Archive for July, 2009

Jul 22 2009

Solar Roof Vent

Published by Modesto Decorator under Roofing

In today’s society, homeowners are struggling to make ends meet. With electric rates always on the increase, homeowners are hesitant to use any more electricity that is needed. They turn off air conditioners, and even their roof vents. Experts advise that by doing this, they are at risk for even costlier repair.

Solar power is an option that more and more homeowners are tuning to. It has come a long way in recent decades. New technology has brought forth new developments in the industry of solar power. One of these developments is solar roof vents.

A solar roof vent is very simply an attic fan that is runs on solar energy instead of electricity. A solar roof vent has a fan that is powered by the sun to remove heat and moisture from attics.

A solar roof vent can save the homeowner money in a number of different ways. First, more solar energy is stored than the solar roof vent uses because the roof is always in direct sunlight. Special collectors are placed on the roof on either side of the solar roof vent.

A solar roof vent is more efficient than an electric vent because it is working continuously. With electric, the temperature has to reach a certain degree before it starts. Over time, this can damage your home resulting in possibly thousands of dollars in repairs.

There is a charge for electricity every time it starts. It can add up to $30 a month on your electric bill. When you look at your yearly usage rate, you will find that your energy consumption is higher than what it should be.

Over time, using this an electric roof vent could damage the shingles on your roof. Whereas a solar roof vent works continuously to keep your attic cool and there are no charges at all.

Because it is continuously removing moisture from the attic, mold and mildew do not have a chance to grow. This creates fewer allergens in your home, thereby making it healthier.

Solar roof vents can be found in any hardware store or home improvement store.
They can also be found on the Internet by doing a Google search.
Although the prices vary from state to state, they are relatively inexpensive, averaging around $600 dollars.

A trained professional can install them in less than half an hour. Using a licensed contractor is recommended because there are a lot of things to take into consideration such as electrical lines inside the walls. It is not a do-it-yourself task. They are also insured if any mishaps occur.

With a solar roof vent, you are not only doing something to help yourself save money, you are also helping to keep the environment cleaner and safe.

More and more homeowners are recognizing the benefits of solar power. They want to save as much money as they can and are making the decision to install solar roof vents as part of an overall plan to save money.

David Evermon has been involved in many environment related projects, writing on many subjects related to the environment and project management his hobbies and knowledge of construction, David writes articles about Solar Roof Vent

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Jul 21 2009

8 Ways On How Not To Screw Up A Roof Installation

Published by Modesto Decorator under Roofing

There are many ways to screw up a roof installation, but only one way to do it right. I will show you most of the common mistakes and how to avoid them. Read these carefully and watch out for that construction team. If by any chance you are going for the DYI approach you will have to watch steps with even more attention.

1)The first step and one of the most overlooked one is to only build in the right conditions. Roofing under 35 degrees Fahrenheit should never be attempted. This is mostly due to security reasons. You need a dry working area otherwise it can get very slippery. Of course I don’t expect anyone to carry a thermometer around, you should always consider common sense. Look at the roof before going on top of it. If it looks moist stay away from it. If you find this to be harsh, try doing something else in the meantime, bring your roofing supplies closer, analyze what has been done so far, do some measurements, resize the materials if needed. Only a fraction from a roof installation is actually done on the roof.

2)Avoid walking on an installed roof. This is critical when it comes to tile or slate roofs. Ant true professional will avoid this at almost any cost and will always have an escape route which doesn’t affect the already installed portions of roof. This is a very good way to detect inexperienced roof contractors. True professionals respect their work. Even with metallic sheet roofs, this should be avoided, because although they are very unlikely to break, they can bend and can remain that way.

3)Use a roof consultant. The fee you will pay will probably be one of the best investments you ever made. There are many hidden dangers that can affect the quality of roofing. Getting your facts and priorities has proven time and time again an invaluable factor. Making an informed choice and getting a glimpse in what your future roof should look like is sometimes the best choice available and can save you the cost of many mistakes.

4)Get the flashing right. Flashing is a critical part in regards to a roof’s longevity. A poorly made job can ruin an entire roof. This is not the most difficult task at hand, but it is very important to get it right. First make sure you get the right supplies as the flashing metal must come in an appropriate size. Typically there are two ways of acquiring flashing overlapping and soldering. Soldering is the most difficult one to properly get it right. It is usually used for chimneys and low slopes. Get those corners right and make sure that no water can leak from the chimney. If by any chance a contractor puts a strong emphasis on the underlayment you should have all the alarm bells ringing. A good roof may actually require no underlayment at all. It is a sign that the builder is not very confident in its own work and thus neither should you. So please make sure that the overlapping is positive and that soldering jobs are done with the thermal contraction and expansion in mind. This also means that you should always do your flashing consistently, meaning that you should use the same metal on all the roof. Stainless steel is I think the best choice that you have available as it is both durable and flexible, if on the other hand you intend to make a DYI job, aluminium might be the right choice as it is very to bend, a warning though aluminium flashing won’t last very long.

