DIY Roof Repair

Attempting to do your own roof repair may seem like a large job if you have never done it before. Once you have the basics down, you can get a better feel for what you need to do. Start getting in practice by teaching yourself and doing the small things first. This informative article will tell you some of the basics.

That leaky roof may look hard to figure out, but if you put some work into it, you will be amazed at how much you can get done to fix it. One of the first steps to roof repair is to locate or isolate the leak. This may be the hardest thing to do since leaks can enter the roof in one area and be found in the house sometimes feet away from the leak itself. If you can get up into the attic with a flashlight during a rain, this is the best way tofind the leak in the roof. Keep in mind that it could be a gutter that is stopped up, which would make the leak near to the wall and would mean your work would no longer involve the roof.

Some tips to remember for repairing your roof is that those things that go through the roof, such as pipes, vents and other things are the likely culprits for a leak. If you can take a look outside at your roof, notice all the things that jut up through it, including the chimney, and you will want to check them out thoroughly for cracks around the flashings or whatever it is that blends them into the roof. DIY roof repair is not rocket science, but learning the basics can go a long way.

Should you find the area or thing causing the leak during yoursurvey, you will need tools. A shovel is a tool that will help remove shingles. If you have to replace old flashing, you will need roof coating and maybe cement. If you have a metal roof, you will need solder and a soldering gun and flux, in addition to more roof coating. If you have a slate roof, you will need the special tool called a "slate ripper" to get the old nails out. You will also need this tool if you have a tile roof. For most people with a shingled roof, they will need new shingles, felt paper if the job is large, a shovel and roofing nails, and maybe some asphalt sealer. The creative diy roof repair person will always have enough tools to get the job done the first time.

All of our articles are originals, if you liked this, check out DIY Roof Repair for similar information. We have many more free roof articles here at: http://www.roofrepairhelp.com/

Electrical Outlet Problems

Wood Deck Repair Ideas

Do you have any ideas for building or repairing wood decks . We would love to hear from you in the comment area.

Furniture Restoration Books
Porch And Sunroom Books

E74 on Xbox 360 Cause and Repair - It's As Simple As 1 2 3

In this article you are going to learn what causes the e74 on Xbox 360 problem, as well as the steps you need to take to be able to fix it quickly, easily and safely. By the end of this article, you will know what you need to do fix your Xbox 360 permanently, and in under two hours. Don't despair- you can be gaming again in next to no time!

Here are the steps you need to follow to fix your Xbox.

1. Learn the causes of the Xbox 360 e74 error.

If you want to learn how to fix the e74 error on your Xbox 360, you will need to understand what causes the problem in the first place. Overheating is actually what causes the e74. Basically, heat builds up inside your console and is unable to escape, due to a cramped internal case layout. Over time, this heat causes damage to the video scaler (HANA/ANA chip) as well as the motherboard, resulting in the problem your Xbox 360 is experiencing today.

2. Purchase an Xbox 360 repair guide

You will need to get one of these if you want to fix the e74 problem on your Xbox 360. Why? Because you need video repair instructions to properly and safely be able to fix your console, and the only way to get these is to purchase an Xbox 360 repair guide. You can get one of these on the Internet, in digital download format. To ensure you get the best deal, look for a repair guide which offers a money-back guarantee, free customer support, and a price of less than $30.

3. Use the repair guide to fix your Xbox 360

Using the video instructions in your repair guide, you will be able to fix the Xbox 360 e74 problem. Firstly, you should watch the complete repair video once through, in order to get a general feel for what you need to do to fix your Xbox. Next, watch through the video in sections (such as opening your Xbox, putting it back together etc) carefully carrying out the repairs as you go. It would pay to watch each individual section at least twice before doing whatever needs to be done to your console.

Click here to learn more about an easy step-by-step Xbox 360 e74 repair guide that will allow you to fix Xbox e74 error codes in under one hour, in the comfort of your own home.

Read free customer reviews on the top repair product, get a large discount, as well as a money-back guarantee, and learn how to fix Xbox360 e74. Don't put up with the e74 on your Xbox 360 any longer- it can be a thing of the past.

James Philipson has been involved in the electronics industry for over 10 years and has repaired more than 30 Xbox 360 consoles since the platform's release over two years ago. He is well regarded in the Xbox 360 repair industry.

The Advantages of Metal Roofing For Your Log Cabin

A rustic log cabin can be finished off perfectly with a metal roof. The durability and variety of metal roofing materials make this choice for your cabin a great one. Don't be put off by rumors of noisy rain or high cost; a well-built and installed metal roof will reward you with nearly a lifetime's worth of use. Metal roofing is becoming more popular as the public awakens to its beauty, versatility and recyclability.

Metal roofing is more durable than any other roofing material. It is not unheard of for a metal roof to have a 50+ year warranty. Metal can withstand a wide variety of climates, making it one of the best choices for harsher weathers. A metal roof designed for extreme weather is not easily impressed by hail, thunderstorms or blizzards.

The cost of metal roofing is much higher than that of other roofing materials. When the lifespan of metal is taken into account, however, the overall cost of the metal roof ends up being a much better investment. Think of the cost in materials and labor for replacing a conventional roof every 15 years, compared with once every 60!

Metal roofing is also available in a variety of styles and colors. No matter what kind of cabin you own, there is a metal roof out there that can complement its architecture and color scheme. Metal roofs are also resistant to fading, although an attractive patina is observable in older roofs. Today's metal roofing paint can retain over 80 percent of its color after 20 years.

For the "green" minded, many metal roofing companies use materials with a high percentage of recycled materials. One of the greatest advantages of metal is that it lends itself easily to being reused instead of adding more material to a landfill.

One very important advantage to a metal roof is that it is fireproof. For cabins with fireplaces and/or woodstoves, this is an important feature. No matter how dry it is, sparks from the chimney will not ignite your roof. (They can ignite debris on your roof, however, so regular maintenance and cleaning is necessary if your roof is angled to the point where dead leaves, pine needles, etc just slide off.)

Some people complain that their metal roof is noisy. This often occurs when the roof has not been properly insulated. A good metal roofing company can advise you on the best materials and strategies to keeping your roof quieter. However, many people enjoy the sound of rain on their metal roof - not in the least, perhaps, because they know that the chances of a leak are slim to none!

A metal roof system has certain requirements in order to perform at maximum capability. The roof must be able to "breathe", so that accumulated condensation can evaporate or otherwise leave the building. Metal expands and contracts, and the roofing system needs to allow for that with special fastenings. Insulation must be carefully installed and the roof installed securely, if it is to withstand wind and inclement weather. A professional roofer who has experience with metal roofing systems is your best bet to ensure that all the details are taken care of properly.

A metal roof can add beauty and value to your cabin for many years to come. Consider metal for your next roof replacement - it may well be the last roof replacement you ever have to deal with!

Check out RentGeorgiaCabins to see beautiful North Georgia rental cabins. The properties listed include premier Blue Ridge Georgia cabin rentals.

Architects And Home Design

Roofing Essentials

Residential Roofing

The purpose of a roof is to protect the dwelling from various elements. If the roof is installed incorrectly, rain and wind will be able to get into the home and will cause damage to wood work, drywall, paint, and more. If a roof is not put on properly it can cause more damage than it would have cost if you would have put it on right the first time around.

Roofing Materials

A house can be topped with a variety of roofing materials, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Location is a main concern when selecting the materials for your roof. Information and life span about some of the most popular roofs installed today:

A properly maintained asphalt roof will last between 15 and 20 years. Because of the low cost and the ease of repairs, they are one of the most common types used throughout the nation.

The average lifespan of fiberglass roofing is from 15 to 20 years. Little maintenance is required and they come in many different styles and colors to match almost any desired look. Fiberglass roofs resist water and mold because they don't have organic components.

Many homes in the northeastern portion of the nation use wooden shakes and shingles. These roofing materials will generally last for about 15 to 20 years, and can even last for as many as 30 years if they are well maintained.

With an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years, slate roofing materials are amongst the longest lasting roofing products.

Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. They come in a wide variety of different colors, finishes, and styles to resemble other types of roofing materials such as tiles or wooden shingles. These products are nearly indestructible from weather and can be installed over the current roof.

A less well known option is rubber roofing. It's easy to install, easy to maintain, and long lasting. It comes as a roll or as individual shingles. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in Wisconsin in 1980. It's still going strong after nearly 30 years.

Basic Steps to Installing a New Roof

The first step in installing a new roof on your home is planning. You want to figure out the following before starting any construction:

Who's going to do the work? You or a licensed roofing contractor?

What type of roofing will you install? wood shingles, ceramic tiles, asbestos shingles, metal roofing sheets and tiles, rubber roofing sheets and shingles, and more. Location is a prime concern when selecting material, so that the roof will stand up to the local elements and issues that impact it.

When will you do the work?

Where will you get the roofing materials?

Why choose one type of roofing over another?

How will you proceed with the work?

NEXT STEP:

After you plan the necessary elements of installing your roof then you will need to estimate the materials you will need according to the size, slope, and design of your current roof.

To measure a roof correctly you have to know the basics about the shape of the roof. It is easy to measure a flat poof, but for a slanting roof you have to measure the slope which is known as the pitch and the distance between the centers of the roof to the outer end which is called the run. The best way to get the exact measurement without climbing the ladder with a measuring device is to calculate according to the measurement given in the blue print. But do not worry if you are weak in mathematics it is not a big problem as there are various sites on the internet which act as roofing calculators and the measurement is done by them automatically by feeding in some basic details about your roof which can be obtained from your roof plan. The roofing calculator can also be used to estimate the exact amount of paint or coating required for the roof.

This information will give you a good idea of the quantity of materials required for the job

the lighter the color of the roof the better it will be at reflecting the heat. Dark colored roofing really holds the heat and thus your air conditioner will run longer then with a lighter colored material.

NEXT STEP

Next, you should get a few different quotes for the materials. Order the materials and have them delivered. Also, make sure you have any special tools or equipment you may need while installing the roof.

Safety

If you are installing the roof yourself, here are some basic safety tips: Use correct tools, do not get on the roof without proper safety gear. Many roofers hate wearing safety harnesses... but they are too important to ignore. We need to just figure them as the price we have to pay for the life we've chosen.

Hammer

Do-it-yourself-roofing hammer is a necessary tool when roofing. Here are some things to consider when choosing a hammer:

Basically your handle choices include wood, fiberglass, graphite or steel. Each has its advantages, but a steel shank hammer is tough to beat for roofing. It's the only one that can take all the abuse you can give without breaking.

The two most common head styles are the curved claw and the straight claw. For roofing you want a straight claw for digging out old fasteners that need to be removed.

Head weights typically run from 16-ounce (which is too light) to 28-ounce (which is too heavy). A 20-ounce head is heavy enough to seat roofing nails with one smack, yet light enough to use all day without wearing you out.

NEXT STEP

Remove old roofing down to bare wood.

NEXT STEP

Repair any deteriorated sheathing, framing, and or fascia that is damaged. Make sure roof sheathing meets code and cut out ridge vent slots as needed.

NEXT STEP

Install underlayment over entire roof deck and temporarily seal all vents, pipes, and other flashings.

Tack on drip edge with 3" minimum lap. From ground level, make sure it looks right. Nail off drip edge, with nails no more than 6" apart. Install valley metal and wall flashings. Next install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings. Have a "Dry-in" inspection.

NEXT STEP

Measure for vertical and horizontal lines. Chalk layout lines on underlayment. Install "ice and water shield" where required. Install starter strips, field shingles, cap shingles on hips and ridges.

NEXT STEP

Layout ridge vent slots, cut out slots, Caulk around slots with flashing cement, install ridge vents with corrosion-resistant screws and grommeted washers.

LAST STEP

Remove any debris from roof and gutters, clean up ground, haul away debris, return any leftover materials, have final inspection.

Maintaining your New Roof

Now that you have a new roof, it is important to maintain it. To much debris on roofs can cause damage to your roof. It is easy to sweep off leaves from a roof. If allowed to accumulate, leaves will accumulate water and hold it very well. As the wet leaves accumulate and hold water, they will rot in place. Not only does the moisture build up and seep below your shingles, the rotting debris also begin to release acids and organic compounds that will cause your roofing material to loose its integrity - and then BAM! - high roofing repair bills!! Don't let this happen to you; just spend a few minutes sweeping of your roof when needed.

T is writing on the basics of roofing your home. You can read more about roofing on my blog at http://roofingessentials.blogspot.com

I Have A Squeaky Floor

Patio Lights Add Value to Your Home

Create Ambiance with Patio Lights

You may be considering updating or adding a new outdoor patio area to your home. Don't forget the patio lights. Patio lights are not only functional but can compliment or complete your outdoor patio design. They provide ambiance and romance to this outdoor space. They can also provide an element of security to your yard and home.

Do you take pleasure in spending your evenings and weekends entertaining friends in your backyard around the barbeque? It is essential that you have created enough lighting with your patio lights to make the area safe and usable.

Add a bit of drama to your home. When in the planning stages for your patio area, consider installing patio lights that not only allow you to see outside at night but accent your landscape or special architectural features. It is important to not only have proper lighting for the immediate patio area but for the surrounding area as well.

Patio lights are available in a multitude of styles and functionality. Whether you have a comfortable and cozy cottage or Victorian mansion you will find just what you need. By carefully choosing the style you can compliment your existing design or you may want to create a whole new flavor.

If you have steps or stairs leading up to your deck or patio you may want to consider installing patio lights into each step. You may have a path that requires lights to direct your guests to the patio. There are low voltage solar lights for saving energy.

Torches and candles can produce a romantic atmosphere without the use of electricity. The flames flickering in the darkness are dramatic and hypnotic. They now have handy propane lighting that can be wheeled in and out as needed.

By installing attractive patio lights that emphasize and draw attention to your patio or terrace can add curb appeal and value to your home. If you have special architectural features that you want to show off aim a light directly upwards or towards it.

Before purchasing patio lights, look around your yard and patio area at night. This will help you see the areas that may need extra light for safety reasons or other areas that may need a light shining upwards to highlight a tree. If you are not sure where to begin you may have to enlist the help of a patio and garden design expert. You may have a friend or neighbor who has a gift for this type of design and planning that can also help with some constructive advice.

Finally, use your imagination and be original. This is a project you want to invest some time and thought into. Enjoy yourself and make it a family venture, include your children in this phase as well. You may be surprised at some of the fun and unique ideas they will devise.

Find the latest information on patios and outdoor decorating visit Patio Lights

What To Do If Your Home Floods

Windshield Wiper Repair

A windshield wiper is very essential for visibility and safety. Defective windshield wipers can seriously compromise the drivers vision when road conditions are not favorable. A windshield wiper has three main components - the arm, the blade and the wiping element. Factors like sunlight contaminants, oil and dirt cause the wiper blades to age and deteriorate. Common problems that result include chattering, streaking and the inability to clear water from the windshield. The most economical repair is to replace the wiper refills that are attached along the edge of the blade. Wiping the edge of the blade with soft cloth is also helpful in case the blades are dirty. The other option is to replace the wiper blades that are a complete assembly consisting of metal frame and refills. Although this is slightly expensive, it can be done quickly and increases the windshield wipers efficiency and stops damage to the wiper. The windshield washer fluid reservoir has to be inspected and refilled when it is low. Windshield washer fluid is easily available in automotive parts stores.

In case the wipers move slowly or stop moving in extreme cold, the wiper motor must be checked. Removing the motor and adding grease and a drop or two of oil lubricates the motor and allows it to function at a normal speed.

The windshield wiper arm is the mechanical component that connects the windshield wiper blades to the windshield wiper motor that provides the movement. Without the windshield wiper arm, the entire windshield wiper system is of no use. In case the windshield wiper arm gets damaged, the only option is to replace the arm of the wiper with a new one. In case the wipers are frozen and stuck to the windshield or packed with snow, it's important to free them before trying to use them. The windshield wiper system should be serviced periodically to ensure uninterrupted functioning.

