Here is a list of new plans we just added to our website:
Under 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* November 4, 2008 - Sand Castle 1008-2
* November 5, 2008 - Sand Castle 1064-2
* November 7, 2008 - Cape Lookout Tower 2458-3
We will keep you posted with weekly up-to-date news.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Order Brochures
We just wanted to let you know that our 'order brochures' web page has been updated!
You can now order both brochures (Cottages Over 2,000 s.f. and Cottages Under 2,000 s.f.) for $40.00 plus shipping.
If you have trouble ordering, then please do not hesitate to let us know by phone, via email, or leave us a comment on this post.
Thanks
Monday, November 3, 2008
New Plans Just Added: October 29 & 30
Here is a list of new plans we just added to our website:
Under 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* October 29, 2008 - Surf 1868-3
* October 30, 2008 - Lookout 1664-4
We will keep you posted with weekly up-to-date news.
Under 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* October 29, 2008 - Surf 1868-3
* October 30, 2008 - Lookout 1664-4
We will keep you posted with weekly up-to-date news.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
New Cool Metal Roof
I have found a roofing product that can save cooling costs. The Energy-Efficient Titan® “COOL ROOF”.
A product made by Custom-Bilt Metals called LAST-TIME® is a metal roof with a premium two-coat system based on the same 70 percent PDVF (PolyvinylFluoride) resin-based coating system supplied as Kynar 500® material to coat any LAST-TIME® brand product.
“Cool Roof coatings are highly reflective, with a minimum solar reflectance of 25 percent, and up to 70 percent on lighter colors. When applied and cured on properly prepared substrates, a Cool Roof exhibits outstanding color stability, chalk resistance, durability, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and flexibility while also providing outstanding solar heat deflection and energy efficiency.” This product qualifies for Energy Star® Tax Credit. And Earns Certification points with The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. Therefore, if you want to save energy AND have a colored metal roof, you can use the Titan® “COOL ROOF.” However, I can’t figure out how a penguin could climb up on that metal roof.
A product made by Custom-Bilt Metals called LAST-TIME® is a metal roof with a premium two-coat system based on the same 70 percent PDVF (PolyvinylFluoride) resin-based coating system supplied as Kynar 500® material to coat any LAST-TIME® brand product.
“Cool Roof coatings are highly reflective, with a minimum solar reflectance of 25 percent, and up to 70 percent on lighter colors. When applied and cured on properly prepared substrates, a Cool Roof exhibits outstanding color stability, chalk resistance, durability, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and flexibility while also providing outstanding solar heat deflection and energy efficiency.” This product qualifies for Energy Star® Tax Credit. And Earns Certification points with The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. Therefore, if you want to save energy AND have a colored metal roof, you can use the Titan® “COOL ROOF.” However, I can’t figure out how a penguin could climb up on that metal roof.
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Best Roofs on the Coast - Part Two
To continue - "What's the best roofing material I can use for hurricanes?"
Engineering-Roofing is now coming around.
Some manufacturers have developed an "engineered roofing" product that looks like wood shakes or slate and are made of recycled materials such as post-industrial plastics, wood-fiber, flax-fiber, hemp-fiber, and crumb rubber from recycled tires. I don't know the long term performance of such products, but time will tell. Engineered-roofing can be made to look very close to No. 1 grade cedar shakes, and also have a 50 year limited warranty, mold, mildew, insect and hail resistant. In today's construction trends, look for more "Green" building materials that will help our environment and our economic independence. These types of roofing appear to be suitable for roofing in hurricane-prone areas, but with more use, again, time will tell.
Clay or Concrete tiles are another type of roofing you may consider.
Some benefits of concrete ceramic tiles are being fireproof, they are available in many colors, easy to maintain and very durable. Some of the drawbacks with clay are being very expensive, heavy, fragile to walk on and replacement is not easy. Clay tiles have a more Mediterranean, French, Spanish and contemporary look. Performance in hurricanes is satisfactory, but difficult to repair. If tiles get cracked or broken, it can allow wind-driven rain to cause more roof leaks.
I don't know of an "Eco-Roof" yet but it might be a consideration if you're so inclined.
