Building With Pressure Treated Lumber? Know The Rules!

If you are building a deck, retaining wall or a swing set for the kids it is highly likely that your material of choice is pressure treated lumber.

Pressure treated lumber, if installed properly, should provide a 40 year useable life. However, there are some things about pressure treated lumber that you have to know, in order to obtain that life and not have your project fall apart in a few years.

To create pressure treated lumber, raw lumber is impregnated with two waterborne compounds that are copper based chemicals. The amount of copper basically determines the usage and all pressure treated lumber, sold in the US, is supposed to have a tag stapled to the end of the board signifying its pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood product:

0.25 Above Ground

0.40 Ground Contact

0.60 Permanent Wood Foundation

2.50 Salt Water

Because the lumber is impregnated with 16C3copper, the choice of fasteners becomes very important. When two dissimilar metals come in contact with one another a galvanic reaction is created, the outcome is that the materials corrode and disintegrate. The higher the levels of copper in the lumber the faster that the corrosion will occur.

Although most people realize that they must use corrosion resistant fasteners and connectors many do not consider items such as flashings and light poles that are also in contact with the pressure treated lumber. Of course the best metals to use for fasteners, flashings and anything else that comes in contact with the deck is stainless steel or copper whenever possible. Stainless steel is expensive and copper is not conveniently available at your local lumber supply so the next best material is steel that has been galvanized.

Galvanized fasteners come in different grades (the thickness of the coating), better manufactures mark the box with a G rating. The higher the G rating, the more zinc used. You shouldnt use less than a G-90 rating and engineers are now suggesting the use of G-185. If the box is not marked it is probably a G-60 or less and this will not provide enough zinc coating to prevent galvanization from occurring. Cadmium plated nuts, bolts and screws do not provide any protection from corrosion whatsoever.

Some manufactures have created composite coatings for use with pressure treated lumber. Read the label on the box and make sure that what you are buying is suitable for the job.

Do not use aluminum flashing, deck flashing must be stainless steel, galvanized or copper. Aluminum corrodes very quickly when in contact with copper. This also means that metals items that come in contact with the pressure treated lumber must also be protected, items such as outdoor furniture, and barbeques should have rubber or vinyl feet or wheels.

For additional information on pressure treated lumber for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Design

Here are some frequently asked questions, and answers, about fireplaces.

1 - How high should a fireplace chimney be with respect to the height of the house, and what feature1C84s of design affect its efficient operation?

ANSWER: A chimney should extend at least three feet above flat roofs and at least two feet above the ridge of a peak or hip roof. Solid masonry is the most commonly used material. Satisfactory performance of a chimney flue is determined by its size, direction, shape, height, tightness and smoothness.

2. Is there a particular kind of mortar that should be used in fireplace construction? How is it mixed and where is it used?

ANSWER: The brick around a fireplace and flue should be laid with cement mortar, since it is more resistant than lime mortar to the action of heat and flue gases. The best to use, except on firebrick, consists of one part portland cement, one part hydrated lime, and six parts clean sand. Firebrick is best laid in fire clay.

3. What is the purpose of a damper, and how is it constructed?

ANSWER: A damper affords a means of regulating the draft and prevents excessive loss of heat from the room when the fire is out. It consists of a cast-iron or steel frame with a lid hinged so the width of the throat opening may be varied from a closed to a wide-open position.

4. What is the proper procedure for connecting the chimney to the roof so as to guard against fire, and to allow for expansion due to temperature changes, settlement, or slight movement of the chimney during heavy winds?

ANSWER: Where the chimney passes through the roof, provide for a two-inch clearance between the wood framing and the masonry. The chimney must be flashed and counterflashed to make its junction with the roof watertight. Corrosion-resistant metal, such as copper, galvanized metal, zinc, aluminum, or lead is best for the counterfiashing. When tin is used, paint it well on both sides.

5. Is it necessary that a flue be lined, and if so, what are the advantages in lining it?

ANSWER: Chimneys can be built without linings, but those with linings are more efficient. When the flue is not lined, the mortar and bricks directly exposed to the action of fuel gases disintegrate. This disintegration and that occuring from changes in temperature often cause cracks in the masonry, which reduces the draft.

6. What is the proper way to build the smoke shelf?

ANSWER: The smoke shelf should be made by setting the brickwork back at the top of the throat to the line of the flue wall for the full width of the throat. The depth can vary from six to twelve inches or more, depending on the depth of the fireplace.

7. Does the kind of fuel to be burned have anything to do with the selection of a fireplace design, and does the size of the opening affect the operation?

