If you own an older home, chances are part of your plumbing is made from cast iron.

Cast iron pipe holds the unique distinction of being very brittle as well as very strong, making it difficult for homeowners to modify it. While cast iron pipe is seldom installed, it is often removed and replaced as it fails.

For this reason, knowing how to cut a cast iron pipe is essential if you intend to work on your house's plumbing.

 Image courtesy Plumbing Supply

Solar powered attic fans can be a great way to save some money on cooling costs as well as support solar technology.

Although the initial cost for a solar powered attic fan is greater than other fan types, eliminating the need to call an electrician as well as future electricity savings can make this a prudent investment for many homeowners.
 
Image courtesy GreenThinkers.org

In residential construction there are four solar powered attic fan options ranging from 10 watts to 25 watt models. In this case bigger isn't necessarily better, nor will it get you better results.

While larger masonry projects are often reserved for the professional, smaller projects, such as replacing a few damaged bricks, can be tackled by the ambitious homeowner.

Just keep in mind that any project that involves a structural element or chimney flue should be completed by the professional mason.


Match Your Existing Bricks and Save Leftover Bricks for Future Replacement Needs
 
Before attempting to replace damaged brick, it is important to locate brick that will match the existing structure. If the area you are repairing is comparatively new bricks are often saved for repairs, but older structures may require that you call salvage yards to find appropriate replacements.

A composite handrail is often as easy to build as a traditional wood handrail, without the associated maintenance concerns and with a lesser chance of rot.

It is also an excellent way to evaluate the workability and durability of a composite material before investing in a larger project.


Be Safe: Know Your Local Building Code

Keep in mind when installing any type of handrail that your local building code should be consulted for height and spacing between balusters, as well as other requirements. By following these guidelines you can help ensure that your new composite handrail will not be a hazard.

You should also consider whether what type of composite handrail will best fit your home.

Installing wood paneling on a ceiling is an excellent way to finish a room and add some subtle drama. Wood paneling is often used on a ceiling that is vaulted or has exposed beams, but this material can be installed in any room. If you are comfortable working on a ladder and have some woodworking experience, consider installing the wood paneling yourself.


Installing Wood Paneling on a Ceiling Is Easy but Fatiguing

Although this is an easy project considering the skill needed to complete it, working on the ceiling is always difficult. Keep muscle fatigue in mind, and make sure you have a sturdy ladder to work on while completing this project. A helper can also make installing wood paneling on ceiling an easier job by cutting pieces and handing them up to you to be installed.

Has all the talk of green homebuilding got you thinking about how your next home will come equipped? Will it be LEED certified and how many points did it score? There are a number of green home building programs out there that it could possibly be certified through depending on your region of the country. How in the world do you go about sorting through all of the homes shown in your local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that are certified by one green homebuilding program or another?

One MLS has the answer and makes it easier than ever to find your green, dream home. It's a company called ListedGreen. They list green homes...a Green MLS.

Anode rods are used to prevent corrosion in a hot water tank. An anode rod that no longer works could allow your hot water tank to rust. Conversely, by replacing the anode rod as needed you can extend the life of your hot water tank significantly as well as reduce the chance of needing to replace your entire hot water heater.


How Does an Anode Rod Work?

An anode rod works by reducing the chance of corrosion within the tank. Normally made of magnesium, an anode rod releases electrons as it corrodes which then attach to tank imperfections that might rust. For this reason an anode rod often determines the length of the warrantee of your hot water heater.