2016

Ways You Can Recycle Construction Materials After a Renovation Project
A home renovation project gives you a chance to alter or make structural additions to your home. Most of the waste that's left behind after the project can be recycled instead of being disposed of in the landfills. Construction waste recycling helps in conserving the environment by reducing the amount of waste that goes into the landfill. However, without an understanding of the types of materials that can be recycled and how you can reuse them, it can be difficult to come up with an effective recycling program.

Wind Or Water: Should You Choose Air Or Water Cooling For Your Business's Packaged Air Conditioner?
Packaged air conditioners can be a tremendous boon for businesses and industries looking to keep their climate control costs down, providing all the essential parts of a commercial-grade air conditioning system in a single, modular unit. However, not every packaged air conditioner is the same, and you will have a number of choices to make when shopping around for a new one. One of the most difficult decisions you must make is whether your packaged air conditioner uses air or water cooling to lower ambient temperatures -- both of these cooling methods come with their own inherent advantages as well as a few unavoidable drawbacks.

What You Need to Know about Soil Sampling
If you're considering the purchase of land for farming it's very important to test the soil and to request information from the current owner before you proceed. This will give you a clear picture of the "nutrient bank" and any soil health problems you may come across, as you will want to get a test for each of the different soil types to be found at the property. You will also need to become very familiar with soil testing yourself as a potential new owner.

3 Factors to Consider When Installing Fire Doors in Your Building
Fire doors are essential to the passive fire protection system of any building. They compartmentalise a building to prevent the spread of a fire, smoke or toxic fumes into the protected area, most commonly the building's escape routes to facilitate safe evacuation during a fire. For them to work properly, however, they must be built and installed with care. Some things to consider are listed below: Check the labels Every fire door comes with a permanent label whose details should remain accessible throughout the life of the door.

4 Interesting Ways To Get the Most of Your Carport
Your car certainly needs good care if you want to enjoy quality services from it. A carport is a good way to ensure that it is always protected from the harmful ultraviolet radiation that can severely damage the paint and other interior components like leather seats. There are various design ideas for the carport that you want to build, helping you to strike a balance between good aesthetic appeal and functionality.

New Home Technology to Discuss With Your Home Builder
When working with a home builder to design your new home, you want to think about more than just the number of bathrooms and size of the kitchen. Today's homes are often built with high-tech features that add to your overall security and comfort. Having these features built in during construction can be easier and even more affordable than having them added some time down the road. Note a few of today's high-tech features that you'll want to discuss with your new home builder before construction begins.

Don't Wait for a Plumbing Disaster to Call a Plumber
Your home's plumbing pipes don't need to burst or overflow for you to need the services of a plumber; even a small leak can lead to severe water damage of the building materials behind the walls and also encourage mould growth. Other seemingly minor plumbing problems may signal that you have damaged pipes that need replacing or other repairs. Note a few signs that your home needs a plumber even though you may not think of any of these as actual plumbing disasters.

Five Signs Your Mobile Home Park Needs Alternative Septic Tank Systems
If you're thinking about buying land to put in a mobile home park, you have to think about the waste needs of your tenants. If the land is not connected to a sewer system, you will need to put a septic tank or an alternative. Here are some signs an alternative septic tank is right for your situation: 1. You have limited space. With a traditional septic tank, the wastewater that is expelled out of the tank finishes its purification process outside as it's run through rocks and soil and exposed to sunshine.

How to Ensure That Your Fluid Transport System Remains Leak-Free
Do you have a fluid transportation system in your industrial plant? Here is how you can ensure that your fluid transportation system remains free from costly leaks. Get Rid of Pipe Threads Many older hydraulic plumbing systems were made using threaded pipes. Such hydraulic systems are likely to leak because the threads provide a path through which fluid eventually finds its way out of the pressurised system. For instance, fluid may start leaking in case a technician tightens a thread connection to the extent that the threads are deformed.