Windshield Repair provides detailed information on Windshield Repair, Windshield Repair Kits, Windshield Repair Experts, Windshield Wiper Repair and more. Windshield Repair is affiliated with Trailer Towing.

Any Advice Will Be Helpful

How would you like to help other contractors, home improvement specialists, builders, real estate professionals and anyone else involved in home remodeling. If you have any tips or home improvement advice to you would like to share with our readers, it would greatly be appreciated. Leave all comments below.

Finding A Mentor

Pergola Designs - Choosing the Best Pergola Design For Your Garden

Deciding to purchase or build a pergola for your home is an exciting experience. A pergola will add a special element to your home whilst also adding more value to the house when it comes time to sell. Putting a pergola in your garden will bring an air of tranquility to the area and provide a special space for people to gather. There are many pergola designs available or you can design your own if you are experienced. When choosing a pergola design you should consider several factors including:

Budget

Pergolas can be as extravagant as you can afford. They can also be simple yet stylish without breaking the bank. If you are building it yourself then your pergola can be built for under $500. You could also choose to pay $4000 for a contractor to design and build your pergola. It totally depends on how much you wish to spend.

Location

Try not to build your pergola near any utilities that are underground. You may also need to find out if there is any piping or other obstructions in the prospective location of your pergola.

Sun position

This is an important factor especially if you think you will use the pergola at certain times of day. Do you want it to catch the morning or afternoon sun? Do you want a lot of shade? Consider also the roofing in regards to shade.

Materials

Wood is the cheapest material to use (well depending on what time of wood!). It will obviously need to be waterproofed and pressure treated. Other materials to consider building your pergola from include vinyl or aluminum.

Size

It is vital to draw out the size of the pergola before starting. Make sure it fits well in your garden and does not cause an obstruction. Mark the pergola on the ground as well as measured on paper.

Shape

Many pergolas are round however it is cheaper to build a square or rectangular shape due to there being less manipulation of the materials to get rounded edges. You can also make a triangular pergola if you wish! Hexagonal is also becoming a popular pergola shape as it looks round but is easy to create.

Pergolas are a fantastic focus point for the garden so consider that when choosing a position for you. There is little point having a pergola tucked up the back of the yard or garden. Instead make it the defining feature when you walk outside. Decorating the area with pot plants is a great idea to liven up the space.

Eric Littleton is a carpenter, gardener and all-around handyman who enjoys helping people with their home improvement projects. A pergola is a beautiful addition to your garden and does not need to be difficult to build yourself. Find pergola plans in a variety of sizes to fit your space and budget at http://www.pergola-plans.org.

I Have A Squeaky Floor

Credit Repair and Self Empowerment

Credit Repair and the FTC Smoke Screen

The FTC did not set out to do you wrong. Without a doubt, they are well intentioned and have your well being at heart. Unfortunately, the heavy-handed FTC campaign against the bad apples in the credit repair business has tainted the rest of the barrel and has unintentionally imposed a terrible cost on consumers.

The Credit Repair Conundrum

Credit repair is in a similar class with taxes and healthcare. All of these are of great importance and are somewhat shrouded in mystery. The more important an issue is, the more likely it is to evoke fear. There are few things as important to your financial wellbeing as your credit, and few things as complex. Millions of people ought to be seeking credit repair help, but when they encounter the FTC warnings at the outset of their efforts it is often enough to stop them in their tracks. The social cost of this delusion is enormous.

Credit Repair Good Guys

It is true that there are bad guys in the credit repair business. The last time I looked this was true of every industry without exception. As of the time of this writing the bad guys in the credit repair business are fewer than ever, and a significant number of credit repair good guys have emerged. These white knight companies deliver essential and valuable services in a professional manner to the great benefit of their customers.

The Prevalence of Errors

There are several reasons credit repair is an essential service in today's world. The product produced by the credit bureaus is enormously influential. You might not think of credit reports as products, but that is exactly what they are, no different really from automobiles or computers. They are assembled, passed through a quality control process, and sold. Unfortunately, like many other products there are flaws.

The Crazy Cost of Errors

The flaws in the credit reporting system can be as dangerous as a manufacturing flaw in an automobile. Your life can depend on the quality of the product you buy and your credit report is no exception. About seventy percent of all credit reports contain errors. Credit report errors can lead to higher interest rates and loan denial; these are life-changing consequences.

Credit Repair Reality

Congress spent years debating the fearful impact of the credit bureaus on our lives. The legislation they hammered out is called the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). In a way this is a consumer protection law, but it is equally intended to protect the three national credit reporting agencies we refer to as the credit bureaus. It is true that congress was heavily lobbied by the credit reporting industry during the creation of the FCRA, but I can't cry conspiracy. There are economic realities involved with running any big business and these must be respected.

Look Out For Yourself

Congress had little choice but to attempt to balance the need for credit-reporting accuracy with the economic restrains of quality control. The end result is simple. Credit reports are as accurate as they are going to get, and consumers' better look out for themselves. The creation of AnnualCreditReport.com, the site where you can get your credit reports once a year for free, is a stipulation of the FCRA and an attempt by congress to provide us with an opportunity to manage our own credit repair efforts.

Overcoming Inertia

You just need to get off your butt. Inertia is natural when we are faced with any confusing task, but like jumping into the water it's not so bad once you get into it. Get your credit reports. Start your credit repair project. There are numerous ways to do this. Not withstanding the deceptive advertising of dozens of websites that offer so-called free credit reports, AnnualCreditReport.com is the only site you can get your reports for free.

On the Other Hand

This is not to say that it is the best site to get your reports for free. On the contrary, in spite of my approval of the creation of the site, it's really pretty difficult to maneuver. Personally, I'd spend a few bucks and get a simple tri-merged report. If you look carefully through the TrueCredit.com site (A TransUnion site) you can get a great tri-merged report without joining their monthly program, for $14.95.

Hire a Credit Repair Pro

Many people find the prospect of digging into the credit repair project just too much to handle. If you are busy and have enough going on in your life without taking the time to figure all of this out, just get on line and find one of the credit repair good guys. There is plenty of credit repair help available if you need it. Either way, it's your credit, so please take care of it!

Copyright 2008 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.

Jim Kemish, a nationally recognized consumer advocate and credit repair expert, is the president and founder of Sky Blue Credit Repair, a leading credit repair service since 1989. Jim is also the president of Power Mortgage, a Florida mortgage company based in Delray Beach, Florida.

Drywall Termite Damage

Credit Repair - Where Do I Begin?

First of all, take a few deep breathes. Ok, now let's get started. Forget about everything you've heard about credit repair; the scam stories, the "it doesn't work" stories...get all of that out of your mind, because it absolutely works and it's not that difficult at all. Have you ever noticed that the people telling you that credit repair doesn't work usually have pretty bad credit themselves and haven't had good credit in a long time? Just something to think about.

Credit Reports

You know you have bad credit, because you can't get approved for any loans that you apply for, but that's not good enough. We need to know exactly how bad it is, so let's get a copy of our reports. As you probably already know, there are 3 major consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus), Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. You will need to get a report from all 3 of them. The best way to do that is to get them separately from each credit bureau. You can do that over the phone or by mail. You can also get your reports through a monitoring service.

You can also go to AnnualCreditReport.com and order your reports for free from there, but if you do that you give the bureaus an extra 15 days on your investigations. You don't want to do that. Pay for your reports.

Dispute Negative Items

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to dispute any information contained on your credit report. This is simply done by writing the bureaus a dispute letter. Once they receive your letter, they are required to verify the information with the furnisher. They have 30 days by law to do so. If the information cannot be verified, it must be deleted.

Many people will tell you that if the account is "really" yours, you can't dispute it. However, if you read the FCRA, it doesn't say anything about that. Whether or not the account is "really" yours has no bearing on the credit bureaus responsibility to verify it. If it can't be verified, it must be removed from your report. If the creditor can't provide verification of your account, they can't legally report it on your credit reports. It's that simple.