Eco-Roofs are flat to moderate sloping roofs made of soil (lightweight soil) with a vegetation cover. The ultimate "Green" roof which could possibly grow your own vegetables! While this type of roof has the potential of becoming the ultimate environmental roof, it could surely help save our planet! I haven't see this type of roof used on beach cottages yet but don't see why this couldn't be something to consider, if you have the means and location. One company in England is a specialist in "greenroofs" - Greenfix Sky-Garden Grass could even be grown on raised parking decks - making it possible to run barefoot in the grass at the beach, or even have your own ultra-private "yard." However, be sure to use a push mower.
Slate is a roofing material used in very high-end markets.
Use of slate requires highly trained workers and a lot of money. Like clay tile, slate is also heavy and easily damaged by foot traffic. Slate will out-last most roofing materials and will hold up to hurricanes extremely well. Greenstone Slate in Poultney, VT have a Notice Of Acceptance (NOA) from Miami-Dade County, FL that states their "Greenstone Roofing Slate-Natural" meets their High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Slate will not rust, milder, rot or burn. Repairs are however sometimes very costly.
Sometimes, mixing different roofing materials might give you the look you want as well as saving money. I have added metal roofs to small porches or decorative gable dormers while using fiberglass-asphalt on the main roof of a house. This has been a good compromise in some cases.
No matter what roof material you choose, I recommend you pick a light color. Because the solar radiation from lighter roofs would help cool our planet better, and save on your cooling costs. Dark colored roofing is very fashionable, for now, but I see a time where fashion will give way to environmental needs in the very near future. The new fashion trend nowadays seems to be heading toward being "green." That's a good thing, even if it's the "In" thing! Galvalume galvanized roofing is one of the best solar reflectors and requires less to cool in those hot summers. The best roof angle in studies seems to be a slope of around 30 degrees, or about a 6/12 pitch. Any other roof angle will add to wind uplift. Select a roofing material with a Class-A Fire Rating. Select a roofing that has the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Wind-Resistant Rating.
Therefore, as I said in the beginning, it all depends... on what architectural look you're after, how much money you have to spend, how much you want to gamble, and how fast you want the roof repaired after a storm. Choose wisely.
Dennis Mercer
Engineering-Roofing is now coming around.
Some manufacturers have developed an "engineered roofing" product that looks like wood shakes or slate and are made of recycled materials such as post-industrial plastics, wood-fiber, flax-fiber, hemp-fiber, and crumb rubber from recycled tires. I don't know the long term performance of such products, but time will tell. Engineered-roofing can be made to look very close to No. 1 grade cedar shakes, and also have a 50 year limited warranty, mold, mildew, insect and hail resistant. In today's construction trends, look for more "Green" building materials that will help our environment and our economic independence. These types of roofing appear to be suitable for roofing in hurricane-prone areas, but with more use, again, time will tell.Clay or Concrete tiles are another type of roofing you may consider.
Some benefits of concrete ceramic tiles are being fireproof, they are available in many colors, easy to maintain and very durable. Some of the drawbacks with clay are being very expensive, heavy, fragile to walk on and replacement is not easy. Clay tiles have a more Mediterranean, French, Spanish and contemporary look. Performance in hurricanes is satisfactory, but difficult to repair. If tiles get cracked or broken, it can allow wind-driven rain to cause more roof leaks.I don't know of an "Eco-Roof" yet but it might be a consideration if you're so inclined.
Eco-Roofs are flat to moderate sloping roofs made of soil (lightweight soil) with a vegetation cover. The ultimate "Green" roof which could possibly grow your own vegetables! While this type of roof has the potential of becoming the ultimate environmental roof, it could surely help save our planet! I haven't see this type of roof used on beach cottages yet but don't see why this couldn't be something to consider, if you have the means and location. One company in England is a specialist in "greenroofs" - Greenfix Sky-Garden Grass could even be grown on raised parking decks - making it possible to run barefoot in the grass at the beach, or even have your own ultra-private "yard." However, be sure to use a push mower.Slate is a roofing material used in very high-end markets.