Some Terms to Learn If You're Framing Your Own Home
If you're thinking of building an addition or changing your home's overall footprint in any way, you'll need to learn the different parts of a home's wood frame. A frame for a home involves more than just upright studs and crossbeams, and knowing about the parts relating to timber wall frames will be necessary when tackling your own renovations. Note a few terms you'll need to learn about the different pieces that go into the frame of a home so you're sure to get all the timber you need before work begins.

Questions You Might Have About a Steel Roof for a Residential Home
A steel roof may not seem like the right choice for a residential home; when you think of steel, you may think of a heavy material that is more appropriate for a commercial structure. However, metal roofs and especially steel are becoming a very popular option for residential homes for a variety of reasons. Note some commonly asked questions about steel roofs for a residential home and then you can see why they're often such a popular choice.

Features to Look For When Investing in New Shipping Crates
You may not give much thought to the shipping crates you'll need for sending out a product, but investing in the right crates is important for your business; they need to protect your item while in transit while being as easy to use as possible. Shipping crates can actually come with a wide variety of options, so note a few tips on how to select the features you need for your new shipping crates.

Don't Overlook These Small But Important Features When Buying a Carport
A carport can be a very easy and affordable way to protect your car, lawn tractor, and anything else you can't fit into the garage, and for properties without a garage at all. Many carports come in kits that you can buy and install yourself, or you can purchase a larger one that is custom made and installed by a contractor. Before you shop, note a few small but important features to consider so you know you get the best carport for your property.

Why Opt For Stainless Steel Balustrades for Your Property
Balustrades refer to barrier like structures that are typically installed on staircases to provide support while preventing people from falling off the edge. Although they were typically made from materials such as timber, more and more homeowners are experimenting with other materials such as glass and steel. If you are considering balustrading for your home, you should think about opting for stainless steel balustrades. Here are some of the reasons why you should opt for stainless steel balustrades for your property.

3 Rain Gutter Materials You Should Consider
The approach of the rainy season usually signals a time to repair or replace the gutter system on buildings. However, some people may be unsure about which material their replacement gutters should be made from. This article discusses three common materials from which rain gutters can be made. Use this information to select the most appropriate material for the gutters of your home. Aluminium Gutters Aluminium gutters are quite common because of their affordability.

Great tips to overcome the labour shortage in the construction industry.
The building and construction industry has been growing unchecked for years. This has created countless job opportunities which cannot be filled with the existing labour force. The situation is even worse when it comes to skilled labour. Working with an insufficient workforce will increase the time allotted for the project. Moreover, if there's a significant lack of skilled labour, the result may be a shoddy structure that will pose safety risks.

How to Determine the Ideal Window Tinting Film for Your Home
UV protection and glare reduction are the main reasons why most people install window tints in their homes. However, did you know that direct sunlight can also cause your upholstery and other furniture to fade over time? Window tinting can help reduce the fading effects of sunlight and contribute to maintaining the color of your furniture. Having an idea of what you are looking for can give you the upper hand as you shop for the ideal window tint for your home.

Batt Insulation: Mineral Wool Vs Fiberglass
Batts are perhaps the most common form of roof insulation used in Australian homes. Fiberglass and mineral wool are the common materials that these batts are made of. Insulation batts made of mineral wool are considered superior to those made from fiberglass for various reasons. Two of these reasons are discussed in the article below. The Ease Of Installation In this day and age of DIY-minded homeowners, great importance is attached to how easy it is to install insulation batts without professional assistance.

What to Consider When Having Bi-Fold Doors Installed in Your Home
Bi-fold doors are a great choice for any wall leading to an outdoor space and especially for one with a very nice view. These doors open all the way and fold flat against a wall, so you have an unencumbered opening to the outside. They can also mean a better view of the outside when they're closed, since they are often designed to replace an entire wall and are much bigger than a window or standard sliding patio door.

All Hands On Deck: Wood Or Composite?
Choosing the right decking that complements the interior or the landscape of your townhouse is worth careful consideration. Wood decking provides a natural finish that brings the environment closer to you. Composite decking, on the other hand, comes in a variety of finishes that mimic wood. Are these two options the same? How does one compare to the other? Before you make a choice, how about consulting others who have had an experience using either of the two.

