Home Improvement

February 21, 2018

6 Practical Tips for Designing the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

By mmilas / Home Improvement / Comments Off

For any food aficionado, the kitchen is the place where they feel most comfortable in the entire home. Surrounded by a top-notch oven, comfortable seating, and beautiful countertops, the kitchen makes any home chef feel instantly more sophisticated and at ease when they create their next signature dish.

Why not expand that cozy feeling to another area of your home that’s perfect for entertaining guests during the beautiful spring and summer months?

An outdoor kitchen is a must-have feature for every homeowner who dreams of lavish garden parties and elegant food served in the great outdoors. Outdoor kitchens are perfect for reducing the mess of meal preparation, as well as hosting a simple and beautiful party with very little effort. They can be just as useful as an indoor kitchen, but they come with an inherent set of unique advantages.

What should you keep in mind if you plan to make an outdoor kitchen oasis? Practicality meets form and beauty with some help from expert designers. These top design tips will get you thinking about what the perfect outdoor space could offer you in the seasons to come.

Determine how long you’ll keep your home.

How does your real estate investment influence the outdoor kitchen you’ll build? At first glance, this design tip may not make much sense. You should build the perfect version of an outdoor kitchen regardless of where you intend to live in five years. After all, an outdoor kitchen should increase the overall market value of your home.

Homeowners who plan to move in the months or years to come may hesitate to invest in a beautiful space that they can’t take with them. Don’t fall in love with an elaborate smoker or grilling system that won’t fit onto the moving truck when it comes time to leave. If you plan to move in the next couple of years, you may want to consider planning a more portable outdoor kitchen.

Invest in permanent features such as patio flooring made of quality brick pavers and maybe some built-in shelving. You can leave some of the more functional elements of an outdoor kitchen in place when you move. These elements could contribute to an increase the value of your home when done properly.

However, you can still save your money to reinvest in the new home by taking some of the accessories with you. For example, your patio furniture and grilling equipment should be flexible enough to come with you when you officially put your house on the market.

Opt for low-maintenance materials.

It’s tempting to think that an elegant indoor kitchen design will translate to the great outdoors as well. Unfortunately, this usually isn’t the case. The basic elements that comprise a designer kitchen inside your home won’t be able to stand up to the elements outside. You may just find that the extra maintenance they require will be more of a headache for you than it’s really worth.

One of the most popular countertop choices is granite because natural stone has such inherent beauty. The major disadvantage to stone countertops is how frequently they will need sealing to protect their shining surfaces from rain, hail, sleet, and snow. This makes granite and other types of natural stone into a costlier and more time-consuming investment.

Similarly, very porous stones should also be avoided because they don’t fare well with exposure to the elements.

Have you considered what your grill will be made of yet? Particularly if you’re installing a full oven in the outdoor kitchen, you need to consider how much of the space will be exposed to rainfall and moisture. Many metals are susceptible to rust and corrosion with prolonged exposure to moisture. You should really consider a stainless-steel option for appliances and cooking surfaces.

Look for materials that hold up well under prolonged exposure to moisture. These are the types of products you will want to select to build a low-maintenance and highly stylish outdoor kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to add some shelter.

Do you often worry that your dinner parties will be called off in the event of an afternoon rain shower? You can quell your fears of rescheduling by adding some shelter to your new outdoor kitchen space. It will be a significant financial investment upfront, but you may have a more comfortable and functional space when the project is finished.

Shaded spaces can make your outdoor kitchen cooler in the summertime. Brick patio pavers are less likely to absorb heat from the sun, making it easier to walk barefoot and preventing the heat from radiating upward. You’ll feel significantly cooler during hot summer months with this simple addition.

With a little bit of shelter installed over your outdoor kitchen, you can also add significant entertainment value for your family and guests. You may have more options for a large-screen television to watch the football game or a movie under the stars. Sound systems may become more high-tech and deliver greater clarity if you aren’t tied to purchasing waterproof versions.

Keep your kitchen consistent with your home.

Perhaps you’ve had visions of a sparse and modern outdoor kitchen floating around on your inspiration boards. Maybe your tastes are a little more eclectic and comfortable than contemporary. Regardless of what type of design you desire for your outdoor kitchen, you should really consider what the overall design scheme of your home is first.

Does the exterior of your home project a very traditional appearance or is it far more charming and cozy? Extend that same feeling throughout your outdoor kitchen in order to make your entire design scheme more cohesive.

