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Wood is rarely perfect. It almost always has a warp or twist. Experienced woodworkers have strategies to deal with this problem, and in turn they don't waste lumber or plywood. Use the same techniques as professionals to laminate or glue warped wood together. When it is properly attached, the warped material will remain stable, strong and flat for a lifetime.
Select a premade sunroom kit unless you are an expert builder or designer. While it's perfectly all right to use recycled materials or build from scratch if you own a rustic home, be sure to plan a do-it-yourself sunroom meticulously so it won't subtract from the market value of your home. One important advantage of a top-of-the-line factory-built sunroom kit is that it is extremely energy-efficient. Build a sunroom on the side of your home that will look appealing from the front curb. Select a design that complements your home's original construction rather than one that looks like it was…
Decorating a one-sided brick wall in your office is a great opportunity to really open up the room. Learn how to decorate one-sided brick walls in your office with help from a home design stylist in this free video clip.
Vinyl siding offers a cost-effective and appealing look for your home, but it can be prone to damage. If floor glue mars the siding when you're doing a project or making repairs, the sooner you remove it, the easier it is to get it off. Even if the adhesive fully dries, knowing what takes floor glue off vinyl siding, and the right tools for cleaning it up, will help you get the glue off -- without scratching or damaging the siding.
Foundation vents are useful in many climates to prevent moisture from accumulating in crawlspaces and to keep cool air from entering during the winter, thus protecting pipes. However, standard house vents fail to be effective when homeowners forget to close or open them when the seasons change. Enter the automatic foundation vent. These units are designed to open and close on their own, based on the outdoor temperature, eliminating homeowner error from the picture completely. Installing these vents is simple, using the same methods whether your home is clad in siding, brick or stone, since they sit in the foundation…
Two-sided bathtubs are freestanding tubs that some may refer to as “soakers.” While they may be simpler to install than wall tubs, you need to make special considerations for the drain lines and the custom faucets. The position of the drain should be consistent with the pipes that lead up to it. The faucets on a two-sided bathtub may be set on the side or corner of the tub, or may utilize a wall-mounted model. Have the plumbing features prepared before tub installation.
Installing vinyl siding is one of the easiest ways that homeowners can improve the look of their home. Vinyl siding has very little, if any, insulating value; so if your home needs additional insulation, it would have to be installed under the siding. Prodigy siding combines the look and installation ease of vinyl siding in the form of a foam backing. You can install Prodigy siding over a weekend to improve the appearance of your home, as well as lower its energy costs.
Nailite is a brand of house siding made from weather-resistant thermoplastic material coated with acrylic paint. Nailite siding panels are molded and colored to resemble traditional types of wood, brick and stone exterior cladding. Nailite panels weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 lbs. each, depending on style. It can take 20 to 36 panels to cover 100 square feet of wall, depending on style. Nailite can be installed by an experienced home handyman.
Geothermal heat pumps are a form of home climate control that relies on constant underground temperatures for heating in winter and cooling in summer. In winter, they draw heat from the earth and move it into your house. In summer, they draw heat from your house and move it into the ground. Geothermal systems consist of a heat pump, loop circulating pump and a long loop of pipe buried in the ground. Before you begin, obtain any required local permits, and call your local utility companies to mark your worksite for any underground facilities.
The ranch style of house was in existence before World War II, but it zoomed into wide use in the building boom following the return of soldiers to their new families after the war. A ranch home is not one built on a ranch -- though the open range is where such a floor plan came into fruition. A ranch home is characterized by an open floor plan and a low-pitch gable roof. A ranch home is usually one story, though it's possible to find a ranch with a multilevel single floor plan, a basement or even a partial or…
Running exterior water lines can seem like a daunting task. Whether you will use your water line for a supply, for a sprinkler system or run to an outside faucet, the installation of an exterior water line doesn't have to be difficult, however. You can install short runs in no time into a trench dug by hand; you may be better off to rent a walk-behind trencher if you are installing a long pipe or a series of irrigation pipes.
Some siding treatments, such as brick and stone veneer, require an air space between the siding material and the moisture sheathing over the frame of the house. This allows for moisture to run down the sheathing and out of the house without causing moisture damage over time. However, properly installed, cedar clapboard siding shouldn't require an air space between the clapboards and sheathing. Appropriate installation of cedar clapboard is time-consuming, but cedar is an attractive, traditional siding choice for your home.