Build Positive Credit

After you've cleaned up your credit report, the key to rebuilding credit is to get positive information reporting. Acquiring new positive accounts is just as important as deleting negative information. One of the best ways to do that is by getting a secured credit card. The interest rates are usually pretty high and the limits pretty low, but that's OK because you are strictly using these cards to build credit. Keep your balances at about 30% of your limits.

The most important part of the credit repair process is learning from your mistakes and realizing where you went wrong. Learn to live below your means and budget your money so that you don't have to go through it again.

Chane Steiner is the president and founder of AAACreditGuide.com the credit repair authority site. He has helped many people repair their credit and get back on their feet. Chane has reviewed and recommends the following credit repair companies

Wrong Attic Insulation

Any Advice Will Be Helpful

How would you like to help other contractors, home improvement specialists, builders, real estate professionals and anyone else involved in home remodeling. If you have any tips or home improvement advice to you would like to share with our readers, it would greatly be appreciated. Leave all comments below.

Solar House Books
Drywall Books

Home Improvement Books Can Solve Problems

The other day, I was surfing the Internet and came upon an online home building bookstore that put together a website with the best-selling home building books on the market today. These books range from basic carpentry to advanced structural engineering and everything else you could possibly think of that could be related to the home building, selling, remodeling and construction process.

I couldn't believe the simple and easy to use. Here's a list of some of their books selections.

Photo Guide to Home Repair - The most up-to-date, complete, and useful guide to home repair a homeowner can have. With more than 350 projects and 2300 photos, virtually every home repair challenge.

Exterior Siding, Trim & Finishes - This first ever compilation by Fine Homebuilding on the popular subject provides builders with ideas for choosing the correct finishes for home exteriors, plus solid how-to information.

Flipping Houses - This book is designed for realty investors who want to profit from buying below market, making cosmetic improvements to add value, and then quickly reselling.

Bathroom Remodeling - Remodeling a bathroom is a challenge - it's action-oriented and requires extra energy and stamina. But you, undoubtedly, realize it's a challenge you want to take on.

One $20 home building books or home repairs book, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. Our online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Roof Truss Water Damage
Support Post For Valley Beam

How to Get Ready-Made DIY Solar Panel Blueprints For Home Solar Power Generation

Solar panels have become very popular these days. Many people are making their own solar panels to install on top of their home roofs. A solar panel installed on your rooftop can not only reduce your electricity bills but it can even earn you money from the electricity utilities. I know many people who actually get checks every month from the utilities. Most people who have them at home, don't receive checks every month but its really a great way of drastically reducing your power bills.

Ready-made solar panel blueprints are available which you can use to build your own solar power panel at home. Building one is easy if you have a nice DIY guide full of diagrams. The guide should have complete details so that even a person having no knowledge of electric works and solar panel fabrication is able to fully understand the details. Using the detailed solar panel blueprints, it is very easy to make your own at home and install on top of your roofs. Once you have a good guide and all of your materials, you will be able to create quality panels for less than $200. Learning how to build one yourself will save you lots of money as these are sold for at least $1000. As you can see, learning how to build homemade solar panels yourself can save you a lot of money.

When deciding on a DIY construction guide, look for one that either has pictures as illustrations or videos so that you are able to see clearly what steps you need to take. After reading the guide, you will find it very easy to build a solar power panel yourself. I have built many solar power panels at home myself and have even sold them to various people via the local newspaper classifieds or the local online classifieds.

Find the best 3 DIY Solar Panel Guides here. You can build your own solar power panel at home easily using the detailed instructions given in the solar power generation guides. Even a person having no technical knowledge at all can use these detailed solar panel blueprints to build many solar power panels at home.

You can immediately build it at home and reduce your power bill. Installing a solar panel and a windmill on top of your rooftop are the two methods to drastically reduce your power bills.

Top 3 DIY Guides to learn how to build Solar Panel & Windmill easily at home. Find out every little detail with money back assurance.

Biology Saving the World

The world of today, is vastly different from the old world in many ways. Man kind has taken some very huge leaps in knowledge in the last several centuries, both technologically and philosophically. Either way you look at it the world of today is nothing like anything that has ever existed before.

With the rise of the modern era also came the ability to destroy all life on the planet in one or two actions. So also with this new destructive power came the ability to destroy all life on earth through the systematic poisoning of the environment. It is amazing that the hand of the apocalypse by weapons has been stayed yet the hand of slow poisoning works tirelessly at dismantling the ecosystems of the planet.

As this planet struggles under our poor stewardship the signs are all around us to change. Who has the courage to change, is there anyone left who really means what they say. That goes for me to, I talk a good talk but am I really making a difference.

I thought about this the other night at the dinner table while posing some environmental concerns to my teenage sons. I was amazed that one of my sons exclaimed he was unconcerned for the planet because he thought it would last through his life. What an eye opener that was for me. It was at that moment I realized maybe I was thinking the same way deep inside, maybe I felt exactly the same but didn't have the courage he had to say something. Isn't it true actions speak louder than words?

The truth of the matter is I love the planet and everything that is on its ever increasingly fragile surface. I also love the technology we have all come so used to enjoying. How can I support both, when they don't seem to coexist very well? It is simple, by finding ways to make our technology green.

I believe the answer to the questions we face are in the biological realm. We need to look at the biological avenues more seriously, life itself holds the key to the perpetuation of life on our planet. Imagine a world not of machines but of life. It is well known the power of the human brain is far superior to any computer on the face of the planet. So why not have biological computers, power sources, equipment, etc? Maybe the Flintstones weren't that dumb after all.

Remember what the machines in the Matrix used for power, it was people. It really is not to far fetched to think of implementing bio mechanical, bio luminescent, bio computational, and bio dynamic technologies to solve our worlds problems.

I challenge myself and everyone else to think about what we are leaving for our children, or maybe even for ourselves. It is time to act. It is time to act today not tomorrow. I hope I will have the courage today to drive one less mile, turn one less light on, and say one more prayer.

Make it a great day, together we as people can save this world.

Together we can do anything, just watch and see. Have hope and believe.

Make it a great day you certainly deserve it.

http://www.dreamwoodinnovations.com

"In the cocoon of failure await the wings of opportunity."
William Muncrief 2007

Restoring Warehouse Cladding

Warehousing is a very important aspect primarily for the companies in the manufacturing industry. Apart from the manufacturing firms, warehousing is quite useful companies for storing their finished products and raw materials. Commensurate the nature of their use, the warehouses which are generally huge in size are often found in dilapidated state which can be a possible cause of damage to the stored material.

Maintenance and upkeep of the warehouses is something which is generally last on the list of priorities for the parent companies, which tend to ignore its importance till the time some untoward incident resulting in considerable loss to the stored material does not happen. Often the logic of regular and effective maintenance of warehousing facilities is compared in relation with the monetary benefits and since it requires spending of huge amounts of money, proper monetary returns justification is always found wanting. This is one major reason why the over all maintenance and upkeep of the warehousing facilities is ignored.

Parent companies at some point or the other will have to realize the importance of having an effective maintenance schedules for their warehousing facilities. There have been instances where the companies who have blatantly ignored the pathetic conditions of their warehousing facilities have had to bear the repercussions in the form of accidents and mishaps which have resulted in considerable loss to the materials stored and in some cases have even resulted in a loss to human lives as well.

Contrary to the normal belief that having a proper maintenance schedule for the warehousing facilities will cost bucket loads of money for the companies. To help the companies in countering this problem there are specialist companies which are in the business of specifically maintaining the proper condition of the warehousing facilities. These servicing companies apply a very professional and concise approach towards devising means and ways for countering the problem.

They would provide host of solutions for their client companies which would entail management and restoration of each and every aspect of the maintenance and upkeep of the warehousing facilities. Detailed studies or risk profiling is done to ascertain the extent of loss to the structure, faade cladding or the over all facility while taking up the job, which would project the actual amount of effort that is required for keeping the facility in good shape.