In a similar vein, you should also consider the design scheme you used inside of the home. Chances are that you will be able to see your outdoor kitchen clearly from somewhere in your home. You wouldn’t want to glance out the window to see a beautiful modern space if the interior of your home is mostly traditional. The appearance simply won’t flow very well from the interior to the exterior of your home, which can make your outdoor kitchen feel too forced for the property.

Plan according to what your indoor kitchen lacks.

Ever since you moved in, you’ve noticed that you never have enough space in your dining room to host your entire family. You lack drawer space and cabinetry, and there are never enough lights to keep you satisfied while you cook. Planning a new outdoor kitchen from scratch is a great time to correct all of the small annoyances you have with your indoor kitchen.

Make a running list of things you dislike about your indoor cooking space and dining areas. See if you can find a way to correct these issues before building an entirely new kitchen space for yourself. You may want a much larger dining area with an easy-to-clean floor surface or a few extra drawers around your cooking areas. These problems can be easily remedied before you start building.

Take a closer look at your favorite recipes.

Before you start shopping for appliances for an outdoor kitchen, you should really evaluate what your favorite cooking style is. There are plenty of appliances that can be installed in an outdoor kitchen, depending on how you like to cook and the types of foods you serve most frequently.

Some people prefer the more traditional barbecue foods with heaping platters of smoked sausages, hot dogs, and burgers. Do you prefer your meats grilled on a charcoal grill or a gas grill? You may prefer the crisp crunch of an oven-baked pizza or a smoker that can handle a large brisket. Take a look at your favorite recipes to determine which appliances may be the right fit for you.

Before you purchase any appliances, you should also take into account what types of utilities they may use. A grill that needs electricity may be more difficult to accommodate than a charcoal grill. Consider what the various appliance choices are and then see how you could make them work into your overall design scheme.

An outdoor kitchen has the potential to seriously increase the value of your home, as well as make your living spaces more functional. According to current forecasts, outdoor kitchens and living spaces are expected to continue to rise in popularity over the coming years. These elegant outdoor spaces fill a practical purpose that many homeowners are desperately searching to find within their homes.

Planning one of these unique outdoor spaces requires a lot of forethought and attention to detail. You should start building your outdoor kitchen from the ground up, taking time to research each choice from the brick flooring to the appliances you desire. You should consider some of these practical design tips before you get started on sketching the layout of your new outdoor kitchen.

January 26, 2018

What’s the Cost of Installing a Flue Liner?

By mmilas / Chimney, Home Improvement / Comments Off

A flue liner acts as a channel that keeps a chimney safe from creosote formation and from other damages. If your chimney is made of brick, having a flue liner will keep the mortar on the bricks from being degraded thereby lengthening its life.

For the average homeowner, installing a flue liner will cost about $2500.

For more expensive liner materials, the cost may go up to $7000. Homeowners who need to install the liner themselves will need to buy DIY materials that can cost up to $625.

With a good liner, the chimney is protected from decay.

Factors that Affect Cost

Liners run the length of the chimney to keep it safe. Therefore, the cost of flue liner installation will be affected by the length of your chimney.

This will obviously dictate the length of the flue, which is one of the main factors influencing cost.

Some chimneys already have flue liners installed while others need it installed. If you have a flue liner that you suspect is in a poor condition, you might need to hire an expert to have them inspect it and decide what needs to be done.

Repairing the flue will be cost-effective compared to installing a new flue.

Other factors that determine cost include the diameter of the flue, number of units connected to your flue, the type and material of the liner, and the presence or absence of insulation.

Besides the cost of material, you will need to factor in labor.

Types of Liners

Liners are classified based on the material they are made of. Stainless steel is cheap, costing about $65 per foot of the chimney. Most average homeowners prefer to use stainless steel thanks to the fact that it is cheap and durable too.

Clay, also referred to as Terra-Cotta is the cheapest with a foot costing $10. Aluminum costs $12 per foot while cast-in-place and Thermocrete cost $250 and $200 respectively.

Homeowners can choose based on their budget or how much they are willing to invest on their houses.

Besides the cost of the various materials, homeowners need to consider the longevity and advantages of each. The cost of installing the various materials is different, and so are the installation labor costs.

Labor Costs

You might have to pay between $1600 and $5000 to have these liners installed. To some people, this is a hefty price for a flue liner that will never be seen.

However, you need to consider that liners preserve your chimney and enhance the efficiency of your home’s heating unit.

With a good liner, your home is protected from a fire which might result from the formation of creosote. Some liners will reinforce structures that are nearly falling.

The whole installation, from the materials to the labor, will cost you between $1000 and $7000.

Maintain Your Chimney

Request to have your chimney liners replaced or have new ones installed today. Once the liners have been installed, you need to keep them maintained to enhance their productive life.