An A-frame house combines walls and roofing into one element. A-frames have a high peak and gable-like slopes on two sides to near the ground, eliminating conventional side walls. The A-frame is a popular style in mountain regions and areas with heavy snow, because moisture slides easily down the slopes and does not pile up on the roof, according to Anna Riera Aragay in "Architectural Houses: Houses in the High Mountains." Because of its special style, an A-frame may be covered with standard vinyl siding, installed like wall siding. Rent scaffolding to provide a stable work platform. Get scaffolding long…
Structures with aluminum siding rarely have siding on the doors in addition to the aluminum on the walls. Usually the door openings are trimmed with aluminum siding J-channel, and the doors themselves are painted to match or coordinate with the siding color. J-channel should be installed before the aluminum siding itself, so install the J-channel at the same time as the aluminum siding starter strips.
A single-wide mobile home is easily updated with wood siding. This attractive feature draws many homeowners to the added expense. Although trailers are notorious for poor insulation -- losing heat in the winter and absorbing too much heat during the summer -- siding provides a solution. In addition, the installation of these layers helps bring down your gas and electric bills.
As you attach siding to your house, you will probably encounter exterior electrical outlets and lighting fixtures that must be covered by protective J-box casings. J-boxes come in different styles for different purposes, but the installation process is generally the same for each type. On boxes where wires must be pulled through the front of the J-box, as in the case of a light fixture, the J-box will look like a solid panel with a single hole through the center. In the case of an electrical outlet, typically the face of the J-box will be a door that opens to…
The use of aluminum siding on American houses has declined in recent years, despite improvements in the material. Aluminum siding is now thicker, sturdier and less subject to damage from such things as hail. Vinyl siding has made inroads in the marketplace, however, because it usually is cheaper and can be as durable and attractive. Aluminum and vinyl siding are installed basically the same way, with panels that snap together on the bottom and fasten into J-channel and other securing strips on corners and edges.
Sometimes referred to as "smart siding," SmartSide siding is a trademark of LP Building Products. The siding is constructed of wood strand or fibers as well as other materials to deter decay and pests. Since the siding is made of wood fibers, you can use tools equipped with wood-cutting blades or drill bits when working with it. You will need to use metal, rather than wood, studs when installing SmartSide siding, as well as self-tapping metal screws instead of nails. Choose weather-resistant screws when attaching siding to protect it from the elements.
If you plan to finish a basement for use as a living space, soffits can help minimize the appearance of pipes and duct work along the basement ceiling. Wood soffits can give your basement living area a clean, finished look. Although homeowners typically paint or stain soffits, you can also apply stucco to wood soffits to customize your basement space. Applying stucco to wood is a relatively straightforward task; but it can also be a time-consuming process.
The specific product you select to protect your wood siding will require evaluating your wood and its exposure to the elements and/or foot traffic. The location in which you live matters as well. A humid environment calls for more concern about waterproofing, for example. A hot environment signals more precaution needed for sun exposure. By knowing how to review wood siding preservative products, you will have sufficient knowledge to discuss your choice with local retailers when you make a purchase.
The recladding process involves replacing the synthetic stucco on a house, and recladding in itself isn't good or bad. Decisions to replace stucco mostly depend upon its condition. Recladding can help extend the life of a home by preventing other problems that contribute to a home's deterioration.
Adding a porch can improve a house by providing more useful space. Porches once were common in residential areas. People sat on them in evenings and chatted with passersby. The rise of automobile use and suburban subdivisions curtailed porch construction for many years, but there has been a revival of interest, and many homeowners are adding them as of 2012. Check building codes before planning any porch construction. Permits may be required and many areas have street setback requirements, which affect porch placement.
When you consider the installation cost of liquid vinyl siding, it makes sense to apply the coating yourself. Liquid vinyl siding is a latex elastomeric paint that has been fortified with ceramic additives that can provide insulating benefits. Several national brands offer elastomeric paints with lengthy warranties and extensive color choices, and the ceramic additives are also commonly available. If applied and maintained properly, your DIY version of liquid vinyl siding will provide many years of service.
Homeowners appreciate natural stone mantels for their beauty and elegance, but they often choose cultured stone to create this effect because of the lower cost and ease of installation. Solid stone is expensive and cumbersome to handle because it weighs more than cultured stone. Cultured stone is created to imitate the appearance and texture of natural stone and is available in a large variety of textures and colors. Install a cultured stone mantel over your fireplace for a realistic stone look.
