Eco-Friendly Roof Hatches: Pros and Cons

Sustainability is a significant driving force for the modern construction industry. It is the focus of many innovators as more people become increasingly aware of our impact on the environment. As a result, new materials and industry practices continually revolutionize how the construction industry operates.

Hatches may come in various sizes, forms, and customizable designs to satisfy individual requirements and give easy roof access. Many roof hatch designs are available in multiple materials, including aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or a mix of aluminum and steel. These energy-efficient roof hatches can provide adequate thermal insulation to keep the heat inside during the winter and the cool outside during the summer.

It is essential to have roof hatches installed for easy and safe access to the area for maintenance. Most modern buildings require these installations for regular tasks and other reasons like natural lighting. Due to the influence of the current sustainability trend, a roof hatch must be environmentally friendly to meet the market demand. 

These pros and cons of eco-friendly roof hatches may help you understand more about their good and bad sides: 

Pros

1. Utilized as ventilation

There are variations of roof hatches that serve as ventilation to facilities that handle heat or hazardous particulates, such as factories that handle oil production. They require these installations to prevent dangerous materials from accumulating, potentially damaging the interiors of the building.

Some hatches provide a heat escape in case of fire. It prevents the build-up of heat that may warm the insides of the building, increasing the chances of other flammable materials combusting due to the fire. It also allows smoke to leave the building, allowing firefighters to enter and resolve the issue.

2. Provides easy access to the roof area

The roof hatch's primary function is to provide entry to the roof area during maintenance and installation. Regular inspection of the site, transportation, and installation of HVAC and other equipment are some of the tasks performed by personnel to maintain the overall operation of the building.

Occupants of the building can also use it to access the roof area for recreational purposes. If the space is a green roof, the hatch will give a safe way for people to enter the site. It is an excellent way for them to gather and de-stress within the space of this green roof.

3. Allows natural light into the building

There are variations of roof hatches that function as an entryway for natural light to enter the interior space. Most of these roof hatch's composition is glass, allowing sunlight to enter. It helps regulate temperature, especially during the winter months, cutting down power costs.

4. It is an energy-efficient way to regulate temperature

Thermally broken access hatches are the best example of roof hatches that help with controlling heat and coolness. It creates a barrier between the outside and inside temperatures to protect the consistency of the indoor temperature by not letting the heat escape. 

5. Made from sustainable materials

The primary materials utilized for roof hatches are metals. Metals are recyclable and robust, making them a widely used material across many sectors but specifically in the construction industry, where their utilization is almost necessary. With this material's recyclable and robust nature, people consider it sustainable.

Cons

1. Possible fall hazard

OSHA set regulations specifically for roof access hatches because they pose a potential fall hazard if unsupervised and left open. To counter this danger, a roof hatch of significant size must have some safety railings around it to prevent people from accidentally falling. The personnel in charge must also properly close the hatches when not in use.

2. Possible security risks

Materials can deteriorate and get damaged as time passes. Roof hatches are susceptible to this vulnerability when not adequately maintained or replaced. Despite the level of protection that some roof hatches grant, they may still pose a security risk, such as unauthorized access.

If the roof hatch is in a state of degradation and not maintained to perform its function, burglars could use it as an entry point to enter the establishment.

3. Improper installation leads to poor heat regulation

Some roof hatches have a thermal break feature that allows them to protect the indoor temperature of the building. Improper installation could lead to heat escaping unintentionally, which will affect the thermal regulation of the building.

Ensure that the ones installing the roof hatches have proper credentials to avoid such incidence. Building managers should also schedule a regular inspection to check their functions because it might drive up the power cost of the building. 

4. Possible leak source

Since the roof hatch is an entry point, if it does not have proper sealing or is not closed correctly during rainfall or snow, it will become an entry point for water inside the building. Ensuring that all gaps or holes get properly sealed is paramount to the integrity of the structure and operation of the entire establishment. 

Takeaway

Creating something sustainable and long-lasting is a dream for the construction industry. As green and sustainable building projects progress, we can see more material production aimed towards such purposes. Roof hatches will be an indispensable asset for future projects. Consult a licensed professional that you trust for more information.

Guest Post - 10 Tips for Being Productive When Working From Home

One of the most difficult, yet satisfying challenges in the home organization is working remotely from home. It's something frustrated clients often ask us to solve. You'll be amazed at how much more productive you can be if your workspace and family responsibilities are clearly defined. Our tips should soon help you start improving your home-based work life.

1. Home Office

Having a designated workspace is a priority. It makes your working day feel more official. If you don't have a small room to spare, choose a space that's in the quietest part of the house. A folding screen placed around your desk area gives you more privacy. Install a desk or table, shelving and a comfortable office-style chair. Check you have enough electrical sockets for equipment such as a printer and desk lamp.