There are instances where only with exception of the warehouse faade cladding, rest of the entire facility is in good workable condition. Restoring and maintaining the faade cladding is a very tedious and time consuming process. These specialist companies undertake jobs which require maintenance of the faade cladding providing a fresh and new look to the entire building. To top it all, the amount of money that these companies charge is not very high, contrary to the detailing and extent of work that is required. Apart from one time restoration job, these companies also take up regular faade cladding maintenance contracts, which will ensure that the condition and health of the building faade cladding is optimum and can be used for a longer durations.

Businesses that own warehouses don't have to spend thousands to get new cladding. You can restore your cladding and gutter lining with Pristine repair and restore company.

I Can't Wash the Mold Off the Walls - Mold Repair

If you have mold growing on your bathroom walls, ceilings or any other walls in your home and can't seem to remove it, that's probably because it's underneath the paint. This might not make any sense, but if the mold continues to grow back, it's probably growing between the paint and the drywall or plaster.

This is real common around moist areas like your bathroom or even behind your stove if you do a lot of cooking with pots that are releasing steam, you could have a moisture problem and moisture attracts mold and mildew. If the steam is condensing on the back wall, behind the kitchen stove, you could find yourself stripping the paint or even removing the drywall to fix the problem, correctly.

If the mold is growing behind the paint, the only way you will be able to fix this, right, is to remove the paint and treat the drywall for mold. This might sound like a lot of work, but there is a simpler way, but not a more effective way.

You can simply clean the wall with chlorine or bleach, leave the area that you treated alone for a few days for until its dried out thoroughly. Then you can simply paint over the area with a semi gloss or high gloss paint. Flat or satin paints could actually absorb enough moisture to start growing the mold again. A semi gloss or high gloss paint will act like a water resistant barrier and help to prevent moisture from soaking into the wall.

Now here's the bad news, the mold hasn't gone away, you're just sealing it in the wall or ceiling. Eventually you could start to see a dark spot under your newly painted wall repair. This will tell you, that the mold is growing underneath the paint, that you just applied and probably even underneath the layer of paint, you painted over.

If you're having problems keeping the mold away, there's a good chance that it's growing underneath the paint. Clean it the best you can with bleach or chlorine, read the directions thoroughly before using these products and if the mold keeps coming back, you can paint over the mold or remove the drywall, re-plaster it and then paint over it. You have a couple of choices.

Always try cleaning the mold with bleach first and if the problem is in the bathroom, you could always leave the door open while you're showering to prevent moisture buildup in the bathroom. Open a window or turn a fan on, keep the moisture out until you know for sure mold is gone.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

What is Mold and Toxic Mold Pictures

Greg Vanden Berge is a General Contractor, published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Window Header Framing Problems

Remodeling Professionals Needed

How would you like to help other contractors, home improvement specialists, builders, real estate professionals and anyone else involved in home remodeling. If you have any tips or home improvement advice to you would like to share with our readers, it would greatly be appreciated. Leave all comments below.

Home Organization Books

Ideas to Clean Your Kitchen Cabinet Easily and Quickly

The kitchen is an essential part for all homes. One can even say that a home is not complete if you don't have one which is well equipped. One of the most important things which make the kitchen complete is the kitchen cabinet. It is very important to have a place for storing things so that the house functions well. You also get a feeling of space if you have a cabinet in the kitchen. It is generally exposed to used smoke, fingerprints, moisture, grease, smudges dust and stains due to regular use. These tend to become a hindrance in the quality of the cabinets and the value also goes down.

For the benefit of your families health it is essential that all parts of it is kept absolutely clear. The kitchen cabinet generally occupies a large portion of the section and you have to take care to keep it clean. For proper maintenance you have to wipe it regularly. This is no doubt essential for the health of the family and also adds to the value of your home.

It may sound a little overwhelming but you should not worry. There are some exceptional ideas listed below which will help in cleaning the kitchen cabinet easily as well as quickly.

Ways to bring back the shine on the cabinet - You just have to rub some lemon oil on the cabinets' surface to bring back the sheen. This will not only make it look better but will also bring back the value which had gone down with the passing of time.

Do not use strong and caustic materials - It is essential to remember that you should not use very strong and acidic cleaners to clean this section of the house or in fact any other part of it as this will spoil the cabinet as well as shorten its life. You can clean the kitchen cabinet with regular soap solution and warm water.

You must clean the top portion also- This is seen with many of us that we just leave the portion we are not able to see. The fact is that it is very essential to clean the top part of the kitchen cabinet prior to cleaning the visible parts. It is in these places that the insects tend to hide and you can use a wet cloth and broom to clean it up. The cabinet can also be cleaned with a solution made from laundry detergent, ammonia, borax and water. It will keep shining and you will not have to keep fighting with the stains and dirt.

Natural cleaners are the best - Your cabinet will not be harmed by cleaning it with natural cleaners very frequently. You can get more information from the manufacturer or from the local hardware store. Find out more tips about cleaning kitchen cabinets at http://kitchencabinets.bestreferenceguide.com

Bonsall Remodeling

What Can You Do About Carpenter Ant Damage?

The first step on carpenter ant damage control is to correctly identify the problem. Most of the time there are two different assumptions made. Some people think they have a termite problem since carpenter ants tend to cause damage that looks almost exactly like termites while others mistake their ant problem for another type of ant.

What are the differences between termites and carpenter ants?

Termites and carpenter ants both burrow into the wood. The difference is that while termites continue eating the wood causing more and more damage, carpenter ants will build these smooth circular pathways or canals through the wood in your home.

Wood to the carpenter ant is not a food source but more like a home. Although in all practicality both are equally damaging as they are both causing damage to your home.

What are the differences between carpenter ants and other types of ants?

Carpenter ants tend to leave evidence behind such as wood or sawdust looking shavings. So if you have an ant problem along with sawdust or wood shaving left behind it's a carpenter ant problem.

What can be done about carpenter ants in your walls?

Baits that attack the workers give the best results for more carpenter ant problems. They will grab the bait and take them back to the colony not only killing that specific ant but getting to others as well in the nest. It's best to start with gel baits as soon as you realize you have a problem because the damage can quickly spread to the point where you will need a professional exterminator to take care of the problem if too extreme.

To find out more about Ant Control and what baits to use as well as how to get rid of others pests in your home visit http://www.crittercontrollers.com/

No More Stories about Horrible Contractors Here

I would love to hear your good contractor stories. I'm so tired of hearing about contractor nightmares, is there anyone out there that has a good contractor story. Place it in the comment area underneath this question.

Home Building Books

Deck Cleaning and Wood Deck Stains - A Do It Yourself Guide

Looking out your back window you decide that it's once again time to get your deck ready for the coming season. The grill still has its winter cover and the patio furniture is stacked into the corner. You can envision how the deck is going to look when its finished but that small hollow in your stomach reminds you how cumbersome deck cleaning and staining can be. If you use the right types of products, the task can be performed much more simply. The key to making a finish last is all in the preparation work you do before you apply that first drop of stain.

Deck Stain or Sealer: How Do I Choose?

Exterior wood is subject to damage from the elements. The constant cycle of moisture and sun drying will cause deck boards to warp, check, cup and splinter. It is essential not only to try and seal out moisture but also to use an oil based staining product to keep the wood conditioned. Think of a drop of water placed onto your skin. Once that water evaporates, the moisturizing effect is cancelled. This simplified analogy is akin to putting water based (or water borne) staining and sealing products on your deck. Using the same analogy, now think about placing a drop of baby oil onto your skin. The oil acts as an emollient keeping your skin more pliable. This is why we recommend using oil-based products for wooden decks. Oil acts as a better moisture repellant and will retard the drying effect, which causes premature aging. Oil based sealers will add years of life to your deck.