If you do not want to keep replacing liners after every few months, have a professional look at them routinely.

December 12, 2017

How Do You Define Masonry and the Types of Masonry Practiced Today

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Masonry, Services / Comments Off

When asked to define masonry, the simple response is that it is stonework, or when it comes to building, it’s structures bound by mortar with the use of stone, brick, marble, travertine, granite, concrete blocks, limestone, adobe, and glass blocks.

It’s considered to be extraordinarily durable yet depends heavily on the quality of materials and of course the skill of the top masonry contractors to do the job right.

There are many different types of masonry being practiced in building construction today as there are many different types of masonry materials used in the construction process by the top masonry contractors.

So now that you know how to define masonry and the varying styles let’s take a gander at the types of masonry.

What Are the Different Types of Masonry Used in Construction Today?

There are various types of masonry walls used in building construction nowadays. The two main kinds of masonry that most top masonry contractors use is solid masonry and veneer masonry.

Solid masonry is where the whole bricks or materials (stone, bricks, marble, granite, etc.) are used in the construction and is considered the sturdier choice. Whereas veneer masonry is mainly an aesthetic choice where an outer layer of the chosen materials (the bricks or stone) is attached to a less sturdy material like wood.

Brick masonry is by far the most popular choice because of its durability and the fact it just looks fantastic. But concrete blocks and stone masonry are also popular choices.

What Are Some Types of Masonry Materials Available?

There are many different types of masonry materials that go into masonry building construction.

The primary building materials are bricks, stone, stucco, and concrete. The orientations of these materials are various as the sizes depend on the type of construction.

The bonding agents are mortar, veneer mortar, grout, cement, aggregate (sand gravel), concrete, and rebar (reinforced bars).

A couple of different types of trowels are used such as the square-notch trowel and the margin trowel. Also used are masons hammers, mashing hammers, blocking chisels, masonry power saws, mason’s lines, steel squares, levels, chalk lines, jointers, brushes, and mixing tools.

Search for High-Quality, Top Masonry Contractors

When it comes to the actual construction itself, make sure to look for high-quality, top masonry contractions and do your homework.

Punch in a keyword search such as “top masonry contractors near me” in your favorite web browser and peruse the list of available links.

Also be diligent and check the credentials of the company, client testimonials, ask around neighbors and folks you trust.

Should hire a company that continually trains its contractors on the latest techniques in masonry and that each contractor is licensed, insured, bonded, and certified. The company should get a thumbs up from the Better Business Bureau and be well respected within the construction community.

You should also compare different companies and their price lists. Keep a bullet-point list of pros and cons and never be afraid to ask questions. Also, make sure they offer free consultations and are fair with their quotes as far as price and time to complete the project.

Faux Stone Veneer Is an Excellent Choice for Your Home

December 5, 2017

Add Impressive Appeal to Your Home with Faux Stone Veneer

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Veneer / Comments Off

When considering updated or new siding for your home, why not think outside the box a little and consider faux stone veneer, faux stone siding or faux brick wall panels?

Not only is this a cost-effective option to typical siding but modern advancement in siding has led manufacturers to create faux stone veneer, faux stone siding and faux brick wall panels to look just like the real thing.

When using this type of siding, you don’t lose any of the durability you’d expect from siding yet you gain a look your neighbors will envy and you’ll love.

Stone Siding System for House Exterior, What You Need to Know

Even though with a name like faux stone veneer, or faux stone siding, or faux brick wall panels, the actual stone is used in the manufacturing process. It’s just shaped and molded with other materials to make it look as natural as possible and still maintain maximum durability.

There are multiple styles available, more than we mention here, so if interested, get on the internet and search for the best siding companies in your area to find out more, or search for keywords like “stone siding system for house exterior” and peruse through the multitude of photos you’ll find.

A stone siding system for house exterior can add to the property value of your home as well as add color and texture for an exterior remodeling project that is sure to make your house stand out in the neighborhood.

A reputable installation company will see all the details from picking out the style you desire, a consultation on the installation process, and of course the installation itself.

They will have the skilled and trusted professional contractors available to do the job right the first time while maintaining the integrity of your home and making it look brand new once complete.

Seek out the Best for Your Faux Stone Veneer Installation

Make sure once you’ve located the company of choice for the stone siding system for exterior house project that you understand the entirety of the process at the initial consultation.

Also, make sure all the materials are ready beforehand and that you inspect the siding you’ve chosen, so it’s the same you selected at the store. You should also receive an honest and upfront cost analysis of what the project will cost.

