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Gutters Installing

Installing a snap together vinyl gutted is a manageable task for most do it yourselfers. Snap together gutter systems are designed for ease of installation , requiring no fasteners other than the screws used to attach the gutter hangers to the fascia .

Tool & Materials
Chalk Line , Tape Measure , Drill , Hacksaw, 1 1/4 inch deck screws , Gutters, Drain pipes, Connectors , Fittings , Hangers , Protective equipment.

Estimating Gutter Parts
Gutter sections : Measure total length of run ; 15 percent for waste , Sold in 10 foot length.
Inside/out corners : one per corner no outlet.

Connectors : Two per corner ; one per end .
End caps right and left per end .
Downspouts outlets: One for every 35 foot of gutter .
Down spout elbow : Three per downspout.
Drainpipe : one pipe per downspout outlet . Measure gutter height and add 5 foot for each pipe for splash block outlet and waste.
Drainpipe hangers : Two per drainpipe.

How to install Vinyl Gutters

Mark a point the high and each of each gutter , 1 inch from the top the fascia . Snap chalk lines that slope 1/4 inch per 10 feet. toward downspouts. For runs longer than 35 feet mark a slope from a high point in the center toward down spouts at each end .

Install downspout outlets near the ends of gutter runs at least one outlet for every 35 feet of run. The tops of the outlets should be flush with the slope line, and they should align with ends caps on the corners of the house

Following the slope line , attach hangers or support clips for hangers for a complete run . Attach them to the fascia at 24 inches intervals using deck screws .

Following the slope line attach outside and inside corners at all corner locations that do not have end caps.

Use a hacksaw to cut gutter sections to fit between outlets and corners . Attach the end cpas and connect gutter sections to the outlets. Cut and test fit gutter sections to fit between outlets, allowing for expansion .

Working on the ground, join the gutter sections together using connectors . Attach gutter hangers to the gutter for models with support clips mounted on the fascia . Hang the gutters, connecting them to the outlets.

Cut a section of drainpipe to fit between two downspout elbows, One elbow should fit over the tail of the downspout outlet and the other should fit against the wall. Assemble the parts, slip the top elbow onto the outlet . and secure the other to the siding with a drainpipe hanger.

Cut a piece to fit between the elbow at the top of the wall and the end of the drainpipe run, staying at least 12 inches above the ground . Attach an elbow ,and secure the pipe to the wall with a drainpipe hanger . Add accessories , such as splash blocks , to help channel water away from the house .

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Draining & Filling System Prevention Leaks

Sediment gradually accumulates in any water based system reducing the system’s efficiency and damaging internal parts . Draining the boiler very season reduces the accumulation of sediment . Be aware that draining the system can take a long time, and the water often has a unpleasant odor. This does not indicate a problem . Drain the system during warm weather , and open the windows and run a fan to reduce andy odor.

Start by shutting of the boiler and allowing the hot system to cool. Attach a garden hose to the drain at the bottom of the the boiler, and place the valve on the highest radiator in the house .

When water stops draining , open a billed valve on a radiator closer to the boiler . When the flow stops , locate the valve or gauge on top of the boiler, and remove it with a wrench.

Maseru the stymie is cool before you add water. Close the drain valve on the boiler. Insert a funnel into the gauge fitting and rust inhibitor , available from heating supply dealers. Check the container for special instructions. Reinstall the valve or gauge in the top of the boiler , close all radiator bleed valves, and slowly reopen the water supply to the boiler .

When the water pressure gauge reads 5 psi, bleed the air from the radiators on the first floor, then do the same on the upper floors . Let the boiler reach 20 psi before you can turn the power on. Allow 12 hours for water to circulate fully, then bleed the radiators again.

Use a a garden hose to drain water from the boiler . Keep the drain end of the hose lower than the drain cock on the boiler .

If the valve or gauge on top of the boiler is attached to a separate fitting hold the fitting still with one wrench while removing the valve or gauge with another .

Using a funnel , add recommended rust inhibitor to the boiler through the valve or gauge fitting.

The boiler should reach a pressure of 20 psi berg you turn the power back on.

Replace Radiators Control Valves

A radiator control valve that won’t operate should be replaced . To replace the valve, you’ll first need to drain the system . Then use a pipe wrench to disconnect the nut on the outlet side of the valve , then disconnect the calve body from the supply pipe . Thread the tailpeace of the new calve into the radiator. Thread the valve body onto the supply pipe . Make sure the arrow on the valve body points in the direction of the water flow. Thread the connecting nut on the tailpiece onto the outlet side of the valve . When you recharge the system, open the bleed valve on the radiator until a trickle of the water runs out.

roof, roof contractors, roofs, rubber roofs

Roof problems repairs water damage prevention

Wind, weather, and flying debris can damage shingles . The ares along the valleys and ridges tend to take the most weather related abuse . Torn , loose or cracked shingles are common in the areas.

Buckled and cupped shingles are usually caused by moisture beneath the shingles. Loosened areas create an entry point for moisture and leave shingles vulnerable to wind damage.

A sagging ridge might be caused by the weight of too many roofing layers. It might also be the result of a more significant problem, such as a rotting ridge board or insufficient support for the rigid board.

Dirt and debris attract moisture and decay , which shorten a roof’s life. To protect shingles, carefully was the roof once a year using a pressure washer. Pay particular attention to areas where moss and mildew may accumulate .

In damp climates, it is good idea to nail a zinc strip along the center ridge of a roof, under the ridge caps. Minute quantities of zinc wash down the roof each time it rains , killing moss and mildew.

Overhanging tree limbs drop debris and provide shade that trim any limbs that overhang the roof.

