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Archive for date: December 09, 2013

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12/09/2013 Home improvement

Drywall Home Improvements

Improve or repair your home using drywall. Drywalling is not difficult and does not require a lot of technical skill, rather it is time-consuming. To drywall a home for repair is easier said than done; however, it is never as difficult as some lead you to believe.

Materials

When you start to drywall for home improvement, you must follow a few straightforward steps. As for tools, you will need a Putty Trial, Tray, sandpaper, joint putty, scraper, hammer, paint, thinner, patches, plaster, and a few other items to finish the task. Of course, it depends on the size of the area as to what exact tools and materials are needed. 

Procedure

You will need sandpaper since you start the drywall procedure by sanding down the walls and removing any lumps. Sand until you see a clear white area. A cloth is necessary to finish the procedure by wiping down the wall and removing any drywall dust. Plaster comes in handy if there are holes in the wall, thus use the putty trial and scraper to apply the joint putty to fill in the holes and patch if applicable.

From time to time, a second coating of plaster is required, thus repeat the course of action until the hole is filled and scraped down to smoothness. You will need to sand the plaster when it is dry.
Never start to drywall until you have sanded down the area, smoothed out the surface, and washed the wall, freeing the area of any dust. Furthermore, make sure the region is dry previous to sandpapering the area.

Start the drywall modus operandi by following the systematic steps provided to you in the kit purchased, and not until you have a clear smooth area.

You need to ensure that you avoid simple mistakes when planning and putting up drywall. Install the ceiling drywall before installing any walls. Work from top (ceiling) to bottom (floor). Try to run the drywall sheets perpendicular to the framing and mark joint locations so they are easier to find. If you can mark the stud locations on the ceiling and floor, do it so it is easier to fasten the drywall sheets.

Check the plans for provisions for insulation, ventilation, moisture control, and wiring before using drywall. Use drywall nails or screws and cover the wallboard tape with compound. Make certain that you sand the drywall compound to ensure a smooth finish. If not sanded correctly, the bumps will show twofold when you apply paint. Most importantly, do not apply the drywall with the wrong side exposed.

Ready to Paint

After adding the drywall for home improvement, you are ready to paint. Thus, choosing the paint and brushes appropriate for the job will help you receive a grand effect. Paint the baseline area before relocating any furniture in the home. Allow the paint to dry and touch up by rearranging the furniture, curtains, etc.

If your walls are in serious need of construction you might want to consider other options rather than dry walling and painting the area. Sometimes you merely cover areas that are deteriorating by adding new lining, paneling, covering, etc. Thus, checking into additional options might benefit you while saving you money and time.

Repairs

Sometimes you can get away with repairs rather than entire makeovers. The walls are layered, thus a bit of plaster or spackle and other tools and materials could dress off the area. If you have a rotted area, again you may want to consider other options, or else hire a drywall contractor expert to repair the home.
Sometimes you simply cannot get away with home improvement by doing it yourself. At times, you may need assistance, thus preventing deterioration is critical to save you money.

If you notice areas of the home that are starting to show wear, taking care of the problem now will save you heartache later. The repairs are easier than entire improvements, thus repairs are also cheaper.
If you have dents, cracks, or holes in the walls, buy a plastering or spackling kit and follow the instructions to repair the problem now rather than allow it to linger.

For repairs, you will need paintbrushes, knives, spackle, latex bonding liquid, paint, patching plaster, sandpaper, fiberglass wallboard tape, and that about sums it up. For holes, you cover the area with the wallboard tape and then spackle to make the tape stick.

After the spackle is applied, using your sandpaper sand the area repaired until it is smooth. If you notice peeling, paint, or loose plaster around the area, use your scraper to remove or clear up the area. After the spackle starts to dry and is sanded, add a second coating to cover the hole entirely. Again, sand and prime the patched area. Finally, you are ready to paint.

Afterward

See how easy that was. Now, if you allow it to set without attention you will be doing a lot more work later and probably paying out a lot more money. You can use Spackle to fix dents and cracks in the walls as well. Plaster or spackle will cover nail holes or holes made from screws. These home repair materials are affordable, thus cover now and save later.

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12/09/2013 Home improvement

Lower Home Energy Bills

We are blessed with the discovery and proper utilization of energy around us. There are several sources of energy that makes our living easier. Energy lights up our home every night, keeps us warm during cold winter, allows us to be entertained, and makes our living pleasant no matter what time of the day. And with all the other uses of energy from the moment we check our clocks in the morning to keeping us warn as we rest during the night, all of us would agree that it would be so hard to llive without it.
We can say that we have sufficient energy supply for a lifetime but that does not mean that we are not going to conserve it. After all, technology has its price. And that price is something we have to pay with cash.
And if coping with electric bill is your problem every time you see your bills, here are the ways on how to lower them:

Provide good roof coating

A good roof coating deflects heat. And so, insuring that the roof receives a good coating would mean insuring you that your house would maintain good temperature on the inside.