Installing clapboard siding on large houses is no different from installation on smaller houses. Although more material is required, the procedure is the same. Although many siding options are available, including metal and vinyl, consider horizontally installing wedge-shaped clapboards. Have the lumberyard cut it for you. Use the widest clapboards available along each wall. Maintain an overlap of 1 1/2 inches between courses.
Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable types of siding you can choose to install on the exterior of your home. It is consequently one of the easiest to install as well, making it ideal if you are a do-it-yourselfer. The process for installing the vinyl siding on the underside of the eaves and overhangs of the roof where it meets the house is straightforward. Use the same tools you would have used for the vinyl installation on the side of the house.
Open wire feedlines are two wires configured in a parallel configuration. Each conductor is separated by a glass or plastic insulator, keeping the two conductors isolated from one another to ensure proper signal conducting. Open wire feedlines convert to coaxial for connection to the Ham radio inside the structure, offering a quick and standard connection point. If you need to punch though metal siding to get the coaxial cable from the feedline to the radio, there are certain steps you should follow.
You can measure a hexagon's sides in a very specific way. Find out how to measure a hexagon's sides with help from an experienced math tutor in this free video clip.
Cedar siding is used for exterior walls and decking materials. Although it is a softer wood and may be more susceptible to impact damage, cedar siding has a rich, unique color and produces a natural deterrent to mold and pests. Conversion factors are the details and calculations used to determine how much cedar siding you need for a specific project. Conversion takes into account the type of work you are doing and the necessary detail of the siding.
T1-11 is natural looking siding made from natural materials. It is a durable product, but susceptible to rot in moist conditions. It must be painted every 10 to 15 years to keep the protection given by the paint. Vinyl siding is made from PVC, polyvinyl chloride, which needs little maintenance after installation. It is a wood look-alike product that is colored when it is made. This long lasting product is easy to care for and does not need any painting.
Vinyl is usually a low-maintenance material that requires very little cleaning. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on its surface, dulling the glossy finish of vinyl. Some of the dirt and oils on a person’s hand are also transferred when vinyl side railing is used. You can restore the gloss in a few ways, depending on just how strongly affixed the dirt is to the railing.
The standard residential roof, framed with 2-by-6 rafters, is an optimal spot for adding insulation because heat escapes through the roof, resulting in higher energy costs. Local building codes regulate the minimum amount of insulation contractors must install in new homes, but existing homes can benefit from roof insulation as well. Because the thermal resistance value — or R-value — increases with the thickness of the insulation, for the maximum energy-saving benefit you might have to increase rafter depth.
Gravity drains are based on the principle that water flows downhill. They're installed on a sloped channel that allows gravity to carry water away to a safe discharge point. Plastic pipe is typically used for the drain and buried in the channel to terminate in a swale, ditch or open area where the water flows into a municipal system or disperses. Pipes may be perforated or solid, depending on the application -- solid pipes are best for fast water removal while perforated pipes allow water to infiltrate slowly into the ground and gradually reduce the amount of runoff.
Porches are made in all sizes and shapes, from a small entry at a front door to a long wrap-around across the front and down a side of a house. The size and style will vary with the design of the basic house. All porches are improved with roofs, which protect them from sun and rain and extend their usefulness. Adding a roof to a porch is a complex task, varying with the size and type; a wood-framed porch and a concrete slab will require different techniques. All porch roofs, however, must at some point be attached to the house.
External insulation and stucco siding are installed on the outside of concrete foundation walls to insulate the interior of your basement. Incorrectly installed insulation and stucco can result in insect infestations or water damage later on. During the filling process, your insulation and siding can suffer mechanical damage from heavy equipment or improper filling techniques.
You can change the appearance of your home or improve its durability by installing new siding. Besides appearance, climate and budget can determine your choice of siding. Before you hire a contractor to install siding, make sure that you ask for references and obtain several cost estimates. Brick siding and seamless steel siding are low-maintenance options that can last for 40 years or more when properly installed.
Restoring board and batten cedar siding on the exterior of your home is not a complicated process if you utilize the right products. Board and batten siding is generally placed on a structure in a vertical fashion. The battens are narrow strips of wood placed over the seams in the boards underneath. This gives the building an old-fashioned appearance that is pleasing to many homeowners. Regular maintenance restores the cedar so it is long-lasting and attractive for many years.
