Author: morphiss

The concrete blocks are necessary for many construction projects, particularly those outside, as fences and walls. You can buy concrete blocks to different manufacturers, but if you need them tailored for specific projects, or if you just want to save some money, you can do it yourself. Home blocks can give profit if you do for sale. Once you master it, the process is not difficult.

Instructions

1. Place the molds of concrete in the way you want the remaining blocks. You can buy in different stores or make them yourself, using bricks or stones as models.
2. Use a cement mixer with clean sand. The ratio should be 3 parts sand to 1 part cement to normal concrete classes. For a stronger concrete beam mixing 2 parts sand to 1 part cement.
3. Add gravel or limestone to the mixer. The amount of gravel should be almost equal to the mixture of sand and concrete: 3 parts gravel to 2 parts sand, 1 part cement. You may need to experiment a little; too much gravel, you cannot achieve a consistency smooth on your concrete.
4. Add water slowly, stirring until it reaches the right consistency. You can control while stir mixture, removing a sample with a shovel and put a little on the Abrams cone, measuring how the mixture sits. When seated around 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in the cone, the mixture containing the correct combination of ingredients.
5. Continue concrete mixing for several more minutes until the whole mixture becomes consistent.
6. Spray the inside of your mold with a water-based product to unmold concrete. This allows you to remove the concrete block once it has hardened.
7. Pour the concrete carefully into the mold, then level the top mason using a shovel or a wooden board. Hit a little mix to settle and eliminates air bubbles that have in the mold.
8. Allow the concrete to dry at least 24 hours before attempting to remove the mold. Then press down the entire mold while pulling up block. The block must be left alone and can be used again to make more blocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you’ve put the concrete into molds, clean everything quickly. Concrete is much easier to remove from clothing and equipment when it is still wet.
• Always wear protective clothing and cover your nose and mouth while you mix the concrete. The smell is usually very ugly and a respirator prevent any kind of dust aspires.

There are many benefits of having a floor of concrete in your shed. Concrete is more durable and easier to clean than other materials, neither chip be deformed, and can work well in most climates. Making your own concrete floor is not difficult and by doing it yourself you can save a lot of money.

Instructions

1. Make sure your shed floor is clean and smooth. If you have a dirt floor, spread it evenly with a rake and a shovel used to break up any hard lumps of dirt.
2. Place planks on the bottom of each wall of the barn to make a frame. This will help the concrete to flush. The plates are then removed and are used only as an extra support to help the concrete to maintain its shape as it sits.
3. Spread a layer about an inch (2.54 cm) thick crushed rock on the floor and uses the shovel to spread it evenly and tamp.
4. Dampen crushed stone to make it slightly damp. Be sure not to wet it so much that you get stagnant water. If so, let the water dry before proceeding.
5. Mix the concrete according to the instructions. Make enough mixture to be able to support a concrete layer about three inches thick. Your package will tell you how much concrete is needed to do this.
6. Pour the concrete starting from the rear and working forward. Use a spreader concrete to make concrete layer remaining partner.
7. Remove the planks once the concrete has settled and let dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble filling the crushed rock, you can first pour a thin layer of sand underneath.
• Pour the concrete as soon as possible after mixing to not settle before throwing.

The cleaning of stains, steam cleaning and restoration of carpets do not require chemical-laden products. Many simple recipes do carry products commonly found in most household cabinets.

Vinegar stains

White distilled vinegar has many uses as a cleaning agent for the home. His natural ability to disinfect and remove stains makes it ideal for use as carpet stain remover product. Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup water and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to remove stains, deodorize carpets and kill germs. Open a window while you’re working with this product as it emits odor, but once dry the carpets not smell more like vinegar.

Cleaner for high-transit spots

Vinegar also has a role as a domestic cleaner for high-transit spots, according to the expert The Hillbilly Housewife cleaning. In the spots that do not come with a simple solution of vinegar and water, mix equal parts vinegar, borax and table salt. Rub the paste as a cleaner on the carpet stained with the tip of your fingers. Leave for three or four hours before removing the dough vacuuming, dirt and grime.

Detergent solution

The liquid dishwasher detergent works well to remove stains and clean the carpets. According to the magazine “Real Simple Magazine,” the dish detergent is safe to use on natural fibers and synthetic carpets, but should be used in different amounts. For carpets made of natural fibers, mix 1/4 teaspoon of detergent in 1 cup of warm water. For synthetic fibers, use a teaspoon of detergent and 1 cup of warm water.

