Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category
Tips for home heating and cooling
Radiant heating
Radiant heat is the most cost-effective, safe, eco-friendly, and comfortable way to heat your home, and systems using infrared heat are very popular. Radiant heat involves a series of wires, or a series of panels and pipes, delivering heat directly to the floors, walls, and ceilings of the house, which then heat the surrounding objects prior to heating the air. Traditional forced-air heating systems work in a different way by blowing heated air into an area, but this heats the air by the ceiling far more than the air just above the floor. After considering your needs, you may choose between liquid or electric radiant heating systems. Hot liquid systems push heated water or oil through a series of pipes, whereas electric systems involve a series of cables which are heated when energiz ed. The series of pipes in a hot liquid system, usually called a hydronic system, are usually sandwiched between plywood wallboards, or laid down over a cement floor. Another technology, hot air radiant systems, was widely used first by the Romans, and stands as obsolete since the air just cannot contain large amounts of heat.
About radiant heating
Radiation, convection, and conduction are the three ways in which heat is transferred, and this article will deal with radiant heat, in which people and objects in a room are warmed by a separate heating source and not by the air around them. There are three types of radiant heat floor systems, ones that use hot air, ones that utilize electricity, and ones that utilize hot water, which are also known as hydronic systems. Because air is an ineffective medium for holding on to heat, it is hardly ever used anymore and is regarded as obsolete. One of the most popular heating applications would be electric radiant floor heating, where you install a network of thin electric cables under flooring such as stone, tile, hardwood, or laminated wood. Undoubtedly, the most popular method of radiant heating is hydronics, which involves the steady pumping of hot water from a boiler through an array of tubes installed under the flooring. You can enjoy improved options for temperature control with certain hydronic systems which regulate exactly how much hot water is pumped through the tubing loops under the floors of each room, so that temperatures will vary according to personal needs. The easiest radiant heating systems to install are inserted between plywood sheets in between the flooring and a sub-floor (called “dry installation”), while the most cost-effective systems are built into concrete slabs (called “wet installation”), as concrete is a better heat medium. Ceramic tiles are the best flooring materials to employ with radiant floor heat systems, and solid, non-laminated wood floors covered by carpet will be the least energy-efficient.
Here are a few internet sites that should be helpful in exploring the category of home heating, cooling and insulation. You can follow this link to find out about electric radiant flooring. Could you also be curious about gas furnace care? If so, Gas Furnace Care should be of help. There is also help available concerning home heating at Home Heating With Radiators.
Suggestions for heating and cooling your home
Solar attic fans
Whenever you need your house to cool down you have to cool down the attic, and the best way to accomplish that will be to get that attic air circulating. These fans move the hot air in order to vent the attic effectively and will be quite durable even under the harshest weather conditions. Why pay good money for an energy sucking conventional electric fan when sunshine is free and the only thing you have to spend money on is the solar fan itself? One thing solar fans have in common with traditional electric fans is a thermostat to act as an on/off switch. The heat of summer will degrade plastic fans or fan parts, so make sure your attic fans are made of the most durable metal. Solar fan technology features photovoltaic cells arrayed on a solar panel and works as smoothly and economically as other kinds of solar technology. The major benefits of attic fans include ease of installation, handy regulation of temperature, cost-efficiency, and since there will be no toxic emissions, solar fans are environmentally-friendly.
Propane patio heaters
When the weather starts to turn chilly in your part of the country you can continue to enjoy outdoor living if you use a propane patio heater. Those who have not used them before could be questioning if they are safe to operate. As with a lot of the conveniences we keep in our lives, they are easy to use and safe as long as you heed some simple instructions. Most heaters will be fastened directly to the type of gas cylinder that you use to run a gas barbeque. As long as you are using a tank that is kept free from rust and dents and not damaged you should have no problems. It is a good idea to test your connection for leaking gas by smelling for the telltale odor of gas or using soapy water to check for bubbles. Remember that the burning of propane creates gases that can be hazardous so use these units strictly outdoors so the fumes can dissipate.
So you can’t find the advice you require from the above articles? Perhaps the following internet sites could be more appropriate. Click on this link to learn about closed cell spray foam insulation. One can also pursue this link to find out about energy efficient space heaters. Also, there is information available for home insulation at Buy Home Insulation. Plus Best Outdoor Wood Furnaces is another web site which has information on outdoor wood furnaces, a subject which might be of interest.
