Do You Need A Snow Roof Rake? – by A.Caxton

Snow can be great fun for the kids when it comes to throwing snowballs and making snowmen. It can also be fun for all of the family when it comes to sledging or even skiing, but unfortunately it can also be a nuisance and it can restrict the way that people live their lives.

Snow can block everything and it can even be dangerous as it collects on roofs as it can fall on top of people and it could even turn to ice too which is extremely slippery. Fortunately there are things which can help and one of those things is designed for the snow on house roofs and it is known as a snow roof rake.

Using a Snow Roof Rake is Hard Work

It can be a very hard task indeed using a snow roof rake to get rid of the snow on the house or building roof. It is different than using it on the garden and it generally needs a lot more effort put into it. So, it is best to know exactly what you are letting yourself in for when it comes to buying a snow roof rake. If you have never done it before and you are not sure how to do it, try looking at someone else doing it first in order to get an idea of how it should be done.

Using the Snow Roof Rake Safely

When it comes to using the snow roof rake, it is important to use it safely and follow certain guidelines. It can be dangerous removing the snow off the roof and one thing that you should not do is climb onto the actual roof. The reason behind this is that it may be extremely slippery and this could lead to a fatal accident or at the very least broken bones. So, always make sure that you have a safe ladder to use and get someone to hold the bottom whilst you rake the roof. Also, make sure that no one is standing underneath the roof or standing anywhere where the snow can hit them.

What Are Snow Roof Rakes Made From?

Getting a good and reliable snow roof rake is very important when it comes to removing the snow from the roof. A good snow roof rake is one that is made from aluminium or a hard plastic and they are generally the best for this type of job.

So, it is a great idea to purchase a snow roof rake for those hazardous and snowy conditions to remove the snow off the roof. Just remember the safety pointers mentioned however as it can really be a dangerous task if you don’t know what you are doing.

Andrew Caxton writes for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com. Find more publications about snow roof rakes at his website.

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Different Types of Roof Vents – by Steven Briesemeister

The most important part of your home is the roof. It protects you from the rain, the snow and anything else that Mother Nature dishes out. Without it, we are left out in the cold – literally. When building, or buying, a home, it’s important to make sure that the roof is in good shape. One of the most important aspects of roofing is adequate ventilation.
Potential Problems
The lack of ventilation causes moisture to build up and possibly cause structural problems with the roof. In addition, ensuring that your roof is properly ventilated will increase the life of your roof and promote the safety of everyone in your home. In addition, built up moisture and heat may cause extra cooling expenses, which raises energy costs. Moisture can also cause ice dams and other problems, including rotting and fungus.
Different Types of Roof Vents & Roof Ventilation
There are various types of roof vents available, including Dormer and Turbine. The most important thing to consider, when choosing one, is the actual ventilation system. Proper ventilation systems will consist of the following two types of vents:
Intake Vents. These vents will allow fresh air to get into the home.
Exhaust Vents. These allow air to leave the home.
In order for any ventilation system to work, both intake and exhaust vents must be installed. When properly installed, the ventilation system will allow fresh air to enter the home while sending other air outside.
Calling The Professionals
Dependant upon the area in which you live, a professional roofing contractor will be able to advise you on the different types of roof vents and which is more suitable for your home. Certain types of roof vents are better than others, depending on the roof’s structure or style. Cathedral roofs, for example, would require a ridge vent for proper ventilation whereas some homes would be better suited with a turbine vent, which has a free spinning top allowing air to flow out.
Different Types of Roof Vents & Roof Longevity
If a roof is properly ventilated, it can increase the longevity of it’s structure. This could save you big bucks in the future by not having to purchase a whole new roof. If a home is not properly ventilated, the moist air has nowhere to go. As it sits inside the home, it will begin to cause damage little by little. Although it may not be noticeable at first, time will show that damage is occurring and, the longer a roof goes without proper ventilation, the worse effect it will have on the structure of your home.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays! For more roof related articles, kindly visit: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm

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Designing your thatched roof in South Africa – by Jan Lombaard