5)Get the right materials. And by this I mean that all the materials you buy should have just about the same longevity. If you are building a slate roof designed to last 200 years, it is not very wise to use plywood which will last 20 years. If on the other hand you intention to build a roof with small durability as a temporary solution, plywood will do just fine. Nails are also very important. They can be easily overlooked and are seen by the contractors as a mean to cut costs. The problem is that you will get what you pay for. Go the extra mile and buy some decent nails or at least make sure that the contractor does. Remind them gently and they will likely get them right.

6)Get the right tools. I know that this sounds obvious, but I have seen countless situations when the construction of a roof was greatly delayed simply because a crowbar could not be found anywhere around. Before you actually start building make sure that you have the proper tools.

7)When dealing with contractors make sure that everything is specified in the contract. The type of material used down to every single detail, the time required and the payment options. Look carefully before you sign anything. You won’t need the help of a lawyer, most likely you will need the help of someone who actually knows something about roofing. This is extremely important as one you sign that contract you engage yourself in a very long and possible hard ride. Be careful and read everything.

8)Stay away from inexperienced contractors. This is critical. Before you actually choose a contractor ask for a portfolio and some proof of their qualification, friends can be priceless as their advice based on experience can help you to quickly locate a good contractor.

Ronald has been in the roofing industry for over 15 years and has worked in residential and commercial environments. To get classic roofing tips and step to step instructions on picking and installing the perfect roof for your home, visit http://www.dtsarchitects.com , his roofs site.

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Jul 20 2009

Elements and Examples of Beam Design

Published by Modesto Decorator under New Construction

The elements of beam design is a topic of great interest for structural engineers and contractors. Beam design is integral in the design and construction of a structure. Most structural beams are comprised of wood, steel or concrete. Each of these construction materials reacts differently under the stress of a load. Each also has its own unique advantages.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Concrete Beams

Concrete beams are most often seen in commercial construction, such as in the erection of multi-level parking decks, hospitals, and large hotels. Concrete beams are also commonly used as bridge and highway supports. Some concrete beams are used in conjunction with steel beams to provide added strength. Newer concrete beams may also contain a hybrid material of traditional concrete mixed with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) or Carbon FRP.

Concrete is a strong building material, but it is susceptible to water damage and cracking. Iron bars are often included in the beams to add strength and stability over areas prone to greater stress. Concrete beams area also desirable for their ability to absorb sound and vibration.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Steel Beams

One very common type of steel beam is the I-beam. These I shaped beam are strong and moderately affordable. Steel beams are capable of supporting heavy loads without experiencing great amounts of deflection by distributing the load of the structure over the flange of the beam. Steel beams may be treated to prohibit corrosion and oxidation, especially when used near or under water, such as in bridge construction.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Wood Beams

Wood beams are common in residential structures. Wood beams may be notched or jointed together for added strength. Wood beams are inexpensive and easy to alter to a builder’s specifications. However, they are also susceptible to rot and insect infestation. Specially treated wood beams are now available that resist decomposition, moisture and insects, making them an attractive choice in beam materials for most homeowners.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Flitch Beams

Flitch beams are specially constructed beams that join a steel plate with adjacent wood panels to form one composite structural beam. These flitch beams are strong, yet less expensive and lighter than solid steel beams. The construction of a flitch beam results in a reduction of the overall size of the beam, and the wooden exterior also allows the builder to nail the beam to other existing wooden structures in the home.

Elements and examples of beam designs are plentiful. Beam design and selection are an important part of the construction process and the wide variety of beams to choose from allow a builder to meet the needs of each project more easily.

Josh Parker is a staff writer for Strucalc – Stuctural Analysis Software Company. StruCalc is one of the most intuitive structural analysis and design programs available. With structural analysis software, you can Quickly size beams, columns, and footings with StruCalc 7.0 Software. Strucalc offers quality, professional software, built with strict engineering methods and specifications to every business in need of an easy to use, affordable software package.

