Many people talk about finding renewable energy sources these days.  This could be something you are thinking about, especially if you are about to build your own home.  There are a few options to choose from but one of the most common is solar energy.  But, how can you know if it is a good choice for you?  Some questions to ask yourself are: Does solar energy create any kind of environmental impact? Will it save me money? And, is it costly to install?  Let’s briefly consider these points.

Solar panels are a very good option environmentally as they use the sun as their energy source, which means they are not depleting much needed energy sources on the earth.  They do not create any noise pollution because they require no moving parts to operate.  However, the manufacturing of solar paneling does have some impact environmentally, as does many other options.

Are solar panels expensive to run?  While you will find the installation of solar panels to be expensive, the long-term savings will make up for it.  Some people are even able to make money by selling the surplus energy they generate back to the power company.  They can do this with the use of net metering.

Although we have only briefly covered these points, its clear to see that there are many advantages to using solar energy.  This might not be the best option for everyone though, so take the time to research solar energy and whether this will work for you.

​When might it be time to replace your roof? This depends on the age and type of material used, but since it is a major investment, it is wise to have your roof inspected to ascertain the state it is in, and how likely you are to have a large expense in the future. The decision you might need to make is whether to replace it or repair it.

This decision should not be taken lightly. Even though it might be tempting to just get a quick and easy fix and patch your roof where it is needed, the yearly repair bills might add up to a greater cost over a longer period than it would cost to re-roof. Additionally, when repairs fail or aren’t done properly, damage can occur to the underlying structure.

With a proper inspection in conjunction with an estimate from a trusted roofing company, you can make an informed decision.