If you have an unfinished attic, examine the underside of your roof with a flashlight on a rainy day. If you have an unfinished , examine the underside of your roof with a flashlight on a rainy day. If you find wetness , discoloration , or other signs of moisture ,trace the tail up to where the water is making its entrance .

Water flows toward a wall can be temporarily diverted to minimize damage. Nail a small block of wall in the path of the water, and place a bucket underneath to catch the drip. On a dry , drive a an through the underside of the roof decking to mark the hole .

If the leak is finding its way to finished ceiling , take steps to minimize damage until the leak can be repaired . As soon as possible, reduce the accumulation of water behind a ceiling by poking a small hole in the wallboard or plaster and draining the water.

Once you mark the source of a leak from inside, measure from that spot to a point will be visible and identifiable from the outside the house , such as chimney, vent pipe , or the peak of the roof. Get up on the roof and use that measurement to locate the leak .

If you roof is severely damage protect it with a tarp . To reattach smaller shingles loose use asphalt shingles use tube of asphalt sealer. Check the joints around the flashing , Pull old shingles around the good condition shingles . Remove old nails replace in the lowest point and work upward. Install all but the top shingle with nails , stop at the top shingle and seal at the sealer line .

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Water damage repairs how to sand joint drywall

Use sheet and 2 inch masking tape to help confine dust to the work area . Cover all door ways , cabinets , built ins , and any gaps or other openings with plastic , sealing all four edges with tape ; otherwise the fine dust produced by sanding can find its way through.

Knock down any ridges , chunks , or tool marks prior to sanding , using a six-inch taping knife. Do not apply too much pressure you do not want to dig into the compound , only remove the excess.

As you work , if you oversand or discover low spots that require another coat of compound , mark the area with a piece of tape for repair after you finish sanding . Make sure to wipe away dust so the tape sticks to the surface.

Lightly sand all seams and outside corners using a pole sander with 220 grit sanding screen or 150 grit sandpaper. Work in the direction of the joints , applying even pressure to smooth transitions and high areas. Do not sand out depressions fill them with compound and resand. Be careful not to overland or expose the joint tape.

Inside corners often are finished wit only one or two thin coats of compound over the tape . Sand the inside edge edge edge or joints only lightly and smooth the outside edge carefully , inside corners will be sanded by hand later .

Fine sand the seams , outside corners , and father heads using a sanding block with 150 to 220 grit sanding screen or sandpaper . As you work, use your hand to feel to defects along the compound . A bright work light angled to highlight seams can help reveal problem areas.

To avoid damage from oversanding use 150 grit dry sanding sponge to sand inside corners . The sides sanding sponges also contain grit, allowing you to sand both sides of a corner at once to help prevent oversanding .

For tight or hard to reach corners, fold a piece of sanding screen or sandpaper int thirds and sand the area carefully. Rather than using just your fingertips, try to flatten your hand as much possible to spread out the pressure to avoid sanding to deep.

Repair depressions , scratches, or exposed tape due to overspending after final sanding is complete. Wipe the area with a dry cloth to remove dust, then apply a thin coat of all purpose compound . Allow to dry thoroughly , then resand.

With sanding complete , remove dust from the panels with a dry towel or soft broom . Use a wet dry vacuum to clean out all electrical boxes and around floors, windows, and doors, then carefully roll up sheet plastic and discard . Finally, damp mop the floor to remove andy remaining dust.

For experts using the wet sand will cut down on dust and barriers possibly if really use 20 minute compound and mix really well.

Foundation, water barrier, water proofing

French Drains Water Damage Prevention

Utility Lines are frequently laid in sand that provides a direct path for water to reach the foundation.

Swales and french drains . The means of transporting water away from the house besides sheet flow ( when the surface is effective running water ) are the swale and French Drain. A swail is a small valley formed by two sloped soil surfaces . Swales must me pitched ,or they become ponds. A swale should be located away from the building, and it is often used to divert sheet flow coming from uphill.

A french is a trench filled with rock or gravel that a collect water and transports laterally. I prepare the bottom of thtrench so thats smooth and carefully pitched toward the outlet. Mix dry cement with the soil in the bottom of the trench make it less permeable, and fill the trench with whatever clean gravel is locally available . I hesitate to used road stone , a blend of gravel and stone dust, because water passes through it slowly . If the gravel is to be exposed. I try to cap it with an attractive rounded stoned . If the drain is to covered m I provide graduated layers of smaller stone toward the surface , then perhaps, filter before the sod covering .

I sometimes use 4 inch smooth wall perforated plastic pipe in a french drain , particularly if I expect it to carry a big volume of water , say runoff from the futures. There are fittings that connect downspouts directly into this pipe . If you do this, install cleanest at least every 50 feet ad keep in gutters clean . Otherwise the can pipe can become clogged with leaves . I don’t use corrugated pipe for drainage because it is more easily and is more difficult to clean.

Concrete patios , stoops , driveways , and side walks abutting the foundation present problems . It is important to design them so that the gravel beneath the drains outward ,a perfect use for a French drain. You way dined that the driveway is one of most convenient site for a French drain. Driveways usually pitch away from the house , and a French drain can be integrated with the driveway so that it will not call attention to itself.

Where should the water go?

To my knowledge , municipalities mo longer provide storm sewer service for a new residential run of . In my area , they do mot receive the output from sump pumps. They receive and treat storm water to keep streets open, and that’s about it . If the isn’t enough elevation difference between the house and a point on the lot where a pitched drain can come to daylight , then another solution is needed . Theoretically , if the pipe never pitches back, you don’t
need more than the diameter of the pipe in elevation difference difference . Practically , more is better and 1’4 inch pipe .

Because have the pitch below grade, run off can go to dry wells. Drainage structures must buried somewhere on site .