Builders 123

Renewable Energy Alternatives

2008-05-27T12:57:00.001-06:00

Both the scientific community and everyday people around the globe are diligently looking for alternatives to the fossil fuels that have driven the world's energy needs for hundreds of years.

Everyone knows that those fuels are nonrenewable and send tons of pollutants into the earth's fragile atmosphere every second. Everyone also knows that we simply cannot go on this way—but what can you do to try to cut yourself loose from the energy trap that has kept us in its grips for centuries? It's a question more and more Americans are asking themselves every day. Here's a basic primer on the alternatives that are available.

First, you can use solar energy to heat your home and provide hot water for household use. It can also be used to generate electricity via photovoltaic cells. The technology is constantly improving and it's possible that recent breakthroughs in electricity generation will both increase the efficiency of photovoltaics and bring down the cost of the electricity they produce.

Wind power is becoming an increasingly important source of electricity in Iowa, Texas, and California, which lead the nation in wind energy generation, but nearly all states are investigating the possibility of adding wind generated power to their arsenal. There are also house-sized units available, and as the demand for them grows, they'll continue to come down in price per unit and in installation cost.

Other forms of energy are less accessible to the average homeowner, but you can use mass-produced forms, such as ethanol, E85, or soy-based diesel fuel in your vehicle to cut down on fossil fuels and to lessen the amount of pollution you contribute to the environment.

Hydrogen fuel cells are still in the experimental stages, but many experts continue to insist that they'll eventually represent the wave of the future in powering our vehicles. Time will tell, but the point is that you can take advantage of alternative fuels right now without waiting to see what happens on the hydrogen front.

Another important plus for turning toward alternative fuel sources is that there are sometimes significant tax breaks to be obtained for converting all or part of your home to something other than traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Regardless of which alternative energy source appeals to you, before you begin shopping, take some time to look into possible tax incentives that may help offset a portion of their initial cost.

Renewable Energy Alternatives

2008-05-27T12:57:00.000-06:00

Replacing An Existing Toilet

2008-05-27T12:56:00.000-06:00

Replacing a toilet is not that difficult. You should allow about four hours, which should be more than enough time to make the switch over.

Before you purchase your toilet, you will want to measure the distance from the wall to the two bolts at the bottom of the toilet that are securing it to the floor. This is called the rough in measurement and is generally twelve inches. Be sure to let the salesman at the store know this so you can be certain the toilet will fit.

To begin removal of the old toilet, first turn off the water supply and flush, holding the handle down to remove as much water as possible. There will be some remaining, so be very careful when carrying out the old toilet. It is a good idea to put a plastic liner down over any carpet you will be walking on while carrying the toilet outside.

Remove the bottom nuts and carefully lift the toilet. Carry it outside immediately, taking care to keep it as level as possible to prevent water spills.

Check over the existing plate for cracks. If it passes inspection, you can reuse it. Carefully clean off any wax residue from the old wax ring. Make certain the plate is securely attached to the floor and not loose. If the current plate is below the existing floor, you will most likely need to get an extended wax ring and longer bolts.

Place the ring on the plate, flat side down, and make certain it is properly centered. Carefully lift the toilet and set it down on the ring, making certain the bolts come through the holes properly before actually resting the bowl on the ring.

This is very important. You do not want to rock the toilet in order to seat it to the wax ring or you may end up with a leak. Press down on the toilet evenly until it makes full contact with the floor.

You have two washers. Take the tap washer first and put it over the bolts. Look carefully at the instructions to see the proper way this slips on. Slip on the metal washer next. Put on the nuts and hand tighten.

Begin to tighten the nuts with an open-end wrench, alternating between the two nuts, until the toilet is secure. You can take a mini hacksaw and cut off the excess portion of the bolts in order to finish the installation by putting on the plastic cap that covers the nuts. Place that into position and simply hit it with your hand to set it. It's not a bad idea to complete water installation and testing before cutting the bolts in the event you have leaks and need to redo the installation.

Hook up the water supply hose and turn the water back on. Let the bowl fill and flush. Check for leaks. If it passes inspection, your job is complete.

Renovate Your Home with Bamboo Wood Flooring

2008-01-31T11:07:00.000-06:00

Bamboo wood flooring is one of the best ways to update a home with a fresh new look and elegant style. As you begin to update the look and feel of your home, you can make the right selection to add the right look to your home with wood. This can be with a sophisticated appeal of bamboo wood floors that will add quality to your home. It's about making the right choice for your home and leaving a lasting impression with the elegant look with the right flooring.

When you are thinking of renovating your home, the possibilities are endless in selecting the right paints, furniture, and flooring. It can be sometimes a daunting task especially if you are on a strict budget. The time and money you spend in creating the vision you have for your home can be significant.