Steam cleaning solution

Rent a steam cleaning machine two or three times to help remove dirt and mud encrusted over year. Avoid commercial solutions and choose a homemade alternative. The Hillbilly Housewife recommends mixing ammonia 1/4 cup flavored with lemon, 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, 3 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent and 1 gallon (4 liters) of hot water.

Cleaning mats

In addition to regularly clean the carpets, experts of “Good Housekeeping” recommend internal cleaning mats. Put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. After washing with a common laundry detergent, wipe them using a low temperature cycle. When vacuuming carpets, flip the mouse to release the dirt and mud; turn them over and sucks the garbage that have become loose.

Wood fences are an excellent way to keep the dogs in the garden and provide a safe area for children to play. They are available in various styles, sizes and finishes. Wood fences can increase the security of your property or add a decorative element in the garden. If you like you can trace carpentry, design and install custom wood fence and calculate the price before any material is purchased.

Instructions

1. Brand in the garden services are underground. A phone call to the service company will protect you.
2. Place stakes at the corners of the fence. Use wooden stakes with twine building set between them to mark where the fence is.
3. Marks the location of the posts along the construction line. Use wood 2x4x8 to mark the center of each post with a point for landscape painting 2x4x8 lumber is the exact distance you need between posts. You can mark the exact location you need for turning around the table as you go to work the construction line. Count the fence posts to quote for each section of eight feet. This will vary according to the style of wooden fence you choose.
4. Dig the post holes using an excavator. The hole needs to be two feet (60 cm) of depth below the frost line. This will keep the posts move due to climate changes.
5. Level the posts and make sure they align with twine construction. Use a bag of 40 pounds (18 kg) of concrete into each hole for pole and a bag of 80 pounds (36 kg) on each corner post hole. Soak the hole with water and let the post to settle before proceeding to the next step. Use a level of post for this step. Let the post dry overnight before proceeding to the next step.
6. Deputy horizontal boards between each post, Use a nail to outside three inches (7.5 cm) for this. A pneumatic nail gun makes this much faster and easier.
7. Vertical boards should be nailed in place. Use a carpenter’s level of four feet to keep them straight. Separate each table by finishing nail thickness. Place a table in each corner and gently hit a nail into the top pointed. Pull the twine tight between them. This provides a line to align the top of each tip as you work. Uses two galvanized nails of 1 1/2 inch (3.7 cm) in each horizontal table

Tips & Warnings

• You can calculate the cost of the fence counting the number of poles. For each section of eight feet (2.4 m) fence post you need a 4×4, three horizontal boards 2x4x8, 1x6x6 16 pickets and a bag of concrete.
• Call your local timber supplier for the parts you need for each section of eight feet (2.4 m) of the fence. Each section should be multiplied by the number of posts to estimate the cost of the fence.
• Use safety glasses when you use power tools.

A sewer smell in the bathroom can be daunting and dangerous, with the gas mixture of toxic and non-toxic sewer that causes sore head, dizziness and other physical symptoms. A common cause behind the entry of these gases in the room is often the toilet, but the drains of other bathroom accessories and plumbing pipes thereof, are possible suspects.

Poorly sealed with wax

The wax seal is a wax ring is installed between the closet flange and toilet. The flange rests on top of the drain pipe under the ground, below the toilet. This seal prevents sewer gases between the toilet and the flange creep when it works. When it fails, you’ll always smell sewer gas and water leaking see below the toilet every time you get off the water. Replace the wax ring for this repair.

Empty traps

The lack of water inside of the traps also allows sewer gases. A trap is curved tube portion underneath the bathtub or bathroom. Another pitfall of the tub or shower is hidden under the ground. These traps always keep an amount of stagnant water inside, blocking the entry of sewer gases. Water sometimes evaporates or decreases with time, as when much time passes unused. Pour about one quart (1.14 L) of water in the drains of these accessories. The correct amount of water will remain in the trap.

Obstruction of vent pipes

Drainage and ventilation system of a house plumbing pipes connecting all accessories inside the bathroom including the toilet, sink and bathtub, a piping system. Vent pipes are one of the components of this system. These tubes do not transport water, but must sewer vent gases outwards. If this pipe is clogged, water can get out of the trap in a fixture, leaving it exposed to sewer gases entering through the drain fitting. Normally, it uses a drill or water hose to unblock the vent.

Cracked pipes

A vent pipe may also be obstructed, in which case the gas leak. Once unique crack, cut the damaged section and installs new accessories. The crack may be in a sewer pipe, in this case the pipe will lose both water and sewer gas. If your house has a crawl space under it, you can enter and search any drainage pipe that is damaged.

