Home Improvement & Remodel

Renovation-Headquarters.com – Change in format and layout

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Renovation-Headquarters.com is undergoing a change to its format and layout! During the change, some links may become broken, although we are doing our best to ensure that the site is fully active at all times.

We want to thank everyone for their patience as we progress.

Garbage Disposal Switches

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:38:00 +0000

I have been advised that some jurisdictions are requiring the use of toggle switches that are market with “On” and “Off” rather than decorator style switches for turning under sink mounted garbage disposal units.

The reason is one of safety as it can be difficult to visually determine if a decorator switch is in the “On” or “Off” position.

While this may be a decorator problem, the concern, and hence the requirement, in my opinion is valid.

Rough-in For Exterior Door

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Q: I am installing an exterior door in a family room addition. I have ordered the door, and I am preparing to build the framing around the opening. The manufacture of the door has given me the rough-in opening. But I am confused about the height. Is the height of the opening measured from the sub-floor or the floor joists?

A: Measuring the rough-in height of an exterior door is not as simple as many think. In fact one of the most common mistakes made on exterior door installation is the rough-in height.

The rough-in height is relative to the thickness of the flooring you are going to install on the interior side of the door.
My recommendation is that you place a ¾ inch piece of weatherproof plywood on top of the sub-floor and take your height measurement for the rough-in from the top of that board.

Additional information on height rough-in for an exterior door.

Painting Outdoor Circuit Breaker Panels & Meter Boxes

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:10:00 +0000

Q: I would like to paint the outside of my circuit breaker panel and the box that is holds my electrical meter.

A: You are not impressed with the standard electrical panel grey color? I don’t understand why! You own the load center (circuit breaker panel) so you can paint it what-ever color you want. As far as the meter box is concerned, in some jurisdictions you own the meter box; in others the meter box is deemed to be the property of your electrical utility. I would call them and ask, before I painted it. I wouldn’t paint any part of the meter itself as it is definitely the property of the utility.

Do not paint the inside of the box and ensure that the paint does not freeze up the hinges or latching mechanism of the cover. I would apply some Vaseline or mask the heads of the panel screws and the key lock (if your load center has one), before I painted. You don’t want to be fighting with screws or locks that have paint covering them if you ever have to gain entry to the load center in order to perform maintenance.

Replacing Cracked Bricks

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Q: We had a vicious winter and after inspecting the outside of our home, which is about 40 years old, I noticed that we have a couple of bricks that are cracked. Is this serious? Can I replace them or do I have to call in a masonry company?

A: A couple of cracked bricks on a house that is 40 years old is not a problem. However, the bricks do need to be replaced to avoid having water enter through the cracks in the bricks and entering the void between the brick veneer and the structural members of the house, which could cause serious damage to both the structural members and the interior.

If you only have a couple of cracked bricks and are reasonable handy, you should be able to undertake replacement of the bricks on your own.

One of the biggest problems you may have is matching the current bricks, which have been weathered, with replacement bricks.

I have a couple of pages of information on replacing cracked or damaged bricks that should assist you.

Removing A Tree House

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Q: I recently moved into a new home and there is a dilapidated tree house in a large Oak tree in the backyard that I want to remove. I am concerned about damaging the tree. Do you have any tips or suggestions?

A: If the tree house is falling apart, my first tip is to be extremely careful for your own safety. The use of protective clothing, gloves, goggles and safety boots or shoes is a must. Always have a person with you, on the ground, just in case of disaster and to move any debris away from under where you are working. Secondarily, removing any structure that is not sound is not a project for the kids!

If the tree house has been in place for a number of years, I would surmise that the Oak tree has grown and may have actually grown around some of the tree house lumber. When you are removing the lumber from the tree house I would suggest that you use a tree wound dressing on any areas of branches, limbs or the main trunk that are bare (no bark covering) once the board is removed. This also applies to holes that are left after removal of nails or other fasteners.

The best way to demo the tree house is to start at the top and work downwards. Every time a board is removed or a nail is pulled, use the tree wound dressing, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be careful when using the limbs, branches or trunks of the tree to leverage wrecking or pry bars, as you can damage the tree quite easily. If damage does occur, use the tree wound dressing.

Selection of tree wound dressings.

It is also important to realize that some of the branches and limbs may have weak spots, once the tree house lumber is removed, and may have to be pruned back.

