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Archive for the ‘Residential DIY’ Category

Upgrading the bathroom? Go with orange!
Having pleasant colors like orange can help you convert your bathroom into a friendly and hospitable place. Whenever you are designing your orange bathroom keep in mind that you want to create a space which can also appeal to future buyers of your home if you should ever decide to sell. While considering the various kinds of orange items to use, make sure to pick a shade that will be complementary to most skin colors. A great addition to an orange bathroom would be an orange sink in almost any form. You have many different alternatives when it comes to selecting a sink, including vessel sinks, porcelain sinks, bowls and solid surface. When deciding on a style of orange bathroom sink be sure you consider the architectural style of your home and the design features in the adjacent rooms. You can really make your orange bathroom distinctive if you also integrate many additional modern design elements, for example tiles in a contrasting color.

Septic tanks
Simply put, the small-scale sewage system under any home not directly connected to a sewer only consists of two components: a septic tank and leach lines. The plumbing carries wastewater from the toilet down into the septic tank where the solids settle at the bottom and are consumed by anaerobic digestion, whereas the scum goes to the upper part of the tank. When the septic tank empties into the leach field, the fluids transport impurities that can decompose in a comparatively brief time. The complete installation will include a piping network which is built in a gravel filled trench and which disperses through multiple drainage holes all of the excess wastewater. The wastewater is eventually eliminated by dribbling into the ground and is taken in by the roots of plants, or flows down into the groundwater. Leach fields must be big enough to manage the quantity of wastewater the septic system processes, and have to also be porous enough to efficiently drain off. Because anaerobic digestion only decomposes part of the solids which have settled at the bottom of your septic tank, it will be essential to pump out the tank from time to time so that no sludge floods into the leach field, which will hurt the environment and your pocketbook. There are two factors which determine how often you will need to pump out the tank: the size of the tank and the amount of solids, plus the internal temperature, in which anaerobic digestion is more vigorous in greater temps. It is best to keep track of the amount of excessive or non-biodegradable material that is put into your septic system in order to avoid clogging the system, and be careful you don’t overload the leach field with excessive use of water.

Finding the best toilet
Among the things to think about when choosing a toilet for your bathroom are size, water efficiency, model and style. Every bathroom has its own dimensions and decor, thus a toilet which is a good fit in one bathroom would be a big mistake in another. You will have to take measurements, specifically the distance from the the first floor bolt (closest to the wall) and the back wall. You should prefer the new toilet to match the ambiance of your bathroom, which should govern any conclusions as to the style and model. Two piece toilet designs will be just as efficient as single piece models, but you will find that, usually, two piece models are less costly. There are two choices when it comes to toilet bowls: the oblong bowls which save water, and the round bowls which have been around for decades. Another essential consideration would be the comfort of the toilet seat, thus you might need to “test drive” the seat before making your decision! Finally, think about the amount of water pressure the toilet needs to be effective, for as imperative as water efficiency will be, the toilet has to have adequate force to get the job completed!

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Concrete sealers
Epoxy resins are the ideal solution to minor gaps and cracks in concrete, as resins promptly water-proof any concrete surface from driveways and sidewalks to counter-tops and patios. When small cracks appear in your patio or driveway you should react quickly to seal the concrete to stop further deterioration of the slab. Large cracks in the foundation of your house may signal a more serious problem, in which case a sealer is inadequate and you should call a professional. Applying a sealant on a kitchen countertop or garage floor is going to prepare the surface for easier clean up. You may have to apply a few coats of sealer and give it a week to dry, but from then on you don’t have to worry about ongoing maintenance. If your house has a basement it is especially critical to seal small cracks in order to stop mold from establishing a presence in your home.

Build concrete steps
Concrete stairs need the least amount of protection, in addition to being somewhat simple to mend if they do develop cracks, making them the wisest choice for entering or exiting a multi-story house or building. 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. Doing the work yourself can be uninteresting and tiresome, nevertheless it is a good skill to acquire. You will need the following equipment and materials: concrete mix, gravel, 2-by-4 lumber, a hammer, a tamper, half-inch plywood, a finishing trowel, an edge trowel and cooking spray. You will also need a wheelbarrow to prepare the concrete, or you can rent a portable cement mixer. You will want to guarantee the steps are properly surfaced and leveled to preclude possible hazards such as water accumulation, which may make the them slippery or icy depending on how cold the weather gets. Special kinds of paint should be used to paint your new steps, and when you choose to go this route, slip-proof paint is the kind of paint most recommended.

Sealing concrete
There have been several advancements in the area of protecting concrete over the last several years. Prior to applying a concrete coating you should patch and restore any areas which require fixing and to carefully scrub any spills or stains.

The next task will be to determine what types of abuse your concrete will most probably be subjected to, because this can impact which type of concrete coating will work best. A few of the main issues faced by concrete include chemicals, abrasion, impact, and thermal shock. Additional elements that will affect which brand of concrete coating is best for you are appearance, installation requirements, and the expected life span of the surface.

You have several distinct choices with regards to installing a concrete coating. The most commonly used polymers are polyurethanes and epoxies. While each product may have its own pros and cons, typically urethanes have a reputation of giving superb abrasion and wear resistance, superior luster preservation, and good resistance to both stains and chemicals. Epoxy concrete coatings are solvent-free and work nicely for chemical and abrasion resistance. They will be a good choice for repairing cracks, for toppings, and for overlays. Newer formulations of concrete coatings are made from an epoxy urethane hybrid which gives superior thermal and stress relief and exceptional shock resistance. Once you have selected the right material you should figure out the adequate thickness, which varies from a light covering to a thick topping. It is also essential to determine whether you want the floor to be decorative and if you want a glossy or textured veneer.