Options to Consider For Concrete Balcony Waterproofing
A balcony is a great addition for any homeowner who would like to have a haven for rest and relaxation while enjoying the outdoors, without having to leave the home. However, what some people do not keep in mind is that your balcony may become prone to water damage, especially if it is not sufficiently protected from the elements. Leaving it exposed to rain during the wet seasons could lead to the structural integrity of your home, as well as the foundation, becoming compromised over time.

Enhancing the Security of Your Home with Locks
When it comes to your residence's security, it is not simply about purchasing the first lock that you come across. Some homeowners tend to be under the wrong assumption that simply having a locksmith install a locking system automatically secures their home from potential intruders. The truth is you have to ensure you are investing a safe lock to deter break ins into your home, and not just any ordinary locks that can easily be picked by veteran burglars.

Understanding Rust Stain Problems When Dealing With Porcelain Bathtubs and Sinks
Porcelain is an appealing and inexpensive alternative you can use for your sinks and bathtubs when building your home. However, porcelain bathtubs and sinks can be adversely affected by rust stains that ruin their overall appeal by making them appear older than they actually are. The rust stains are caused by the presence of dissolved iron salts in ordinary tap water. The iron accumulates on the surface of the sinks and bathtubs, forming an orange-red stain.

PVC Roofing with Heat-Welded Seams: Why You Should Consider It for Your Flat Roof
Most commercial buildings and some residential buildings today either have flat roofs or low-slope roofs. If you intend to have such a roof design, you may be aware of the difficulties associated with finding the ideal materials for your roofing system. The reason for this is that the material used for flat or low-sloped roofs should be able to withstand moisture and snow.  PVC is one of the best materials that you can consider for your flat roof.

Why Construction Companies Should Add Tilt-Up Construction to their Capabilities
Construction projects have to balance speed, quality and cost. These three basics underpin how profitable a project will be, how durable the finished structure will be and how satisfied customers will be with a company's work. For all of these reasons, contractors should always be seeking out faster construction methods that satisfy the other two conditions. That's where tilt-up panels and pre-cast concrete in general come in. In the past, tilt-up construction has been seen as a low-budget alternative to brickwork and high-quality formed concrete, but this is no longer the case.

Which Concrete Grinder Suits Your Needs?
If you are considering replacing your concrete or resurfacing it, you cannot simply paint over the concrete. You will need to grind it so that you can replace it. You can also use floor grinders to polish your store's concrete flooring. Before you begin the grinding process, make sure the concrete floor is very wet (you can use a hose here) so that you will not have as much dust. Here are three grinding machines you can use to complete your needed concrete grinding.

How to Remove a Flatbed Tarp Easily
Some inexperienced truck drivers may damage tarps as they remove them from their flatbed trucks. Such damage can cause the drivers to buy replacement tarps more often than would have been necessary. This article discusses some tips that you can use to remove a tarp easily from the flatbed truck that you are driving. Let Air In The tarp is likely to cling onto the cargo as you drive over a long distance.

How to Avoid Problems Associated With Recycled Construction Materials
With concern about climate change and environmental quality rising, using recycled materials in home construction might seem like an attractive option. From the walls of new homes to the paving in gardens, almost any materials used in construction projects can be sourced in sustainable recycled ways. However, the market for recycled building products also carries a risk. Some unscrupulous operators take advantage of environmentally conscious construction companies, bundling contaminated materials in with their products.

Will Your Home Renovation Help Its Resale Value?
When renovating your home, you might keep in mind the resale value of the house. Even if you don't plan on moving anytime soon, if you do decide to put your home on the market, you'll need to consider how it will compete with other homes of similar size in the neighborhood and if it will appeal to a wide range of buyers. There are features of renovations that are almost always sure to increase your home's resale value.