Your Yard and Clean Air

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Small Engine Garden Tools are Big Polluters - Most people do not associate air pollution with mowing the lawn. Yet emissions from lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, leaf vacuums, and similar outdoor power equipment are a significant source of pollution.

Today's small engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. They also emit hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, pollutants that contribute to the formation of ozone. Emission controls for small gasoline engines has not been a crucial design consideration until now. Small engines are big polluters and power equipment users inadvertently contribute to the problem by carelessly handling fuel and improperly maintaining their equipment.

Pollution Prevention in Your Own Backyard- EPA anticipates that new regulations now being developed will bring cleaner lawn and garden equipment to market within a few years. Meanwhile, consumers can make a difference by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future:

Consider cleaner manual and battery powered options.
Propane and solar options are also available for some types of equipment. Electric and battery powered equipment is cleaner than equipment powered by gasoline engines. Electrically-powered lawn and garden tools produce essentially no pollution from exhaust emissions or through fuel evaporation.

Use manual hand powered tools
Tools that don't require electric or gasoline engines are especially handy for small yards or small jobs. Hand tools are available to meet a wide variety of lawn and garden needs, like lightweight, quiet, easy-to-use reel push mowers that generate no emissions.

Reduce mowing pollution

Use low-maintenance turf grasses or grass/flower seed mixtures that grow slowly and require less mowing. Check with your local agricultural extension service or lawn and garden center about what is appropriate for your region. Decrease lawn mower noise and air pollution with a battery power mower or choose from a large selection of robotic battery powered mowers. Plant additional trees and shrubs to reduce the energy costs of heating and cooling your house and to provide landscaping for wildlife. Native wildflowers and plants require little to no maintenance after planting.

Recycle old equipment

Instead of selling or giving away your old lawn and garden power tools, take them to a recycling center where they can be converted into raw material for use in cleaner equipment and other products.

By combining these strategies, you can reduce your personal contribution to pollution. In addition, your yard equipment will last longer and you will save money.

Will That Be Gasoline, Battery, Hand or Electrically Powered Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:49:00 +0000

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (WCS), electric mowers can be 50 percent cheaper to maintain over a 10-year period than their gas-powered counterparts.

In addition to maintenance costs, some environmentalists cite earth-friendly reasons for eliminating gasoline from home lawn care. Statistics on their web site show the average running gas mower emits as much pollution in 60 minutes as eight new cars traveling 55 mph for the same amount of time.

Electric mowers run cleaner than gas versions, because it's easier to control pollution from a single power plant than from thousands of gasoline-powered yard tools. Push reel, or motorless mowers emit no smog-producing pollution at all.

As a general rule, non-gas models produce less noise and require little or no maintenance whereas "Gas-powered mowers have to be maintained every season." You have to run the gas dry before winter sets in, change the oil, get a new spark plug, change the air filter and sharpen the blade.

For electric lawn mowers, maintenance is nil, outside of sharpening the blade every season. And there's no spark plug and no oil. Another nice thing about electric mowers is that they're not loud. You can cut the grass at midnight and not bother your neighbor.

Electric lawn trimmers never prompt a trip to the gas station, but most require a lengthy extension cord. Homeowners who find the cord cumbersome can opt for a cordless battery-operated mower.

Battery versions can run for up to 90 minutes, and then need to be recharged for 24 hours. You can usually cut one-third of an acre per charge. Modern reel lawn mowers need a lot more muscle to operate, but the only maintenance is sharpening the blade.

If you want a workout when mowing the grass, the push mower is the way to go. Most electric and battery-operated mowers have mulching options, but reel mowers do not. When it comes to purchasing costs, non-gas mowers are comparable to their gas-powered cousins. The perfect application for a non-gas mower is a suburban homeowner whose lawn is a half-acre or less.

The lawn and garden tools industry is moving more in that direction because people are more economy-efficient and more green, or because of rising gas prices, or a combination of the three.

Why Choose Lawn and Garden Tool Systems

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Many homeowners aspire to have a well-maintained lawn as well as a beautiful garden. Achieving this feat is however now possible with a choice of tool systems that function with one interchangeable power source.

Keeping a neat trimmed lawn or a weed free garden now does not require a garage full of bulky tools. Home owner now can select either a battery, electrical or gasoline power source that comes with attachments to trim, edge, till and prune hedges or trees.

However, owners have to be careful with regards to what tool systems they buy and how they take care of them so they can last their entire lifespan and prove to be effective in their quest for a lawn and garden that will be the envy of your visitors. The choice of garden tool should start with the choice of power source.