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Jul 19 2009

Custom Homes 101 – A Buyer’s Guide to Success

Published by Modesto Decorator under New Construction

So you have decided to turn your dream home into a reality, and you are looking for a custom home builder to make it happen. In that case, congratulations are in order. Moving up to that kind of property is an exciting step.

But it also requires more homework than when buying a more traditional home. You must do more research and consider more things when having a custom home built from the ground up. There are three primary reasons for this:

1. For obvious reasons, there is usually more money on the line with these types of properties.
2. Building a customized home takes longer and requires more input from you.
3. The word “custom” means different things to different builders, so the process can vary quite a bit.

More Builders Today Than 10 Years Ago

One bit of good news for buyers is that there are many more custom builders today than there were just a few years ago. The reason for this can be summed up with one word — demand. The consumer demand for these types of houses has risen steeply over the past couple of decades. And anytime demand for a certain product rises, there will be more providers looking to get in on the action. To an extent, this has been the case with custom builders.

Of course, this has a down-side to it as well. For one thing, it means you’ll have to do more homework when screening builders for your project. In a major metropolitan city, for example, you could realistically have ten or more to choose from.

On top of this, there are also builders entering the custom market who lack experience at that level. Though they are the exception to the rule (a case of bad apples spoiling the bunch), they pose a risk nonetheless. You’ve probably seen one of these stories on the news in the past, where a project got abandoned halfway through, the buyers had to sue, etc.

The good news, as I’ve said, is that most custom builders are very good at what they do and take great pride in their work. In addition, it’s fairly easy to avoid the “shady” characters within this particular industry. With a little homework, you can find out which builders in town have the best reputations, and which ones have the worst. The Internet makes this kind of research even easier. Google is your friend during this process!

What Does “Custom” Mean to the Builder?

This is another topic worth addressing. Many consumers don’t realize that any licensed building firm can refer to itself as a custom builder. There is no special certification to create those kinds of homes. So many who enter the field may have general construction experience, but a lack of experience customizing floor plans and properties.

And while we are on the topic, what exactly does the word “custom” mean to the builder anyway? Here again, the standards are loose. Is it the same as a luxury home? And what the heck does semi-custom mean?

Here’s an easy way to look at it. A truly custom builder can create a one-of-a-kind home for you. They can either design it from scratch, or work from plans created by an architect. Either way, the end product is the same — a house that is built for you, from the floor to the ceiling.

On the other hand, some homes labeled as “custom” do not live up to that label. If it starts with a common floor plan and merely adds on a few customizable options here and there, it does not deserve the label. Sure, it may be luxurious, and you might be able to provide some input on certain features. But if it’s built from a common floor plan, then it’s not a one-of-a-kind custom home. Keep this in mind when choosing a building firm to work with.

Three Important Questions to Ask

And while we are talking about choosing builders, let’s address some of the questions you should ask along the way. When you consider the amount of time, money and energy that go into these projects, it becomes clear why should ask the right questions in advance. Here are a few good ones to start with.

1. How many homes do you build each year?

This will give you insight into the company’s experience, as well as their completion rate. Do they start more projects than they finish, or do they complete all projects within a reasonable time frame?

2. Have you ever operated under a different name?

Some people feel like they are being too nosy when asking a question like this, but it’s a perfectly fair question to ask. Remember the “bad apples” we talked about earlier? Many of them will simply open up under a new company name, if their reputation gets bad enough. You need to know this information when doing your Internet research.

3. Can I speak to some of your past clients?

Sure, their brochure says they are one of the best builders around. But that’s just marketing language. Other companies will say the same thing. The best way to get an honest assessment of the builder’s service and quality is by speaking with some of their past clients. Most reputable builders will have a list of references prepared in advance, because (A) they know you will ask for it and (B) they are proud to show it off. If they can’t give you any names … it’s a red flag.

Brandon Cornett is the publisher of the Home Buying Institute, which has recently launched a new service to help buyers find talented custom home builders in the same city. To learn more about this subject, please visit http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/custom.

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Jul 18 2009

Structural Framing Beams

Published by Modesto Decorator under New Construction

Let’s start with the beams. They can be Glulam, Parallam, Microlam or even wood beams. What are all of these and why do I need them in my house. The beams are used to hold up parts of the house and are located in your walls, roofs and floors. Beams are used to transfer a load from one point to another.

Structural framing beams allow the architect to create large openings, floors and roofs in your house. The beams are also used to support the weight over the doors, windows and other openings in your home. These beams support massive amounts of weight in some cases and are even made of steel if needed.

