Category Archives: Uncategorized

HVAc, Kitchens and Bathrooms New, plumbing, Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms, Uncategorized, water proofing

Plumbing and Sewer Line Pipes Installs

Plumbing problems can create considerable damage such as drywall , waterproofing , and pipes that need to tie into at the sewer lines. While some do-it-yourselfers enjoy the challenge of fixing even the toughest problems , many homeowner would rather leave the dirty work to a professional plumbing company. Before calling for help , you should know some basic plumbing concepts and problems.

Shutting off the water for winterize or emergency

Shutting the water is an important action to take in an emergency. Most homes have a main water shutoff valve located next to the water meter that can be used to stop water flow to the house . All family members should know the valve’s location and how to use it . It should should also be periodically checked to ensure proper function. Most plumbers fixtures have individual shutoff valves located in their supply lines .

Plumbing Problems Common Issues

Drain cleaning. Depending on the cause and location of a clog, drain cleaning may or may not be effective. Additionally , because clogs in multiple places can contribute to the problem , successful clearing one problem spot might not solve all of your long-term plumbing problems.

Toilet clogs Toilet clogs can often be cleared with a toilet plunger . If, however , the clog is too difficult to remove with a plunger , plumbers can use special tools special tools called augers, or snakes. Snakes are long ,flexible spring-like tools that are inserted into the clogged drain and rotated to manually break break up the clog.

Grease clogs. Grease clogs may represent a more difficult problem . Grease clogs usually occur in the two-inch drain pipe connecting the kitchen sink to the main four inch drainpipe that handles toilet waste and leads to the sewer. Because the washing machine pump forces water into the same two-inch drainpipe , a grease clog is commonly misdiagnosed as as a clogged washing machine drain line. Because grease naturally sticks to the walls of drain lines, it is relatively difficult to remove.

in some cases , the most economical feasible alternative is to replace the two-inch drain line. However , because of the high cost of replacing the line, the first attempt at alleviating the problem is to use a plumber’s snake to punch a hole through the grease as possible . Because this repair cannot remove all the grease as possible. Because the repair cannot remove all the grease , in time drain repeatedly re-clogs . If the same drain repeatedly clogs, you may need to replace the line.

Clogs in the main main sewer line .
Broken seal, joints , or pipe sections are the primary causes of most sewer line clogs . These breaks allow tree roots to penetrate and grow in the line, gradually blocking the flow of water and waste. The only way to remove all the roots from the line is to replace it, which is very expensive . In many cases, enough of the roots can be cut from the inside of the line with a sewer machine to open up the flow . Unfortunately because damaged roots an grow back in a fertile environment the line often ends up re-clogging . Furthermore , because some partially cut roots tend to shift position over time , the line may re-clog quickly.

Water Heaters , Frost Proof Outside Spigots, Tankless Water heaters ,

Attics, Kitchens and Bathrooms New, roof, roof contractors, Uncategorized

Winter Problems Ice Damming Roof Repairs Blizzard 2016

Winter Problems Roof Damage

When snow, ice, and freezing rain land on the roof where you live , chances are the coat of frozen stuff will last a while, melting and refreezing several times before finally disappearing. This is not a problem unless your roof overhangs freeze solid , creating an ice dam, which can push water underneath the shingles and cause leaks.

If you can get at the roof edge safely, break off icicles before they become heavy enough to dislodge the gutter . Some homeowners attack ice-choked gutters with a hair dryer or pour hot water in gutters and downspouts to hasten melting. Start at the critical joint between gutters and downspout. Once this area is clear, melting ice will have a drainage channel as you work backward along the rest of the gutter .

Prevent Ice Dams

There are several possible solutions to ice-dam problems. Working from the outside, you can install a strip of sheet metal over the shingles covering the overhang. This method is fairly common in the rural Northeast – it is most effective on steeply sloped roofs, where gravity and the slick metal surface encourage ice and snow to slide off the roof.

Another approach is to install heat cables in a zigzag pattern along the shingles on the overhang. The resistance wiring , which looks like a long extension cord, is attached with small clips tucked under the shingles and even can be extended into gutters to help them remain unfrozen. These cables are designed to produce enough heat to prevent freeze-ups.