Improvements to battery technology now offers the cordless power tools as a viable competitor to two stroke gasoline tools: but with the added appeal of ease of starting, less noise, lower maintenance costs while delivering eco friendly benefits.

Tools owners should consider the type of soil, how hard or soft the ground is as well as the size of the lawn and garden to be maintained. How big the garden is may require that you use gasoline or electrical machines rather than having to recharge frequently. Navigating large yards or acreages may make it impossible to function at the end of a long electrical cord where remote power generators can alleviate this problem with either gasoline or solar generator alternatives.

Current garden tool systems come with attachments to till the garden, trim and edge the lawn, cut small brush, pruner trees and hedges with small saw. New cordless lithium powered tools from are extremely light since the user wears the battery on his/her waist. One battery operates all the tools for added convenience. Additional batteries are available for larger tasks. Some of the tool systems come in handy kits to use the common household drill to perform activities including bulb planters, weed planters, lawn trimming, and dandelion removal.

Even after acquiring a lawn and garden tool system, one will need to take good care of them so they can be effective during their entire lifespan. Manufacturer's instructions will be vital in keeping them safe. In addition, they will have to be batteries will have to be stored properly to extend useful life. Power cords, parts and casings if any should be checked regularly for any defects that may result in accidents or failure.

What to Consider When Buying Your Next Lawn Mower

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:46:00 +0000

What you should look for when buying a lawn mower for your backyard and the pros and cons of different types of mowers. Lawn mowers are available in an ever expanding selection, but there are a few things that will determine what mower you should buy. The size of your garden, ongoing costs, ease of use, and environmental and safety concerns are all things to consider when you're looking at lawn mowers.

A major consideration when buying a mower is how easy it is to start. Electric mowers are relatively hassle free - a simple switch - however petrol mowers have a variety of mechanisms with different claims to ease of use.

The most common and traditional type is a ripcord which pulls the motor into life. This can be back-breaking and frustrating on some models, however moving the cord up the handlebar can be even more awkward. Always test the ignition yourself before you buy to make sure you'll have no problems starting the motor yourself.

Blades - Look for blades made from a strong material such as hardened steel. They will cut cleaner and last longer. Also, look for a mower with a four-blade system, to ensure it can cut through thicker grass. The width of the cutting area is important. A good petrol mower will be able to cut right to the edge of the unit, but electric mowers generally have a smaller 'cutting deck' - the circle within which the blades spin. This means it takes longer to mow the lawn, and there's more twisting and turning involved.

Collection Bag- A catcher is often not standard equipment on a mower, but if you want to avoid having to rake up the grass, you'll want one. Look for one with properly located handles that make it easy to detach, hoist up, and empty into a bin.

Mulch Mower- Some mowers are able to process cut grass into mulch that is then spread over your lawn. This is a great option that lets you nourish your grass while you mow it.

Cutting Height- The more height settings, the more freedom you'll have to work with rough terrain and patchy or regenerating grass. Electric mowers generally have less flexibility and are harder to raise and lower than petrol models. Test out the adjustment for yourself, and see if it's easy to do before you buy.

Handles- Handles should not be underestimated. Height-adjustable handles allow for better comfort, but at a minimum your handles should be able to fold over for more compact storage. Upswept handles have a curve in them to allow for better ergonomics and easier pushing.

Why Choose Battery Powered Lawn Mowers

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:46:00 +0000

If there is one aspect of the home that one can ill afford not to pay close attention it is the lawns. This is not just about keeping the lawns well kempt but the manner in which the mowing is done. This is where, battery powered lawn mowers come in for a variety of reasons. In comparison with those that operate on gasoline engines or electricity, this option is beneficial in many ways.

Pollution remains one of the greatest downsides to gasoline powered lawn mowers hence the preference for the battery power models. Although manufacturers have made significant efforts to rid the latter of its polluting effect, such engines are still emitting harmful aerial residue and their vulnerability increases with age. As such, battery powered mowers present a fresh, environmentally friendly alternative.

Another alternative to gasoline powered engines running lawn mowers has been that of corded electric engines. However, this option has had its fair share of problems. For starters, the cord's length could always stands out as an impediment more so where the field is extremely big yet the cord is short and inadequate.

This means that some areas are to be left unattended to. Similarly using these cords expose both the mower and other persons, pet or equipment in the vicinity at great risk should the cords get cut accidentally. The repercussions could be worse than initially thought.