ANSWER When a fireplace design is being selected, the kind of fuel to be burned should be considered; also, the design should harmonize with the room in proportion and detail. Years ago, when cordwood was plentiful, fireplaces seven feet wide and five feet high were common, but they required large amounts of fuel and were often smoky. Where cordwood is cut in half, a 30-inch width is desirable for a fireplace, but where coal is burned, the opening can be narrower. Thirty inches is a practical height for the fireplace where the width is less than six feet. The higher the opening, the greater the chance of a smoky fireplace. In general, the wider the opening the greater should be the depth.

Following these guidelines, a satisfactory chimney may be selected.

Would You Like Tips On Fireplace Design?

I've Got Loads Of Great Ideas And Expert Advice To Help Design Your Fireplace.

Click Here For Free Ideas: http://www.fireplace-design.org/

6 X 6 Post With 2 X 6 Stair Guard

Put Some Beauty To Your Open Spaces With Awning

Awnings could be a good addition to any terrace, balcony, patio, doorways, decks, windows, poolside, driveway, Jacuzzi and other open spaces that should require decreasing warm weather temperatures and protection. Aside from providing additional shelter from the elements, it can enhance the exterior beauty of your home. Awnings are also good energy savers.

Depending on the direction that your house faces, an awning can save you considerable cuts on air-conditioning costs. There are different kinds of awnings that can be used for residential and commercial purposes.

The Retractable Awning

The retractable type is the most versatile of all awnings. It can provide direct protection from the sun and can be tilted up to 45 degrees. It is a good option if you need an awning that can be adjusted from time to time according to the requirements of shading that you will need. Retractable awnings come in different shade, color, design and retain the brightness of the space where it is placed. Retractable awnings are easily installed and can be removed just as easily. Provided the awning is not supplied with an electric motor, which is one of its options, you would not need help from a licensed electrician.

This awning has retractable arms that are spring loaded providing the tension to the fabric when it is rolling down its tube. Using this awning is like creating and additional space to your structure without the need for contractors. It is also the least expensive as it does not require construction.

When sufficient slopes are made, retractable awnings can keep your terraces, balconies, patios etc. clean and protected from rain. It however should be guarded during inclement weather, never during snow and must be rolled up when there is hail.

With retractable awnings, light and shade can be controlled. It can provide protection to your furnitures, carpets and fixtures from fading.

Most retractable awnings have options for an electric motor. These are recommended for outdoor plug ins and will need indoor switches. When you choose to install a retractable awning with motor, have a licensed electrician install it for you.

Stationary Awnings are good protection for the structure and can save you money for utility costs.

Canvas Awnings can provide additional protection to your deck window, patio and balcony aside from beautifying them. The shade it provide can help you enjoy more outdoor activities while protecting your drapes, carpets and furnitures from premature fading.

Canvas awnings come in different shade colors, patterns and designs, Styles could either be the double bar standard, dome shaped, open sides, the traditional closed sides, waterfall, quarter barrel and semi-circular. Canvass awnings are durable. It can last up to ten years and replacements are not expensive. There are also a wide variety of frames that you can choose from. Selection of frames can be aluminum or steel, anodized and powder-coated.

Metal Awnings or Aluminum awnings have three main categories the louvered awnings, the stationary awnings and the door hoods/canopies. These types of awnings are designed for durability. However like all awnings, the Aluminum awnings can bend when heavy load is placed on it like the accumulation of snow or hail.

Awnings support and paneling are constructed from tough double-gauged aluminum panels that are designed for all-weather durability. Its sides provide extra ventilation allowing hot air not to accumulate on the shaded areas. Metal awnings are available in designs that will fit and add beauty to window doors and pathways.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides awning resources on http://www.your-awning.info

Wallpapering

The Different Types of Home Siding Material

There are numerous types of siding available for today's homes offering different advantages and/or disadvantages. Certain types of siding are more popular in some areas of the country than others, influenced largely by climate and availability of product. Price also influences the type of siding chosen by a builder or a home owner.

Types of siding available:

1. Aluminum or Vinyl Siding These siding options are available on new homes as well as often put on over older types of siding. The biggest advantage of this type of siding is that they do not require painting. The disadvantage is that aluminum siding dents and vinyl siding cracks. Vinyl siding has improved over time as the quality of vinyl improves.

2. Masonite Siding or Hardi Plank These siding options have a similar appearance but offer very different results. Masonite siding deteriorates over time and requires painting, caulking and routine upkeep. Hardi Plank (a brand name) is a similar looking product but is made of cement and therefore does not rot. It is growing in popularity and is a terrific alternative to Masonite.

