strong storms, hurricanes, etc. Shingles are the more attractive option, but are easily damaged and may require frequent repair and/or replacement. Always be sure to keep this in mind when starting out on a DIY roofing project.

When choosing your roofing material, take the time to consider the manufacturer’s warranty and recommendations. For instance, some roofing shingles are fire resistant and some carry a warranty of 40 or more years. In addition, more shingles are being made that are said to withstand high winds. The warranty and type of roofing that you choose will largely depend on the weather patterns in your area.

Some final points to consider before moving forward with a DIY roofing project is whether or not you are afraid of heights, the weather conditions surrounding the necessary repair or replacement and your budget. If at all possible, it’s best to complete roofing projects on a fair weather day. Working in the rain or other inclement weather could result in slippery conditions, either on the roof or a ladder. In addition, a contractor is obviously going to cost a little more financially, but hiring a professional could be the difference in spending a few more dollars now or a lot more later if the roofing project isn’t completed properly. So, is a DIY roofing project advisable? Only if you are absolutely certain that you can, in fact, do it yourself.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines? Add Your Site Today to our free directory.

Metal Roofing - Choosing The Right Roofing Supply Materials

When you decide to remodel your home or are just on the process of starting to plan about doing it, metal roofs can be high on your list of choices these days. Since some of the types of this roofing material can be cost-effective and particularly, metal type of roofing can be easy to install and can compete in durability and effectiveness to wood or asphalt shingles thanks to their added coating of zinc.

In the world of metal roofing, you can easily choose from a few common materials. It will all be to your preference as they do not easily rust or corrode. Here is a quick guide to some metal roofing supply materials:

1. First up is steel. Steel is your first choice but the heaviest of the bunch. They are sturdy and can be undoubtedly protect your home with no problems at all. It is also coated and sealed with zinc. Along with the treatment, they will look polished so you can always get a good view of your house even from afar.

2. The next is stainless steel. They give out the best overall impression. They will never rust but with the downside of being expensive. Nevertheless, if you are onto investing a good roof, this will be the easiest answer for you.

3. Another type is aluminum. When you hold aluminum, it is light and this is also true to aluminum roofing panels. It resists corrosion and oxidation. They must be treated to obtain the shine and gloss that the other metal roofing materials do.

4. Next up is copper. This is by far the most expensive of the bunch. However, with that said, they have top-notch durability. They might be the softest metal roofing, but this is a good feature as they can be easily bended to the contours of your roof and can add some nice roofing ideas.

Be warned, though, that copper is prone to losing their natural color, it will turn green after a few years but a good treatment will dramatically extend its natural red sheen.

All of them are recommended roofing materials. However, it all comes down to going around your target budget. You can easily choose steel as they are commonly used. Alloys are also available but since they are the most expensive. In the end, it would all be good as you can have a good style of roofing and will likely enjoy them for many years to come.

For tips on using metal roofing, visit http://www.metalroofing101.com