The answer to these low points has come in the form of battery powered lawn mowers. These do not need the cords hanging around and exposing one to potential electric shock danger.

Neither do they have to pollute the environment through emissions from the engine as well as regular crashes as they grow older. Furthermore, they are not only cheap to buy but also cheap to maintain.

A lawn mower using battery power costs only three or four dollars in maintenance costs for the whole year to maintain while its gasoline powered counter part will cost you a minimum of twenty dollars every year in maintenance costs alone. The cost of gasoline will drive the costs even higher as will the need for a replacement engine.

Even so battery powered lawn mowers do have their own inconveniences. Not only are they are only effective on lawns that are flat, they are also susceptible to fast run outs. The span for which the battery power will last is determined by the size of the battery although they can hardly complete lawns more than eight thousand square feet.

Weight is another impediment to successful mowing as many of these lawn mowers courtesy of the battery could be too heavy to move around since they are not self propelling.

Furthermore, they are more effective on lawns containing only certain types of grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrasses and fine, tall fescues all of which are dominant during cool seasons.

Even with these disadvantages battery powered lawn mowers remain the best bet in the face of pollution posed by gasoline powered options or the danger of corded electric lawn mowers.

Regulations To Consider Before Purchasing Gasoline Powered Garden Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:27:00 +0000

Regulations now being developed by the EPA in the US and EC in Canada will bring cleaner lawn and garden equipment to market within a few years.

The Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations establish emission standards for small spark-ignition engines rated up to 19 kW (25 hp) typically found in gasoline-fuelled lawn and garden machines, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, etc. and in light-duty machines such as chainsaws, log splitters, shredders, etc.

EPA has finalized a new emission control program to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from small spark-ignition engines by about 35 percent. The new exhaust emissions standards will take effect in 2011 or 2012, depending on the size of the engine. The final rule also includes new standards to reduce evaporative emissions from these fuel systems. These standards will reduce the harmful health effects of ozone and carbon monoxide from these engines.

It is estimated that by 2030, the new standards will result in significant annual reductions of pollutant emissions from regulated engine and equipment sources nationwide, including approximately 600,000 tons of volatile organic hydrocarbon emissions, 130,000 tons of NOx emissions, and 5,500 tons of direct particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions.

These reductions correspond to significant reductions in the formation of ground-level ozone and ambient PM2.5. It is also expected that there will result annual reductions of 1.5 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions, with the greatest reductions in situations where there have been problems with individual exposures.

This rule will result in substantial benefits to public health and welfare and the environment. It is further estimated that by 2030, on an annual basis, these emission reductions will prevent 230 PM-related premature deaths, between 77 and 350 ozone-related premature deaths, approximately 1,700 hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 23,000 work days lost, 180,000 lost school days, 590,000 acute respiratory symptoms, and other quantifiable benefits every year.

The total estimated annual benefits of this rule in 2030 are approximately between $1.6 and $4.4 billion. Estimated costs in 2030 are many times less, at approximately $190 million.

For more information, simply search the Small Spark Engine Regulations online for consumer information, regulations, guidance, and compliance and certification data for ten categories of nonroad spark-ignition engines, ranging from lawn and garden equipment through airport service equipment. Meanwhile, consumers can make a difference by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future.

Proposal to Ban Gasoline Leaf Blowers

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:26:00 +0000

City councils across North America are considering licensing and standards to ban gasoline leaf blowers during the spring and summer months. Councilors support a ban because the machines, particularly those powered by gasoline, create too much noise and pollution.

Some cities already restrict the use of the blowers, prohibiting people from using them from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. ET the next morning. Those considering a ban are aware that "not all homeowners care for postage-sized lawns."

Since city councils have heard from equipment makers and lawn-care companies which said the electrical and battery powered leaf blowers now are much quieter and cleaner today.

Most leaf blowers use two stroke gasoline powered engines, among the worst kind out there. They may be small but the amount of garbage they spew into the air is a lot more than their size would suggest.

What's in all those fumes? Try hydrocarbons (a key component of smog), carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter and other toxic air contaminants. In fact, according to the study, leaf blowers are seen to be more polluting than a new car.

According to their figures, one hour of operating a commercial leaf blower emits an incredible 498 times as much hydrocarbons, 49 times as much particulate matter and 26 times as much carbon monoxide as your average automobile. And it's not just what comes out of the engine that's a problem.

