Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Difference Between Deck Stain and Deck Sealer
You will hear these two words used interchangeably by most people. An outdoor deck stain is actually a tinted deck sealer. Sealers will waterproof the deck and prevent moisture from causing damage to the wood. A clear sealer will protect the deck against moisture infiltration but will not prevent the deck from turning gray in the sun. Deck sealers were developed to provide UV protection and moisture protection in one step. Many people are under the misconception that you have to apply a deck stain and then follow with a type of sealer similar to what you would use on interior wood. This would be a bad practice. Interior clear coating sealers like urethanes and varnishes do not have the same vapor transmission characteristics as a product designed for exterior wood. This means that moisture will get trapped underneath a clear coat. That moisture will continuously fight to evaporate until eventually it finds a way out through a tiny fissure. This fissure will then expand and in a short time, your decks would be covered with bubbles and a peeling coating. This is very difficult to remove and could require an expensive intervention by a deck restoration company. The most popular deck stains out there made by Cabot’s, Wolman and Behr are actually all tinted deck sealers.
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Benefits of Concrete Cleaning
Pressure washing concrete is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal. Having your driveway and front sidewalk cleaned can add value to your home by improving its appearance. Concrete becomes contaminated with dirt, mold, mildew, tannin stains from leaves and sticks, rubber marks, oil, and sometimes irrigation rust stains.
A quality concrete cleaning contractor will know what to use on these stains and how to remove them to restore your concrete’s appearance. After being cleaned, your concrete can be sealed to help protect it from tannin stains and to make it easier to clean up. Concrete sealers come in clear high gloss or semi gloss finishes and some brands even offer a wide variety of colors. Other concrete surfaces that can be cleaned around your property are pool decks, porches, and patios.
Brick pavers can also be power washed and sealed with the proper type sealer to improve appearance and to stop moss and weeds from growing in between the pavers. Cleaning a large area of concrete, like a driveway, can be very tedious and painstaking for a do-it-yourselfer. A professional pressure washing company should have the right equipment and will be able to do the job in a timely manner at an affordable price.
A quality concrete cleaning contractor will know what to use on these stains and how to remove them to restore your concrete’s appearance. After being cleaned, your concrete can be sealed to help protect it from tannin stains and to make it easier to clean up. Concrete sealers come in clear high gloss or semi gloss finishes and some brands even offer a wide variety of colors. Other concrete surfaces that can be cleaned around your property are pool decks, porches, and patios.
Brick pavers can also be power washed and sealed with the proper type sealer to improve appearance and to stop moss and weeds from growing in between the pavers. Cleaning a large area of concrete, like a driveway, can be very tedious and painstaking for a do-it-yourselfer. A professional pressure washing company should have the right equipment and will be able to do the job in a timely manner at an affordable price.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Vinyl Replacement Windows - Learn How To Rate
Vinyl Replacement Windows, How Do You Rate Them?
I have been answering the same question over and over again on Home Improvement web-sites, which window is the best. Most window buyers have no idea how to rate a window company. Rating windows is not as easy as saying one is better than the other one. Consider these things when rating windows:
Looks - which window looks the best to you the owner. Does the window look good viewed from both the inside and the outside?
Function - does the window meet your needs? Do you want the sashes to tilt in for easy cleaning?
Options - does the window company offer the options that you need? How about colors, windows are now sold in several different color both on the inside and the outside. Window screen are now available with several different options.
Maintenance - do you want a window that is easy to clean and does not require any painting or staining?
Warranty - how long is the warranty that they offer? Will the company be around to honor the warranty? Does the warranty cover labor? Is the warranty pro-rated? Do you have to buy replacement parts at an inflated price?
NFRC Ratings - Do you care about how good the glass is? Do you understand the benefits of triple pane glass? Do you know the differences between the different spacers? Do you know about Argon gas or Kyrpton Gas?
Customer Service - will the company handle your window issues in a timely manner. If one of your sashes (glass) breaks how long will it take to get you a new one.
You should check the BBB reports, and several of the other on-line complaint databases to get a feel for what people are saying about a company.
I have been answering the same question over and over again on Home Improvement web-sites, which window is the best. Most window buyers have no idea how to rate a window company. Rating windows is not as easy as saying one is better than the other one. Consider these things when rating windows:
Looks - which window looks the best to you the owner. Does the window look good viewed from both the inside and the outside?
Function - does the window meet your needs? Do you want the sashes to tilt in for easy cleaning?
Options - does the window company offer the options that you need? How about colors, windows are now sold in several different color both on the inside and the outside. Window screen are now available with several different options.
Maintenance - do you want a window that is easy to clean and does not require any painting or staining?