2. Lines of Communication

It's important to get an efficient IP phone system installed from the beginning. It's vital for connecting to all your devices and every other company employee. You'll instantly appear more competent if you have an integral phone system that includes voice mail, video-conferencing and high-quality audio. Some include sophisticated headsets with useful noise-cancelling features.

3. Organize Schedules

Some people find they are more productive if they keep to regular working hours. Try maintaining the discipline of office life and make sure you begin at the same time each day. Insist your family cooperate and respect your working schedule. Encourage them to wait until you finish your tasks before discussing school projects or what to have for dinner.

4. Avoid Online Distractions

Without a boss supervising your work activities, it's easy to become distracted by everything online. Make sure your PC's home page has no quick links to news channels, fun games and favorite social media sites you might visit in your leisure hours. Leave your smartphone out of reach and only peek at e-mails at designated intervals.

5. List Tasks

Some people have adapted too well to working remotely from home. They ignore lunch breaks and often work well into the night. You need to be organized to prevent overloading any working day. Assess the work you have and sort out a list of daily tasks. Prioritize urgent assignments. Intersperse difficult projects with easier work to bring variety into your schedule.

6. Accommodating Family Life

Working from home leaves you vulnerable to all kinds of family distractions. Kids off school, your devoted life partner with time away from work or your dearest relatives visiting unannounced, they're all incredibly intrusive. Plan and organize emergency childcare and always tell relatives to fix visiting times. Encourage your partner to take kids out on visits to museums or the local park.

7. Regular Breaks

It's surprising how your concentration can become hazy unless you regularly refresh your brain cells. Target short breaks plus a long time for relaxing halfway through the day. Take a brief walk around the block or do a few exercises to improve concentration. And did you know the stimulating effects of drinking tea can actually last much longer than coffee?

8. Organize Healthy Meals

Use your spare time to cook and freeze multiple portions of healthy snacks and meals. They'll be convenient when your family needs a quick lunch break without interrupting your work. Cooking a nourishing family meal after you've finished working can be relaxing and help you de-stress. Make it a special time of day where you can all enjoy talking over the day's events.

9. Time Management

Working at home leaves you to organize your time effectively. Without supervision, it's easy to take too long on an assignment. Consider how long a task should take and set an alarm clock to keep you on track. Competing with the clock to finish before it rings can help your productivity level increase. Alternatively, a low volume, background commentary from a local radio station should provide plenty of time checks.

10. Flexible Attitude

It makes a great difference if you choose to work from home rather than being forced into it. Successful home workers usually evolve flexible routines that are tailored to their particular way of life. You are free to work at odd hours such as a very early morning or late at night. Experiment and find out which parts of your day appear the most productive. You could even have intervals of a few hours where you can include family responsibilities and household chores with ease.

Conclusion

Working remotely often depends on your mindset. But adopting a disciplined, yet flexible approach can help you become super organized. Find your perfect space for a home office, install the best equipment and be strict about needless interruptions from your loved ones. You might not get everything right at once, but with a little practice, you're sure to be more productive in the long run.

Author Bio: This article was written by Seamus Dunne of Conversation Piece. Conversation Piece is a leading player in telecommunications, providing VoIP Phone Systems nationwide to large and small-scale businesses.

6 Renovations to Consider When Upgrading Your Home

Whether you’re planning to sell or simply looking for a refreshed look, there are some key aspects you can focus on to give your home that new feel without having to break the bank. While some of the updates are more costly than others, they are much easier and more impactful for their price than an entire house remodel.

1. HVAC System
   One key to making your house feel more like a home is being comfortable when you’re in it. Keeping it consistently cool in the summer and warm in the winter can help you feel cozy and content all year round. Most HVAC systems gave lifespans of roughly 20 years. The older they get, the less efficient they become, making your home inconsistent in temperature. Not to mention, the harder your system has to work, the higher your utility bill will get. If your HVAC system is nearing the end of its rope, consider calling a specialist for an upgrade.

2. New Paint
   A fresh coat of paint and some touch-ups here and there can really elevate the feel of your home. Whether it’s covering up some scuffs and stains in a well-loved room or deciding on some new colors for an accent wall, there is no limit to what paint and some creativity can do for your home. Additionally, a fresh new interior paint job is relatively easy and inexpensive compared to other home updates. You can head to the home improvement store, pick out some paint, grab the right tools, and do it yourself. No need to pay someone to do it for you. Plus, it can make for a great family bonding activity.

3. Curb Appeal
   Curb appeal refers to the look of the exterior of your home. It is an important aspect when it comes to selling a house, as many prospective buyers are drawn in by the exterior. But updating your curb appeal doesn’t have to be overwhelming and expensive. There are small updates you can make that will leave it looking brand new. Some improvements to consider include power-washing the outside, redoing the lawn or front garden, repaving the driveway, upgrading the garage doors, or choosing some outside accents, like new window panes or gutters to elevate the look of the home.