Keep your attic well ventilated.

Your attic is one of the more important parts of your house when it comes to the cooling system. The attic is your first and probably the most effective part of your house the keeps the whole house cool. But, in order for your attic to do its main purpose, make sure that it is well insulated.
Provide vents where the heat can come out during summer. Your attic door must also be sealed to ensure that the air from our house does not go through it and vice versa. The attic door can be sealed with weather strippers.

Securing all the leaks.

Leaks contribute to high cost of home energy. Why? It is because air from your house can easily come out from these leaks. And the air from the outside can easily enter the house. Both increase the workload of your heating and cooling system.
You have to remember that air moves according to air pressure and temperature. Since the temperature of inside your house is most of the time different from the temperature outside, air moves freely from these leaks. Making sure that the leaks are sealed would mean less work on your heating and cooling system and lower electric bills.
Leaks would come from fireplaces, ducts, doors, ceilings, floors, walls, windows, plumbing penetrations, electrical outlets, fans, and vents.

Reducing the thermostat

One degree centigrade is equivalent to 5% electric bill savings. Therefore, keeping your thermostat low will save you a lot of money. A total saving would also come from switching your thermostat further low when you are not home or if you are sleeping. The ideal temperature during winter is not higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Limiting the use of water heater

The second largest electric consumer next to your heating and cooling system is your water heater.
When you wash you clothes, you donít need to heat the water up. Just use the water from the faucet. This will save you by as much as 90% in washing machine energy consumption.

Use energy efficient material around your home.

There are commercially available materials that would significantly contribute to the reduction of the cost of home energy. One of these is energy efficient windows that deflect the outside temperature (whether during winter or summer) from entering your home.

Use your appliance efficiently

It is pretty basic for all of us to turn off televisions, air conditioning, stereos and other electronic gadgets when not using them. However, most still disregard this. The reality is; we can save a lot if we only learn how to turn them off if not in use. Also, small things such as iPod chargers, cellphone chargers, digital clocks, lights and other things that seem to consume small electric current that remain plugged day in and day out contribute to your electric bill. Making sure you unplug them would certainly lower down your monthly electric consumption.
You have the details. All you have to do is to make sure you follow them all.

Read More littleton local roofer
12/09/2013 Roofing

Certified Roofing

The importance of a sound roof.

The importance of a roof cannot be overstated, as it serves as a fundamental element in providing shelter and protection for any structure. Beyond its basic function of shielding inhabitants from the elements such as rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, a roof also plays a crucial role in insulating the interior, regulating temperature, and preserving the structural integrity of a building.

A well-designed and well-maintained roof contributes significantly to energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs. Moreover, it safeguards the interior from potential damage caused by leaks or water infiltration, preventing structural deterioration and the growth of mold or mildew. In essence, a sturdy and reliable roof is an indispensable component of any building, ensuring the safety, comfort, and longevity of the space it covers.

The annual maintenance of your roof

Regular maintenance of a roof is important to ensure the longevity and functionality of a building. A well-maintained roof protects the structure from weather elements, prevents water damage, and extends the overall lifespan of the property.

Timely inspections and repairs can identify and address potential issues such as leaks, damaged shingles, or weak spots before they escalate into more significant problems. Proactive roof maintenance also contributes to energy efficiency, as a properly sealed and insulated roof helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs. Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to costly repairs, compromise the structural integrity of the building, and result in potential health hazards like mold growth. Ultimately, investing in regular roof maintenance is a wise and cost-effective strategy to preserve the value and safety of a property over time.

Going up on the roof yourself

When small cracks start to appear in a roof a leak may not become immediately visible and often the water can run away to areas you are unable to see. Without actually getting up into the roof itself you may not be able to see these small areas of damage yourself and clambering on the roof yourself is not everyone’s idea of a fun Saturday afternoon. The services of a certified roofing contractor should be called on to prevent damage to your roof and possible personal injury. Not only can we spot out unsuspecting shingles, but we can make sure your property meets all state code and requirements.

A qualified roofing contractor

A certified roofing contractor is experienced and qualified enough to complete any job from certifying your roof (usually for two years, during which time they are responsible for repairs) to completely ripping down your old roof and replacing it with a new and more effective one. A certified roofing contractor like Legacy can advise you of the best tools, the best materials and the best systems to use to ensure that you are giving your house the protection it truly needs.