You may have noticed the switch back and forth between the words "stain" and "sealer". Professionals use these words interchangeably. Think of exterior grade wood products as a hybrid of these two words. Deck staining products are actually tinted sealers. You cannot use a stain followed by a urethane or varnish sealer like you would on an interior project. Moisture would attack this combination and your floorboards would become a peeling mess. Sealers block out moisture and the pigmentation in them provides UV protection so the wood will not turn gray. The most maintenance friendly stains will be semi-transparent and deep penetrating oils. Film forming, also know as solid staining, products will provide good initial protection but they can be prone to peeling and are very difficult to remove. If you don't already have a solid stain on your deck, you may want to avoid applying one, as there is no turning back from that decision.

Starting Fresh: Choosing The Right Deck Cleaning Products

Many of the deck cleaners that are sold at Home Centers such as The Home Depot and Lowes contain sodium hypochlorite, known more commonly as household bleach. While bleach is an effective mold killer, it does not address the issues of dirt trapped inside the wood or allow easier removal of grayed wood fibers. Both dirt and grayed wood will contribute to premature finish failure. In addition, sodium hypochlorite affects the lignin in wood to a great degree. Lignin is the "glue" that holds wood fibers together. If you were to look at a cross section of a piece of wood that has been cleaned with bleach under a microscope you would see a jumbling of the fibers. This cross weaving of the fibers can cause problems with stain/sealer penetration. This again means less life from your deck stain as well as a potentially blotchy finish. Bleach also causes wood to become unnaturally whitened or washed out.

The majority of deck restoration professionals use a two step deck cleaning process involving a landscape-friendly cleaning agent called sodium percarbonate followed by an acidic based cleaner for pH balancing. Sodium percarbonate is considered an effective mold killer. When the powdered chemical is mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide and soda ash are released. This oxygenating reaction bubbles dirt and contaminants to the surface for a deep cleaning effect. This reaction also loosens sun damaged gray fibers allowing them to be gently scrubbed with a medium bristled brush and rinsed with a garden hose. You could also use a pressure washer set to pressure below 800 p.s.i to facilitate faster rinsing. Certain types of sodium percarbonate based wood cleaners also contain other ingredients which help to emulsify old, failing finish.

After you finish the first step of the cleaning process, while the wood is still wet, you apply an acidic cleaning agent. This will serve to pH balance the deck after cleaning. An added effect is that the wood is brightened and the tone of the deck will be evened out. Acids used for this step are usually oxalic, citric or a combination of both. Oxalic acid can be irritating to the lungs. After your final rinsing, the deck is now perfectly primed to accept the stain/sealer of your choosing.

Seal Out The Elements Using A High Quality Oil Based Sealer

Try to choose your staining products wisely. Paint stores such as Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore will carry higher-grade wood deck stains. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Spend a little more up front and you may not have to stain your deck as often. Avoid products that contain acrylics. These products will build up over time and create a finish that is next to impossible for the DIY enthusiast to remove without using very strong caustic chemicals.

Applying the sealing product can be done via spraying, brushing or mopping. If you spray, be sure to back brush the product with a china bristled brush to work it into the wood and prevent runs. Most oils stains need to be applied in what is called a wet-on-wet coat. The first coat is applied and allowed to penetrate the wood. Within a short time span before the product dries you apply another coat. Be sure to always follow manufacturer's recommendations and the directions on the can.

Maintaining the Deck

Allow the wood to dry for 72 hours before placing furniture back onto the deck. While the deck stain/sealer is still intact it is okay to use a light mix of bleach and simple dish soap to periodically clean away any mold or dirt from the surface. If you follow a simple maintenance plan of recoating the horizontals (floor and handrails) every year with a light coat of oil and doing the rail system every two years, your deck will always look fresh and it will last you a lifetime.

Ken Fenner is the owner of PressurePros, Inc a pressure washing company located in Havertown, PA. PressurePros is also the parent company of Restore-Deck a distibutor of deck restoration cleaners and deck stains. Ken also the administrates a do-it-yourself BBS called the DIY Chat Forum.

Moist Stop Over Window Needs

How to Come Up With a Simple Kitchen Remodeling Plan

Kitchen remodeling is a tough task and it takes a lot of time as well. But if you don't want to get indulged in complications or any extended work, it is also available in simplest of its forms. You can follow simple techniques and come up with a whole new change in your kitchen. And it won't be complicated at all.

For a simple kitchen remodeling project, you need a detailed plan before beginning. Just a plan will not be enough in this case; you also need to have a perfect design for your kitchen remodel. You can get a design very easily and you can also make your own design if you are that creative and remodeling savvy. But a detailed plan means you have all kind of information about your remodel. You need to have details of expenses regarding plumbers, carpenters as well as electricians because all these professionals are essential parts of a simple kitchen remodeling project. Making a detailed plan will save you from a lot of hassle and you will be able to cope with your project very easily.

In addition, you need to make an estimate of total costs of your simple kitchen remodeling project. See your plan find out the prices of all the things that are going to be a part of your home improvement project. But what you are going to need the most is the understanding with your kitchen remodeling designer. Discuss everything with him and make him care for your budget as well as your ideas - putting them aligned together. In addition to designers, also focus on other professionals such as carpenters because they too are supposed to handle delicate work, which puts a great impact to your kitchen.

Once you are done with all these basic requirements, you are ready to call a contractor and get things rolling for a simple kitchen remodeling project. However, you also need to be aware of complex kitchen remodeling project, designers, contractors and latest ideas that can help you out in your projects. All these things result in betterment of your kitchen.

For further details on kitchen remodeling projects and things that make it efficient, you can always visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/kitchen_remodeling/index.php.

Toilet Wood Floor Water Damage

Masonry How To's - Home Tips

Materials

Brick is considered as the strongest masonry material available. However, pure brick is already rare in the market and buyers who find it are surprised of its high cost. Brick comes in assorted colors.

Cleaning is easy and dark stains that may develop overtime are cleared with a regular cleanser. Over time, some parts may come loose between each other and these loose joints can damage your interior walls. It is fixed through a process called tuckpointing where the joints are filled with mortar.

Stone is another popular material among designers and homeowners. It is installed by starting at the top going down to ensure that no mortar will drip once it is completed. A good contractor will build the stone exterior with a stud frame to properly support the structure. Proper maintenance of the stone masonry is ensuring that it resists cracks brought by water through proper sealing. It retards the absorption of any liquid.

Concrete block is an efficient and economical material. It is made of Portland cement, gravel, sand and water. Like stone, a water sealant is also needed to avoid a weakening of materials. It is sprayed on the wall free from dust, oil and grease.

Problems

Some of the problems encountered in wall maintenance include moisture from cracks, weakening joints, discoloration and staining. This can be fixed by sealing the wall properly.

Also, the walls may be leaning on a different angle or sinking down the ground because of poor concrete at the bottom or compaction. The bricks, stones or concrete may also develop cracks due to aging. If there is too much pressure on the wall, it may develop bulges at the back side or worse, large cracks and crumbles. Call a professional contractor and have your wall inspected once you notice these problems.

Andy Denton of http://www.Realty.com

Build Your Own Wind Turbine - How to Build a Home Made Windmill

Global warming and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels have caused people from all corners of the globe to become concerned, resulting in a long overdue interest in the potential of wind energy. On the other hand, many people have already embraced this free source of renewable energy and are already powering their homes with wind energy.

Wind Energy

Radiation from our sun heats the air which in turn rises. As this warm air rises, so cooler air sinks down to replace it, resulting in perpetual wind currents which cover the surface of our planet. Of course, wind currents have energy and when one considers how devastating a hurricane or a tornado can be, it's all to easy to imagine what a phenomenal amount of energy can be harnessed from the wind.

Of course, for the purpose of powering your home with wind energy, we're only interested in more moderate winds, suitable for wind turbines. In essence, a wind turbine is much the same as the old original windmill; only wind turbines incorporate technology which allows us to convert wind power into electricity

Wind Turbines

In the past, wind farms, which can sometimes be seen on the roadside, were mainly used to supply remote areas which were of the grid as well as remote farms. Nowadays however, wind turbines are becoming increasingly common even in residential areas that do receive grid supplied power. In this case, a wind turbine can either reduce your consumption of grid power or even eliminate it altogether.

In order to achieve maximum stability, all wind turbines have no less than three lightweight blades, usually made from PVC for extra durability.