Concrete advice
Building concrete steps
Concrete stairs can be the most economical and cost-effective means of entering or leaving a multi-story home or building since they require the least amount of upkeep, and when they do crack, it is relatively inexpensive to patch them. For starters, you must put up a wooden frame, filling the inside with a layer of gravel, tamping the gravel down, then fill the frame with cement. As a do-it-yourself project, it will be tedious and tiresome, but is a good skill to acquire. Tools and materials you will need to carry out this task include a shovel, a tamper, gravel, concrete mix, 2-by-4 lumber, half-inch plywood, a hammer, cooking spray, a finishing trowel and an edge trowel. A wheelbarrow will be needed to prepare the concrete, or you can rent a portable cement mixer. Be positive the steps are leveled and surfaced correctly to prevent any possible dangers such as puddles of water, which can make the them slippery or icy, depending on the temperature and weather. Special kinds of paint can be utilized to paint them, so whenever you decide to do it, slip-proof paint is the kind of paint usually recommended.
Concrete protection for the homeowner
Several of the top motivators for applying concrete coatings include protecting a slab from deterioration, appearance, chemical resistance, non-skid performance, and ease of maintenance. Prior to putting on a concrete coating you should patch and restore any sections that require fixing and to thoroughly scour any spills or stains.
The next job will be to figure out what kinds of abuse your concrete will most likely be exposed to, because this can influence which brand of concrete coating will be most effective. Some of the main problems faced by concrete include chemicals, abrasion, impact, and thermal shock. Other aspects which could influence which brand of concrete coating is appropriate for you are appearance, installation requirements, and the expected life span of the slab.
You will have many distinct choices when it comes to installing a concrete coating. The most frequently used polymers are epoxies and polyurethanes. Although both can have its own advantages and disadvantages, generally urethanes have a reputation of delivering excellent abrasion and wear resistance, first-rate luster retention, and excellent resistance to chemicals and stains. Epoxy concrete coatings are solvent-free and work nicely for chemical and abrasion resistance. They are a good choice for repairing cracks, for overlays and for toppings. Newer formulations of concrete coatings are manufactured from an epoxy urethane mixture which offers excellent thermal and stress relief and exceptional shock resistance. The best thickness will depend upon the product you decide on and your application. Additionally it is essential to settle on whether or not you want the floor to be attractive and if you want a smooth or textured veneer.
While calculating your budget you must be aware that often cheaper systems tend not to give the type of protection you may require and may wind up being more expensive later on. Take care of your concrete and it should provide you a lifetime of enjoyment.
Here are a couple of sites that may be informative when researching the topic of residential concrete. For example, if you have an interest in concrete repair, then Concrete Restoration Planning has a lot of usable advice. Another resource is Create Decorative Concrete which has posted recommendations for how to stain concrete floors. Additionally, one might have questions concerning basement waterproofing and might find Home Basement Waterproofing to be of value.
Recommendations for kitchen and bathroom plumbing
Best toilets
You have more to choosing the perfect toilet than just picking a color which matches your bathroom: size, model, style and water efficiency are all essential considerations. It is really of primary importance that the toilet is right for the area of the bathroom. You must obtain measurements, especially the distance from the the first floor bolt (closest to the wall) and the back wall. It is highly recommended to consider the decor whenever you are choosing the size and style of the toilet. You have a choice of two kinds of toilet designs; single piece models where the bowl and the seat are molded to each other, and the generally inexpensive two piece models in which the tank is attached to the bowl. There are essentially two versions of toilet bowls, the more modern water efficient oblong toilet bowls, and the more conventional round bowls. An additional consideration will be the comfort of the toilet seat, thus you may need to “test drive” the seat before making your choice! Finally, think about the amount of water pressure for the toilet to be operational, for as essential as water efficiency will be, the toilet must have adequate force to get the job completed!
Bathroom faucet styles
When you are shopping for bathroom faucets, you will find a lot of distinctive styles, sizes and colors to choose from. The type you pick out will be dependent upon what your desired theme or look is for your bathroom. Bathroom faucets can be either single-handled or double-handled, either mounted to the wall or on the sink, and a few even center the handle right above the water spout. Depending on the type of metal and finish, they can cost anywhere from $35 to $200.
Ball, disc, compression and cartridge comprise the four different groups of faucets. A distinct hot-and-cold delivery scheme is exclusive to the compression faucet. Those that have mixed hot-and-cold water valves include cartridge, disc and ball faucets. Normally, the proper choice is a faucet which possesses solid brass or corrosion-resistant mechanisms. Keep in mind to always take the time to scrutinize the size and theme of your bathroom project prior to choosing the faucet, whether it be brass, chrome, ceramic, enamel-coated, pewter, antique, bronze, platinum, nickel, or gold.