Use of slate requires highly trained workers and a lot of money. Like clay tile, slate is also heavy and easily damaged by foot traffic. Slate will out-last most roofing materials and will hold up to hurricanes extremely well. Greenstone Slate in Poultney, VT have a Notice Of Acceptance (NOA) from Miami-Dade County, FL that states their "Greenstone Roofing Slate-Natural" meets their High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Slate will not rust, milder, rot or burn. Repairs are however sometimes very costly.Sometimes, mixing different roofing materials might give you the look you want as well as saving money. I have added metal roofs to small porches or decorative gable dormers while using fiberglass-asphalt on the main roof of a house. This has been a good compromise in some cases.
No matter what roof material you choose, I recommend you pick a light color. Because the solar radiation from lighter roofs would help cool our planet better, and save on your cooling costs. Dark colored roofing is very fashionable, for now, but I see a time where fashion will give way to environmental needs in the very near future. The new fashion trend nowadays seems to be heading toward being "green." That's a good thing, even if it's the "In" thing! Galvalume galvanized roofing is one of the best solar reflectors and requires less to cool in those hot summers. The best roof angle in studies seems to be a slope of around 30 degrees, or about a 6/12 pitch. Any other roof angle will add to wind uplift. Select a roofing material with a Class-A Fire Rating. Select a roofing that has the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Wind-Resistant Rating.
Therefore, as I said in the beginning, it all depends... on what architectural look you're after, how much money you have to spend, how much you want to gamble, and how fast you want the roof repaired after a storm. Choose wisely.
Dennis Mercer
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Best Roofs on the Coast
I have had many of my home design clients ask - "What's the best roofing material I can use in coastal areas subject to hurricanes?"
I have asked this question myself many times.
The answer: "It depends"
Metal roofing, such as standing-seam steel roofing can perform very well in hurricane-force winds. If you consider wind-resistance to be a good factor (it is), the standing-seam steel roofing performs much better than other roofing materials. For one thing, standing-seam metal can be made in large sheets which are more of a structural component adding to the strength of the roof system. Steel sheeting can be calculated and engineered to perform a better function in holding the roof on in high winds. Depending on the thickness and size of steel sheeting it can have more resistance to blow-off than many other roofing materials. Another plus for metal roofing is their superior ability to dispel lighting strikes. Metal roofing has been very popular in coastal areas lately, more due to fashion than finance. Metal roofing is not a good material to store extra material for future repairs, its large and bulky and the replacement roofing would still not match the old roof, because of sun exposure. One drawback is that metal roofing is more expensive that other roofing types. The Kynar® coated colored metal roofs are a bit more expensive than "5-V" or corrugated galvanized Metal roofing but will last longer than some other roofing types and are more energy efficient than other roofing materials. If you want to save energy, lighter colors and silver galvanized finish will be cooler and save more on your cooling bills.
Copper roofing oxidizes over time to a dark brown patina and could become a heat sink. If we all switched our roof color from a dark color to a light color, we would slow down the greenhouse affect on the entire planet! Copper and Stainless Steel are other choices but are very, very expensive, however they both last a very, very long time. A good economical selection for a metal roof is the Galvalume coated galvanized finished "5-V" roofing or corrugated roofing. Galvalume roofing will not rust as quickly as standard galvanized roofing. Some metal roofing has been tested at wind speeds up to 200 MPH.
Green Tip! Another great thing about metal roofing is its ease of recycling. Other than wood shakes, metal roofs are very "green."
However, this is not to say other roofing types don't have merit, or are inferior.
Composition or "Fiberglass-Asphalt" shingles have been made by several companies to be both wind-resistant and durable. Fiberglass-Asphalt shingles are a lot more economical than metal roofing and are easier to replace after a storm. Several roofing contractors suggest roofs that are less than 6/12 pitch will be services before steeper roofs because they are easier and faster to walk on. Steep roofs and roofs that are more than one story off the ground require extra safety precautions (OSHA laws) for roofers. Therefore, after a hurricane, you will see the lower pitched roofs and lower houses repaired first. Fiberglass-Asphalt shingles can be made to be fire-resistant, with Class-A being the best. Several companies make Wind-Resistant shingles to 130 MPH that meet the UL highest standard for impact resistance - UL 2218, Class 4.
