Chimney Caps
If you are working on a chimney while fuel-burning appliances are in use, be careful of the fumes exiting the flue liners. Toxic carbon monoxide can debilitate you causing you to become ill, lose your balance leading to a fall. If you have little ... [... more]
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Concrete Countertops
Let’s first talk about the economics of concrete countertops. You have a distinct advantage should you decide to make them as you would be paying yourself, not a professional, for the labor. Many of the materials needed to make the concrete ... [... more]
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Truss Uplift And Ceiling Cracks
Most simple roof trusses consist of a flat horizontal member called a bottom chord. The sloped portions of the truss that form the roof surface are called the top chords. The bottom chord in your house and many others like yours is probably ... [... more]
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Fireplace Design & Installation
Model building codes have required combustion air sources on all residential fireplaces. However, if you forget to open it or it is partially closed, the fireplace may not get enough air. Old houses are susceptible as well. In our pursuit of ... [... more]
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Condensation Problems
There are very few parts of the USA that don't have condensation problems. The first place that comes to mind is the Southwest. The humidity is low and temperatures can be high for the most part. Sure, there are parts of the Southwest that get ... [... more]
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Truss Uplift Hardware
What's more, both companies make a special little clip that attaches to the top of the interior walls. These clips restrain the drywall and allow it to stay in contact with the wall drywall as the truss moves up and down. I highly recommend that ... [... more]
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Plastic Laminate Countertops
Caring for your new laminate countertop is a breeze. The trick is to wipe up spills as fast as possible. Always use a mild liquid or powdered detergent to wash the countertops. Be sure to rinse the surface after cleaning. Some detergent residues ... [... more]
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Window Condensation - Causes / Prevention
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. As the temperature of the colder object gets colder, it takes less humidity in the air to produce condensation. This is why you need to manually regulate your indoor ... [... more]
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Chimney Cap & Crown
Some people choose to install metal hoods over the entire chimney to minimize weather damage. My neighbor has such a device. These caps help to stop some water infiltration into a chimney, but they don't stop driving, wind blown rains. Also, you ... [... more]
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New Countertops With Paint
Not only are we going to paint the tops, but I suggest you incorporate the extensive use of stencils to create decorative multi-colored patterns that will make your kitchen counter surfaces one-of-a-kind. Stencils are available at many large ... [... more]
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Water Heater Venting
The dynamics of drafting are complicated. Traditional masonry chimneys were designed and sized to vent very hot flue gases from old coal, wood burning, or low efficiency gas furnaces. Chimneys are like water pipes, they can only handle so much ... [... more]
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Granite Countertop Stains
The air pressure pushing on the suction cups exacerbated the situation. The 14 pounds per square inch +/- pressure on the other side of the granite from the cups pulled the saliva and moisture deeper into the granite. If saliva was just placed on ... [... more]
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