Wind blows around a lot of the dust raised by the machines, which can also carry residue from fecal material, pollen, fungal spores and any pesticides that people are no longer supposed to use in the city but often still do.

And many of us breathe all that in without even being aware it's there. The experts contend that's a lot worse than all that noise that also comes with the wind generators. And that's why they want them banned for good.

How will you get rid of all those leaves? The suggestion is to use the old fashioned method - a rake and a little elbow grease. Enhancements to battery technology now provide alternatives to gasoline leaf blowers.

Powerful 24 Volt rechargeable battery leaf blowers like the MPL TGB-LB-2 here at Green Garden Tools are now capable of delivering the performance of gasoline leaf blowers at much lower noise levels with a blower speed of 150mph.

A 120 Volt converter is included to provide an optional power source from an electrical outlet. An added benefit is that battery and electrical engines tend to have a higher RPM than a typical gasoline engine delivering better performance and longer operating life.

High Pollution Levels May Make People More Susceptible To Stroke

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:16:00 +0000

Studies have shown associations between air pollution and daily death rates for respiratory and heart disease. "This study provides new evidence that higher levels of ambient pollutants increase the risk of hospital admissions for stroke, especially on warm days,"

Many experts suspect that air pollution may affect blood volume and resistance of the blood vessels and heart structures, known collectively as the hemodynamic system. High temperatures may also affect blood viscosity. "In hot weather, it is recommended that people avoid pollution, stay inside and use an air conditioner if needed. As stroke is associated with air pollution, lowering the level of exposure could considerably reduce the associated health burden.

From lawn mowers and weed trimmers, to personal watercraft and speedboats, gas-powered engines will soon contribute to healthier and cleaner air for Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict new standards for gas-powered lawn equipment and marine engines, enhancing public health by substantially reducing the amount of gas fumes, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smog-forming pollutants emitted from a wide range of engines. The regulations will take effect in 2010 and 2011.

"EPA's new small engine standards will allow Americans to cut air pollution as well as grass," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These standards help fight smog in our neighborhoods and waterways as we continue to improve the environmental landscape."

When fully implemented, the rule will yield annual emission reductions of 600,000 tons of hydrocarbons, 130,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 5,500 tons of direct particulate matter, and 1.5 million tons of carbon monoxide (CO). EPA expects the new standards to save approximately 190 million gallons of gasoline each year. The rule kicks into gear in 2011 for lawn and garden equipment of 25 horsepower or less. For a full range of gas-powered personal watercraft and inboard and outboard engines, the rule powers up in 2010.

Each year, Americans spend more than 3 billion hours using lawn and garden equipment and more than 500 million hours in recreational boating. As a result, the total estimated public health benefits range between $1.6 and $4.4 billion by 2030. These benefits outweigh estimated costs by at least eight to one, while preventing over 300 premature deaths, 1,700 hospitalizations, and 23,000 lost workdays annually.

To meet the new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers will likely employ catalytic converters for the first time in small lawn and garden equipment. Improvements to battery technology makes the cordless battery lawn and garden tools as feasible alternatives to gasoline powered tools.

Gardening Without Chemicals

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:12:00 +0000

Gardeners making their way to the garden centers will notice the growing and endless array of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides, all commonly referred to as pesticides. Already more than 80 communities have passed bylaws restricting or prohibiting use of pesticides for cosmetic reasons within their boundaries.

Research seems to support that as goes the health of our earth, so goes the health of our children. The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) released a comprehensive review of research on the effects of pesticides on human health which the review showed many studies had found associations between pesticide exposure and solid tumors including prostate, brain, kidney and pancreatic cancer among others such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Also according to the review, "the implication of pesticides in the development of leukemia warrants further investigation. Since many urbanites use pesticides in their personal lawn and garden spaces at concentration levels between five and 10 times used in agriculture, the implications are dire. These applications can add up to a significant impact since urban homeowners use more pesticides per acre than farmers do, according to Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S.

So how do we actually "just say no" to pesticides? First, getting your lawn off grass is the single most important change you can make to manage weeds in our dry climate and not incidentally, significant reduce water use and get off the addictive cycle of chemical dependence. Plant perennials, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, native species and spread mulch along the borders take the place of rambling lawns and gardens.

