How to Plan and Design Your Home

Archive for July, 2011

Metal has been the favoured material used for parts in piping systems for centuries. Traditional metals that are used include copper and brass. Although lead was also commonly used up until the 1950′s, when their poisonous effects were discovered which resulted in the use of this metal being banned. Recent years have seen many developments in plumbing and piping technology, including the introduction of plastic piping fittings. Although their use was avoided by many at first, they are starting to become more and more common and are advantageous for a number of reasons. However, there are also a number of reasons why metal fittings shouldn’t yet be replaced completely.

The introduction of plastic fittings has resulted in a decrease in the amount of metal used in piping systems, as plastic carries a number of benefits. A plastic valve will never jam, stick or fail because of rust or corrosion – they are therefore considered low maintenance. Plastics corrosion resistance also positively affects flow rate – the inside of a plastic pipe is smooth and will stay that way year after year, resulting in lower pressure drops over time. Plastic is also much less expensive, both the fittings themselves as well as the installation, for example plastic fitting do not need pre-treatment with epoxy coating.

However, despite the numerous advantages of using the newer plastic fittings, there are still some reasons why the traditional metal piping fittings are better. Although advances in this area have been made, there are still currently no plastic fittings that can match the heat and pressure managing capabilities of those made of metal. Also, copper piping has a life expectancy of 75+ years and so is the best material to use in water distribution systems which are difficult to replace and a hassle to do regularly. As metal has been used highly effectively for centuries in piping systems, it is well trusted and the natural first choice that comes to mind.

In general, plastic fitting are considered an excellent alternative for a variety of piping requirements. They are cheap and low maintenance, have an excellent resistance to corrosion and are easy to install. However there are still a number of reasons why metal should continued to be used in many circumstances, for example water distribution where a long life expectancy is required. Also, metal is the only answer to problems involving high temperatures and pressure as there are currently no plastic fittings which can cope with these.

Drywall acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture at every opportunity. When drywall gets wet, it swells and buckles, compromising the integrity of your wall. This allows the underlying structures to experience prolonged exposure to moisture and begins the decomposition process, ultimately rotting the entire structure. Drywall is a versatile building material, though. Drywall that has gotten wet can be repaired with a little know how.

In order to repair wet drywall, follow the below steps:

o Cut out around the affected drywall with a drywall saw. These handsaws are sold inexpensively at any local hardware store. Make sure that you cut away all affected drywall by maintaining wide margins around the defect.

o Determine the cause of the water. This step is somewhat easy if your drywall was affected by an outside force like rain, flooding, or a busted water heater, but may be a bit more elusive if you have a roof or plumbing problem. If you cannot ascertain the cause of the water, make sure you call a professional.

o Replace the wet drywall with dry. On a new piece of drywall, mark out a patch of new drywall in the same dimensions as the old and cut out with a razor knife or drywall saw and screw into the open hole. If there is no wall stud behind the open area, cut out the existing drywall until there is an exposed stud on either side of your repair.

o Apply drywall mud. Joint compound of drywall mud is applied in layers. Make the first layer the thickest, covering all of the joints thoroughly and allow to dry. Do not worry too much about making the compound completely smooth as there will be many layers of mud and sanding before you reach your finished coat. All the mud to dry and then sand smooth. Run your hand over the joints, feeling for low or high spots and mark with a pencil. Continue sanding high spots and then add a new layer of mud over the entire repair, concentrating on adding compound to the low spots. Repeat this process until your repair is level with the existing wall.

o Tip: Take your time with this step, as your mud work is the key to having a smooth wall later.

o Paint-Repaint your entire wall so that the color matches. Even if you have the paint tinted to match your existing wall, the colors may not match 100%, giving you a glaring reminder of where the repair occurred. While you don’t have to, you may elect to repaint the entire room to ensure color evenness.

This technique works well for small drywall repair jobs, but in situations where there are large areas of drywall to replace, such as a flooding situation, it may be advisable to contact a professional.

Granite countertops are a premium option to put into many different rooms in your home. This type of stone comes in many different colors and shades, can fit any size counter, and can be completely custom tailored for any type of application. Another reason why this type of countertop is so popular is because of how strong and durable it is. It doesn’t scratch easy, it can be refinished, and it is easy to clean. If you don’t have this type of countertop in your home right now you should call your local installer immediately to see what your options are.

The most popular area you find granite countertops in is a kitchen. Kitchen counters take a lot of use and abuse and need to be strong to prevent too much wear and tear. A granite installer can come in and make all of the required measurements of your countertops and give you a free estimate as to how much it will cost to get rid of your old, dull countertops in order to have custom granite.

To match the centerpiece of your home, the kitchen, you can continue with custom granite all around your home. This will include any wet bars, bathrooms, and any countertop essentially. Your bathroom counters can be installed to match each other and to match the flow of your home instead of directly matching the kitchen. Bars around your home should match the rooms they are in, and can match what you have in your kitchen. The beauty about granite is the amount of colors it comes in.

The installation process will begin with measurement taking. Once dimensions are confirmed, a warehouse will cut large slates of granite into pieces that will fit directly on top of your counters. The installers will bring these pieces out and lay them flat on the counter. Once in position, the granite will be glued using silicon directly onto your cabinets. Silicon will also fill in any seams you might end up with your granite.

Once everything is firmly in place and dry, your granite will be polished and finished. Polishing will bring out the true color and luster of the granite, while the finishing phase involves applying a protective coat on the surface of the granite. This will keep the granite looking brand new for years to come, and will liven up any room you decide to have custom granite installed in.

Garden offices are specially designed as a place to work from a person’s garden. More and more home workers are choosing a dedicated work space in their garden to lessen the hassle of the daily drive to and from work. Timber built offices are continuing to grow in popularity because the style of building available is considerable, with custom-built garden offices a definite reality at very little extra cost compared to a standard model.

Some look a little more than a garden shed whilst others are extremely contemporary in style featuring lots of glass, folding doors etc. However, some of the most popular garden offices are the more traditional timber buildings that have the aesthetics of a summer-house with the functionality of a home office.

If you intend on using your garden office through the winter then make sure it is lined and insulated. Insulation will help regulate the temperature of the building while double glazed doors and windows will also make a big difference. The traditional appearance of timber garden offices will enhance your garden, will not upset the neighbours and can easily provide the required dedicated workspace. Traditional good looks combined with the use of super-thick, natural looking, modern timber cladding will ensure you stay warm, dry and cozy during the colder months and cooler during the summer.

Ready-to-ship timber buildings are pre-fabricated structures that are primarily made from timber frames for ease of assembly. Glass panels for windows, door frames and additional features are pre-constructed at the manufacturing plant ready to be delivered to your door.

As with other timber buildings, wooden garden offices need to be placed onto a concrete slab or brick plinth to ensure the sturdiness of the structure itself. Some people have opted for a flattened earth area to place their garden office, only to regret it later when the moisture sets in and ruins their beautiful home office… (not recommended!)

Thermally sound garden offices will add value to your home, encourage a relaxed lifestyle and become a feature which attracts buyers when it’s time to sell. In the meantime you’re free to use the structure to its full potential: guest room, additional study, hobby room, art studio, man cave or teen den, the choice is entirely yours.

For work or for play, a beautiful extra space in your garden will fulfill all of your needs. Whether you build your new work space alone or with an expert’s help, in no time at all, you too will be enjoying your new garden room.