Plumbing advice
Kitchen sinks
Discount sinks are plentiful on the market, but you need to have a firm grasp of the features and appearance you want, and how your new sink will match with with your countertops, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Any ambitious kitchen remodeling job is best started with a list of all the items and features you want in the new kitchen, and then plan out a budget for everything. You will be able to locate a suitable sink with a sufficient amount of homework because discount sinks are always available in a wide array of styles and models to match your interior design plan and budget. The smartest places to begin hunting for discount sinks is on the Internet, at trade shows, or in interior decorating magazines, and as soon as you figure out what you want, start hunting for discounts. In order to put your grand plan in action you will want to co-ordinate the tones, colors and materials of your assorted kitchen fixtures, and for sinks that includes materials such as stainless steel, marble, copper, or granite. Other crucial factors in the choice you make is the type of sink you need, either single or double basin, and whether or not you desire to have a garbage disposal as well. Once you have a thorough vision of what your ideal kitchen needs to look like, you are fully prepared to go out and make it happen. Once the big items are decided upon, you can complete your kitchen remodel by picking out the faucets for your sink, and perhaps a spice rack, pot rack, or towel bar to hang on the wall.
Water heaters for multi-tenant buildings
To keep from buying an unsuitable commercial water heater, it pays to do some homework before you spend your money. An especially important choice you will have to make is what type of fuel you will use to power the unit. The three major options you will face in regards to fuel are gas, oil and electricity, with gas being the one that tends to fluctuate in cost the most. How big the heater is will play a crucial role in determining if it will meet your requirements. Because the demand for hot water will ordinarily fluctuate significantly in most buildings you want to be sure your unit can accommodate peak needs. A lot of businesses such as restaurants and motels will see big variations in usage depending on their volume of business. When comparing units be sure to take a look at their energy ratings to have a good idea of which ones will help you save money and conserve energy.
Assuming you found the preceding items useful, you may also locate more suggestions concerning home plumbing on these listed internet sites. Want more information about water treatment equipment? If that is the case, following the link to Clean Water Treatment would be advised. A similar website is Residential Hot Water Heaters which has posted suggestions pertaining to residential hot water heaters.
Advice on kitchen and bathroom plumbing
Bathroom faucets
Prior to installing new faucets, you have to determine which type of faucet you will need, single piece or split set, and this is determined by the number and size of holes in the sink or vanity. Single piece faucets join the hot and cold outlets and have left and right faucet handles, while split set faucets have one faucet for hot water and a separate faucet for cold. There is a big difference between installing faucets in a new sink, which may be completed easily before the sink is mounted, and needing to get beneath an existing sink which is the only way to access the plumbing. Burnished chrome is the material of choice these days for new faucets, since they don’t scratch or show wear and tear, and are easily cleaned with soapy water. Faucets that leak are another problem, because they will jangle your nerves and will only be money running down the drain. But faucets are easy to fix after you have determined the type of valve the faucet uses. Compression, disc, ball, and cartridge are the most common types of household faucet valves controlling the flow of water. Even though the cordial folks at the local plumbing supply will be able to help identify the right parts you will need to fix a dripping faucet, it will be easier if you still possess the original instruction manual for faucet installation. Finally, one must consider the risk of water temperature fluctuations in showers and baths, which include scalding and thermal shock, and find out if the shower faucet has pressure-balance valves, which the US Government mandates for new home construction.
Treating household water
One of the important accomplishments of the twentieth century was constructing a system for providing wholesome water to our homes. But we are in a new century, and circumstances have changed. An exploding population, pollution, and over-use of phosphate-based fertilizers have altered the whole water supply business. More and more families get their drinking water from a plastic bottle instead of the tap. But there is hope. Modern science has developed ways to make sure that what comes out of the tap is wholesome. Nowadays water treatment comes in two ‘flavors:’ “point-of-entry” and “point-of-use”.
Lead-lined pipes are still prevalent in a lot of older residential areas, and these whole-house filters are able to eliminate almost all of the unsafe minerals as well as rust and other corrosion by-products. Water softeners can be great alternatives for those who have very hard water and the accumulation in their pipes is reducing the water pressure all through the home. Water softeners will be a good option when you have hard water which includes excessive amounts of iron, manganese, cadmium, or radium. A reverse osmosis water purification system can be a good choice to manage a broader variety of water problems. Lead, mercury, copper, chromium, arsenic, pesticides, and chloride can be removed utilizing this technology.Point-of-use water treatment devices are installed at a single faucet to purify only the water coming out of that tap. Carbon filters have been utilized for many years to eliminate impurities that affect the taste and assure that the water is safe for drinking and cooking. These filters are especially good at getting rid of unpleasant taste, odor and color from the water, and they will also get rid of pesticides and chlorine.