The maintenance and stain removal in the joint grout and tile your floors is a complex task and may even exhausting, as in cases where you have large surface-like a tiled wall or floor of aldoses- that have retained dirt and stains for long. To make the job of cleaning as painless as possible, you need help of some kind of solution that really put an end to the matter.

Chlorine bleach

First, remember that you should never use chlorine bleach on colored grout joints because your surface will be damaged because the color will fade. You can only use chlorine bleach on white grout. Also consider that in general, chlorine has its pros and cons. It offers an incredible effectiveness in cleaning stains on grout joints, but is also highly corrosive and releases some vapors. If you’re using chlorine bleach, I dilute it well (“Good Housekeeping” recommends using 3/4 cup bleach to one gallon or 3.7 liters of water) and wearing gloves. Pour into the grout lines and rub quickly with a stiff brush. Then rinse well.

Oxygen bleach

The oxygen bleach is also used to remove stains, but it is much safer to use and more natural than chlorine bleach, which contains hydrogen peroxide. The expert in home improvement, Tim Carter (“Ask the Builder”) is considered the best and final cleaner for grout joints and Pegasus leno. Best of all, it can even be used on colored grout joints without damaging them in any way. If you use oxygen bleach powder, just add water and apply it as you would with chlorine bleach or any regular cleanser. Just do not forget to wait at least 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing, as this type of cleaner releases natural ions and requires time to act.

Sodium bicarbonate

Another recommendation of the magazine “Good Housekeeping” is baking soda. It is known that this purpose product can effectively remove stains both as white grout color and can even kill any type of mold to grow on the surfaces of your tiles. Mix in a bowl 3/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup water to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste to grout joints and rub firmly before rinsing.

PH neutral cleaner

You may cleaner neutral pH has little effect when it comes to remove stubborn stains, rust and mineral deposits, but can do wonders to remove accumulated dirt in grout joints and for maintenance routine to your floors and tiles. In fact, to clean the area once a week with a neutral pH cleaner, you can prevent the formation of stains and mildew buildup. Many stores sell supplies for home cleaning products labeled as “neutral pH”, but you can use any cleaning solution pH balanced, including mild dishwashing detergent. Consider this type of cleaning as a preventive solution instead of thinking of them as stain removers.

You do fencing poles used for livestock pens and chicken coops to protect privacy, and to define property boundaries. Fences with poles are the method preferred for fencing cattle and horses. Wood fences cause fewer injuries fences steel and barbed wire. Whether you prefer fences post for practical reasons, for privacy or to look better warmth Natural wood lends itself to design and build fences posts a variety of styles.

White Woods

Fir, spruce and pine are known in the industry as construction white wood fences because of their color when newly installed, but its color changes when treated with weather shields. The material treated with oil-based protective fences usually a light to medium brown. The treatments using saltwater use copper or chromium salts that stain the wood with a light green color. Treated wood in the saw mill with brightly colored finish is protected during transport against insects and fungi, but this application does not provide long-term protection. Do not use treated wood in gardens or orchards near places because the chemical used for treatment is harmful and can spread to the ground and contaminate food crops.

Cedar

The northern white cedar and western red cedar are ideal for fencing poles because they are immune to insect pests, to the putrefaction and the weather. Cedar is not binding, bent or deformed, and contains a natural chemical that repels termites and other wood-eating insects.

Hardwoods

Acacia and red oak species are tough, strong and durable wood that is often used to build fences of poles. You can find them in sawmills, with fences and contractors supply stores for home and garden, acacia and red oak are available as pole with different length and diameter. You can choose natural or treated poles.

Select material for fences

Since the fence posts will be partially buried, when you’re shopping, carefully examines the wooden treated for use underground parts are marked, labeled or otherwise certified for installation in the ground.

An owner of home or a small business that needs minor repairs can call a “handyman” or contractor maintenance instead of a carpenter or other merchant which could charge higher fees. Hiring a professional who is licensed or who have license maintenance as “handyman” can help ensure that the work is done right. Although the two terms may seem interchangeable, there are some differences between maintenance license and a license of “handyman”.

Handyman license

License of “handyman” is licensed by the state, which allows an individual to carry out legally handyman services such as general construction and repair work. In California, for example, a license handyman for any person or legal entity is required as a business to do construction work where the value of the project meets or exceeds a value of US $ 500, as of July 2011, reports the web down professional certification and licensing.

Maintenance license

Maintenance license is similar to a license “handyman”, since it allows an individual to carry out maintenance works and services in a residential setting. Because laws governing licensed contractors, builders, operators and maintenance personnel residential vary from state to state, maintenance license applies only in states that require maintenance license. Michigan not only requires maintenance license, but it also requires that the license is displayed in the workplace or transport contractor, as noted by the business website Michigan State, Michigan Business One Stop.