Treated Vs Untreated Timber For a New Deck
If you are looking to have a new deck built, you probably want to use wood. Timber is often considered one of the best materials for a deck, both for its durability and strength, and for its warm and rich appearance. However, you need to first decide between treated or untreated timber. Untreated timber is more in its natural form, while treated timber has gone through a chemical process to avoid things like pest infestation and rot.

Improve Your Custom Storage Shed with these Optional Features
Building a custom storage shed on your property can have numerous benefits. It can be used to store hay, farm equipment and machinery, tools, and produce. You can even create an office space on your storage shed.  One benefit of constructing a custom shed is that you can add extra features that can improve its appearance, increase safety, and create a comfortable environment for the users. Here are some of the top additions that you can incorporate into your custom storage shed during or after construction to get the best value from it.

Important Features to Look For in a Home Security Door
You can add security to your home without making it seem like a fortress if you invest in a good security door. This type of door is stronger than a standard front door, even one made of steel. It will usually offer added features that increase its resistance to a break-in and that make the locks even stronger, more durable, and less likely to be forced open. When you do shop for a security door, you may notice a large number of styles and features from which to choose, so note a few here that are important for a security door.

Can Your Antique Chandelier Be Repaired?
If you own an antique chandelier that's damaged or broken, you might be wondering whether it's time to say goodbye to the decoration for good. Not so fast! Antique chandeliers can be repaired through a variety of techniques. Depending on the level of damage, the repair could be quick and simple, or a more involved process. Either way, it will be worth the wait to have your chandelier restored to its former glory and ready to add some serious sparkle wherever it's hung.

3 Things You Should Keep in Mind before Setting up a Mezzanine in Your House
Basically, a mezzanine refers to an intermediate floor or balcony that is open to the floor below it. It is constructed along the cross section of a wall, making it a good way of personalising space with a high ceiling. Ideally, a mezzanine is an effective way of increasing your living space and adding extra room for purposes like storage. Before you decide to set up a mezzanine in your house, here are some of the important things that you should keep in mind:

Plumbing Issues to Look Out For When Buying a New Home
When you are in the market for a new house, one of the things you need to do before putting in an offer is have the house inspected. The inspection looks for any hidden things that might be wrong with the house, from faulty wiring to asbestos or lead paint. The inspection should also include looking at the plumbing system. Here are some plumbing issues that can raise red flags during the inspection.

Autumn Drain Maintenance: How to Keep Pesky Leaves From Causing a Flood
Autumn can be a tough time for drains. For starters, autumn can bring a lot of adverse and extreme weather, such as storms and heavy rain. Combined with the falling of the leaves at this time of year, drains are at risk of becoming clogged and blocked. A drain blockage can quickly cause a drain to overflow, which can flood the nearby area -- including your home. If you're worried about your house becoming damaged by a flooded drain during autumn, here are 3 precautions you need to take.

Pros and Cons of 3 Types of Wall Framing
Wall framing is the type of construction done when first building walls of a building or house. For your house's construction, this needs to be done in order to ensure the walls are weight-bearing and can support the roof and various other elements. For wall framing, there are different types used, with stick framing, balloon framing, and timber framing being among the most common. Here are some pros and cons of each so you can decide which one is best for your new home.

Emergency Plumbing Tool Kit: What Do You Need to Include?
You never know when a plumbing emergency might occur in your home. That is why it is important that you put together a plumbing emergency kit, so that if disaster strikes you can be confident you have what you need to tackle the situation. Below is a guide to the various items you will need in your emergency plumbing kit. Large Bucket A large bucket is very useful for catching water from dripping and leaking pipes or for cleaning up water which has leaked onto a floor or other surface.

Choosing Between Commercial And Residential Land Development
Developing a piece of land that you own is a very personal and far-reaching decision. With the right choices, you can maximum the value of the land for life. And with the wrong choices, you can do just the opposite. For these reasons, it is critical that you take the time to ponder the best way forward before making up your mind. A great starting point is deciding whether to go the residential or commercial route.