<p>
1. Consider carefully in which area of your property the roof will be erected<p>
2. Assess the ground area where the roof will be constructed for underground water pipes, power cables, irrigation pipes, etc. as this can play a role when planting poles in the ground for supporting the roof.<p>
3. If building work needs to be done it needs to be done before commencing with the erection of the roof. It is extremely difficult to do building work after the thatched roof has been erected and it affects the roof structures stability and strength. Decide beforehand where the braai facility,washing area, counter, bar area, fridge area, seating and any other fixed structures will be situated.Further plan the lighting, floor covering and decide on the final finish on the pole structure, do you require a matt or a gloss finish? Where the roof is to be erected on walls and beams or columns the following should be considered:<p>
a.) That the substructure and foundations are capable of supporting the roof
b.) That the roof structure exerts vertical and horizontal forces, due to wind forces and dead weight, on its supports, and thus the structure must be designed in the correct manner.
c.) An architect or structural engineer can be contacted to assist in this regard.<p>
4. When deciding on the size of the roof, take into consideration the space available and how many people will make use of the facility.<p>
5. After determining the size of the roof you should decide where the entrance/s would be and how high and wide they will be, as this will affect the design and shape of the roof.<p>
6. To determine the overhang required on the roof and where arches will be constructed take sunrise and sunset into consideration and the view you require from underneath the roof.<p>
7. Who will design the roof and are there any guarantees on the design as supplied by a structural engineer.<p>
8. A Proper roof plan showing sections, supporting walls, columns, foundations, connections, dimensions and the specifications of the material that will be used is highly recommended, as this will also assist in accurate costing and tendering.<p>
a.) For small lapas (less than 50 m²) it is not useful as a simplistic design is followed.
b.) For houses, lodges and other commercial projects it is a must as these projects are seldom simplistic and differ in size, shape, design and many other aspects.<p>
9. Who will draw the plans for the roof as required by the local authorities?<p>
10. The distance from other buildings as this affects the fire hazard of the planned roof.<p>
11. Contact insurance companies and get detail on premiums and requirements for lowest premiums. Determine what influences premiums and what is needed for a claim to be paid out.<p>
12. Will the elevated area due to the 45° pitch be used, as this can affect the design of the support structure of the roof?<p>
13. A competent person who knows the National Building Regulationâ™s legal requirements on structural strength, stability and safety should check the design of the roof structure.<p>
14. It is recommended that a structural engineer or an architect inspects and certifies the completed structure, as there is not yet a design code specifically for pole connections.

Jan Lombaard is the founder of http://www.builditall.co.za The National Building, Renovating and Home Improvement Directory of South Africa. He has been actively involved in the building and renovating industry for the last 12 years.

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Designing a Thatched roof in South Africa – by Jan Lombaard

Before designing your thatched roof the following should be taken into consideration:

1. Consider carefully in which area of your property the roof will be erected

2. Assess the ground area where the roof will be constructed for underground water pipes, power cables, irrigation pipes, etc. as this can play a role when planting poles in the ground for supporting the roof.

3. If building work needs to be done it needs to be done before commencing with the erection of the roof. It is extremely difficult to do building work after the thatched roof has been erected and it affects the roof structures stability and strength. Decide beforehand where the braai facility,washing area, counter, bar area, fridge area, seating and any other fixed structures will be situated.Further plan the lighting, floor covering and decide on the final finish on the pole structure, do you require a matt or a gloss finish? Where the roof is to be erected on walls and beams or columns the following should be considered:

a.) That the substructure and foundations are capable of supporting the roof
b.) That the roof structure exerts vertical and horizontal forces, due to wind forces and dead weight, on its supports, and thus the structure must be designed in the correct manner.
c.) An architect or structural engineer can be contacted to assist in this regard.

4. When deciding on the size of the roof, take into consideration the space available and how many people will make use of the facility.

5. After determining the size of the roof you should decide where the entrance/s would be and how high and wide they will be, as this will affect the design and shape of the roof.

6. To determine the overhang required on the roof and where arches will be constructed take sunrise and sunset into consideration and the view you require from underneath the roof.

7. Who will design the roof and are there any guarantees on the design as supplied by a structural engineer.

8. A Proper roof plan showing sections, supporting walls, columns, foundations, connections, dimensions and the specifications of the material that will be used is highly recommended, as this will also assist in accurate costing and tendering.

a.) For small lapas (less than 50 m²) it is not useful as a simplistic design is followed.
b.) For houses, lodges and other commercial projects it is a must as these projects are seldom simplistic and differ in size, shape, design and many other aspects.