3. Brick or Stone Both of these products provide an excellent siding option. They are virtually indestructible as well as attractive. They do not require the routine maintenance that other types of siding require. The biggest drawback is price, although in some areas of the country it is still very affordable.

4. Stucco Traditional stucco is made with cement and offers a solid, lasting, moisture proof siding. It is seen a great deal in Florida where the climate would require constant upkeep on other 567types of siding and the solid cement siding keeps the houses cooler than traditional siding.

5. Cedar Shakes For those who love the look of cedar shakes, it is an excellent alternative to Masonite siding as it requires less maintenance. When treated with stain it does not rot or peel.

6. Veneer & Synthetic Siding These siding alternatives give you the appearance of other types such as stucco or brick, but do not give you the quality or longevity.

7. Clapboard Siding that is made from solid wood is more costly than other types of siding but lasts longer and looks better than other manufactured sidings such as Masonite. It is also a product that lends itself well to stain and therefore will not peel as siding that is painted.

8. Steel and Vinyl Coatings These are becoming more and more popular. They are more expensive but are nearly indestructible thus requiring little maintenance. Vinyl Coatings are applied like paint but are much thicker. Since it is a relatively new product it is important to find a company that will apply it correctly as applying incorrectly can cause many problems.

Fallbrook Bathroom Remodel

EU Recycling Law to Push Prices on Electrical Goods

The price of electrical goods including TV’s and washing machines looks set to increase following the implementation of a new EU directive on recycling. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive could stimulate an increase in price of electrical goods of over £500 million per year in the UK. The directive orders the collection and recycling of discarded electrical goods that would otherwise be dumped in landfill sites. The ultimate aim is to reduce the volume of toxic chemicals in the environment with a reduction is harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium if the goods can be reused. Some of the recycled goods will be refurbished and sent to the Third World as part of the scheme.

The directive is aimed at government and local councils rather than individuals but will mean a dramatic change to the way that we discard of consumer electrics. Councils will be expected to handle electrical goods at their recycling centres, with consumers dropping off their unwanted electrics. Although there is no direct requirement on the part of the individual – some councils will charge for the collection of l16CFarge items such as washing machines pushing the cost of electrical goods up for the average consumer. Some stores will operate a take back scheme for old items when delivering a new item but for the majority this is likely to mean additional costs.

Most electrical goods that are discarded in the UK are still fully functioning, operative goods. Part of the EU’s aim is to increase the life cycle of such goods to limit the number of operative goods going out of circulation and thereby, again, reduce pressure on the environment. The aim to get people thinking about the life cycle of their electrical goods and find alternative methods of disposal does have options. If the cost of disposal is to be avoided, you essentially have to find another home for your unwanted electricals. The use of classifieds to sell unwanted goods is on the rise and resources such as Loot electricals are ideal for not only disposing of your items without paying a fee, but possibly even making a bit of money out of the process.

With lifestyle trends changing and the ongoing pursuit of environmentally friendly policies in Brussels, we could be set to see similar policies emerging from the EU in the months and tears to come. Although this looks, on the surface at least, like a bad deal for consumers the application of a little lateral thinking can reap some benefits. Passing on your unwanted electrical goods – be it to the Third World or to someone down the road in answer to your personal ad, makes sense for the environment and for the life cycle of goods which might be perfectly functional even if they don’t fit with your redesigned kitchen!

Michael Hanna is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland

E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael's Website: Taxis Belfast

Electrical Circuits and the Effects of Current

An electric circuit (also referred to as electrical make) is a closed circuit of electrical conductors in which a current of electricity flows from one or more charged sources. Negatively charged electrons move within these conductors using electrostatic forces. The intensity of the current runB63ning through the circuit depends on the charged source, the device consuming the energy, the cross-sectional size and length of the conductor, and the temperature and nature of the substance the conductor is composed of.

A simple electrical circuit is made up of a source (a battery or other source producing electrical energy, such as a generator), a consuming appliance which, using this electrical current, executes some work (such as the light that a light bulb emits), and the wire (conductive substance) which joins the various components of the electrical circuit.

The [breaker] switch serves to disconnect or complete (connect) the electrical circuit. Most circuits can be disconnected by a single switch. A mechanical switch is made of moveable metallic parts which join together to allow the current within the circuit pass through. When the switch is turned "off", this section of the circuit becomes open, meaning a break in the circuit is created.

There are many types of switches which contain a minimum amount of mechanical components, like electronic switches such as transistors.

The magnitude of a current is measured in amperes. Electric output is the product of electrical charge (voltage) and current, whereby, with a constant electrical output, there is indirect proportion between voltage and current.