You will find numerous other sites that handle home plumbing topics. This is where you will read more information about electric tankless water heaters. A different source of support will be Xink Kitchen Sinks which will post articles pertaining to copper kitchen sinks.
Heating a home and cooling a home
Home Dehumidifiers
Experiments demonstrate that residential dehumidifiers are a great means to help prevent sinus infections and relieve problems caused by asthma by reducing humidity levels in the air. This is how they work: fans inside the home dehumidifiers blow warm air onto cold metal coils, resulting in condensation. Condensation forms droplets of water that fall into an enclosed bucket, resulting in the formation of cool air that then blows over warm coils, thus returning the environment to its normal temperature.
The negative result of humidity is the potential development of mold and mildew inside the residence, which may cause serious injury to human health if not removed. Experts say relative humidity needs to be maintained at between 30 and 50 percent. Sinus problems and asthma have been shown to be reduced or eliminated using home dehumidifiers, by keeping away dust mites (tiny insects taking up residence in the rugs, bedding and clothing in nearly all homes), according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Home dehumidifiers will be a healthy upgrade to any living room, bedroom, office or even basement.
Space heaters
In order to effectively heat a medium-sized room you might want to consider a propane space heater, but be aware of all the safety considerations beforehand. Propane heaters function quite well, but you need to become familiar with their operation, so always read the owner’s manual and observe any potential restrictions on their use. There are two standard kinds of propane heaters, radiant heaters and circulation heaters, and there are significant differences between them: radiant heaters (aka infrared heaters) are vent-free and heat the objects in a room before heating the air, whereas circulation heaters blow heated air into the room. To avoid injuries to children or pets you might look at installing the heater on the wall above their reach, and to prevent over-heating a room a lot of heaters turn off automatically when the room gets too hot. When shopping for a suitable propane heater, consider the size of the room, as a heater that is too small will not warm the entire space, and a heater that is too large might cause the room to over-heat. Make sure you get a heater that is designed for indoor use only, since outdoor heaters emit high levels of carbon monoxide and must never be turned on inside an enclosed space. Two essential safety concerns: never place flammable liquids in the vicinity of your heater, and never go to sleep with the propane heater turned on or otherwise unattended. Brand new propane heaters are always the smart choice, as that used heater you obtained from your grandpa is probably in violation of contemporary safety requirements.
If you wish to continue researching the category of home heating, cooling and insulation, clicking on the following sites might be useful. Interested in garage heaters? If that is the case, following the link to Buy Garage Heaters might be a good idea. Interested in diy central heating? If so, DIY Heatinghome should be helpful. Additionally, you may have questions concerning diy heating and might find Easy DIY Heating to be of value.
Installing and maintaining the concrete on your property
Moisture leaking into your basement? Applying a sealant can stop any further damage
Can you imagine what it would look like if your basement were to fill with a half an inch of water? Stopping a disaster is better than needing to clean one up, and waterproofing the basement would be one of the smartest moves a homeowner will make. There are several factors that go into choosing the appropriate basement waterproofing technique for your house. The initial step when examining home basement waterproofing solutions will be looking closely at the type of problems your basement has. If you are constructing a new home the selection process will be a lot easier since you are preventing a problem as opposed to fixing one. If you reside in a section of the nation which experiences large amounts of wetness it would be smart to install two or three preventative measures, such as putting tar on the exterior walls, a pump and a drain. Popular techniques of basement waterproofing would be either a liquid membrane which can be affixed to the inside of the home or a sheeting membrane secured to the outside of the wall. There are waterproofing methods to be had for those whose homes have already been built as well. Generally these solutions will be more challenging to install than it would have been during construction, however they are by no means impossible
When your home already has water leaking out you will have to discover the cause of the leak and fix it before making use of any brand of basement waterproofing products. An excellent way to check for moisture problems is to tape a piece of aluminum foil to one of the walls of your basement and leave it there for a few days. If there is moisture on the side of foil that has been facing the wall that will indicate you probably have cracks. If you find water on the outside of the foil then you probably have a problem with condensation. Many retail stores sell waterproofing paints which could be applied to the interior walls to help keep water from seeping in. However, leaks and cracks must be patched using a basement waterproofing sealant, which is more helpful than just painting the wall. The simplest problem to correct in a basement will be condensation. You will have to insulate the uncovered pipes in the basement and then install a dehumidifier. Make sure that you obtain a dehumidifier which will be appropriate for the volume of the room
Using Sodium Bentonite clay is also a widespread way of waterproofing a basement. When applied properly this product creates an impermeable seal that stops any wetness from infiltrating your basement. With another type of waterproofing technique, cement and asphalt are combined, but this is a great deal more complicated and expensive. Whichever sealant you choose will need to be placed into the holes and allowed to dry for the appropriate amount of time. Once it is dry you should have no additional problems. Of course, there are pros and cons to any method to waterproofing your basement and you will need to consider your unique situation to figure out which method is correct.