Weeds thrive in unhealthy soil, so make sure yours is healthy by fertilizing naturally with manure and compost. Over-seed the lawn with a recommended grass mixture. This creates a more dense, drought - and disease-resistant lawn that crowds out weeds. Keep your lawn a bit longer to discourage weeds and reduce watering needs. Mow high, seven centimeters or three inches, and leave your grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.

A typical garden hoe removes shallow-rooted annual weeds, but cuts off deep-rooted perennials which will continue to grow and are best removed using a specialized weeding tool or chemicals if you are so inclined.

Hoeing improves drainage, aeration, and nutrient dispersal and helps condition your soil.

Gardening Is Good for the Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:09:00 +0000

Protecting the environment should be one of the most important things we do in our lives. For those of us who garden we have a chance to make a big impact on the environment; in a positive or negative way. The methods and procedures we use directly impact ourselves, our neighbors and the planet. The idea is to, at least, leave as small a footprint as we can and, at best, give back to the planet.

Use non-toxic fertilizers with no harmful chemicals such as organic manure - this may sound horrible, but it's so much better than harmful chemicals. I believe you can also get organic pesticides, but you can trap slugs using pools of beer, kill aphids with ladybirds and so on.

The best way to insure we give back and protect the environment is to compost. Recycling garden waste is a wonderful method to grow more soil. Instead of creating more fill for dumps, composting is a very useful method for protecting the planet.

With the use of compost in our garden we cut down on many products that are man-made and take away from precious resources this old globe. Compost allows us to use much less, if any, non-organic fertilizers. It makes our plants healthier which reduces the need for chemicals to control weeds, insects, and disease.

Growing your own flowers, vegetables, and herbs, in the most environmentally sound way, cuts down the need for bad practices to provide us with those products which are fresher, healthier for us and impact the environment in the least negative way. The whole idea of any yard or garden is to make it useful in the most useful way and in such a way that the environment is impacted the least or even made better.

Plant a tree or two - this will help use up quite a large amount of CO2 and replace it with oxygen, which I'm sure you'll agree is more useful. They also look attractive, and if you buy a fruit tree, then you can get fruit too!

Obviously this depends on the size of your garden and where you live...but anything leafy will do. Don't have a garden? Buy a houseplant. Don't have a house? Plant a flower in someone's garden. I'm sure they won't mind...just don't let them see you. And you didn't hear it from me.

Replace the gasoline lawnmower with a cordless battery or electrical model without using fuel. We can all practice ways to help our planet. It's not only good for us. It's good for everyone.

Happy gardening!

Conserving Water

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Average Household Water Usage
The water industry estimates that an average person uses 3,000 gallons of water monthly, so a family of 4 would use 12,000 gallons, for bathing, cooking, washing, recreation and watering. But a lot of factors come into play when calculating average use so, in reality, one person's usage may be a lot higher or lower than another person's. One toilet flush will use 5 to 7 gallons unless it is in a new home where 1.5 gallon commodes are required.

Households with lawns or gardens must factor in the amount of water sprinkled on grass, flowers and vegetables. Outdoor watering uses 5 to 10 gallons per minute. So in 10 or 20 minutes, you may use 100 gallons - the amount industry experts estimate is used by an average person each day for all personal water needs! If the climate turns unseasonably dry, expect to use even more water to keep your garden alive and your grass green.

If you take a tub bath, you will use about 36 gallons of water, compared with the 25 to 50 gallons required for a shower. New showerheads, however, reduce the water used in an average shower to just 2 gallons per minute versus 5 or 6 gallons that spurt out of older showerheads.

How to Cut Household Water Usage
Fix any drippy faucets in your home. To fix a drippy faucet, you may simply need to tighten the screws on the top of the handle or replace the washer. Check your toilet bowl for leaks as well. You could also install a shower head that can be turned off while you are shaving and then turned back on when you are finished.

Purchase large trash containers and place them under the downspouts of your gutters. The water that you catch in these buckets can be used to water outdoor plants. Wash your car at a coin operated car washing establishment. You are less likely to waste water if you must complete washing your car within a set time.

Start reducing the water consumption by using soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems for lawns, trees and shrubs. Keep your yard healthy - dethatch, and use mulch. Instead of using a hose to wash the drive, use an outdoor vacuum cleaner or leaf blower.

EPA's WaterSense program helps conserve water for future generations by providing information on products that save water without sacrificing performance.

California Acted on Pollution in the Garden As Early As 1990

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

As early as 1990, California opened a new front in the battle against air pollution, California made moves to control many everyday tools of modern American household to include gasoline-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and snow blowers.