That includes materials and labor. This way, there are no surprises. As well, you should receive a general idea of how long the project should take.

One other thing is to make sure the installation company will adequately prepare the exterior of the house to get rid of and dispose of the old siding (if applicable) and also make any repairs to what surface is underneath the old siding.

And as always, make sure you hire a company that places emphasis on customer service and is willing to offer a free consultation as well as ask any questions you may have before, during and after the project is completed.

November 30, 2017

What Is A Tuckpointing Tool And How Can It Help Me?

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Tuckpointing / Comments Off

Owning your home is an amazing thing to be able to do. From picking out your perfect home to signing off on it and moving in, the process is exciting to say the least. However, home ownership comes with a whole slew of new responsibilities. While you may have full creative freedom with your home, repairing and maintaining your home also becomes your job.

Brick homes are beautiful and can offer a very chic way to live, especially in modern cities. They are typically older looking and can be spacious and luxurious, so it is no wonder that people are attracted to them as potential places to live. However, with older homes come more responsibilities than you may have had if you had purchased a home with newer siding and paneling.

Brick Home Maintenance Can Be Hard To Keep Up With

One of the main things you need to maintain is something known as tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is the process of going between the bricks to the worn down mortar and removing some of the older and grimiest material and replacing it with new and bright mortar to brighten up your home and help reinforce it for the future.

Aside from the structural reinforcing of your home, tuckpointing can also breathe new life into an older home. It may be easy to clean the bricks or paint them back to being bright, but couple that with a good tuckpointing job and your home will look newer and more beautiful than the day it was first built, meaning a cleaner and more luxurious look for your home.

Local Tuckpointing Shouldn’t Be Hard To Find

Now you may be wondering: “I’ve only just learned what tuckpointing is, how can I know who will be able to do the job?” Well, while it may seem complicated, with the Internet being as expansive as it is it is easier than ever to find tuckpointing professionals in your area. The tricky part, however, is finding those you can trust.

One easy way to check their quality is to go to sites other than the ones run by the company itself to find reviews, pictures, and information left by previous customers about their experience with the company.

Chances are, if the business has been around long at all, there will be people out there who have reviewed their services. This can be an easy way to learn from their real and unpaid customers how their service is and if others think it is worth the price.

Us Tuckpointing Professionals Are Here To Help!

With us, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. We are tuckpointing professionals who are dedicated and experienced in our craft, and whose job it is to make sure your brick home is sturdy, safe, and looks new and refreshed. We offer fair rates for our services and can help serve you in any weather, so feel free to contact us no matter what the season is.

If you don’t believe us, feel free to check out our reviews on external sites. We have dozens upon dozens of satisfied customers, many of whom have written reviews about our services. Be sure to read through those if you aren’t completely sold on our services, and if you have any further questions know that we are always available to answer any queries that you may have.

Call Or Click Today For More Information!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t wait around, go to our website today to learn more about our services and how we can help your brick home look as new as the day it was built. If you have any questions that you can’t find the answer to on our website, feel free to call us at any time to find the answers and talk to us about what type of job you are looking for.

We are always available to talk to you about what you need and help find you the perfect service that can do what you need without breaking the bank. So why wait? Call or click today to learn more about our amazing services and schedule a free consultation!

October 11, 2017

How To Build A Wall: A Step By Step Guide From Affordable Tuck Pointing Pros

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Masonry / Comments Off

Congrats on beginning your home building or home improvement project! Nothing is more exciting than undertaking the task of building a home or an addition yourself, and we are happy to hear that you are beginning the steps needed to renovate or build your home yourself.

It will be a learning experience, a lot of work, and require a lot of elbow grease, but all in all it will end with a result that is completely your own that you can pass down through the generations.

However, it can be really hard to figure out how to do it on your own. Building things such as walls can be tricky and potentially dangerous if not done correctly, which is why many people hire contractors to do it for them.

Hiring a good contractor can help you save time and energy, and minimize the risk of injury from the construction. If you do want to do it yourself, you’re in luck! Below we have a general guide on what you’ll need to do when you build your own walls for your home improvement or building project.

How To Build A Wall: The Guide

The first step to building any wall is to lay out the lumber that makes up the frame. This is especially good to do on the floor, since you will have freedom to move it around as you hammer the pieces together with nails.

The next step you will have to take when making your own wall is to mark on the ground up to the wall it will be attached to where the wall will be. This can be done many ways, with chalk or any other marking utensil, and helps you know exactly where to attach the wall in a way that will make it easily connectable to any other wall you might be adding to it.

