Materials and Practices in High Performance Homes

In my last article I defined High Performance Homes; A High Performance Homes is one that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and uses value added green building practices that causes it to be friendlier to the environment. In the next few articles we will look at some of the materials and practices used to produce the High Performance Home.

The single biggest heat sink or energy robber in a home is the windows. There are several things to consider here. First and foremost is the total square footage of windows. Ive never had someone come to me and say Ronnie build me a home thats dark and doesnt have many windows. Always it goes like this,I want a home that is light and airy. Then of course the buyer covers all of the windows with blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, curtains, or heaven forbid foil and seldom opens them due to excessive heat, cold or allergens in the air.

What should you do when designing or selecting a new home? Be realistic. The more windows, the bigger the windows, the bigger the utility bills. If you can, keep your windows down to 15% or so of the exterior wall square footage. Strategically place them to maximize views and limit the direct exposure to the sun. Keep the windows from facing the East or West this will help tremendously. If the windows can be located under a porch or patio so that it has a large overhang protecting them they will perform much better. Also, a larger Cornish overhang will help protect windows as well as shade the exterior walls.

There is an organization that evaluates windows and scores them as to how you can expect them to perform; giving the consumer a chance to be sure they are getting the best product for their money. It is The National Fenestration Rating Council. They subject windows to testing and prescribe how they must be built to obtain a certain score. The scoring speaks to the ability of the windows to block the transmission of heat and ultraviolet rays.

Look for windows that have a low U-Factor score. This score indicates the windows ability to block heat. A lower score is better. Many builders are using good windows with scores in the .50 range. I like those that are .35 or lower. The next score to look at is Solar Heat Gain. Again many windows are being installed with a score around .50. We install those with a score of .32 or lower. Lower is better here as well. Then, the window coverings mentioned before will add additional protection from heat and ultraviolet penetration.

Let me briefly mention doors. Most doors today are made of steel, fiberglass, wood or glass. Nothing insulates like insulation. Hollow doors like steel or fiberglass can be filled with insulation. Wood is not a particularly good insulator and glass is worse. Generally I prefer steel with fiberglass a close second. These doors dont rot or warp and provide the most security and energy efficiency.

Try to avoid sliding glass doors, after all, what are they but large windows and therefore a big heat sink. And double French doors are hard to keep from leaking heat in or out of your home. If you need that look think of placing a window close to a door or 2 separately cased doors close to each other.

In my next article we will continue to explore best building materials and practices and talk specifically about insulation.

Copyright 2007

Ronnie Godfrey, Certified Graduate Builder
For more information about this article and other energy saving tips, visit our website http://www.RGodfreyHomes.com

Stone Features Arches

Before work is undertaken it is imperative that accurate and detailed measurements are taken of the existing structure in position. These will be used to reproduce a drawing and also a detailed specification of the original structure. Such details that should be noted will include the size and the shape of the feature, any special moldings and molded bricks in the repair as well as those that need to be ordered from suppliers, the type of masonry used in the original construction, the bedding material and its constituent parts along with the style of pointing of the finished work.

The plan or drawing you want to prepare should clearly show the proposed work in elevation. Extreme care should be taken to note any number or sequences of the bricks or units that are required to be salvaged. These then should be clearly shown and the same numbers marked on the corresponding unit as are taken down, cleaned carefully and stored ready for reuse.

The drawing must also show in as much detail as is possible any subsidiaryE11 work that may be required with the restoration, together with its specifications. If the work necessitates the use of moldings then they should be drawn to larger scale, or even full size, so that replacement units can be reproduced accurately. It is important at this stage to bear in mind that once the feature has been entirely demolished any accurate reproduction will depend entirely on the drawings that you have produced so all mistakes and omissions will be impossible to correct later. Photographs would certainly be helpful.

Special features in brickwork have mainly been produced in either fine axed work or gaged or rubbed work and would include: balustrades, capping to parapet walling and piers, cornices, string courses, dog-too thing or dental coursing, block bonded quoins, plinths, herringbone and basket weave panels, brick lintels, arches and niches.

When attempting to reproduce fine axed work the following is an outline of the general procedures for preparing the voussoirs for a fine axed arch. This procedure may vary slightly to suit the different types of arches but the basic principles still remains the same. An outline of the arch should be set out on the setting out board. Mark out the position of the voussoirs on the extra-dos of the arch. If the arch has a key brick or stone, then the voussoirs are set out by marking out the key brick or stone first and dividing the extra-dos into a number of equal division which must not be greater than the width of the bricks being used plus the thickness of the joint.

If the arch is to be bonded on the face side, there must be an even number of voussoirs each side of the key brick or stone as this will ensure that the springing brick will correspond with the key brick. When the common size of the voussoirs has been determined, complete the arch by drawing the bed joint lines between the extra-dos and the intro-dos so that they radiate to the striking point of the intended curve, thus ensuring that the arch courses are normal to the curve and maintaining a even bond in a two ringed segmental arches.