9. Who will draw the plans for the roof as required by the local authorities?

10. The distance from other buildings as this affects the fire hazard of the planned roof.

11. Contact insurance companies and get detail on premiums and requirements for lowest premiums. Determine what influences premiums and what is needed for a claim to be paid out.

12. Will the elevated area due to the 45° pitch be used, as this can affect the design of the support structure of the roof?

13. A competent person who knows the National Building Regulation’s legal requirements on structural strength, stability and safety should check the design of the roof structure.

14. It is recommended that a structural engineer or an architect inspects and certifies the completed structure, as there is not yet a design code specifically for pole connections.

Jan Lombaard is the founder of www.builditall.co.za The National Building, Renovating and Home Improvement Directory of South Africa

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Deciding to Repair or Install a New Roof in Oregon – by Mark Starr

At one time or another, Portland residents will be faced with the decision to repair or replace their home or commercial roofing structure. While in some cases, the decision to install a new roof may be crystal clear, other situations may lend themselves to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

A professional roofing contractor in Portland can help you make the right choice between roof repair and a new roof installation for your Oregon home or business. The following list of considerations will assist you with your roofing decisions.

Residential and Commercial Roofing — How Old Is Your Portland Roof?

A chief thing to consider when deciding on roof repair in Portland or an entirely new roof is the age of your existing roof. A new roof generally lasts between 10 and 20 years. However, depending on maintenance, the materials used and the quality of installation, you can get as many as 50 years out of your roof.

Your Portland roofing contractor can conduct an inspection of your roof and make a prognosis as to how much longer it will last. If your roof is in its latter years, it may be better to install a new roof for your Oregon home or commercial roofing structure.

Residential and Commercial Roofing — What Is the Extent of Damage to Your Portland Roof?

It’s possible that roof repair for your Portland home or commercial building should be enough to help you get a few more years out of your roofing structure. For example, sometimes a roof leak can be eliminated with minimal repairs. In other cases, a leak can be an indication of a much larger problem, which can create the need for ongoing repairs that only seem to put off the inevitable.

Roof Repair Vs. New Roof Installation in Portland, Oregon — How Much Is This Going to Cost?

Of course, cost will be a factor in your decision between a new roof and roof repair for your home or business. If the cost of repairs for residential or commercial roofing in Portland are low and you aren’t simply masking a more complex issue, then the choice is simple.

However, if your roofing contractor in Portland paints a picture of constant repair needs and the ultimate necessity for installing a new roof for your Oregon home or business, replacement may be the most cost effective and hassle free answer.

Mark Starr covers articles on roofing in Portland OR for Elements Roofing, an Oregon based company specializing in new roof installations and OR roof repair.

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Aerial Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys – by Gregory R. Stockton

Aerial Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys

INTRODUCTION

IR P/PM (infrared predictive/preventive maintenance) is not limited to annual infrared surveys of electrical switchgear. For instance, infrared thermography can be a very effective tool for roof asset management. IR roof moisture surveys are performed on roofs to quantify the extent of roof moisture (water) that is inside the roof system. Infrared thermography is not leak management. No matter how the water got into the substrate, the purpose of this type of survey is simply to find and document where the water is located. Extending the life of a roof will save the owner the expense and aggravation of re-roofing or re-covering. Re-roofing means that the roof is taken down to the decking and replaced completely. Re-covering means that the waterproofing layer(s) are removed, the wet insulation is removed and replaced and a new waterproofing layer is put down. The cost of an infrared roof moisture survey is three to five CENTS per square foot. It cost between three and five DOLLARS per square foot to repair/replace roofs, so knowing the exact location of the subsurface water is extremely useful information, since only those areas that are damaged need to be repaired. This information is used to plan budgets and when needed, as a bid document for contracting repairs and/or replacement of the roof.

Keywords: Infrared, Thermography, Roof, Roof Asset Management, Infrared Roof Moisture Survey.