Many different colors and textures of roofing are offered in fiberglass-asphalt shingles and they seem to have more variety than other roofing choices. Fiberglass-asphalt shingles have a life-span of 15-30 years and are subject to mildew and moss. The asphalt in this roofing makes it less "Green" than other roofing types, it's environmentally unfriendly. Extra replacement shingles can easily be stored away for later repairs.
Wood shake or shingles are another possibility. Wood shakes and shingles come in several lengths and thicknesses. Shakes can be hand-split (more expensive) or resawn, which are called shingles. Wood shakes are certified and graded by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. For instance, No. 1 grade Blue Label® western red cedar shake roofing is one of highest quality wood roofs. Wood is a natural fuel for fire, so it needs a fire-retardant treatment to make it good for roofing use. I would not recommend wood shake roofing unless it was fire-retardant treated. Wood shakes are more "Green" than some other roofing materials. However, wood can split, rot, grow mold and mildew. Pressure treated wood is also available. Wood shakes perform a little better than fiberglass-asphalt roofing but replacement will never match the original shingles. Wind tests done in Dade County, FL found Certigrade® shingles withstood wind speeds of 173 MPH, whereas Certigrade® shakes withstood wind speeds of 245 MPH. 
Wood weathering will create an oxidized grey tone to its surface and it is impossible to match with new wood.
Over time however, the shingles will get back to their oxidized-grey finish. Shingles used on some old Coast Guard stations are still in place over 200 years, and they still look great.
See my next post for more information about roofing on Monday, September 29, 2008.
Dennis Mercer
I have asked this question myself many times.
The answer: "It depends"
Metal roofing, such as standing-seam steel roofing can perform very well in hurricane-force winds. If you consider wind-resistance to be a good factor (it is), the standing-seam steel roofing performs much better than other roofing materials. For one thing, standing-seam metal can be made in large sheets which are more of a structural component adding to the strength of the roof system. Steel sheeting can be calculated and engineered to perform a better function in holding the roof on in high winds. Depending on the thickness and size of steel sheeting it can have more resistance to blow-off than many other roofing materials. Another plus for metal roofing is their superior ability to dispel lighting strikes. Metal roofing has been very popular in coastal areas lately, more due to fashion than finance. Metal roofing is not a good material to store extra material for future repairs, its large and bulky and the replacement roofing would still not match the old roof, because of sun exposure. One drawback is that metal roofing is more expensive that other roofing types. The Kynar® coated colored metal roofs are a bit more expensive than "5-V" or corrugated galvanized Metal roofing but will last longer than some other roofing types and are more energy efficient than other roofing materials. If you want to save energy, lighter colors and silver galvanized finish will be cooler and save more on your cooling bills.
Copper roofing oxidizes over time to a dark brown patina and could become a heat sink. If we all switched our roof color from a dark color to a light color, we would slow down the greenhouse affect on the entire planet! Copper and Stainless Steel are other choices but are very, very expensive, however they both last a very, very long time. A good economical selection for a metal roof is the Galvalume coated galvanized finished "5-V" roofing or corrugated roofing. Galvalume roofing will not rust as quickly as standard galvanized roofing. Some metal roofing has been tested at wind speeds up to 200 MPH. Green Tip! Another great thing about metal roofing is its ease of recycling. Other than wood shakes, metal roofs are very "green."
However, this is not to say other roofing types don't have merit, or are inferior.
Composition or "Fiberglass-Asphalt" shingles have been made by several companies to be both wind-resistant and durable. Fiberglass-Asphalt shingles are a lot more economical than metal roofing and are easier to replace after a storm. Several roofing contractors suggest roofs that are less than 6/12 pitch will be services before steeper roofs because they are easier and faster to walk on. Steep roofs and roofs that are more than one story off the ground require extra safety precautions (OSHA laws) for roofers. Therefore, after a hurricane, you will see the lower pitched roofs and lower houses repaired first. Fiberglass-Asphalt shingles can be made to be fire-resistant, with Class-A being the best. Several companies make Wind-Resistant shingles to 130 MPH that meet the UL highest standard for impact resistance - UL 2218, Class 4.