Concrete forms
Concrete molds are made to construct many things you will usually see outside a home. Among the countless items produced with concrete molds include countertops, yard ornaments, and walkways. Creating them can be a do-it-yourself project if a few clear-cut procedures are followed.
When mixing cement for molds, figure out if a cement mixer is necessary for the project or if you will be able to get by with mixing the cement by hand in a wheelbarrow, which is frequently suitable for small jobs. Two important things to remember whenever making concrete molds; one is to correctly establish the amount of cement you must buy to make your mold and next to be sure you use cement capable of withstanding 5,000 lbs per square inch of pressure. Whenever mixing concrete, you should make certain it is the right degree of thickness, equivalent to that of oatmeal. Just add water to the concrete mix to bring it to the proper texture. Pour the concrete mix into the mold and let it dry for a day or so before taking it out of the mold.
If you can’t acquire the data you want from the above articles, maybe the following websites will be more useful. For instance, when you are interested in concrete sealers, then Best Concrete Sealers will have a lot of helpful information. The following link will also take you to information regarding concrete forms. And you may have questions concerning concrete coating and will find Concrete Coating how 2 to be of value.
Home improvement for the do-it-yourselfer
Crown molding will add a dignified touch to your home
One of the best interior decor accents is crown molding, the trim that “crowns” a room where the ceiling meets the walls, a truly regal addition to any interior design plan. Crown molding is an easy way to add a luxurious look to any room in your home, and any money you lay out for wood molding is a good investment, although you may need to get a professional to install it. An alternative to wood trim that is cheaper and painless to handle is found in faux crown molding, typically styrofoam or polyurethane trim which will look like real wood as soon as you paint it. Unless you possess the skills and tools needed to install wood crown molding, the job is best left to professionals, as the wood must be cut and fit with accuracy and attached with nails or screws. With faux crown molding, however, you can easily mount it yourself, as it is typically made with peel-and-stick adhesives which you attach to the ceiling and wall and hold in place until the adhesive dries. When installing crown molding the corner pieces must go in first, and then the middle sections, a process which is far easier with faux trim since those corners are pre-cut. When choosing faux crown molding you need to understand the different qualities between polyurethane and styrofoam products, which are not alike and have to be handled differently. Only use latex paint with the less expensive stryofoam, as oil-based paint will cause it to melt, but for the more expensive polyurethane trim any type of paint will be okay.
Tin ceiling tiles
Ceiling tiles made with tin were long thought of as a 19th century fashion, but modern home owners and decorators are drawn to the appearance and ease of installation of this long-lasting decor accessory. Tin tiles displaced fancy plaster work in the 1800s because they were cheaper, less difficult to install, and could be made into intricate designs similar to plaster. Drywall and simpler tastes in home decor made tin tiles old hat, however the fact that the original tiles have stayed in great shape over the years has produced a reappearance. The surge of new interest in these ceiling tiles extends from the homeowner who needs a more traditional feel to the home builders who want to cash in on the fashionable retro trends. This up-to-date trend has attracted interior designers, providing them more options for home accessorizing. The old shapes of these ceiling tiles are being recreated, while newer designs are also favorites of contractors, homeowners, and designers alike. Even though the initial tin tiles were painted to look like the fancy plaster they were built to supplant, the original appearance of tin, copper and silver has gained a good deal of popularity. Tin ceiling tiles are offered in a wider range of quality designs, either finished or unfinished, but it is advisable that you get the top grade of metal which you can afford.
If you can’t acquire the information you need in the above articles, possibly the following sites will be more useful. As an example, when you are interested in faux crown molding, then Best Faux Wood Crown Molding will have plenty of useful information.