When making a room, it is important to measure out exactly how far each wall needs to be away from each other, or else you could end up with an uneven room or extra wall on a side.

Lastly, you need to attach the wall to the floor and connecting wall securely, once you are a hundred percent sure it is supposed to go there. Once this is done, congrats! You have the wall frame completed and are ready to fill it up with the wall coating of your choosing!

However, if you’re wanting the job to be done professionally by experienced contractors who can do the job right, be sure to call Affordable Tuck Pointing Pros to find out what we can do for you when it comes to repair or building your wall!

If any of this sounds good to you, visit our website today to learn more about who we are, our services, and how we can help you complete your building projects in no time at all, leaving you with incredible results!

October 4, 2017

Brick Masonry in the 21st Century

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Masonry / Comments Off

One of the oldest forms of construction was known to be as the brick masonry. It has been proven throughout the years that this kind of construction has been the most resilient and durable based on the buildings and other structures that still stand tall up to this day.

The use of bricks in masonry construction are usually done by placing the bricks flatly and are put together by using a particular bond to hold the structure and to make sure that such bricks are firmly and strongly supported.

Through the recent course of the year, many innovations and ideas were created to improve and fully develop the construction industry. However, regardless of the technology that we have today, brick masonry has always remained to be one of the best materials to be used in building different kinds of structures.

But what is it that makes bricks so distinct and special that it is still highly recommended by engineers and contractors when constructing new buildings, bridges, and even pavements?

Brick masonry is known to be cheaper compared to other construction materials. Its raw materials are almost always available in different hardware stores. It is also considered to be rigid and long lasting. In simple forms of construction, brick masonry’s resistance when compressed is sufficient to last.

It is also resilient when it comes to various textures of the surface since it offers several sizes and bearings. If you feel like you wanted to renovate your building or you wanted to change the layout and structures, bricks are easy to demolish and it could only take a few days to fully take the structure down.

Furthermore, bricks can be reused and are considered recyclable. It has a high resistance in cases of fire and other unfortunate events. Lastly, it is considered to be environmental friendly since it exhumes little to no pollution throughout the construction process.

It is quite evident that brick masonry is, without a doubt, still highly relevant even in this day and age. But to be able to fully maximize the benefits of these high quality bricks, you should know how to use it properly and what kind of brick is most suited to your desired structures.

You should know what kind of bonding that makes these bricks firmly stable, how to properly lay them (whether horizontal or vertical), how to make sure that the bricks laid out are compact in a way that no air can get through, and, lastly, you should know the proper technique for bricks to have the exact same sizes.

If bricks are properly constructed and structured, you will surely have no problem with any leaks or with any possibility that it might crumble. This is why you should always make sure that you exercised all the precautionary measures during the construction process. Moreover, it definitely helps to ask for assistance from the experts and to do a little research regarding brick masonry to make sure that you get what you exactly hoped for.

September 20, 2017

Making Mortar Mix for Pointing

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Tuckpoint Mortar / Comments Off

Pointing is a common term in building construction and maintenance. It is the technique of filling joints of brickworks or masonry with mortar. Mortar is made using lime and/or cement and sand mixed with water.

Bricks and stone blocks are normally placed in a mortar bed. The process of placing these blocks (or bricks) in the mortar bed causes the mortar to be extruded between the blocks. The excess mortar is sometimes cleared down to about a few centimeters before applying the pointing or repointing mortar in filling out the spaces.

Now, the quality and quantity of materials needed to make mortar mix for pointing brickworks is very important. Generally, materials needed for mortar mix are cement, lime, sand, plasticizer and water.

Basically, a good mix for a cement-based mortar mix for pointing brickwork would be 1 part cement added to 1 part lime and 3 to 6 parts soft sand. For older and softer brickworks, lime mortar made by mixing about 1 part of hydrated lime, water and 2 parts sharp sand will be more suitable. However, the composition and aggregate of the pointing mortar may vary according to the purpose or application of the construction.

For example, some builders prefer to use different amounts of lime, cement, soft sand and sharp sand for different mortar mix for pointing brickworks. Pointing mortar for house walls, bricks and building blocks may require cement mortar with about 1 part cement and 5 part soft sand.

Lime based pointing mortar could be applied to brickwork in chimneys, paving, slabs and retaining blocks with up to 2 part lime, 1 part cement and 2 part sharp sand. The volume of water used is also very important, which usually depends on the weather and humidity of the area as well as wetness or dryness of the sand.

Depending on the amount of work to be done, the mix can be done on a mortar board, in a bucket or in a wheelbarrow. When dealing with large aggregates, it is always better to have a small amount of mortar mixture at a time than having a large amount.