HardiePlank is a fiber-cement siding product. The first plank is installed at the bottom of the wall and subsequent planks overlap the previous plank by a minimum of 1 1/4 inches. A jig that holds the current plank so it correctly overlaps the previous plank makes installation easier and faster. You can buy commercial jigs that hold the planks in place, or you can make your own.
The 1998 model year was a big one for the S10, as it received its most modern upgrade of its long production life. Gone were the sunken headlights from the previous four years of the second generation S10, and in came a new grille with flush-mounted headlights. The remainder of the S10’s body retained the same styling as the other second generation S10s. Replacing the exterior mirror on the 1998 S10 is not a complex task, but it require removing the door panel to gain access to the mirror’s mounting hardware.
Brick walls surrounding a home provide a sense of elegance, warmth and permanency lacking in most other materials. Whether built to section off a garden, provide privacy from nosy neighbors or just add a decorative element, brick walls never go out of style. Sometimes, however, the walls need extending. Unfortunately, brick work labor is very expensive. The good news is that while adding height is easier than length, doing either yourself is feasible. Work carefully and match the new pattern to the old to create a stylish, practical addition.
Walls protected with cedar shingles need refitting before installing vinyl siding, but the cedar shingles can stay in place. Building codes require continuous weatherproof sheathing beneath vinyl siding, and a shingled wall does not satisfy that requirement. Any existing moisture problems need correction before installing new siding. Siding can trap moisture and increase mold and wood rot in a damaged wall.
Stucco has been used as a finish for exterior walls for centuries, and the process of applying stucco hasn't changed much in all that time. A stucco wall still consists of multiple coats of plaster or cement with a final decorative finish created with an outer coat called a texture coat.
PlasDeck is a synthetic boat decking that mimics the look of teak. Made of PVC, PlasDeck resists stains and wear. It never needs painting or oiling. The decking is designed for the do-it-yourselfer to install. You can arrange the deck in a design of your choice. Depending on the size of your boat deck, you'll need a day or two to prep and install PlasDeck decking.
Vinyl siding is a common choice of home cladding for homeowners due to its durability. However, siding can be expensive, so you may choose to install it yourself and save some money. If you have the right tools, the job should be suited to the avid do-it-yourselfer. Plan ahead and make sure you have your supplies before you start so you don't get stuck partway through the project. Consult your siding instructions before you begin, to see if you need any special tools available only from your siding's manufacturer.
HardiPlank is a brand name of fiber cement siding that can appear in different textures, including wood paneling. HardiPlanks can be installed in a variety of ways, and one common method is to mount the plank siding over existing panels with lath strips. Lath strips are pieces of wood that act similar to drywall and help prevent gaps in the installation. HardiPlanks can be installed directly over the lath strips with the help of an EZ line alignment tool.
Standard screw-style hooks that you would use for wood or masonry walls aren’t recommended for vinyl siding, but there are a variety of hooks available that are specifically designed for use with vinyl. These hooks are typically categorized as flush-mount “S” hooks, “J” hooks or mounting clips. They install on your siding without making holes or dents or leaving rust stains.
Stucco is a building material often used in the southwest for exterior applications, such as siding. Stucco can be made from a mixture of sand and cement, or a synthetic material called Exterior Insulation and Finish. Stucco provides many pros and cons, which should be thoroughly analyzed before you commit to using this material for your home.
Harsh winter conditions can cause roofing and vinyl siding damage when ice builds up in the crevices and separations between materials. This action can cause moisture intrusion in the underlying materials when temperatures warm and the ice gradually melts. Periodically inspect the home envelope structure, especially where vinyl siding joins the roof and other areas at the roof line where materials meet. Additional measures to insulation attic areas will help prevent the formation of ice dams and resulting roof and siding damage.
Particle board is a relatively inexpensive material to use in cabinet construction. You may need to attach a particle board side on a cabinet that you are building or repairing. The methods for attaching a particle board cabinet side are similar to those used to attach a cabinet side made of other materials. You can attach a particle board cabinet side yourself and save money. You do not need to hire a professional cabinet maker or carpenter to do the job.
The plastic housing on the outside of your KitchenAid water dispenser hides the internal wiring connections and switches and provides protection for the control panel and dispenser paddles. You might need to change the housing if the plastic cracks or suffers damage. The controls for the water and ice dispenser are often part of the housing. Some instructions may vary when applied to your particular model of KitchenAid refrigerator.