Window Glazier | 3 Glass Considerations To Fortify Your Window Strength
Windows are interesting visual elements in any home because they invite natural light and open up the room to external views. But safety can be a concern for many homeowners because some types of glass can easily be broken. If you're thinking of putting new glass on your windows to fortify their strength, you have a few factors to consider when working with a local glazier in your area.  

Maintenance Tips For You To Prevent Unnecessary Concrete Repairs
One of the more popular materials considered during exterior construction is concrete. This is largely because concrete can be used for an assortment of applications ranging from driveways to walkways and more. Moreover, concrete is a sturdy material. However, some homeowners tend to be under the assumption that since concrete is strong, it can be neglected without any repercussions. The truth is that if concrete is not well-maintained, you will find yourself having to deal with unnecessary concrete repairs on a regular basis.

Why Concrete Grinding Is Ideal For Commercial Concrete Flooring
If you own a commercial property such as a warehouse, you inevitably have to opt for concrete flooring repairs and replacement due to the scratches and cracks that come about from heavy usage. To prevent this, you could consider concrete grinding as the flooring is being installed. This process makes the concrete smoother, which makes it less susceptible to abrasion. Additionally, concrete grinding can also be used to resurface flooring before applying an additional layer of flooring such as epoxy.

Green construction | Top techniques to maintain an eco-friendly environment
The construction industry is one that has evolved over the years. Newer technology has come to light, easing the construction process and doing what was traditionally impossible. However, one menace that this industry produces is pollution and land degradation. Fortunately, technology has found a way to assist. So if you're operating a construction business and want to adopt better practices, then here are some techniques you can go for. Besides, adopting eco-friendly solutions would also give your business a competitive edge.

Why You Should Always Call an Electrician Rather Than Assume a Job is DIY
Some home repair jobs are easily considered do-it-yourself or DIY; many homeowners can quickly unclog a kitchen sink or replace a piece of broken tile in the shower on their own without expert help. However, when it comes to electrical work around the home, you should never assume that any job is a DIY fix, no matter how simple it may seem. Note why this is and why it's always better to call a contractor when your home needs electrical repair of any sort.

Smell Something Fishy? Tips for Keeping Fish Odours Out of Your Skip
If you own a seafood restaurant, a butcher's shop that sells fish or a similar business, you may end up throwing a lot of fish into the skip. This can get smelly and attract insects. However, there are things you can do to reduce the fishy odours and issues from your skip. Take a look at these ideas:  1. Repurpose fish waste. Instead of throwing old fish, bones or off cuts into the rubbish, repurpose those pieces.

How to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Choices Into a Building Design
When working with a designer or architect to create a new building, it's good to consider the most eco-friendly choices possible. This will mean cutting down on your use of natural resources and your utility costs over the years. Note a few of those choices that you'll want to discuss with your designer or builder so you know any new construction is as eco-friendly as possible. Attic heat blockers Attic heat blockers are made with a foil backing that is pressed onto strand board, and which is placed in the attic or rafters.

The Ultimate Survival Kit: Off-Road Essentials Every ATV Rider Should Carry
Every ATV rider knows that preparation is key. Whether it's a fishing or a hunting adventure, reaching those places off the beaten path will require you to pack the essentials necessary for a safe, comfortable experience. Here's a quick list of the must haves for your safe and sound riding adventure. Protective gear It's important to have protective gear on a trail ride. Everything from comfortable boots to protective clothing such as long pants, goggles, gloves, sleeves and a helmet are all absolutely important.

Emergency Plumber | 3 Instant Actions To Undertake When A Deluge Emerges From Your Ceiling
If you've woken up to the sound of water pouring out of your ceiling, then you know you're in for some tough hours ahead. Water pours out of ceilings because of an internal pipe burst somewhere in the system, which can be difficult for you to figure out on your own. Burst pipes are caused because of excessive pressure, corrosion or freezing temperatures. This advisory guide equips you with instant actions when a deluge emerges from your ceiling, before the emergency plumber arrives.