As most are familiar with, a wind turbine needs to be mounted on a tower and while those used on wind farms can be more than a hundred feet high, residential towers only need to be high enough to ensure the turbine blades are above any structures which could obstruct the wind. In addition to being mounted on a tower, the blade assembly is mounted on a shaft to enable it to swivel around as the wind direction changes.

Home Wind Energy Systems

While wind turbines can come in many shapes and sizes, those which are used for powering homes are divided into three kinds:

1) Grid inter-tied with backup battery

2) Grid inter-tied without backup battery

3) Off-Grid system

Irrespective of which system you use, all three systems harness wind energy and convert it to electricity in exactly the same manner. The difference between the various systems lies in the wiring, and in the case where a battery is being used; electricity can be saved and used as and when required. In a system that has no battery, electricity is supplied directly into the home supply.

Wind turbines provide practically all homeowners with an ideal opportunity for powering the home with wind energy. Not only will you save money on electric bills, but you'll also be helping to build a greener world.

If you are interested in learning how to Build Your Own Wind Turbine visit solarwindenergys.com where you will see how easy and affordable it is to construct your very own Home Made Wind Mill.

Home Repair Books

What is the Value of a Home Inspection?

What is the value of a Home Inspection? During a Home Inspection we noted a lack of flashing between the deck and siding early in the inspection. During a Home Inspection, the very last thing checked is the crawl space. The lack of flashing allowed water to travel behind the siding and attack the wood foundation wall and framing. This is where rotten wood framing was discovered.

Further investigation revealed that the wall and framing components were wet and soft to probing (i.e. rotten). The rear deck and siding will have to be removed to fully assess the damage. This is a significant amount of work and a major repair. This is why a home inspection on a new house is so important (it is important on all houses but many buyers of new houses don't feel it necessary to inspect a home). This could have been caught years ago before much, if any, damage had been done.

Yes, rotten wood components around an attached deck is a very common problem. For one, the flashing has to be installed properly. And two, if gutters are not installed on the house, a lot of water can run off the roof, splash off the deck onto the siding and finding its way through small voids in caulk and around doors.

Luck was on the side of the homeowner in this case because termites had not found the moist wood. If they had, the damage could have been even more severe. The key to protecting your home is knowing your home, maintaining it and inspecting the crawl space regularly.

For more information about Home Inspections in Clayton NC and the surrounding area, please see our site.

Lowest Construction Bids

The Ins And Outs Of Hiring Building Contractors

If you are considering a large construction project, whether it be a brand new home or an addition to a home that you already have, hiring building contractors is something that you may have to look into. Hiring building contractors is not the simplest thing to do, but it certainly is not complicated. As a matter of fact, if you know just what you are looking for then the hiring process should be rather simple. To help you in your endeavors to get your project done right and by the right people, read on for a few things that you should take into consideration when looking into building contractors.

Consider the Amount of Experience a Contractor Has

Even if you are in the business of giving a chance to newbies in the industry, doing so when it comes to general building contractors can be a huge disaster. Everybody has to learn somewhere-that is the truth; what is also true is that many times the learning experience can result in disaster, and if you don't want that disaster to be your new addition or construction, you should probably think twice about hiring a novice.

Make sure that your prospective building contractors have a proven track record of success. Good references and even photographs of work that they have done are a small thing to ask for, and can easily ensure that you don't get into a bigger project than you can handle. Also make sure that your contractor is properly insured and licensed in your city, county and state.

Consider Building Contractors Who Can Work With Your Budget

However reputable and honest your prospective building contractors may seem, if you can not fit them into your budget, you simply cannot fit them into your budget. Many building contractors may be more than happy to make some exceptions to fit your budget, perhaps by cutting a few corners or getting supplies that are a bit more affordable than the ones that you originally requested.

Some contractors will be willing to meet your financial needs, whereas others will not. If the building contractors that you have shortlisted are not affordable, there are always more out there that will be.

Make Sure That You and Your Contractor are On the Same Page

Even if your contractor is affordable and reputable, things may not work out. Why? Let's call it creative differences. Some people cannot work well together, and you must be able to work with them to make sure that the job gets done right. If not, all of the afford ability and experience in the world won't do you any good-your project stands the chance of failing and failure can be expensive.

Whether your project is big or small, hiring building contractors can be a bigger job than the construction project itself. It doesn't have to be though. Find someone reputable, honest, and affordable and you are already ahead of the game. Also make sure that when you are talking that you feel like your building contractor understands exactly what you are looking for.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on building contractors and specialist building contractors at http://www.affinitybuilder.com

Surviving As A Contractor

Kit Homes Ways to Personalize Your Kit Home

Are you wondering a way to personalize your kit home in a method to make it feel individualized and suit your own requirements?

The options are wide open. In reality, custom designs are ordinarily used to make a home that is unique and meets the specs needed. Many of the kit homes can simply be converted from 3 bedrooms to 2 to permit more space in a lounge or dining area. 3 bedroom homes with bigger rooms can be altered into four bedroom houses.

Points to consider

The primary step in deciding the way to personalize your kit home is to think about your private wishes and likes. You definitely desire your new kit home to be your way of life. The type and style of home that you select should be one which will meet your goals. Some folks live a particularly relaxed lifestyle and would not be comfy in a formal atmosphere. All these kinds of things play a part in the personalization process.

Some families need an additional bedroom for frequent guests so they may select a model which has 4 or maybe 5 bedrooms. Another may select the same model but wish to tweak the floor plan to add additional space to a dining or lounge area.

The excellent news is, this is not a difficulty at all. The good news is that many of the houses can be expanded later to meet the wants of a growing family. Those things should be kept in mind when selecting a house design. The purchaser should select a home in which additions can simply be mixed.

Other alterations that may add a private touch are:

After picking a home that suits your explicit location you can start contemplating other stuff will making your house your private sanctuary. The verandahs and decks can be built to suit. When it comes to windows you may have heaps of options. The aluminum windows come in a variety of 10 colour decisions. Those little choices can set your house apart from others.

The doorways also provide an opportunity for personalization. There are eight designs of entry doorways to choose between. This supplies the chance for the purchaser to add his very own sense of style and taste.

If the house is to be built in an area susceptible to bush fires, the home can be fireproofed. Buyers are always advised to test with local council legislators to figure out the level of fire risk for a particular location. The employment of flame resistant materials can add an individual touch of safety.

With all the options and variations available deciding the way to personalize your kit home can be exciting. The task is learning precisely what it is that would make a home exactly what you need.

It is often confusing to make a decision when you have so much of options. But then it also comes to your financial strength when deciding for a good housing package to accomodate your wishes. One such low cost housing package in the sunshine coast, Queensland is up for grabs. Explore this fantastic opportunity to view the house plans and buy kit home that reflects your individual taste and requirements at very low prices.

The sunshine coast, Queensland builder offers excellent opportunity to customize your home to fit in with your personality and taste. View the house plans and buy kit homes that can be fitted to your personal tase and requirements at very low prices.

Nailing Or Screwing Drywall

Removing Interior Walls

Here's a word of advice for any contractor, Carpenter, handyman or homeowner that is planning to remove an interior wall from your home or someone else's. Beware of removing interior walls, to eliminate your fears of the house collapsing. Some of the interior walls inside of the house are important structural components of the building.

Some of these walls hold up floors, roofs and other loadbearing sections that could create safety problems within the structure of the house itself. This is an area where an expert with framing skills should be consulted. What is the definition of someone with excellent framing skills? Some one with at least 10 years as a master framing carpenter.

My home building experience consists of three decades for over 30 years of assembling some of the most difficult sections of a home. During these years I have seen damage done to houses from removing structural interior walls. Most of this damage could be repaired with a little structural engineering. Some of the damage could not be repaired and caused other damage to different sections of the house. The damage caused in some cases to the floor and the roof framing had to be completely rebuilt.