ROOF MAINTENANCE IN GENERAL

The ravages of sun, wind, rain, snow, chemicals, leakage, rapid changes in temperature and time – will eventually cause every roof to fail. Some roofs last 40-50 years…when they are well maintained. Owners may believe that a roof warranty will somehow protect them from having to do maintenance. Not so, as roof warranties are written by roofing manufacturers for the purpose of protecting themselves from liability. For example, often a warranty is written so that if improperly installed or defective roofing materials are used on a roof and water leaks into the electrical switchgear room causing an explosion, the roofing manufacturer will replace the materials, the roofer will reinstall the materials, but the building owner has to pay for the replacement of the switchgear and any downtime that resulted from the failure. Also, the roofer’s and roofing manufacturer’s liability, in the case of roof failures are also reduced by vaguely written roof warranties, which do not define words like “regular” or “routine” maintenance. Not accepting the roof warranty is not the answer, since the roof will not be installed unless the owner agrees to the warranty. To eliminate these problems, the building owner should have an agreement with a qualified roofer or roof consultant to inspect and maintain the roof (in accordance with the terms of the warranty) at least once a year.

Waterproofing problems manifest themselves in two ways: Leakage and entrained moisture contamination. Leakage is pretty simple, although the leak inside the building rarely directly relates to the exact spot on the roof, since the water flows down the slope of the roof to a spot that is not sealed and into the building at that point. Most leaks occur where the waterproofing is sealed or where there is a penetration of the roof. Since most types of roof systems absorb some amount of water, it is harder to find the exact spot of water contamination in the insulation because it may not leak into the building until it has absorbed all the water it can hold. There are three types of surveys that are used to find water in a roof. Nuclear gauges-which count neutrons, capacitance meters-which measure resistance, and infrared-which measures heat. Both nuclear gauges and capacitance meters are used to take spot readings on a 10′ X 10′ or 20′ X 20′ grid on the roof. These measurements are used to extrapolate where the water is from the readings obtained from the gauge. They are good for types of roofs that do not gain or lose much solar energy and therefore, do not lend themselves to infrared.

BASICS OF INFRARED ROOF MOISTURE SURVEYS

During the day, the sun radiates energy onto the roof and into the roof substrate, and then at night, the roof radiates the heat back into outer space (See Figure 1). This is called radiational cooling. Areas of the roof that are of a higher mass (wet) retain this heat longer than that of the lower mass (dry) areas. Infrared imagers can detect this heat and “see” the warmer, higher mass areas, during the “window” of uneven heat dissipation.

Figure 1) Areas of the roof that are wet retain heat longer than dry areas.

Some roofs and insulation types or combinations do not absorb any water. These roofs leak straight into the building. Even roofs, which have insulation types that do absorb water, some do not exhibit a good infrared signal, primarily for two reasons. 1) The surface is too reflective, and/or 2) the roof’s ballast is so thick (or dense), that daylight radiation is not absorbed into the substrate (insulation), therefore it cannot be emitted back into the atmosphere at night. Even with a strong infrared signal, factors on the roof can affect the analysis and interpretation of the data. Some of these factors: water between multiple layers, old patches, heavy flood coats, reflective coatings, heat-producing equipment under the roof -or heat blowing down onto the roof, stains, ponding water on the roof, heavy build-up of ballast at parapet walls and along edges, etc. These roofs should be inspected by other methods as described above.

WALK-ON INFRARED ROOF SURVEYING

To perform a walk-on or on-roof survey properly, a crew of three to four people is needed: an experienced infrared thermographer and helper, an experienced roof consultant or roofer and the building owners’ representative for access and security. The crew walks around the roof(s) and when an area of suspect moisture is found, the roof consultant verifies it is wet and then the helper marks the edges of the area directly on the roof with marking paint as instructed by the thermographer. The crew needs authorization and access to all areas and levels of the roof(s) from either ladders or roof hatches and plenty of time to collect data. The infrared images are stored on videotape or digital media and printed (See Figure 2).

Figure 2) On-roof IR image.