Warranty - how long is the warranty that they offer? Will the company be around to honor the warranty? Does the warranty cover labor? Is the warranty pro-rated? Do you have to buy replacement parts at an inflated price?
NFRC Ratings - Do you care about how good the glass is? Do you understand the benefits of triple pane glass? Do you know the differences between the different spacers? Do you know about Argon gas or Kyrpton Gas?
Customer Service - will the company handle your window issues in a timely manner. If one of your sashes (glass) breaks how long will it take to get you a new one.
You should check the BBB reports, and several of the other on-line complaint databases to get a feel for what people are saying about a company.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Metal Roofs Are The Future Of The Roofing Industry
The fabrication process for a standing seam metal roofing system can be done in a couple of different manners, depending on your individual needs and preferences. One option is to have the panels made in a factory and the other is to make them right on the job.
The natural properties of a metal roof are very impressive. Metal panels are durable and long lasting as well as virtually maintenance free. They offer tons of remodeling benefits like the ability to be installed over almost any type of existing roof system and the wide array of color options and styles that can be used to match any home style.
Standing seam metal roofs have become popular in parts of the country that present harsh weather conditions such as the Deep South, where conditions are hot and humid for many months of the year. They are also admired by northerners because of their ability to withstand heavy snow and wind loads.
Some of the other advantages of significant value are the fire resistant properties and the universal styling that enables blending to almost any home's design. Metal roofs offer what many believe to be the perfect styles for upscale homes as well as homes of lesser value, such as mobile homes. The most popular of any style is the standing seam metal roof, which has been used throughout the world on almost every type of home imaginable.
A standing seam roof is constructed of many interlocking panels that run vertically from the roof's ridge (the top of the roof) to the eave. The interlocking seam where two panels join together is raised above the roof's flat surface, allowing water to run off without seeping between panels.
Standing seam roofs come in many shapes and sizes. In some instances, the vertical panels are cut to length at a factory and delivered to the job site. Metal panels can also be made at the job using portable metal fabrication equipment. Other options include standing seam "shingles" that arrive prepackaged (typically in three to five-foot lengths) and are installed in a staggered pattern for visual effect.
Two types of methods are commonly used to secure the panels to the roof sheathing. Hidden fasteners are secured to the raised portion of each panel, and subsequently covered by the next adjoining panel during installation. The second (and less costly) method utilizes exposed fasteners that are driven through each metal panel into the roof sheathing.
Now we can discuss how standing seam metal roofs are constructed. Let's assume the metal roof panels are going to be formed on the jobsite instead of in a metal fabricators shop or factory.
The metal roof panels are made individually to accommodate the required length. This reduces jobsite waste, as short and long panels can be cut to the appropriate length. To form the interlocking panes, a metal fabrication machine called a brake is used to shape metal into various designs.
To prevent damage to the ends of the roof panels, a hydraulic shear is used to cut each panel to the required length. Even though the roof panels require some trimming by hand, it only takes a few minutes to cut each one and prepare it for installation.
Each part of the metal roof system is installed in a certain order which creates a water resistant seal. First, roofing paper is installed over the roof sheathing.
Next, the roof's valleys (formed where two roof sections meet at an angle) are covered. A preformed ridge cap covers the roof's peak. Every vertical roof panel is fastened and adjoined to the ridge vent for a consistent look.
Each roof panel that runs from ridge to eave tucks neatly into the ridge vent. Clips secure each panel to the roof sheathing. Using hidden fasteners creates a more polished look once the job is completed.
The next adjoining panel will cover the clips that secure each panel (left). The raised seams formed by the panel ends are crimped together to form a watertight seal.
Adjoining roof panels are crimped to one another to cover the clips. Each panel hides the clips that secure the adjacent panel to the roof sheathing. By completely covering the fasteners, they are not exposed to the elements, reducing the possibility of water damaging the roof sheathing or the structural system below.
The final results: Ridge cap, valleys and vertical sections all come together to form a watertight seal against the elements. A properly installed metal roof can go many years with little or no maintenance.
The natural properties of a metal roof are very impressive. Metal panels are durable and long lasting as well as virtually maintenance free. They offer tons of remodeling benefits like the ability to be installed over almost any type of existing roof system and the wide array of color options and styles that can be used to match any home style.
Standing seam metal roofs have become popular in parts of the country that present harsh weather conditions such as the Deep South, where conditions are hot and humid for many months of the year. They are also admired by northerners because of their ability to withstand heavy snow and wind loads.
Some of the other advantages of significant value are the fire resistant properties and the universal styling that enables blending to almost any home's design. Metal roofs offer what many believe to be the perfect styles for upscale homes as well as homes of lesser value, such as mobile homes. The most popular of any style is the standing seam metal roof, which has been used throughout the world on almost every type of home imaginable.