Another growing problem is the lack of old growth trees in the forest. If we just used wood beams with out using the new engineered beams we would have to cut down a lot more of the bigger trees. So you can add these guys to your Christmas list. The lumber or wood engineers have come up with all sorts of alternatives for new building products. These new beams are just some of them. Keep up the good work guys…

Glulam is a engineered wood product comprised of wood laminations, or 2 x 4s that are bonded together with strong, waterproof adhesives. If you use a Glulam beam on the buildings exterior you will have to order a exterior Glulam beam. In this case the manufacture will use special exterior rated glues for the beam.

When ordering any wood engineered beams specify to the lumber yard what you are using the beam for. Exterior or Interior of the building. If you use a interior glulam over time there is a good chance of the beam delaminating or cracking apart.

Parallam is made from almost all of the wood on the log using veneer strands that are aligned parallel for maximum strength. The end product is a rectangular beam; which is longer, thicker, and stronger than solid-sawn lumber. They are often used as beams, headers, columns, and posts, among others uses.

Microllam is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives. It offers several advantages over typical milled lumber: it is stronger, straighter, and more uniform. It is much less likely than conventional lumber to warp, twist, bow, or shrink due to its composite nature. Made in a factory under controlled specifications, Microllam products allow users to reduce the onsite labor. They are typically used for headers, beams, rim board, and edge-forming material.

These beams come in all sorts of different lengths, widths and heights. They are engineered to hold amazing amounts of weight. They really are great engineering marvels.

Tip: I have had to replace almost all of these types of beams over the years due to some form of damage. Like anything else in your home if it is used improperly there is a good chance your are going to have some sort of failure. I have seen people add weight to these structural beams with no thought of them ever failing.

If you are planning on building a room addition, rebuilding your roof, adding a floor or any other type of construction where you are adding a addition load to your house. You might want to consult with a building contractor or structural engineer.

Thanks Greg For Another Super Article On Home Building. For more great articles visit Greg at http://gregvan.com/

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 stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Causes of Structural Failure

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Jul 17 2009

Marble Kitchen Countertops – Are They Any Good?

When we think of marble we tend to think of luxury largely due to the fact that it is so widely used in palaces and other important buildings. It is a beautiful stone which is can’t fail to be impressive. However if you think that marble makes an ideal kitchen countertop, you may be surprised to learn that it actually quite porous and scratches easier than the likes of granite. Marble is not the cheapest of countertops to purchase so you really need to know what you are getting as you may find that you would prefer granite, quartz or some other material instead.

Caring for Marble

If you really have your heart set on marble then you will need to make sure that you look after it really well. Using a sealer is an absolute must, also be quick in wiping up any spills, particularly wine and fruit juice. Otherwise you can end up with permanent surface etching. Be careful with what you clean marble with as using abrasives and caustic cleaners will cause damage. Also never rub with oil or wax.

The most durable form of marble is one which is “honed”. This means that it hasn’t been polished so has no shine and can be scrubbed using abrasives, beach and soap.

Alternatives to Real Marble

Cultured Marble is synthetic but looks like real marble. Some benefits include: much cheaper than real marble, does not need to be sealed, more resistant to scratches and can be easily resurfaced if damaged.

Quartz is made up of 90% quartz and 10% epoxy resin, is extremely durable, requires no sealing and comes in a variety of colors. One manufacturer of quartz, Silestone, has even introduced Microban which prevents to growth of bacteria and germs.

Granite is a natural stone and is considerably more durable than marble so will last for a good number of years. Although granite requires sealing, this is a simple process and shouldn’t put you off. Granite is also about the same price as marble so you won’t need to pay any extra.

If you are still unsure as to what type of countertop to buy then it is best to read as much as you can on each material as they all have their pros and cons. If you are an avid cook then there is more risk of you accidentally damaging your marble and because it is not a material which can be easily fixed I would suggest you have closer look at buying granite.

George Kerr has previously worked as a kitchen designer and is currently renovating his home. He has written many articles relating to kitchen countertops including marble and granite.

http://www.finerliving.net

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Jul 17 2009

Buying the Right Bookcase

Almost everybody needs to have bookcases in their home, especially if there are students in the house that use books to study with.  It is also helpful to have a bookcase to ensure that your valuable books are safe and your home stays tidy. Traditionally solid oak bookcases are kept in a lounge, a study, or a bedroom.  A bookcase is perfect in any area that is used to unwind, relax, or study.  Almost any room is perfect for a bookcase.

