Blog

by Dave Logan

Some high-level considerations The shower in your bathroom should not only be aesthetically significant, but also enjoyable for you to use. If you’ve been considering a bathroom remodel, I recommend investing properly in the shower. A new enclosure, door, and accessories will do wonders for the overall perception and experience of your bathroom. Begin by carefully selecting the hardware for the new shower. Ideally, the shower pieces, frame, hinges, door color, and accessories should match your faucets and tie all the elements of the room together.

Framed doors are still a popular choice for homeowners, but frameless options like thick, frameless glass enclosures are growing rapidly in popularity. The actual glass you choose is important when selecting a new shower door. For example, is privacy important? A modern pattern or design? A balance of aesthetics and practicality? The number of choices you have is almost unlimited these days. Clear, unpatterned glass is still the most popular, however, as it shows off the shower itself and all the accessories.

What about the showerhead itself? Do not discount the importance of the showerhead. Not only does it play a huge comfort role, but also effects aesthetics and the cost of your water and heating bills! As stated above, take into consideration all of the elements of the room and make sure the accessories match and the entire bathroom is well tied together.

Another very important consideration for your new showerhead is water-efficiency and environmental impact. These are gaining in popularity right along with all “green,” environmental movements. You can increase the output efficiency of a new showerhead these days by more than 35%. Choices abound for folks who demand better water efficiency!

Accessorize! A new shower demands new accessories for the entire bathroom! Cabinet and drawer handles, towel bars, knobs, hooks, faucets, fixtures, and frames. To make this job a bit easier, consider buying all of your accessories from a single manufacturer under one product offering. This will ensure all of your accessories match, help manage your costs more efficiently, and make it an easy process from purchase to installation.

Spend some time doing research on what’s best for you and your family. There are so many options that you should also consider contacting a contract plumbing professional and interior designer to help you with your decision.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

Green roofs have been popular in Europe for a long time now. However, here in the states the idea of green rooftops is somewhat new but becoming more attractive for two primary reasons: environmental benefits and reduced energy costs. Homeowners, businesses, and even cities are taking a closer look at the benefits of green roof systems.

In short, green roofs last longer than conventional roofs, reduce energy costs, absorb water, and create and promote relaxing green environments for people and animals. For cities as a whole, green roofs improve the air quality and reduce urban heat.

There are essentially two kinds of green roofs: intensive and extensive. An intensive green roof is basically an elevated park with bushes, trees, shrubs, flowers, and walkways for people to access and enjoy the park-like environment. Extensive green roofs focus more on native growth for the ground cover and require very little maintenance. This roof’s purpose is strictly environmental with no accessibility.

Our great state of Colorado is actively participating, researching, and embracing the green roof technology movement. On Thursday, June 17, 2010 the Green Roofs for the West Symposium will gather at Denver Botanic Gardens to discuss green roof innovations and a future of more sustainable cities in the western United States.

If you’re interested in attending this event, check out Greenprint Denver for details and registration.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

Nobody likes a dripping faucet. It’s annoying, it’s inefficient, it’s costly. Today, we’re going to show you how to repair or replace your dripping faucet with relative ease.

Your faucet uses simple valves that control the flow of water. There are multiple types of valves within your faucet that control water flow: compression, disk, ball, and cartridge to name a few of the more common valves. We’ll focus on the compression valve for today’s post. While repairing your faucet, locate and shut off the valves in the lines for both hot and cold water.

The first thing to know when repairing your dripping faucet is what kind of valve is inside. If you have the owner’s manual, you can find out the specific model and brand and all the information you need to get started. If not, simply take the faucet to your local home improvement store and get help finding the necessary parts.

Follow these steps to repair your dripping faucet:

1. Shut off the water supply.

2. Open the faucet’s handle to eliminate water pressure.

3. Remove the trim cap on the faucet with a small screwdriver.

4. Use a crescent wrench to remove the nut inside.

5. Carefully lift the spindle out of the faucet.

6. Remove the O-ring and replace it if necessary.

7. Look over the seat and replace it if it is damaged.

8. Install the valve.

9. Place the handle back on the faucet.

10. Test to make sure it’s working properly.

Follow these steps to replace your dripping faucet:

1. Shut off the water supply.

2. Open the faucet’s handle to eliminate water pressure.

3. Loosen the nuts located at the shutoff valves and base of the faucet itself.

4. Remove the supply tubes.

5. Carefully remove the locknuts that anchor the faucet to the sink.

6. Lift the faucet out.

7. If necessary, replace damaged spray hose and supply tubes.

8. Place the rubber gasket on the sink where your faucet will be set. If you don’t have a rubber gasket use plumber's putty instead.

9. Set the faucet into position.

10. Attach the faucet locknuts (located under the sink) to fasten it firmly to your sink.

11. Hook the supply lines back up. 12. Test to make sure it’s working properly.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Lori Grey, General Sales Manager, TeamDaveLogan.com Jim Saccomano, VP of Corporate Communications for the Denver Broncos, wrote an amazing article about our own Dave Logan. We at TeamDaveLogan.com are extremely proud of our leader and his accomplishments. He is a wonderful person on the radio, on the field, and in business.

Dave, you have helped take TeamDaveLogan.com from a thought in our minds to the thriving resource it is today: one hundred home improvement contractors strong - all working together to do right by the consumer! Your reputation and demeanor make TeamDaveLogan.com all that it is and we are so proud that you are leading us. Special thanks to Jim Saccomano for his wonderful words and recognizing Dave.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

by Dave Logan

Choosing the right type of roof for your home is important. Many factors influence such a decision, and today we’re going to look at a few options. Aesthetics in color and style, insulation qualities, and durability are just a few considerations. In Colorado, weather extremes are a reality, so we need to be acutely aware of this when it’s time to take on that new roofing project.

The most common type of roof in Colorado is the asphalt shingle. They are available in virtually every color scheme and pattern. The primary reason the asphalt shingle is the most popular is because they are the most affordable for home owners. You should choose an asphalt shingle with a lifespan of at least 15 years if you go with this option, and the longer the lifespan the higher the price.

Metal roofing is a lot more popular here in Colorado primiarly because of the potential for heavy snowfall and moisture, especially in the mountains and higher altitudes. This type of roof is very easy to maintain, is totally waterproof, and you won’t have any problems with mold (which can be the case with asphalt). You will, however, be much more restricted on color choice, but the weather out here in Colorado makes metal option a sound consideration.

Slate roofs are becoming more and more popular because they are both aesthetically impressive and extremely durable. However, they are also very expensive. If budget permits, definitely look into this option.

Another impressive but less practical option for a Colorado roof is Spanish tile. Southwest styles are somewhat popular in Colorado, so you will see these roofs from time to time. In our opinion, this isn’t the ideal option for Colorado because tile isn’t as durable and is quite expensive. Further, you will obviously want to match your roof to the style of your home, so this could elimate Spanish tile altogether as one of your options.

Our final option for today is wood shingles. Ultimately, this is one you may want to simply avoid for your Colorado home. Wood shingles offer a very attractive look but not much else. They’re expensive to buy and install. Many insurance companies will charge significantly more to go this route, and there are asphalt shingles today that accomplish the look of wood right along with the lifespan and durability you need for our high-altitude climate.

Take a little time to look into your options and weigh them against your budget and geography. Make sure your choice is prioritized around leak prevention and durability. Color scheme and patterns will be an obvious consideration based on your home’s style. Finally, hire a great roofing contractor to consult and help you get the job done right.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!