Perhaps you crave the finished look of a hardwood floor but can't afford the overwhelming prices for the elegant look. You need to review your options and discover there is another choice in getting the look you want for your home. It is about making the most out of your dollar without denying yourself the luxury of a high quality look to your home.

Bamboo wood flooring is a fantastic option to hardwood and provides the same quality with its beautifully pre-finished designs. It is also environmentally friendly and provides you with many options in the texture of the wood you can select for your home. It is about adding character to your home with a rich texture and welcoming invitation of the soft look of a bamboo wood floor.

You can select from a wide array of pre-finished looks that save you time and money in remodeling your home. It will add to the value of a timeless appeal, which provides you with the luxury of knowing you didn't have to break the bank with creating an elegant looking home. The rich features of bamboo floors can be dyed to match the finishing touches of your home whether you are looking for a rich mahogany or light beige to open the space of your home.

You deserve the best for your home and make it yours with the original look of bamboo flooring. It's about making your home look rich and inviting with a simple touch of new flooring that will add value to the worth of your home. It is important that each time you walk into your home that you feel a warm welcome. You need to ensure that you have all of your favorite features of your home enhanced with style. It is about allowing for you to enjoy the simple luxury of affording quality designs that look great.

Bamboo wood floors will leave a rich appeal to your home with its affordable price and high quality designs. It's about creating a home that matches your style at affordable prices! Take the time to select the right flooring for your home and make your home renovation dreams a reality!

Building a Deck? ... Build a Safe One!

2008-01-31T11:05:00.000-06:00

Building a new deck or replacing an older one will prove to be and excellent investment, however there are certain pitfalls that a person should be aware of. Be sure to spend some time checking these before beginning construction.

Spend a little extra time in planning the layout of the deck so it will be large enough for all your planned activities. It is important that the layout blends or goes well with the surrounding area, consider the angles of the sun and shading.

Take your sketches and ideas of what you want to your local lumber dealer or favorite supplier and be sure to consider their suggestions and ideas. They can probably draw up a plan for you and give you a pretty close estimate of the materials needed and the cost. As decks become more popular, suppliers and contractors are more familiar with the construction methods and will make sure that you choose the right type and makeup of materials.

Most decks are still being constructed with treated lumber, however there is a new player on the scene. A new composite board that requires no sealers or painting is being used by some builders, however it will increase the cost of materials about 80 to 100 percent. If your pocketbook allows it you might want to opt to use this new material.

Before the year 2003 the pressure treated wood was treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), however the EPA forced manufacturers to stop using this process, still allowing lumber companies and dealers to sell out their inventory of CCA products. The problem that popped up after several years of these treated timbers being in the ground caused a leaching of arsenic into the surrounding soil. There was concern that this would present a danger and health risk to children and persons who came in contact with the contaminated soil.

Today most manufacturers have changed the treatment process and are using a compound called alkaline copper quat (ACQ). Other treatment compounds are being considered for approval by the EPA, one of them being acid copper chromate (ACC). These new products are considered to be safe for such use as decks and mailbox posts.

Just because the manufacture of treated lumber using CCA was halted it doesn't mean that you need to destroy your deck if you used that material. A good coating of a name brand oil based sealer or paint will seal the wood and make it safe. This should be done every couple of years to be safe.

New methods of fastening the ACQ treated wood is necessary. No longer will regular metal nails of screws hold up since the copper in the material will corrode the unprotected steel fasteners. The recommended screws are poly-coated and any nails should be at least the hot-dipped nails not the hot galvanized nails or screws. Joist hangers and connectors should be of the (TZ) type which means they are triple zinc coated with a thicker galvanized coating.

The type of flashing between the concrete pillars or foundation should be of copper or a copper coated material. Do not use aluminum flashing as it will corrode due to the copper used in the treatment of the lumber.

Because wood is a porous material and can be damaged by the UV rays of the sun it is important that you protect your deck by cleaning it with a power washer and giving it a good protective coating every two years or so. You made a large investment when you had your deck built and a little care will afford you many years of pleasure.

Railings are important on decks and can be constructed of the same treated material. There are other choices for railings such as metal and vinyl. Pre-fab spindles are now available at most material suppliers and are easy to install.

Special lighting in the area of the steps are an important factor not only to enhance the beauty of the deck but also ad security. Any steps should be well lighted for safety sake. Safe low voltage lighting systems are popular and the cost is well worth the benefits.

Most communities have ordnances or regulations covering decks and swimming pools and it is very important that you check with the code official in you town or community before starting construction. There are financial penalties if you do not have an official permit before any construction begins.