Because warmth rising through the ceiling or attic is often the cause of ice dams, you can also alleviate the problem by working. from the inside to reduce the heat flow with extra insulation. In a typically constructed wood frame attic floor, for instance, the spaces between floor joists should be filled with insulation. An additional layer, even the 3 1/2 inch batting used in walls , can be set on top and perpendicular to the joist for more protection. At the same time you can increase the vent size in the attic or crack a window at each end. This will make the bottom of the roof colder and closer to the temperature outdoors, which will prevent melting, while the extra insulation will retard heat flow from living spaces below.

On new construction jobs or reroofing projects, consider installing a rubberized ice shield membrane on the roof deck. It should cover the overhang and at least a few courses of shingles over living spaces. This provides a backup barrier just in case an ice dam does form and works under the shingles.

Usually, theses membrane are made of waterproof, rubberized asphalt and polyethylene in self-adhering sheets that bond directly to the roof deck and to each other at overlaps. The material is installed beneath the shingles, and it seals itself around punctures form nails protruding through the shingles above.

C, HVAc, Kitchens and Bathrooms New, Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms, Uncategorized

Air duct cleaning Cleaner Air Help Mold Prevention

Cleaner Air

Modern houses and apartments are built to be airtight for greater heating and cooling efficiency . They are so air tight , however , that new air circulates back into house very slowly it may take hours for the air in new house to recycle itself. This creates not only stale air but a build up of indoor air pollutants not need to be cleaned the air duct vents and main return. These pollutants include irritants such as dust, smoke, mold spores, pollen, and animal dander, apply air scrubbers over 4 hour period to remove all
debris inside vents and thermal fogger to eliminate mold spore in vents . Things that can cause health problems bother lungs but clog up heating and cooling systems, computers , and other electronics equipment – but also more serious environmental hazards such as the outgassing of formaldehyde from construction materials .

Several devices are available to clean air of tightly-sealed house. Forced-air cooling and heating systems can have electronics filters installed right inside the HVAC ducts. If you don t have these systems , buy a portable air cleaner with HEPA filter. Developed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to remove almost all airborne particles. HEPA ( High Efficiency particulate-arresting) filters are widely used in hospitals. A true HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 micron ( a micron is one-millionth of a meter; the period at the end of this sentence is several hundred microns across) An ultra HEPA, or ULPA, filter removes particles as small as .1 micron . HEPA filters need to be replaced periodically, typically every one to three years .

Cleaners help prevention

Electronic air filters are built into the ducts near your furnace . ) A unit can be added to existing systems by modifying the ducts) A typical electronic cleaner has a pre filter that is similar to a standard furnace filter . It traps large dust particles and can be removed for cleaning. Next in line is one or two metal boxes (also removable for cleaning) containing thin metal plates. Particles in the airflow, typically in the return duct, are positively charged on their way to the plates, The plates themselves are negatively charged to attract the particles , which are driven against the plate walls as they pass through the system. These appliances can remove over 90 percent of the most airborne pollutants, including pollen and smoke particles. The drawing back is that larger particles hitting the plates can make an annoying sound like and outdoor bug-zapper .

Things to do change the filters every 6 months , wipe down daily , bi-weekly , monthly cleaning reduce debris , particles like base boards, floors, and vacuum carpet . Have a HVAC tech come out seasonally to change over filters and maintain HVAC system for optimal cleaning levels and health.

Uncategorized

Windows Doors and Much Much More

After years if use and layer upon layer of paint, your windows may not be broken, but they did were new. On older homes , single-pane glass and worn jambs are not doing much to keep the heat in during winter, and the old paint can make windows nearly impossible to open can make windows nearly impossible to open and close .
You could spend hours scraping the windows down to bare wood and wind up with the same old energy-inefficient model. Replacing them makes better use of your time and money. These days you can get inexpensive , custom made replacement windows with double glazing that drastically improves the unit’s insulating value. You could also opt for low-emissivity glass or even triple glazing if you live in area with very cold winters .

Options for Replacements

You have three basic choices-sash kits , replacement windows that fit into existing frames, or entirely new windows that fit into existing frames, and casing. With sash kits, you get new standard-size sashes-the window glass and the frame around it-plus new jamb liners, which are the tracks that hold the sash in place. Sash frames can be wood or vinyl with double glazing. Your existing window frame, casing, and trim all stay in place, and all installation work is done from the inside . On the downside , a sash kit typically is not as energy-efficient as a new window.