Notable differences

Although both handyman license as a license to allow a maintenance person to perform basic work of building a smaller than a licensed contractor caliber, there are some differences to keep in mind. In California, you are allowed a licensed handyman carrying out a number of different types of jobs. In Michigan, a maintenance contractor can only perform the specific job indicated on the license, such as carpentry, excavation, tiles and masonry, painting, roofing and walls.

Benefits

If a state requires a license of “handyman” or maintenance either can offer exclusive benefits to the licensee. Not only can an individual do their work without fear of penalties, fines or imprisonment, but he can advertise himself as a graduate. An authorized service personnel or handyman offers a layer of protection for the homeowner because state authority responsible for having all necessary permits, and also defends its reputation for good work and quality service.

If you have a large tree in your garden and to remove, you should consider the total costs involved. If you have free time (and friends) you may be able to cut and remove the tree yourself, but you still must consider the cost of rental of heavy equipment needed. Hiring a service to take charge of the tree in your place can be more efficient and possibly less expensive in the long term.

Process

Always examines where your tree is before you start any removal procedure. The type and arrangement of the tree is very important: it notifies the local government and utilities first. If the tree spreads its roots deep into the soil, it can be a threat to the sidewalk and the water network. If the tree is in front of your house, it could belong to the property of the city, and there is a good chance that they will remove it for free. However, if the tree is located near your home, you should be tied up and shot down by sections, which can increase the cost when hiring a tree removal service.

Average trees

Medium sized trees can reach 60 feet (18.2 m), but may also include smaller versions of 30 feet (9.14 m). Alder, rubber trees, wild apple trees and many other varieties fall into this category. In 2010, these trees can cost as much as US $ 900 to remove the larger versions, but the smaller types can cost only about $ 175.

Larger trees

Trees of 60 to 80 feet (18.2 and 24.3 m) in height are generally regarded as large trees such as red pine and oak varieties. Removing these trees can cost from US $ 400 to US $ 1,000. Removing the larger trees, which reach as high as 100 feet (30.4 m) and the American ash, bur oak and maple sugar, can cost over $ 1,500.

Additional charges

Several tree removal procedures may cost more, depending on the services you want. For example, if you want your branches and trunks are converted into chips, services usually charge about $ 100 an hour for services chopped. It also costs extra, between US $ 50 and US $ 300, which the company takes wood or chips in your home. While some businesses and cut the tree stump will be, it can cost several hundred dollars and grind completely out of the earth along with the main roots. If you want to make an inquiry before we start, an arborist can charge up to $ 125 an hour for their consultation fees.

Concrete is an integral part of modern society. From roads and bridges to the buildings in which we live and work, everywhere around are structures and infrastructures comprising concrete; whereas concrete is used for vital parts of our lives daily, knowing the science behind the cement that makes it so strong and reliable is a must.

Composition of concrete

Concrete is made ​​from more than one type of material, which means it is a composite material. The composite is formed with a filling material, which is an aggregate used to make concrete texture, and a binder or paste used to “glue” or unite the filling. Cement and water are the binder. The mixture of aggregates, cement and water creates the useful compound known as concrete.

Cement

Cement is made of clay, sand, iron ore and limestone, burnt together at extremely high temperatures. Limestone must be removed and ground into small pieces. A mixer combines the small pieces of limestone, iron ore, sand and clay to form a powder of the four components. A rotary kiln placed into a cylinder, burn this material composition for a maximum of two hours.

Water

When water is mixed with cement, a paste which binds all components it is formed. The hydration process is a chemical reaction between water and concrete components that causes the concrete to harden. You must use pure water to ensure that the chemicals react properly and create strong cement. The relationship between cement and water is crucial for the production of the useful cement. Too little or too much water can cause the cement to be too weak or unviable. Useful cement requires the perfect balance between the cement and water.

Aggregates

Aggregates are another component used in making concrete. They are materials such as sand or rocks that are added to the mixture of cement and water. Since cement is the most expensive part of manufacturing of concrete, adding the cheapest concrete aggregates gives you more for less. The final product is approximately 70% to 80% of the aggregates. Choosing a type of aggregate concrete depends on the type you want to produce. You can create dense and strong concrete using dense aggregates. Similarly, the use of soft and porous aggregates like sand creates weaker concrete with less wear resistance. Like water, the good aggregates must be pure. Any impurities in the aggregate could interfere with the chemical reaction needed to make concrete, or cause to be weakened.