There are many kinds of bookcases to choose from, from modern to stylish, from cheap to traditional, each type has a purpose.  Bookcases are no longer just used to hold books.  You can choose styles that are designed to hold CDs or DVD’s perfectly.  These usually have a rack going up the middle and wider shelves on each side.

It is important to choose a bookcase that will be practical for the rule.  If you own lots of books than you should consider buying a floor to ceiling model.  If you own just a few books you can choose one that is smaller so things can be displayed on top of it.  This is a good option if you have a small room.  The bookshelf can be used to hold a stereo, TV, or decorative ornaments.  If the bookcases are placed in a dining room or lounge it’s a good idea to choose a semi bookcase or bureau style that has shelves on the top half and cupboards on the bottom.  This option provides you with extra storage for your possessions.

Be sure to choose a color that will complement the rest of your furnishings.  The best choice would be solid wood or a faux wood finish since it looks more traditional.  You can find some nice ones with a simulated wood finish that are affordable and realistic looking.  If possible, invest in real wood, since it will last for years.

There are some very stylish models that include metal and glass constructions in unusual shapes like a wave.  This kind will lead to a sleek element to any room while curved shapes add styled to your room.  The other options include colorful plastic cues that are stackable in a variety of ways.  These can be filled with ornaments or books, depending on what you like.

You must think about the size, color, and space as the main components of your bookcase.  Be sure to take accurate measurements of the room prior to shopping for furniture.  This makes it easier to choose a bookcase that will definitely fit.

If you don’t take the time to choose a bookcase that complements the rest of your furnishings, it will look out of place.  If possible purchase matching oak file cabinet or a desk to really finish the look of a home office.  You will know what is best for your home; just keep the three components in mind.

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Jul 16 2009

Discover Why You Should Invest In Kitchen Cabinet Lighting

On the market today there are many different styles and types of kitchen lighting fixtures that brings great versatility in home lighting and kitchen cabinet lighting. Some of these options are very economical on your electricity bill like fluorescent and xenon lighting. These are excellent choices because they really help save energy costs which are comparatively lower than traditional overhead incandescent lighting fixtures.

If having a well lit, functional dining and kitchen area is your concern then you’ll definitely want to look at lighting fixtures that are especially designed to add luster and ambience to your dining and cooking experience. This sort of decorative functional lighting works well with darkly coloured counter tops and cabinets stained in deep, rich colors with accent kitchen lighting mounted under the lining or in the deep recesses of the units to give that illuminated effect. However, some people still think that these attractive features are still a tad too dark as they don’t illuminate corners and places beyond a certain perimeter. This is where additional kitchen cabinet lighting can be the answer to shedding some light on your cooking space. And you don’t have to worry about losing your decorative ambience since these lights are used on an as needed basis.

In times past the most frequently used color in kitchens was white. Occasionally other very light colours like rose white or apple white would also be used but the significance of the light color of walls, appliances and even floors was that the room had a natural illuminated ambiance that didn’t call for much lighting other than the standard wall or ceiling fixture.

But as times changed and people grew bolder and experimented with colors, there was greater need for accent and additional kitchen lighting since these colors were darker and therefore less naturally illuminating. The 70’s was a particularly good year for colors and a general shift in kitchen décor where colors like browns, oranges and mustard-yellow colors that gave the room a little character started surfacing. But this did little for illuminating the cooking space. This darker lighting scheme paved the way for kitchen cabinet lighting, only in less subtle ways as many homeowners chose to add fluorescent lights to their kitchens and baths to shed some more light into these rooms. Kitchen cabinet lighting became mainstreamed a little later in kitchen decorating ideas especially since fluorescent lights weren’t the best alternative in these rooms.

Fluorescent lights give a type of illumination that “moves” or vibrates on the onlookers eyes. It usually causes headaches and dizziness and many people can’t seem to explain why they get these symptoms, but exposure to this type of light for a long period of time has a lot to do with it for many people. This is probably why kitchen cabinet lighting has developed into a mainstay in today’s kitchen. You can choose from a variety of styles and from an array of innovative designs that will make your cooking area attractive as well as functional. They look good and they help you get the job done. You can’t ask for more from lighting!

One Final Piece Of Advice: Get as many ideas as you can before starting any project so do visit home improvement tips and ideas a site offering resources on issues like great bathroom decor, laying ceramic tiles and bathroom faucets to suit any budget.

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Jul 15 2009

Home Improvement – Why Choose Corian Style Counters?