The mortar mix may get dried out and thus wasted if it’s left to stand for too long without being used. It is, however, possible that the mortar does begin to get dry before or during application, adding a little more water won’t be a bad idea.

Chemical plasticizers or masonry cement can be added to improve the workability of the mixture. Since sand influences the color of the mortar, the color of the sand to be used should be considered prior to mixing.

For repointing mortar, that is, reapplying pointing to cracks and breaks in mortar joints of walls due to factors, such as rain and other agents of denudation, the defective mortar is removed manually by hand or with specialized mechanical tools.

The voids left are then replaced by filling with pointing mortar of similar properties with the original mortar. The original mortar should be made first with the purpose of making recommendations for the repointing mortar so that it fits physically with the walls or building.

September 13, 2017

Tips on Using Retaining Wall Calculation Examples to Build Your Own Wall

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Masonry, Services / Comments Off

A retaining wall is a structure used for binding soil between two different heights and is therefore susceptible to lateral pressure from the held soil and other surcharges. A variety of materials can be used in the construction of a retaining wall. The most popular materials however are poured concrete, treated timbers, concrete blocks and rocks.

The Planning Process

There are three main considerations that must be made when selecting a material for use in retaining wall structure. These are:

The type of soil in the construction location
The proposed height of the wall
The structures that will be on top of the wall.

Retaining walls face pressure from the retained backfill and the top mass. Retaining wall calculation examples therefore put into consideration factors such as the seismic zones where the wall is built, the wind load for retaining walls with stems extending above the backfill and also surcharges such as different strip loads.

If you are building a retaining wall, that’s more than 3 to 4 feet, it is necessary to use a synthetic mesh material such as geogrid to enhance the strength of the wall and ensure stability. Geogrids also come in different types and sizes and your choice should, therefore, depend on your particular circumstance.

Ensuring Stability of a Retaining Wall

Typically, you should perform sliding, base bearing pressure and overturning checks to certain the stability of your retaining walls. In most Retaining wall calculation examples, the overturning and sliding stability checks are the ones popularly examined. In these examples, it’s always assumed that there is a friction coefficient between the concrete and soil and the no-surcharge load or water table is considered in the calculation. However, this is mostly just to make the calculation easy, and so should be an actual factor for consideration in the main project.

The weight of the retaining wall structure is mostly not also considered in retaining wall calculation examples although this should be ordinarily factored in if all the potential pressures are to be evaluated.

Checking For Sliding Failure

In addition to the trapezoidal seismic pressure, there is also a bearing pressure expected to act from underneath the wall, a horizontal pressure that may push the wall outwards and passive reassure that will act on the wall from the front.

During construction, the natural soil is bound to be disturbed. Because of this, a common practice during the calculation of the sliding factor is ignoring the top portion. If the passive forces are determined to be extremely high is a manner likely to counteract the pushing force, it is recommended to build a sheer key beneath the wall footing.

This is the most efficient way of increasing the sliding resistance when erecting a retaining wall. Although the position of the key on the footing is not a critical matter for consideration, a lot of engineers prefer building it under the stem and afterward building wall rebars down it.

It’s important to always design and plan the layout of the retaining wall before starting out on the project. Do the math regarding the length and height of the wall, the quality and quantity of materials to be used, and also consider the other nearby factors that may disturb the stability of the wall.

July 13, 2017

Getting the Best Masonry Restoration Chicago

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Masonry, Repair, Tuckpointing / Comments Off

Homes and walls need to be maintained. Especially if they are made of brick and mortar. Brick masonry walls may last a long time, but they will still incur damages in time. It’s only natural. The quality of a brick masonry wall can be excellent, but the preservation of the quality requires repair.

Masonry tuckpointing does just that. Masonry tuckpointing is the repair of mortar joints in brick masonry walls. Finding a contractor for masonry restoration in Chicago is necessary, especially if you need a large sized wall to be restored. Here are things you need to know about tuckpointing and tuckpointing contractors in Chicago.

Tuckpointing Is Not a Luxury

You have to know that tuckpointing is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A building can definitely collapse if built on bricks and not maintained. The cost of tuckpointing services will be worth it because the repair could occur in another few decades.

When will you know if a brick masonry wall needs work to done? You can do a coin test. Get a coin and rub it onto the mortar. If crumbles are produced with the coin, that’s a good indicator that a wall needs to be repaired. But if a coin can’t even dent the mortar, the wall is still in good shape.