These actions were believed to be the first efforts then to regulate exhaust from these and other "utility" machines, the state's powerful Air Resources Board issued orders to manufacturers to reduce pollutant emissions by 55 percent in two steps starting as early at 1994. These machines produce up to 50 times more pollution per horsepower than trucks produce.

Consumers nationwide ultimately paid for the new technology. Industry leaders raise the concern that the rules were more likely to double the retail prices of such products that could shut them out of the California market altogether, when the second tier of rules take effect. They argued that the cost of developing the catalytic converter technology needed to comply with the second tier of rules would make the machines prohibitively costly.

Overall, it is estimated that utility machines contribute 5 percent of the hydrocarbon and 4 percent of carbon monoxide emissions in California. The total emissions from such machines are the equivalent of 3.5 million new 1991 model automobiles driven 16,000 miles. In 1989, Americans bought 13.2 million utility machines, including lawn mowers, garden tractors, tillers, shredders, grinders and outdoor vacuums.

These actions illustrated the lengths to which California has been forced to go to clean up its air, which in some sections is the worst in the nation. As cleaner and cleaner cars and industry, other smaller sources became more important.

Given the importance of the huge California market for the lawn-and-garden industry, the rules were likely what had the impact as manufacturers modified their products so they could be sold there. More manufacturers decided to make separate product lines for California and for the rest of the country, and many elected to make only the one, more expensive product.

Enhancements to battery technology have made possible the conversion from two stroke gasoline powered lawn and garden tools to 24 volt to 36 volt battery mowers, hedge trimmer, tree pruners, grass trimmer, chain saw with virtually no harmful emissions. Lithium battery technology is quickly replacing lead acid technology to delivery power equivalent to two stroke engine without the harmful affects of noise air pollution.

Composite Deck Material – Recall!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:10:00 +0000

The appropriateness of composite materials for decks has been under debate for a number of years. The composite deck material manufactures were slapped on the wrist a number of years ago for claiming that their products were maintenance free.

Many homeowners who installed composite decking materials are well aware of the problems that can be encountered. Deck boards split, they cup and they bow.

The latest fiasco, in composite deck and railing material, is the recall of 48 million linear feet of composite decking manufactured by Louisiana-Pacific from 2005 to 2008 and sold under a number of names through building supply centers such as Home Depot.

The hazard is stated as: “The recalled decking can prematurely deteriorate and unexpectedly break. Consumers can fall through broken decking and suffer serious injuries.”

In fact injuries have been reported.

Consumers with the recalled decking should immediately contact LP for a free inspection. If the decking is affected by premature deterioration, supposedly LP will arrange for a free replacement.

There may be some problems associated with the free replacement. One report on the web suggested that the installation has to be per Louisiana-Pacific installation instructions – one of the installation instructions is that the screws that hold down the decking must be 1” from the end of the board. If boards end over a 2 X joist, which in reality is 1 5/8”, at maximum you can only have 13/16” of the end of a board actually sitting on the joist. It is therefore impossible to screw the board ends to the joist and keep screws 1” from the end of the boards!

Contractors who build decks are also going to be affected by the recall, not only will their reputations will be on the line, but they may end up replacing decks at their own expense because of incorrect installation methods.

In the writer’s opinion; stick to real wood lumber for deck construction!

Kitchen Range Hood Sizing

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:12:00 +0000

Q: We are remodeling our kitchen. How do I know the right size range hood to purchase?

A: There are a few factors which I cover on the website (follow the link below this blog). They include the size of the cooking surface, the height from the cooking surface to the range hood and your cooking habits.

As a rule of thumb, you can use four cfm for every lineal inch of cooking surface width to determine the size of the exhaust fan and the hood itself should, at a minimum, cover the surface of the cooktop.

I would also like to point out the need to consider exhaust fan make-up air. when installing any exhaust fan.

Makeup air is the air that replaces the air that has been exhausted. Today’s construction methods are making homes tighter in order to afford energy reduction. They are built specifically to keep outside air from entering the home and the tighter the home the worse the makeup air problem.

If you install an exhaust fan that moves 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air from your home, you have to replace that air. In theory, if the fan was powerful enough, which it isn’t, it would suck the air out of the home and the walls and ceiling would collapse inward.