Tools You Need To Survey
Surveying can be a beneficial profession both for you as the worker and for those you serve whether you are surveying buildings, highways, or transport systems. If you are considering entering this profession, you will need a few specific tools before you begin working to do the best job possible. Chain A chain used for surveying usually has a hundred links and can be up to sixty-six feet long. However, with the modern day tools available, steel measuring tapes can also be accurate and be up to five hundred feet long.

3 Factors to Consider if You Want to Build a Native Soil Natural Grass Field
Sporting fields can be classified according to the soil type over which the field is built. In this regard, there are sand-based fields which remove all native soil and replace it with a drainage layer of stone and root zone of sand for better drainage. Native soil fields are classified as true native fields which only use the soil already present on the site, and modified native fields have things like compost, porous ceramics, peat and sand added for various effects.

Pros of Opting For Epoxy Flooring In and Around Your Residence
One of the more popular flooring materials used in residences is concrete. This is due to the versatile options it provides you with in terms of applications as concrete can be used as flooring in an array of areas in your home such as the driveway, the garage, walkways and more. However, despite being a sturdy material, concrete is prone to acquiring damage over time. As a result, homeowners have to engage in concrete repairs from time to time in order to keep the flooring in good condition.

Four Benefits Of Solar Powered Roof Ventilation Systems
Roof ventilation is beneficial in almost any Australian home. Roof ventilation can improve energy efficiency and prevent moisture damage that can occur when condensation builds up in the attic space. Australian consumers can now choose from several types of roof ventilation, including solar-powered systems. If you're considering a new roof ventilation system, here are four reasons why a solar-powered solution could work for you. Improved efficiency Solar-powered systems are a form of active roof ventilation.

Call the Plumber: 3 Plumbing Problems that Require a Professional
You might feel reasonably confident carrying out basic plumbing in your home. After all, there is a lot of information and educational DIY videos online. However, this doesn't mean you should attempt to tackle every plumbing job in your home. Below is a guide to 3 times it is better to call a professional than attempting to do the job yourself. Hidden Leaks If you suspect that you have a hidden pipe which is leaking from behind a wall, you shouldn't attempt to fix it yourself.

Should You Connect Your Patio Gable Roof to Your Existing Roof? Four Signs You Should
An open gable patio is a beautiful addition to your yard, and it creates a shady spot to dine al fresco or relax on a nice day. As you are developing your plans, one big question you will need to answer is whether your patio gable roof should be connected to your existing roof structure or just next to it. Here are four signs you may want to connect your patio gable roof:

The Advantages of Using Timber for a Home's Frame
When having a new home built, your builder or contractor may give you some choices on the materials needed for every part of the project, including the home's frame itself. Timber framing is a traditional choice, and it offers many advantages over other materials. Note a few reasons why you might discuss having your home built with timber walls and a timber frame versus any other material. 1. Ease of removal and renovation

3 Decorative Choices for a Greener Home
Are you concerned about the impact you have on the environment? Do you want to create a greener home environment for your children, reducing their exposure to chemicals like phthalates? There are a number of decorative choices you can make to live more harmoniously with mother earth while minimizing the toxins in your home. Check out the suggestions below. Decorate Walls with Low or No Toxins There are a growing number of earth-friendly wallpapers on the market.

Reasons to Consider Marine Structural Plywood for Your Construction Needs
Structural plywood comes in an array of forms. One of the more popular options for individuals looking for timber building materials is marine structural plywood. This type of structural plywood tends to cost more than regular forms of plywood as it is manufactured from high quality grades of wood. Additionally, it can be used for a myriad of construction applications both internally and externally. Here are some of the reasons to consider marine structural plywood for your construction needs.

Construction Tips: Vehicles a Heavy Duty Builder Would Need
Creating homes and buildings for people to live in can be a really fulfilling and well-paying job. For extreme builders, it is even more satisfying and rewarding, although the construction involves transportation of more and bigger building materials. Would you like to know about heavy duty construction? So, whether you're driven by a curious mindset, or you're thinking of joining a heavy load truck team, you can start by learning about some of the vehicles used in heavy duties.