You should also know that it can be too late to restore a wall. With cracked concrete, moisture can get into the brick and damage them. When this happens, providing maintenance will no longer be required. The only thing to do would be to tear down the wall and rebuild. That is why tuckpointing is not a luxury. So if you need masonry restoration service in Chicago, have it done before it’s too late.

Hire the Best Tuckpointing Contractors in Chicago

There are a lot of reasons why you need to hire the best tuckpointing contractors in Chicago. One is because, as stated earlier, tuckpointing is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Tuckpointing is essential in commercial or residential buildings so long as they are built of masonry brick walls.

The mortar, which is mostly the part being repaired or replaced, are the parts that hold the wall together. If the company hired to do the service did the job poorly, the wall could collapse and can cause very serious consequences. Hire the best tuckpointing contractors in Chicago so you can be guaranteed of excellent service.

The best tuckpointing repair companies also have the equipment needed to do the job well and fast. The specialists are also experienced and well trained. You can check a company’s reputation by going online and checking their reviews. Hire the best masonry restoration company in Chicago for a contractor that delivers satisfaction.

Masonry Tuckpointing: Masonry Restoration in Chicago

Be sure to check your masonry brick walls today to check if solutions are needed. Remember that tuckpointing is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Don’t neglect the condition of a brick wall. You already have directions on what to do to check if the mortar needs to be replaced.

You could lose a fortune if it’s too late to for repairs. Masonry brick walls can last for a very long time. But if taken for granted, it can all crumble in an instant. Don’t wait for the time when repairs can no longer be done. If you found out you’re in need of masonry restoration service in Chicago, immediately get to your phone and call a Chicago masonry restoration company.

July 6, 2017

Things to Know with Installing Bifold Doors

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Lintel / Comments Off

Bifold doors have always been great options for covering spaces preferred to not be seen. These may be laundry nooks, wardrobes and other general storage areas. Bifold doors are great because they don’t only look good but are also lightweight and can be inexpensive.

Bifold doors offer many benefits and are always great to have in the house. Installing bifold doors can be easy but there are a few things you need to know first before you decide to get a bifold door installation.

Know the Different Types of Lintels for Bifold Doors

With installing bifold doors, there are different lintels that can be used to increase the durability of the house. Lintels can be made of different materials and each one has different uses. Know the different types of lintels for bifold doors before you decide to have one installed.

Stone lintels are used for openings between 5.9 inches to 6.5 feet wide. Brick lintels are used for openings that is less than 3.2 feet and with a lower load. Timber lintels can be used for older structures that have long openings. Reinforced brick lintel is used for those with heavy loads and has an opening of at least 3.2 feet.

If you have a structure that has a very wide opening and will have heavy loads, steel lintels can be used. For the lintel that can be used for any opening size and load, the reinforced concrete cement lintel can be used.

With Installing Bifold Doors

It can be quite easy to install normal bifold doors. However, with different lintel sizes and door openings, you might need a professional to do the installation. You may just to do the replacing of the door yourself. However, depending on the difficulty, you might choose to have a professional do the job.

Instructions can be found on the internet. However, following the tutorial may be easier said than done. With installing bifold doors, you want to first have the measurement of your opening. Remove the old door and its hardware and hinges.

From there, choose the proper lintel with the correct size for your opening. With installing bifold doors, everything needs to be considered. Otherwise, parts won’t fit or the structural integrity of the structure will be compromised.

Benefits with Using Bifold Doors

Whether it’s for the interior or exterior of your house, bifold doors always look classy and modern. The bifold door has a very simple mechanism and it can work to give you a seamless view. Benefits of using bifold doors include the possibility of having an expansive living space.

You can choose to combine two rooms into one with the folding doors. The panels can act as dividers and also interior designs that separate rooms.

Bifold doors are always great to have. From the many lintel options with installing bifold doors to the handful of benefits, bifold doors are just excellent for any kind of house. Decide to get a bifold door for your home today and see how it can transform the appearance of your home. Have a bifold door installed and enjoy the many benefits with using bifold doors.

June 16, 2017

A Lesson On Repairing Chimney Cracks

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Repair, Services, Tuckpoint Mortar, Tuckpointing / Comments Off

Every homeowner with a chimney knows how important it is to keep your chimney crack free. Funneling smoke through your house is an important job that only a chimney can do, but each year you use the chimney it becomes more susceptible to cracks and damage. Eventually, the mortar that keeps the bricks or stone together will begin to crack and flake, leaving gaps in your chimney that could lead to serious problems. This particularly happens with age and especially with the freezing and thawing of ice throughout the chimney that occurs during snowy and cold weather. Occurrences such as earthquakes or other natural disasters can also be an easy way for your chimney to become cracked and damaged.