4. Outdoor Area

   If your home has an outdoor area, patio, or backyard, there are a variety of quick home improvements you can do to elevate that space. This can include updating the outdoor lighting by adding string lights, trimming, and pruning bushes and other shrubberies for a cleaner look, redoing a stone walking path, or even just switching out your outdoor furniture for some new, cleaner pieces. For more expensive outdoor remodels, consider installing an outdoor cooking grill for entertaining or perhaps a small hot tub area for relaxing with family.

5. Kitchen Remodel
   Kitchen remodels are an excellent way to upgrade the feel of your home. Because the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home, ensuring that it feels updated can be very advantageous when selling down the road. Though kitchen remodels can get expensive, there are some smaller updates that can leave your home feeling elevated but at a lower cost. Some of the smaller improvements include upgrading your appliances so they match e.g. all stainless steel, redoing the sinks and the faucet hardware, and regrouting and replacing the old floor tiles with new ones.
   

6. Open Space
   Open space floor plans have been a popular option in many homes for quite some time. The open space concept makes smaller homes feel larger and promotes a more cohesive and unified living environment. While it may seem daunting, open space floor plans don’t have to mean tearing down entire walls—though you could if you wanted. But rather, most people opt for removing parts of walls to open up the room, which is both less expensive and less time-consuming. 

The Bottom Line

Home remodels can really elevate the look and feel of a house. Whether you’re hoping to sell or just want a new feel, these improvements can help raise the value of your home without breaking the bank. Additionally, these smaller fixes allow you to be creative in transforming your living space into something exciting and new. 

How to Make Your Home Baby-Friendly

Once the baby arrives, it’s easy to see just how much trouble they can get into when they start crawling or walking. The best way to make sure the home is safe is to get on their level and see what might look interesting to a baby. Today, there are numerous products designed to make the home baby-friendly and to help keep the baby safe as they grow and learn more about the environment around them.

Have Safe Places for the Baby

Always make sure there’s a safe place for the baby to be when your hands need to be free. A baby swing is typically well-received by babies and can be a great place to put them while you finally sip that cup of coffee you made an hour ago. Pack ‘n plays and similar products are also a great way to contain the baby when needed, but make sure they’re always under supervision.

Keep Bathrooms Secured

Bathrooms should be secured at all times to keep the baby out. Along with the risk of drowning, babies can flush things down the toilet, causing a huge plumbing bill, or end up burning themselves by turning on the hot water and splashing it or putting their hand in it without knowing it’s hot.

Keep Them in The Crib – Or Get a Toddler Bed

Once the child starts to climb, it’s probably time to move them to a toddler bed. There’s no set age for moving from the crib to the toddler bed, but experts agree it should be done before the kid can climb out. They can easily fall when trying to get out on their own, while they are less likely to get hurt if they get in and out of a toddler bed at night.

Use Safety Straps on Heavy Furniture

Heavy furniture can cause severe injuries or death if it tips over on the child. Safety straps are available for almost any type of furniture, from dressers to bookshelves and TVs. Purchase as many straps as needed and make sure all furniture that could be tipped over or that is heavy will be mounted to the wall.

Cover Outlets Not in Use

Outlets look interesting to someone too little to know what they are. Many kids end up shocked because they decide to stick something into the odd-looking hole in the wall. If an outlet isn’t being used, make sure it is covered. Check out products designed to help keep things from being unplugged, as well, to make sure the child can’t get to any of the outlets.

Tie Up the Window Blinds Cord

The cords for blinds may not be something many parents think about, but it’s all too easy for a young child to end up tangled in them, and some have died as a result. Instead, tie up the cord to the blinds to keep it out of reach. If the budget allows, opt for cordless blinds throughout the house to eliminate this risk.

Block Off the Stairs

Stairs can be incredibly dangerous for babies, so make sure they’re baby-proofed. In two-story homes, have something to stop the kid from going up or down the stairs. For porches and decks, it may only be necessary to block the child from going down, as they’ll be supervised more closely if they’re playing in the yard.

Keep Cleaning Products Out of Reach

Many people set down cleaning products between working on different parts of the house or opt to place cleaning products under the kitchen sink. With a baby, doing either of these can be dangerous. Instead, make sure cleaning products are always out of reach for the baby, even if they’re being used, and that the child can’t get to them. Ready for the baby to clean? Use gentle products or just offer a rag with water. It’s not going to get deep stains, but they’ll get to practice cleaning without access to dangerous chemicals.

Stop Doors From Slamming

Most people have experienced a finger caught in the door. Whether the concern is kids catching their finger in the door or slamming the door to the home, there are products to help. A variety of products are designed to prevent the door from closing completely. The product can be removed easily when it’s not needed, but during the day, it can be kept in place to make sure little fingers are safe.

Are you starting to notice just how dangerous the house can be for a baby? There’s a lot for them to explore and do, but there are plenty of things that can harm them, as well. Make sure you’re ready for the baby by going through this list and baby-proofing the house. Once it’s more kid-friendly, you won’t have to worry as much about some of the more serious injuries that can occur in the home.