Because the electrical current serves to transfer energy to an appliance or some equipment, it may cause harm to organic matter, where touching a part of an electrical circuit charged under voltage may cause burning. The extent of damage depends on the magnitude of the current and on the duration of the contact.

Even with low voltage equipment, touching even one of the conductors poses a threat to life, in particular if the person is standing on good conductive material, such as a wet floor (amperage, or the speed of flow of electricity, is what can kill you, not voltage alone).

Electrical current can be harmful to skin (may cause burning) and can also induce a heart attack. Because our muscles are controlled by electrical currents coming from the brain, a body subjected to a current of electricity may induce a short circuit of the heart muscle, which can result in a cramp and a subsequent ceasing of heart activity.

Electrical Circuits and the Effects of Current
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BEFORE You Get Started

Useful Remodeling Ideas – !
By: Michael Johnson



Home remodeling can be done for function or just because the house needs a new look, or a combination of the two. The focus of home remodeling for most homeowners is usually the kitchen or the bathrooms because those are the rooms that add the most value to a home and can become outdated more quickly. Just as in fashion, home décor goes through fads, and typically if bathrooms and kitchens have not been remodeled for ten years or more, it’s obvious!

How many times have we heard the jokes about the ambitious do-it-yourself homeowner who starts project after project, only to stop in the middle and not finish any one of them? Usually the weekend warrior runs out of time, or perhaps money, or maybe he or she realizes that much more has been bitten off than can possibly be chewed. The results are evident – half-finished paintjobs that leave some walls in one color while others sport another; flooring has been exposed but never finished; kitchen cabinets are leaning against the wall yet will not be anchored in for weeks or perhaps months. Sadly, many a homeowner neglected to receive some sound remodeling tips prior to embarking on their tasks. To this end, here are some tips and tricks that will you to get off to a good start, before you actually pick up your checkbook or your tools!

One of the first remodeling tips that are usually neglected is the fact that it should have a general appeal. Granted, this may be common sense, yet it is astounding how many homeowners add or take away from their homes in such a way that a future sale is compromised. While the homeowner may think that a purple bathroom with yellow handprints is just darling, the potential buyer who tours the house two years down the line will probably wrinkle his nose at this décor faux pas. In the same way, if you decide to add on to your home, do it with an eye on the investment potential. In other words, do not do a half-fast job yourself, but instead pull the proper permits and hire licensed contractors to at least take a look before the buildig inspector stops by.

Experts have a tool box full of different small bathroom remodeling ideas, but most can be grouped into two categories: creating light and creating visual space. The illusions of space and light complement each other and expand a small space. Anyone who has tried to apply makeup in a small dark room knows how important light is, and it’s created in a variety of ways, both natural and artificial. Natural light comes from windows, skylights, and any other opening that allows sun into the space. Whenever possible, windows should be left uncovered or only lightly covered by a filmy white or light-colored window covering. Paint colors from the cool end of the color spectrum reflect and enhance natural light, as do mirrors and light-colored flooring. Even a light-colored, inexpensive rug used to cover a dark floor can brighten up a space. Artificial light, originating from ceiling lights, wall sconces or lamps, can also brighten a space when employed artfully. Recessed lighting, which creates the illusion of space as well as light, could also be a viable option for you. Just be sure to use artificial light that is bright without being oppressive. Look in your home and garden store for special bulbs that can be used to effectively diffuse the light.

Other remodeling tips include the popularity versus functionality of a desired item, as well as value for the items. For example, just because recessed lighting is the latest fad, it may not be the lighting of choice for the bathroom where it may create dark spots and shade in undesirable areas. In addition to the foregoing, the value of the items purchased should remain intact, thus adding value to the home rather than simply costing money. Thereafter it is a smart idea to do a bit of research to see where home decorating trends are headed. Some old time favorites, such as ceiling tiles or even marble counter tops, are becoming a thing of the past, and if you are wondering about adding value to your home it is best to decorate with the market in mind. Naturally, not all homeowners will look to sell their properties within the next few years or until after the next remodel, yet this rule of thumb is certain to add value to the biggest investment you will ever make rather than just drain the bank account.

Hopefully these remodeling tips have added a little bit of common sense to the mix of weekend projects and large undertakings, and the next time you contemplate a project, please be sure to think it through from beginning to end before your jump into the car to head to the local big box store for supplies!

About The Author


Michael Johnson operates a variety of collectible websites and newsletters. Visit the website for many coin collecting tips. http://www.remodelingtipcenter.com.

mikej_094@yahoo.com