Home Building

Should You Consider Solar Powered Hydronic Floor Heating?

Solar powered hydronic floor heating is the term used for water used for radiant heating powered by photovoltaics (solar collectors). Installed underneath floors, hydronic floor heating can make an enormous difference in the temperature of the flooring and consequently your home.

While this green technology may work well, cost and practicality make this a difficult system to recommend to the average homeowner.

In a solar powered hydronic floor heating system, solar panels are mounted on the roof to collect energy to heat water by the means of several pieces of equipment that also monitor the temperature and the amount of water being circulated.

 Image courtesy Chixoy

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How to Cover a Concrete Cinder Block Wall

Concrete cinder block walls are sturdy and easy to build, but can often be unattractive when compared with the rest of your home. By covering the wall with surface bonding cement, you can increase the water resistance of the wall as well as the durability while creating a uniform surface that will blend with most architectural styles.

While many people may think that stucco should be used on a cinder block wall, surface bonding cement is actually what should be used. A good surface bonding cement will contain fiberglass as well as acrylic to further enhance the strength and flexibility of the product. These additives also make surface bonding cement easier to work with for first time users.

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A Rain Chain Downspout Invokes Inspiration

A month ago my wife and I were attending the 2008 Sandy Springs Society Home Garden Tour. We picked up our share of unique garden ideas, including one home in particular that  was utilizing rain chains not only for function but for visual and auditory reasons, as well.

Placed in startegic locations, rain chains are very appealing if you enjoy the soothing sound of trickling rain (...who doesn't) and unusual materials fulfilling ordinary needs around the home.

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Three Ways to Cut Cast Iron Pipe

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

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Why You Should Consider A Solar Powered Attic Fan

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.

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Easy Steps for Replacing Damaged Bricks

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.

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How to Build a Composite Handrail

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.

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How to Install a Wood Paneled Ceiling

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.

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A Green MLS Makes Your Eco-Friendly Dream Home Search Easy

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.

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Maintain Your Hot Water Tank by Replacing the Anode Rod

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.

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