For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a gathering place where kids do homework, events of the day are discussed, and meals are prepared and shared. Because we spend so much time in our kitchens, investing in kitchen home improvement can have a positive impact on our daily lives. High quality and energy efficient appliances can help ease the business of living, while Corian style counters can add both beauty and functionality to the space where we spend so much time.

The Advantages of Corian Style Counters

Corian counters, also known as solid surface kitchen tops, offer a number of advantages over plastic laminate or ceramic tile countertops. Although plastic laminate countertops are fairly durable and inexpensive, they consist of only a single surface layer of color. This surface can fade over time, and can be damaged by cuts from knives or other sharp objects. They can also become damaged from direct heat. Although laminate countertops may look nice when they’re first installed, they’re not easily repaired and can begin to look worn relatively quickly.

Tile countertops are heat resistant, but using tiles and grout means that the countertop is often uneven. In addition, it can be difficult to clean the grout lines, which can become stained over time. Furthermore, ceramic tile can crack and chip, and replacing damaged tiles is a daunting tasks.

Corian solid surface counters, on the other hand, are nonporous, and so are both heat- and water-resistant. They’re smooth for easy cleaning, and generally have no visible seams. Furthermore, because the color goes all the way through the material (instead of a single layer, as is the case with plastic laminate) scratches can be buffed or sanded out. They can also have resistance to mold and bacteria, which ensures that your family isn’t inadvertently exposed to illness.

Corian Colors and Corian Pricing

While it’s true that plastic laminate countertops come in virtually limitless colors and designs, there are a myriad of Corian colors that are sure to complement your kitchen design. The best way to choose Corian colors is to obtain samples, and then to coordinate with the colors of your cabinets, appliances and walls.

Traditionally, Corian pricing has been high when compared to other types of kitchen tops. However, if you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, there are now Corian style counters available that you can install yourself. These kits consist of prefabricated elements based on the design of your specific kitchen, and can contain everything from your Corian style counters to glue to an instructional DVD on installation. Corian solid surface kits cost about half of what you’d pay to buy Corian and have it installed by professionals.

Every home should have a kitchen that reflects the family’s lifestyle. Corian style counters can add a beautiful appearance and the type of functionality that today’s family needs.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Why Choose Corian Style Counters? or Majon’s Home Improvement directory.

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Jul 14 2009

How to Install a Hot Water Heater

Published by Modesto Decorator under Heating & Air

Hooking up a hot water heater is one of the more common home repair jobs and is easy to learn. But, be sure to read all of the directions before beginning. You do not want to find that you are stuck with no hot water.

Obviously, the first thing you must do is disconnect and remove the old hot water heater. Be careful, though, as it is still full of hot water. Turn off your gas or electricity, whichever is connected to the water heater. You then need to drain the water from the old heater. A drain valve should be on the heater for this purpose. For a gas heater, separate the vent pipe from the draft hood which should life off after you remove the sheet metal screw holding it. Confirm that the pilot light is out, disconnect the gas line at the heater and cap it.

You will next need to remove the water heater from the pipes, but be careful since the water pipes may still have hot water in them which is still hot enough to burn you. You may need to use some pipe wrenches to remove them, but there should not be many pipes connected so this step should take little time or effort. Once completed, you can remove the water heater and dispose of it. Keep in mind, though, that may local and state laws have restrictions on disposing of hot water heaters. Check with the local authorities for any disposal requirements in your area.

It is now time to install the new unit. Do not drag the new unit into your home as there are fragile parts inside that can be damaged if it is jolted too much. Try using a dolly to transport it into your home. Once moved, position the new heater so the piles can easily reach it. If you are using gas, be careful that the gas pipe can reach easily to prevent any gas leaks.

You now need to connect the hot and cold water, which is a simple process. Connect the new water heater to the same connections as the old one, and connect the third pipe to the main water line. If you are confused or there are no connections, refer to the user manual. Connecting the pipes is the most common mistake made during installation. You can test it by turning on the water. If the cold water turns hot and your hot water never warms, you will need to switch the pipes.

Next, you must locate the relief valve on the new hot water heater. The temperature and pressure relief valve is an important part of the system, as it releases excess heat and pressure automatically so that the unit does not explode. This is a valuable and important safety feature that is standard on all units. Finally, connect the new hot water heater to the power. Connect it either to the gas line or the electricity so the water can be heated. The instruction manual can explain how to do this.

Being particularly interested in cordless tools and power tools, Greg Hansward was authoring many informative papers in the area. You might see his abstracts on ryobi tools over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/ryols/index.html and different sources for ryobi tools information.

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