The next day, the thermographer goes back on the roof(s) to take matching visual photographs of the marked areas that contain subsurface moisture. The problem with on-roof infrared is that when one is standing on the roof, eye-level is at best six feet over the surface. Even with the best hand-held infrared camera available, there is virtually no way to get large areas (800 sq. ft. blobs or 100′ long striations) of moisture contamination on the screen in one infrared shot. Taking multiple shots is labor-intensive and makes the report confusing. When performing on-roof surveys, many times “you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Marking the roof is fairly easy, but it is very difficult/time-consuming to produce accurate drawings of the wet areas from painted lines on a roof. Often the drawing supplied by the owner is outdated, incorrect or even non-existent.

AERIAL INFRARED ROOF SURVEYING

There is never a time when on-roof imagery is better than aerial imagery. While the best IR imagery of a roof is taken from the air, the same laws of physics apply to both aerial IR and on-roof IR…like a dry roof, low winds and no rain on the night of the survey. Also, the “window” when the roof is radiating heat differently from wet and dry areas is longer with aerial infrared because slight nuances of temperatures over large areas are distinguishable. The high angle of view allows the aerial thermographer to produce more usable imagery and therefore accurate CAD drawings. The cameras that are used for on-roof surveys are not of sufficient spatial resolution to obtain good imagery from flight altitudes of 1,200 – 1,500 feet above the roof, so high-resolution, large format IR cameras (See Figure 3) are required.

Figure 3) Large format infrared imager, fixed-mounted in a light aircraft.

Once the aircraft is over a building, very little time (five minutes per 200,000 square feet, about 25 minutes for two million square feet) is required to fly over making multiple passes. The imagery is recorded on digital videotape. Visual photographs are taken earlier in the day or the next day. After returning to the office, the photos are printed and the thermographs are saved on the computer. The raw video imagery, thermographs and photographs are used to make an edited videotape copy of the passes over the building. Both visual and infrared images are used to do the analysis by overlaying the CAD drawing of the roof ‘over’ the digitized photographs and thermographs. The drawings always need to be corrected, because rooftop equipment has been removed, moved or added since the last update of the drawings. Then, areas of suspected moisture contamination are drawn on the CAD file. The result is a report where visual, infrared and CAD components (printed and video) are well matched and lined-up. The report is given to a roof consultant who verifies the wet insulation during the day, while making other condition notes on the roof.

Fixed-wing aerial infrared imaging provides many advantages over on-roof infrared imaging:

·Access to multiple levels of the roof is not a problem.
·High-angle, straight down infrared images lessen reflection problems.
·High-resolution images capture large areas at once, making report writing easier and less expensive to produce.
·Plan-view imaging allows for infrared images, visual images and AutoCAD drawings to be reconciled closely. As a result, the report is clear, concise and easy to understand (See Figure 4a, 4b, 4c).
·Plan view imaging allows accurate marking of areas of suspect roof moisture contamination.
·The printed CAD drawings can be used on the roof to paint areas of moisture contamination directly on the roof (after verification), if desired.

Figure 4a) Photograph of a roof.

Figure 4b) Thermograph of a roof.

Figure 4c) Scaled CAD drawing of a roof.

·The aerial infrared thermographer can wait for a good night for imaging, surveying many roofs under good conditions.
·The trending of roof moisture becomes possible.
·An aircrew of two can easily survey many millions of square feet in a single night.
·Processing the data is done in the office, not on the roof.
·Report components can be purchased as needed. Aerial IR allows the building owner to buy only the report he needs at that time.

The biggest advantage of aerial infrared is on roofs that are the most difficult to image from any distance or angle. Roofs that, for instance, have a lot of ballast, are covered with reflective coatings or for whatever reason are impossible to image while standing on the roof. With high-resolution, plan view aerial imagery, slight nuances of temperature can be seen from far enough away to actually see the pattern of heat and make a determination of where the problems are.

CONCLUSIONS

Every day millions of square feet of perfectly good roofing materials are disposed of in our landfills. Why? Because roofs are often replaced because know one knows where exactly the roof is damaged until it is too late. If you want your roof to last, it must be regularly maintained by professionals. Infrared roof moisture surveying is the best method of non-destructive testing on roofs, and aerial infrared is the best platform for performing infrared roof moisture surveys. Improvements in IR cameras and flight methodology, aerial infrared thermography and aerial infrared reports are getting better and more useable everyday.