Many different colors and textures of roofing are offered in fiberglass-asphalt shingles and they seem to have more variety than other roofing choices. Fiberglass-asphalt shingles have a life-span of 15-30 years and are subject to mildew and moss. The asphalt in this roofing makes it less "Green" than other roofing types, it's environmentally unfriendly. Extra replacement shingles can easily be stored away for later repairs.
Wood shake or shingles are another possibility. Wood shakes and shingles come in several lengths and thicknesses. Shakes can be hand-split (more expensive) or resawn, which are called shingles. Wood shakes are certified and graded by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. For instance, No. 1 grade Blue Label® western red cedar shake roofing is one of highest quality wood roofs. Wood is a natural fuel for fire, so it needs a fire-retardant treatment to make it good for roofing use. I would not recommend wood shake roofing unless it was fire-retardant treated. Wood shakes are more "Green" than some other roofing materials. However, wood can split, rot, grow mold and mildew. Pressure treated wood is also available. Wood shakes perform a little better than fiberglass-asphalt roofing but replacement will never match the original shingles. Wind tests done in Dade County, FL found Certigrade® shingles withstood wind speeds of 173 MPH, whereas Certigrade® shakes withstood wind speeds of 245 MPH. 
Wood weathering will create an oxidized grey tone to its surface and it is impossible to match with new wood.
Over time however, the shingles will get back to their oxidized-grey finish. Shingles used on some old Coast Guard stations are still in place over 200 years, and they still look great.See my next post for more information about roofing on Monday, September 29, 2008.
Dennis Mercer
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Let's talk about HURRICANES!
1. To go to the latest maps on Hurricanes and Tropical Storms, go to the National Hurricane Center website.2. One of the best sources of information on how to build homes in coastal areas is found in the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) FEMA 55, Edition3/August 2005 "Coastal Construction Manual" Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Construction, and Maintaining Buildings in Coastal Areas. Get it here. It's free and it's a wealth of information on how to build and prepare for flooding, hurricanes and storm protection.
3. To find local FEMA Flood Maps for your area, go to their web page and look under "Latest Available Flood Maps. You can view some maps online or purchase printed maps from FEMA.
4. A wealth of additional information concerning all types of Disasters can be found at the FEMA website. This site has an enormous amount of information and links that will keep you busy educating yourself.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
We are going GREEN!
Yesterday our website, coastaldesigns.com, has been updated with a new look.
What's new at Coastal Designs:
- Our brand-new blog!
- Changed our navigation bar from color red to...GREEN! :-)
- Added new contents: blog and faq (frequently asked questions)
- FAQ section consists information about our plans, what is included, how to order plans, and cottage plan prices.
- Expanding our "Cottage Plans" section with new plans to add to our site real soon!
Also, we will be adding information about "green" building in near future.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to Coastal Designs' blog site!
We are using our newest blog to post up-to-date news about our plans, brochures, information, etc. We also will post useful tips and links for you to know about building cottages.
Here is a list of new plans we just added to our website:
Under 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* June 4, 2008 - Seaspray 1288-4
Duplex Cottages
* June 12 - Sea-for-Two 2226-4E Duplex
* July 2 - Sand Castle 1620-4 Duplex
* July 3 - Sand Castle 1836-4 Duplex
Over 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* July 17 - Hampton 4157-6E
* July 21 - Shipwright 2634-5
We are using our newest blog to post up-to-date news about our plans, brochures, information, etc. We also will post useful tips and links for you to know about building cottages.
Here is a list of new plans we just added to our website:
Under 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* June 4, 2008 - Seaspray 1288-4
Duplex Cottages
* June 12 - Sea-for-Two 2226-4E Duplex
* July 2 - Sand Castle 1620-4 Duplex
* July 3 - Sand Castle 1836-4 Duplex
Over 2,000 S.F. Cottages
* July 17 - Hampton 4157-6E
* July 21 - Shipwright 2634-5
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