When calculating the overall cost you must be concerned that frequently cheaper materials do not give the type of safeguard you really need and can wind up being more expensive over time. Being a sensible property owner, you should maintain the concrete as you would any other area of your home.

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DIY central heating
Replacing a home heating system is a difficult project which usually requires the skills of a professional contractor, so any homeowner who goes it alone needs to be ready for a lot of difficulties. There are two things you must have possession of in order to DIY a furnace, boiler or other home heating system: special skills and the correct hand and power tools. If you want to avoid having to modify your floor, walls or ceiling then be sure ahead of time that your new system can be installed in the space of the old one. Oil and gas powered furnaces require plumbing experience and skills, because with these types of pipes a lot of procedures need to be done correctly. There aren’t a lot of things more hazardous to the health of your family than a poorly installed home heating system. You will likely need to allow a pro perform the installation while you learn how to perform on-going maintenance, which is not so hard. No matter what type of heating system you are planning to install you should have an expert available to check your efforts or, even better, help you through it.

Save energy and money with fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation has been the top selling insulation for both commercial and residential projects. Its high R rating and ease of use are the biggest reasons it tops the list among the many insulation products currently being offered. The term R value is used to describe the ability of an insulation product to resist heat transfer; the insulation will function more efficiently the higher its R value. Insulation possessing higher R values will help to retain the heat in your home and save money on your overall energy costs. Different areas of the country will have different R value requirements, and will therefore need different types of insulation. It is not required to have a high R rating insulation if you live in a warmer climate. You will see the most energy savings from high R value insulation in colder climates, as it will be the most effective insulation when it comes to resisting heat loss. Since it is in the “loose-fill” insulation category, fiberglass is pliable enough to fit into the smallest of spaces and also cover the bigger areas of attics and walls. Fiberglass insulation is manufactured utilizing glass that is melted and then spun into fibers. Using recycled glass for much of the basic materials means fiberglass insulation a consistent and “green” product. These fibers are then packaged both as rolls (utilizing a backing paper) or loosely bagged “blow-in” insulation.

Radiant barrier insulation for your home
Insulation technology using a radiant barrier has developed over the years to where you will be able to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter and save money to boot. In the summertime, the first thing that heats up is your roof, which then heats the attic. There are two approaches to handling this, fiberglass insulation (those pink rolls) or radiant barrier insulation. Conventional insulation absorbs some of the attic heat, but much of it enters the living spaces below. Radiant barrier reflects 97% of the heat back up to the roof, keeping the living quarters below at a nice temperature and saving on air conditioning expenses. During the winter the heat in your home rises to the attic, where the radiant barrier can save on your home heating bills by blocking the heat from escaping. A supporting material such as kraft paper, plywood, or cardboard is given a thin coating of aluminum, with the result being radiant barrier insulation. A few brands of radiant barrier insulation are reinforced with fiber to add durability and make it easier to handle during installation. Bubble insulation, which is a bubble material inserted in between a pair of metal plates, is not as effective as radiant barrier, as the bubble material will lose air over time and the metal plates might touch.

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Tin tiles
Ceiling tiles made with tin have been long thought of as a 19th century anachronism, but modern home owners and decorators are drawn to the appearance and ease of installation of this durable decor accessory. Ceiling tiles made from tin replaced fancy plaster work back in the day because they were less expensive, easier to put in, and could be made into intricate designs similar to plaster. Tin tiles were subsequently made obsolete with the introduction of drywall and the growth of simpler tastes in home decor, but since those old tiles have stayed in such wonderful shape over the years they are back in demand. From remodeling homeowners to new home building contractors, tin tiles have inspired the imaginations of home remodelers everywhere. Home designers are enjoying a field day with the return of these tiles given the options this beautiful accessory provides. Architects, home builders, and homeowners alike are attracted to the 19th century designs which are now being revived, however they frequently request new made-to-order designs. Metallic looks are gaining in popularity, and so many folks prefer the unvarnished look of tin tiles, as well as the antique look of copper and silver. Tin ceiling tiles are available in a broader range of designs and quality, either pre-finished or unfinished, but it is suggested that you get the best grade of metal which you can afford.

Bathroom renovation and upgrade
Most people spend more time than they might be aware of in the bathroom both relaxing and performing a variety of tasks. Refurbishing this area and maintaining it in good repair may transform it into one of your favorite rooms in the house. It is crucial to spend some time preparing any big renovation project, and the bathroom is absolutely no exception. Something you have to make sure to include in the plan is enough storage space for extra towels, accessories like hair dryers, and toiletries. While planning your project it will be worthwhile to consider your need for lights in the various areas of the room. An important facet of redoing a bathroom are your lighting needs to let you to perform tasks like shaving and applying makeup, and also help create a comfortable and soothing environment. Nowadays a lot of homeowners are including green products into their bathroom renovation projects including on-demand water heaters and appliances that reduce the amount of water used. While a bathroom renovation or repair job may require a substantial investment of time and money, it will surely pay off in both the use of the space and the enhanced worth of your home.

The category of home improvement projects is quite large and there can be many Internet sites which address a specific topic. Here are a couple of links which should be of help. Click on this link to find out about metal roof coatings.