Author Biography
Gregory R. Stockton is President of Stockton Infrared Thermographic Services, Inc.. (http://www.stocktoninfrared.com). Greg has twenty-five years experience in the construction industry, specializing in facilities construction, maintenance and energy-related technologies. He has performed infrared thermography since 1989 and has published fourteen white papers and numerous articles on infrared thermography.

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A Few Good Tips on Tile Roof Installation – by Chuck Sarte

<p>
In fact, the flat tile roofs that are the most popular only have a life span of just over fifty years, because they are manufactured from saw dust mixed with cement which will slowly break down over time. Spanish style ceramic tile roofs however; can easily last the life of your home but they are substantially more expensive to purchase.<p>
Due to the actual weight of tile, the roof itself has to be framed to accommodate it, so if you have an existing asphalt composition roof on your building the framing probably isn’t strong enough to accommodate a tile roof. Also, if you are considering installing a time roof yourself, you can pretty much forget about it, because they are extremely heavy to load and install on your roof and require a considerable level of expertise to work with.<p>
They do look great however and will add considerably to the value of your home after the work is done. Also, due to their life span you can pretty much rest assured that you will never have to deal with your roof for the duration of your life once your tile roof is installed.<p>
Color choices and the fact they they are resistant to fading makes a tile roof an excellent choice for someone that desires an attractive roof that won’t change for decades. Also, they do insulate against and reflect out heat much better than other types of roofing systems that are available today.

Written by Chuck Sarte. Find the latest information on Tile Roof Installation Ohio

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Hiring Scaffolding – by Phil ray

Hiring scaffolding

When you need scaffolding to do a job don’t think of it as a DIY job. If you need scaffolding you’ll need to contact a scaffolding hire company. If you do it yourself, you may find that you will become liable for any problems or issues that arise.
A good place to start looking for a hire company is your Local Council or authority. They may have a list of approved hire companies and you will need to contact them to find out. Remember – your Local Authority will not be able to recommend a particular company as such, but you should be able to make sure that it is am approved company.

In this way you can help to make sure that you employ a qualified builder or scaffolding company to carry out the erection of scaffolding. Again, as working off scaffolding can be a hazardous occupation, leave any building work to the professionals and a qualified builder to do any related building work.

Scaffolding licences

Your scaffolding may need a license. It is the responsibility of the builder or scaffolding Hire Company to get a licence for any scaffolding that is put up on the highway (this includes the pavement). However, you need to be clear that it is your responsibility to check they have this and that it does not run out before the building work is finished.

You can always contact your local authority to apply for more information as to if you need a license and what to do about this.

Safety

Safety is of prime importance when erecting or using scaffolding. Employing qualified people to erect your scaffolding and carry out building work should help to make sure your building site is a safe place. However you should discuss safety issues with the person or company you employ. In particular, you will need to be aware of the following points:

- Scaffolding should always be erected on a firm, level foundation.

- If there is any risk to the public, schedule scaffolding work for quiet times or get a highway closure your local council.

- It is dangerous to erect scaffolding too near power lines. Your local power company can temporally move or protect cables but you will need to organise this well in advance.

- All scaffold boards used should be British Standard BS2482.

- There must be suitably strong barriers in place if someone could fall more than two metres.

- in order to avoid building waste falling on passers-by, keep scaffold boards clear and provide protective catch netting if necessary.

- Ladders should be strong, secure and in good condition, domestic ladders are generally not suitable. Make sure that they are long enough and securely fixed for safety’s sake!

Heavy or bulky loads shouldn’t be carried up and down ladders. Make sure a hoist is available for heavy or large awkward loads.

Make sure that scaffolding structures are checked weekly, and inspected after alterations, damage and extreme weather conditions. Make sure that it is recorded that you have an appointed person responsible for doing this – even if it is you.

Components should never be removed out of position for any reason whatsoever. Even on a temporary basis.

Building Regulations

it is always wise to contact your local council for details of any building regulations you may need to consider, like the ‘materials and workmanship’ regulation or the ‘access to and use of building’ regulation. Copies of the current building regulations are available from Building Regulations Publications HMSO.

You also need to make sure you have any necessary planning permission for the building project your scaffolding relates to. Again your local council will be able to advise you on this.

Remember – when it comes to scaffolding – safety first, last and always!