I'm not telling you about every single thing I have ran into but you would be surprised if I started to make a list of all the homeowners and professionals in the building industry or home selling and buying business that contacted me to remove a structural component of a building. There have even been a few of these people that told me everything was going to be okay just go ahead and remove the structural building component.

Needless to say I would leave these people very irritated but I'm sure they found someone to do the job. The bad news is I was normally the person they would hire to go back and repair the damaged building after these people were gone and out of business. There have been cases where people have removed an interior walls against my better judgment and over the years of driving by in these homes I personally got to witness the structural damage that was occurring on the outside of the house.

I have no idea what the inside of the house looked like but could only imagine. My advice again when removing interior walls is to hire an experienced contractor or at least get some advice from an experienced framing carpenter. This does not include your basic know it all that has basic construction experience like your father in law, parents, friends, golfing associates or people you work with that tell you not to worry about it, just do it, everything will work out just fine.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and What Does A Shear Wall Do

How To Install Shower Pan Liners

How to install shower pan liners is the critical skill for building a trouble-free shower. You do have several options for installing a shower pan. Read on to learn the basics of shower liner installation and some of the different options for building a long-lasting shower.

The Traditional Way

If you want a ceramic shower, the traditional way is still the most common way to build a shower pan. The traditional way is masonry construction. A masonry base is built and the ceramic tile is set in place over the masonry base. This method requires some skill and even art. But if you understand the basics, a handy person can install a shower that works right on the first try.

Over a sold sub-floor you build two layers of mortar and then set the tile over the top layer. The drain is a special drain with two layers of drain holes. The first mortar layer is poured and sloped to the bottom drain holes. After that first layer dries, a waterproof vinyl sheet is installed on top of the first layer. This sheet is the real key to waterproofing the floor. The sheet is run up the shower walls and glued to the shower drain base. Over the waterproof membrane goes the top mortar layer. The tile is installed over this layer and grouted in place.

The vinyl membrane is necessary because ceramic tile and grout are not waterproof. The grout especially soaks up water and doesn't stop water at all.

One big plus of traditional construction is that any size or custom layout for your shower is possible.

Fiberglass or Acrylic Liners

Your local building supply store stocks shower liners ready to install. These pans are easy to install and can be used with matching walls or with tile walls. Choose fiberglass or acrylic materials for different looks and quality. The advantage of these shower floors is ease of installation and ease of cleaning. But custom sizes are much more expensive and may not be available in the layout you need. Fiberglass shower floors also are easy to scratch and damage and do wear over time. Ceramic tile cannot be installed over standard fiberglass or acrylic shower pans.

Tile Ready Shower Pans

If you want a traditional looking ceramic tile shower without the construction of the traditional shower pan, choose one of the tile ready shower systems. And these are systems. Most include wall and ceiling component liners as well as floor liners. Most tile ready shower pans include a vinyl pan with a built in drain. The pans are built over a masonry base or over foam support.

The advantage of these systems is the ease of installing. The skill level is less than the traditional construction. Plus installation is faster since no waiting is required between layers. The downside is cost. The kit often costs as much as a completed traditional installation. Manufacturers of tile ready systems are Tile Redi, Schluter and Wedi. Check your area for installers.

Puzzled about how to build a shower pan liner? Need more information? Visit our site for shower pan tips.

We invite you to visit http://www.installingceramictile.net for answers to your ceramic shower questions.

Al Bullington enjoys using and maintaining ceramic tile showers.

What Are Dry Wells?

A dry well is an underground storage facility for the disposal of unwanted water accumulated due to storms. Storm water is running off from roofs. It drives away this water in to the ground where it mixes with local ground water. This temporarily stored water released from it via penetration into the surrounding soils. It can be a structural chamber or hollow cavity filled with aggregate. It is specially designed for disposal of roof runoff water that does not carry any solid particles. Due to this reason it does not use for floating solid waste.

Important Features of Dry Wells
It is a kind of simple structure consists of hollow well stuffed with gravel, riprap, rubble and other debris. Such kind of wells is resistant to crumple but have limited storage capacity because of their storage area mostly occupied by stones.

Advance Dry Wells
Concrete cylinders with perforated sides and bottoms are constructed in order to provide resistance against collapse. This in turns increases the storage capacity of well. They are completely buried and do not occupy land area. Concrete cylinder makes it tougher.

How does it Work?
It is a passive structure. It receives water under influence of gravity. You don't need to spend energy to direct the flow of water in well. Number of entry pipes or channels is ranges between one and more than one. Number of small exit openings is present on the large surface area of sides and bottom. These openings are used to release to stored water. It receives water very quickly when ground water pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. After this stage rate of receiving water depends on the rate of water discharge from well. Due to this wells with huge capacity are designed that can store large volumes of water in accelerated way and then dispose it off on gradual basis. Connection between inflow and outflow is always maintained to resist collapse and clogs.

Limitations in Constructing Dry Wells
Size and location of well is dependent on permeability of soils and slopes.
Size of the well is also matters to program its maintenance. Larger wells need less maintenance.
Flatter areas have suitable slope pattern for its construction. Rooftop gutter screens are used to stop leaves and other debris from entering in system.

Parameters of Designing Dry Wells
Storage volume and permeability rate of sub grade soil are considered as important parameters of design. Storage volume must be adequate enough to carry runoff water without overflow. On the other hand good permeability capacity of sub grade soil means that it can able to dispose of stored runoff water within 72 hours.

Conclusion
Dry well is very important structure in any building. Its basic purpose is to reduce the volume of storm water runoff from roofs of building. Covered wells that are used to dispose sewage water is called Cesspool on the other hand open wells that dispose storm water in ground is called Recharge Basin or Infiltration Basin.

If you want to know more about shower remodeling you can visit this site http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/remodeling/bathroom_remodeling/shower_remodeling.php It will give you useful information about shower remodeling.

How You Can Easily Get a Walk-in Tub Installed

Imagine this scene- a person tired and weary after more than 13 hours in the office, rushes back home. It is a long, long drive. It had been an exhausting week and the person just craves a slow, relaxing bath. At home there is a spa installed with all the soaps, lotions and perfumes readily available. On reaching home, the person settles into the self-promised bath. A content smile touches the person's lips as he/she finally gets to relax the tired bones. Bath is just heavenly!

Not all people have this kind of luxury. Taking bath is not a divine experience for many. There are those who consider getting into a bathtub nothing short of a torture, and with good reason too. To consider their trauma, now consider this scenario:-

Imagine a person in his or her mid eighties. The stiff joint and the weakening knees are constant sources of pain. This person cannot move a muscle without a sigh. He/she needs a bath too, but just cannot think of enduring the pain of entering a bathtub. Once inside, there is yet another challenge- getting out. There is no way the person can mange this without help. He/she has to face the indignity of being carried and then lowered into the bathtub with specialized equipment!

The elderly, the ones on wheelchair, the physically challenged and others who do not have the freedom of movement due one or the other problem, find themselves in such a position everyday. Bathtub is a nightmare to them. But it need not be so. They can opt for walk-in tubs and baths.

Getting into a walk-in tub is very much like getting into a car. There is door, which open and the person can walk right in and sit. These days there are even special seats in the bathtubs for this purpose. Once the door close, there is no way the water can escape as it is both air and watertight. There are also special handle to facilitate the exit from the tub. With these facilities, walk-in tubs bring back the joy of bathing to those who suffering from different physical problems as well as the normal individuals (especially kids). Previously, the caretakers had to heave and sigh, while lifting their ward to the bath. They also can heave a sigh of relief as the days of carrying the defendant to the bath are over.

It is possible to change the normal bathtub to a walk-in tub. Within US you could purchase these from the store that sells other bath fixtures. Many of the bigger retail stores like Home Depot and other room stores have bathtubs that can be installed by you. These come with detailed guidelines. You could also opt for help and make use of the installation team, you may be charged a little extra for this. These teams are reputed to be very efficient.

Another alternative would be to hire a handyman. They might take a fee but a handyman takes the hassle out of installation.

Looking for information about walk-in tubs and showers

Theodor Cartman recommends different types of walk-in tubs and showers as the best option when buying.

Roof Repairs