Although the walls and ceiling will not collapse in a home, things that are as bad or maybe even worse may happen. In order for your home to replace the air that has been exhausted, it will look for any opening to the outside. Items that are vented to the outside of your home include gas water heaters, clothes dryers and furnaces, oil fired furnaces and wood or gas fireplaces.

An exhaust fan that is fighting for makeup air can and will create a backdraft, in other words instead of the air moving upwards from your fireplace and out the chimney it will actual cause the air to flow down the chimney and through the fireplace hearth and into the home. The same situation applies to heating appliances such as water heaters and furnaces. Instead of exhaust gases going up their chimney, fresh air will be sucked down the pipes and into the home.

This can be extremely dangerous as those items are exhausting hazardous gases including carbon monoxide.

Constructing Deck Foundations

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:12:00 +0000

There are 3 methods of constructing deck foundations.

Wood post on a solid concrete pier and footing.

Post embedded in a concrete pier.

Post on pre-cast concrete pier and footing.

Which method that you use for constructing your deck foundation is relative to the dead and live load on the deck and the soil conditions that the foundation will rest on.

Fasteners & Fittings For Pressure Treated Lumber

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:09:00 +0000

This is the season for outdoor projects and many of those projects will involve working with pressure treated lumber.

It is important to remember that when working with pressure treated lumber that any metal items such as fasteners (nails, screws, bolts, nuts and washers), joist hangers, hinges straps, flashings, shields and post brackets that come in direct contact with the pressure treated lumber must be corrosion resistant.

Do not use items made from carbon-steel or aluminum with pressure treated lumber, they will corrode, in some cases in a matter of months.

The best material for any metals coming in contact with pressure treated lumber is type 304 or 316 stainless steel. However, hot dipped galvanized fasteners and connectors can be used in above grade situations. It is best not to use electroplated galvanized metals as items made in this manner usually have a thinner coating than hot dipped galvanized items.

Remodelers and contractors should remind their customers that patio furniture, light fixtures, barbeques and other items made of aluminum or carbon steel that come in contact with pressure treated lumber will have corrosion at the point where the items come in contact with the pressure treated lumber.

Sound Proofing & Noise Control For Residential Dwellings

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:45:00 +0000

With few exceptions, land for residential development continually increases in cost. This means that builders and developers have to pack more homes into ever decreasing space.

With higher density, sound proofing and noise control between residential units becomes more critical and many home designers and architects do not implement all of the sound control techniques that are available.

This applies equally to single occupancy homes, as space between properties can be limited, and to multi-unit dwellings, where occupants may be subjected to noise from adjoining units.

To gain sound proofing and noise control within a residence it is necessary to exceed municipal and national building codes and use “good construction practices”.

Additional information on sound proofing and noise control

Using Cantilevers

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Q: I am building an addition on the back of my home with a walk out deck. What are the considerations when working with cantilever joists?

A: You have to be concerned about floor system vibration due to floor joist movement and deformation. Having cantilever joists can create a lot of vibration, not only in the cantilever portion of the room but throughout the addition and depending on how the addition I tied into the rest of the joist system, you could create vibration throughout the entire home.

There are different good practice construction methods if using solid lumber versus I-Joists.

Additional information on cantilever construction

Built To Code – But My Floors Squeak!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Prudehome) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Q: Bill, I recently moved into a new home and all the floors squeak! The home builder said that the squeaks would go away in time. I called the local building department and they ensured me that the installation of the floor joists and sub-floors were inspected and built to code.

If it was built to code, why are the floors squeaking?

A: First, let me say that there is a big difference between being “built to code” and “built using good construction practices”.

Building codes are written for the primary purpose of safety. With respect to the flooring, this means that the floor joists that were installed, met the minimum building code size and were within the building codes’ maximum spacing between them. It means that the sub-floor that was installed on the joists met the building codes minimum thickness and these two items combined means, that you, your family and your guests will not fall through the floor.

It is unlikely that the squeaks in the floor will go away, in fact, as the wood used in the flooring system dries, they will most likely squeak even more than they do now.

The website has a large section on the proper construction of flooring systems and you may want to read these pages to learn what shortcuts can be taken by home builders – just follow the link below this blog. It should be noted that callbacks are very costly to home builders and most reputable home builders do their utmost to construct homes that do not require callbacks.

A reputable home builder should be prepared to correct the problem. That being said, I am not a lawyer and if the home builder is not willing to fix the squeaks, you may wish to consult an attorney.

Additional information on floor construction