Article by Philip Ray
©

Whilst this article endeavours to contain up to date and accurate information, the article can only be considered as a guide. The author would always recommend that you take local independent professional advice.

After many years working in the construction industry, Phil now teaches in the UK. He has written many articles for web sites like Householders Guide, ukhomeonline.co.uk and yourhomeonlineuk.co.uk. His wide knowledge of the Construction Industry and Housing Markets makes him a popular author on Buying Real Estate.©

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Construction Accidents – An Unfortunate Product of the Building Boom – by Tim Penn

The early part of the 20th Century saw the United States enjoy an unprecedented building boom, both for residential and commercial properties. This was obviously a benefit to the overall economy, as more people own homes and commercial property now than ever before. Owning property is one of the safest and most reliable investments available for many reasons, but there was also an upswing in one unfortunate variable in regards to this boom – a distinct rise in construction accidents.

Below is a look at some of the construction accidents that have occurred with alarming frequency in recent years, but you also need to understand that if you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you need to contact a construction injury lawyer as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation.

Construction Falls
Statistics compiled by the government show that on average, more than 1,200 construction workers are killed every year in the United States, and this industry also leads the way in terms of workplace injuries. The same statistical compilation that was formulated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the most common type of construction worker injury is the fall, and that makes sense.

Construction workers are required to climb upon structures that are not stable in order to complete certain aspects of a building job, and certain situations and occurrences lead to a construction worker falling from extremely dangerous heights. This also falls in line with the fact that the most common construction worker injury is to the back, as the back is what normally takes the brunt of a fall.

Scaffolding Worker Injury
Another extremely common construction worker injury is the scaffolding worker injury, and this, too, was one of the leading causes of missed work time and serious injuries within the construction industry. Scaffolding is often built with only a temporary means of access in mind, and as a result these structures are often unstable in nature. Therefore, the types of construction accidents that can occur include falling from the scaffolding, head injuries from falling debris from the top of the scaffolding and a plethora of “other” injuries that result from the collapse of the scaffolding.

Welding Injury
Every year, more than 10,000 people are injured as a result of a welding accident. Welding is an inherently hazardous duty to perform, and as you may guess, the leading type of construction injuries that occur as a result of welding is an injury to the eye or eyes. Welding guns produce heat that tops 1,000 degrees, which means that this flame or heat causes serious injuries when making contact with the eyes.
Of course, there are many other causes and types of construction worker injuries. If you have been injured on the job, you may have the right to file a construction accident lawsuit. Contact a construction injury lawyer today to get the process of protecting and enforcing your rights started.

Learn more about construction construction accident
then visit www.resource4constructionsiteaccidents.com
T

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What’s Contained In A Construction Business Plan – by Shaunta Pleasant

It is no secret that the construction business has been an extremely profitable place to see for quite a number of years.

Home construction and business construction have both been growing at incredible rates, and that means that there is significant opportunity in all aspects of building and repairing homes and businesses.

==Start Up Capital For Your Business==

Of course in order to be successful in the construction world, you will need a solid construction business plan behind you.

Without such a business plan for your proposed business, you will be unable to raise the startup capital you need, or to attract the funds you may need to finance growth or ongoing operations.

==Structuring Your Business Properly==

In addition, the information you gather while creating your construction business plan can help you to structure your business properly, and it can even help you easily see the challenges and the opportunities of you new business venture.

==Running Your Construction Business==

Your construction business plan should also include information on how you plan to run your business, and how you plan to attract and retain qualified employees.

Finding skilled help at an affordable hourly rate is one of the most serious challenges facing the construction industry, and it is important for your construction business plan to address this important issue.

==The Information To Bring With You When You Are Getting financed==

When you do start searching for startup funds for your new construction business, it is important to be as prepared as possible for your meeting with the business lender.

You will of course need to bring your construction business plan with you, and you will want to make sure that it is accurate and complete prior to arriving at the meeting.

Chances are the business lender will also want to see other financial information, such as your bank account statements and tax returns, so be sure that you have all the information needed at your fingertips.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional web writer and editor on business plan topics. Visit my site to learn more about writing a business plan at http://www.business-plan-made-easy.com/construction-business-plan.html

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