Replacement windows are entirely new, energy-efficient units custom-made to fit into an existing window frame , usually at no extra cost. These windows have less glass area than the old ones, but if cost is a major consideration , vinyl replacement windows are the way to go.

New windows give you a wider range of options-you can go to larger sizes and different shapes – but the installation involves a lot more work because you have to rip out the old window entirely. If the new one is only a little larger, you may be able to take advantage of extra space in the rough frame that was formerly occupied by the sash weights . For larger windows , it means cutting a bigger wall opening and installing a new framing.

Tools needed pry bar, level, flat head , hammer , nails, reciprocating saw, utility knife and shims.
Unsticking windows , Once spring arrives and the weather warms up, you’ll want to open all your windows all the way and let the fresh air in . But moving parts that have been locked in place over the winter may refuse to budge . So start small : just try to get the windows cracked. If the frame is swollen from the moisture of the window sash and the surrounding frame are sealed by paint , you could be in for a wrestling match.

Ways to unstick un pry flat bar without forcing it. Slice apart window pane utility knife, near the painted seam. Helps using putty knife .

Window and doors can be costly but Top Job is local company in the BuxMont area for Bucks County and Montgomery County, Pa . Top Job Restoration is competitive pricing that likes to choice Pella windows .

Uncategorized

Tile for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Whether you re improving a bathroom vanity , refurbishing a kitchen counter, or installing a new floor , there are many things to consider beyond tile s physical attributes when choosing the right tile for your project.  Some of these practical issues are pretty obvious :Is the tile good looking , affordable , durable? Other factors are less apparent : Is the tile too slippery for the chosen location? Does the tile show dirt readily available ? Overlooking any of these concerns can , at best , make your tile project more frustrating .  At worst , you might end up with tile that doe not  match your needs and lifestyle.

 

Durability

Who wants to go to all the expense and trouble of installation tile that ends up looking worn and damaged in year or two? Try to match the durability characteristics of tile with the demands of the surface it s used on. For example , it s foolish to install tile with low wear resistance , like a standard ceramic or a soft stone like marble , In a  high use kitchen where heavy pots and pans are used often. In this situation , durable porcelain or hard granite tile is a much better choice .  But that does not mean that softer tiles are not good choice for other installations, including bathrooms floors, tub enclosures, and vanity tops.

 

Safety

As beautiful as tile , it is , it is not the safest choice for every application.  Avoid using tiles with a high-gloss glaze or high-polished surface on floors.  To prevent people from slipping in entryways , bathrooms , kitchens, and other areas likely to get wet, choose tile with a matte finish or a textured surface. Tiles are rated for their slip resistance, under both wet and dry conditions. If you are concerned about family members or guests (especially children and elderly) slipping and falling, be sure to check these ratings at your dealer before buying floor tiles .

 

Trade secret

if you are saving money by buying bargain close out or discontinued tile, make sure to buy enough not only for the job but also for any future tile expansion or repairs .  Do not get caught short!

 

Light colored tiles tend to show every bit of dirt or coffee drips.

 

Maintenance

If cleaning tile is not your idea of a good time , there are some tile and grout choices that you should avoid .  While it s generally durable , stone tile requires more upkeep than other kind of tile, including periodic resealing. On the plus side , the patterns and shade variations of natural and faux stone tiles tend to hide dirt and pet fur. Likewise, you will spend more time cleaning porous stain-prone tiles, such as marble and limestone, making them a bad choice for kitchen counters where food and liquids are spilled on a daily basis .

Color choice also affects how often tile needs cleaning. White ceramic and light marble tiles look terrific when they are new : but unless they are kept spotlessly clean, they will show every bit of grime .  Earth tone or medium gray tiles are much easier to live with and a much better candidate for high-use surfaces, like counter and floors .  Shiny, dark-colored tiles tend to show water spots , making them poor choice for a kitchen backsplash or shower enclosure.  Grout color has an impact on tile maintenance as well.  White grout used on tiled kitchen or bar countertops quickly show stains as readily, and help conceal dirt that accumulates in the wide grout joints of a tiled floor.