When your chimney is cracked, it greatly increases the risk of a fire to occur in your chimney. There is a reason why all state and federal building regulations require all chimneys present on the premises to be in working order. This highlights the importance of learning all about repairing chimney cracks.

Cleaning Your Cracked Chimney To Prepare For Repair

The first step in repairing a cracked chimney is to clear away things like dust, tar, and debris. In order for this to go smoothly, you will need a chimney brush that is specifically made for the job. In order to properly clean the chimney with the chimney brush, you need to find a good footing on your roof by the entrance to the chimney, then you simply move the brush up and down until it is visibly clean.

Cleaning your chimney before repairing it can be crucial in making sure there are no foreign materials sitting in your chimney when you get ready to apply more mortar. Do not skip this step, for it is extremely crucial to the safe repair of your chimney.

Tuckpointing And How It Can Fix Your Chimney

If you have experienced repairing chimney cracks before, you are probably familiar with the process of Tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is what we specialize in, a process which replaces the cracked mortar in the mortar joints with fresh mortar that will last a long time.

When repairing your chimney, you want to first clear the crack of any small fractures, stones, or debris that are sitting on the cracked surface. This will help you create the perfect environment to place the mortar. When ready for the mortar, you want to mix the mortar properly and keep it moist the first half week. This is to make sure it retains its caulking properties. Then you will spread the mixture evenly into the crack, sealing it from damage and leaks.

If done properly, this will replace the damaged mortar and your chimney should be fixed. Unfortunately, this can be a hard and time-consuming process, and hiring a professional will help you get it done efficiently and without fault, as well as lessen the danger to yourself with the risks of climbing on an unstable roof.

When repairing chimney cracks, it is always important to note your own safety and the safety of yours around you. So please remember to never light your fireplace when your chimney is cracked, and call a professional if you are not completely confident in your own chimney repairing abilities.

June 8, 2017

Different Types Of Lintel For Bifold Doors

By mmilas / Home Improvement, Lintel / Comments Off

Maintaining the structural integrity of our homes is important, as you can do so either by using structural enhancers, by using preventive maintenance services, or both. No matter what options you choose, home maintenance is necessary because our home is our primary protection against the weather and other harsh environmental elements.

Commonly, people choose to enhance the sturdiness of their houses to minimize the need for frequent repairs, and they normally do this by using different types of lintels and use it as a structural support such as lintel for bifold doors.

Houses use different lintel sizes for door openings, as there are specific ones for specific doors, so it is important to know how to install a bifold door jamb to understand better how lintel for bifold doors can help enhance a building’s durability.

Types Of Lintels And Uses

As mentioned earlier, lintels can be used to enhance the durability of your house. People use many types of lintels and use each type specifically for designs or structures which are deemed to be best supported by it. As a guide, listed below are the types of lintels and their respective uses:

1. Stone Lintel – used in small openings ranging from 15 cm to large ones up to 2m

2. Brick Lintel – used for openings less than 1m with lesser loads

3. Timber Lintel – used in older architecture, normally in openings with more length

4. Reinforced Concrete Cement Lintel – suitable for all loads and openings

5. Reinforced Brick Lintel – used in heavy loads and the span of the opening is at least 1m

6. Steel Lintel – are used in areas subject to heavy loads but have large openings

Determine Lintel Sizes For Door Openings

Using specific lintel types for particular door opening types are necessary to maximize the structural durability of your walls. Before you learn how to install a bifold door jamb and select a lintel for bifold doors, you must first determine lintel sizes for door openings as these are one of the two factors you must consider before lintel installation.

Next, other technical specifications include load and movement which you subject the wall with doors with. Before choosing a Doorset, read the technical instructions first and make sure your data regarding the design of your patio or doors fit with your chosen lintels before installation.

How to Install a Bifold Door Jamb and Lintel for Bifold Doors

There is specific lintel for bifold doors, and they may depend on lintel sizes for door openings. Look for a forum which can help you with instructions on how to install bifold doors and lintels. Steelseries of lintels are normally deemed fitting for bifold doors, but it pays if you also see the criteria in installing bifold for your building, especially if it is subject to wind pressure along with your other glass windows.

Set your mind on the standard before making a decision and survey opinions from experts in doing the job regarding their recommendations. Start measuring your planned opening for your design and select the beam which can facilitate improvements in structural durability.

Ultimately, there are different types of lintels you can use for your building. Select the most appropriate type to maximize your improvements and know how you can install them about the factors that should be considered before installation.