A standing seam roof is constructed of many interlocking panels that run vertically from the roof's ridge (the top of the roof) to the eave. The interlocking seam where two panels join together is raised above the roof's flat surface, allowing water to run off without seeping between panels.
Standing seam roofs come in many shapes and sizes. In some instances, the vertical panels are cut to length at a factory and delivered to the job site. Metal panels can also be made at the job using portable metal fabrication equipment. Other options include standing seam "shingles" that arrive prepackaged (typically in three to five-foot lengths) and are installed in a staggered pattern for visual effect.
Two types of methods are commonly used to secure the panels to the roof sheathing. Hidden fasteners are secured to the raised portion of each panel, and subsequently covered by the next adjoining panel during installation. The second (and less costly) method utilizes exposed fasteners that are driven through each metal panel into the roof sheathing.
Now we can discuss how standing seam metal roofs are constructed. Let's assume the metal roof panels are going to be formed on the jobsite instead of in a metal fabricators shop or factory.
The metal roof panels are made individually to accommodate the required length. This reduces jobsite waste, as short and long panels can be cut to the appropriate length. To form the interlocking panes, a metal fabrication machine called a brake is used to shape metal into various designs.
To prevent damage to the ends of the roof panels, a hydraulic shear is used to cut each panel to the required length. Even though the roof panels require some trimming by hand, it only takes a few minutes to cut each one and prepare it for installation.
Each part of the metal roof system is installed in a certain order which creates a water resistant seal. First, roofing paper is installed over the roof sheathing.
Next, the roof's valleys (formed where two roof sections meet at an angle) are covered. A preformed ridge cap covers the roof's peak. Every vertical roof panel is fastened and adjoined to the ridge vent for a consistent look.
Each roof panel that runs from ridge to eave tucks neatly into the ridge vent. Clips secure each panel to the roof sheathing. Using hidden fasteners creates a more polished look once the job is completed.
The next adjoining panel will cover the clips that secure each panel (left). The raised seams formed by the panel ends are crimped together to form a watertight seal.
Adjoining roof panels are crimped to one another to cover the clips. Each panel hides the clips that secure the adjacent panel to the roof sheathing. By completely covering the fasteners, they are not exposed to the elements, reducing the possibility of water damaging the roof sheathing or the structural system below.
The final results: Ridge cap, valleys and vertical sections all come together to form a watertight seal against the elements. A properly installed metal roof can go many years with little or no maintenance.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Wood Floor Registers
If you have hardwood flooring in certain room of your home that have been stained with an unknown color, simply get unfinished wood floor registers and have someone match a stain to your floor. This is the best solution and will ensure that the register matches perfectly.
Now for matching other items in the room like cabinets, shelving and wall paper. This is a simple process if you have flooring that is either a neutral color or has been matched to the other items in the room. All you have to do is pick a matching color register with a style that goes with the scheme of the room.
For rooms that have mixed-matched items, things can be a little more complicated. The best thing to do is to decide which item you would replace with a different color at some time in the future. This way, the floor registers will compliment the fixed item with the longest expected life span. You want to have great looks, but without throwing money in the trash.
Make sure you take the scheme of the room into consideration as well. If the room has a Victorian look, get decorative floor registers that match that era. There are literally hundreds of different styles, types and colors to choose from, so there is no excuse for installing a generic register.
Now for matching other items in the room like cabinets, shelving and wall paper. This is a simple process if you have flooring that is either a neutral color or has been matched to the other items in the room. All you have to do is pick a matching color register with a style that goes with the scheme of the room.
For rooms that have mixed-matched items, things can be a little more complicated. The best thing to do is to decide which item you would replace with a different color at some time in the future. This way, the floor registers will compliment the fixed item with the longest expected life span. You want to have great looks, but without throwing money in the trash.
Make sure you take the scheme of the room into consideration as well. If the room has a Victorian look, get decorative floor registers that match that era. There are literally hundreds of different styles, types and colors to choose from, so there is no excuse for installing a generic register.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Top Ranked Siding Contractor
WE ARE THE #1 CONTRACTOR IN THE BUSINESS when it comes to vinyl siding contractors, fiber cement siding, vinyl and composite decks, roofing, replacement windows, home improvement and energy efficiency improvement. We have highly trained specialist to handle all of your exterior home improvement projects, interior remodeling projects, or to start building you a new energy efficient home. Homeowners across the state agree, the highest quality craftsmanship in the industry, comes from North Carolina's #1 Contractor, Hester Contracting.
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