It should be noted that brickwork and stone arches need to be in compression and will benefit from loading. Where extreme loading is anticipated, parabolic arches are advised as this form of arch is the strongest in compression. Particular care should be taken with regard to lateral forces, and imposed loading from roof trusses being transferred from the arch trough the masonry and into the flank walls and reveals.

Rob McLaughlin is one of the UKs premier property maintenance professionals. With over 35 years of experience in the trade, if you're in need of Builders in Nottingham then Abbeymill Property Maintenance ltd experts in brickwork restoration and repair should be your first and only choice.

Changing a Toilet Wax Ring

If there is water slowly leaking around the base of your toilet, or you constantly smell a foul odor in your bathroom chances are the toilet wax ring has begun to fail and it is time for it to be replaced.

A toilet wax ring is pretty much described by its name. It is a 1 to 2 inch thick ring of wax, frequently found surrounding a plastic funnel. The toilet wax ring works by forming a water/air tight seal between the base of the porcelain toilet base and the toilet flange (plastic or cast iron).

If a toilet rocks when it is sat upon, over time the toilet wax ring will breakdown and fail. This failure manifests itself in the formation of small water and odor leaks around the base of the toilet. If left unchecked, damage could occur to the bathroom floor and unsafe sewer gasses may build up in the home.

A new toilet wax ring should also be replaced any time a toilet is removed (e.g. during the installation of a new bathroom floor).

Replacing a toilet wax ring is easy to do and can be done by the do it yourself homeowner with a little knowledge and some preparation. Replacing a toilet wax ring can be done in about 1 hour assuming there are no extenuating circumstances.

The basic ste16D0ps required to change a toilet wax ring begin with turning off the water supply line and emptying the tank and bowl of water. The supply line also needs to be disconnected from the toilet.

Next the anchor nuts, secured to the Hold-Down bolts, need to be unscrewed.

The toilet is then lifted off the toilet flange and turned over.

The old toilet wax ring can then be scraped and removed off the base of the toilet, and the floor can be cleaned of any old wax ring residue.

The new toilet wax ring is then pressed onto the base of the toilet and the toilet is then reseated onto the toilet flange.

The anchor nuts are then re-screwed back onto the Hold-down bolts and the supply line reconnected.

The water supply line to the toilet can then be turned back on and the toilet is back in business.

For more help on changing a toilet wax ring see the Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook will quickly explain to you in detail the step-by-step process for changing the wax ring on a toilet and includes how-to photographs for every key step in the process.

Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com.

How To Get Started On A Bathroom Remodel

In remodeling a bathroom, the bathroom shower and tubs dominate all decisions; they are the starting point. The bathroom shower influences the looks of the bathroom as nothing else will. Remodeling the bathroom showers requires a lot of planning and a keen eye on the budget.

Choosing A Shower Stall

In choosing the shower, your starting point will be the decision on where you will install it. It is obvious that it would be easiest to locate it where plumbing already exists; otherwise alterations in plumbing locations will certainly cost more, and make the renovation take longer. Still, if you have the time & money, and the shower or bathtub isn't where you want it, move it to where you feel it should be. Having decided on the location you ought to have a basic design in your mind with necessary details and measurements.

A popular style for showers is with frameless glass doors which give a contemporary, clean look with optimum lighting; you can also get them without doors. Large showers with decorative tiles are also very stylish and popular among new houses. Acrylic showers are a lot cheaper than the glass showers and they are also equally functional; so you'll find them to be quite common. The two major considerations when picking a style of shower is looks and price. Elegant tile and graceful glass bathroom designs you find in magazines are stunning and expensive.

Apart from the decision on the choice of shower stall and its location, there are a number of other decisions on necessary details. You need to decide on the type of showerheads to be installed from among a variety of multiple jet showerheads and massaging showerheads available. Tiles for bathroom showers flooring as well as wall area have to be selected. If you choose a premolded fiberglass unit, your work is cut down since the shower and the tub are together in this unit. If you choose luxury bathroom showers they will surely improve the appearance as well as functioning of the bathroom.

General considerations

Remodeling a bathroom requires you to think on many fronts at the same time. In a relatively small space there are other fixtures too and unless they all are chosen in a coordinated manner it will not give a cohesive appearance to the bathroom. You need to pay attention to many small details; with every item you choose you will have to see whether it will clash with other things in the bathroom. For instance, in choosing bathroom showers consider also the vanities, soaker tubs and toilets. Your bathroom fixtures and mirrors must coordinate in color and be similar in style. Tiles must blend with all other items in the bathroom. If your cabinets have brushed nickel handles, you would like the same or at least a complimentary finish on the bathroom faucets. You don't want to have gold handles on your vanity and silver finishes on faucets. Attention to these details will give you a unified appearance.

When you start your bathroom dcor at the shower, and then coordinate the other accessories in the bathroom, it gives a well balanced designer quality dcor and you get the satisfaction of creating it yourself.

Sarah is a writer for House-Decorating-Ideas.com, a website dedicated to providing online consumers with information to make decorating their home easy and affordable. Here, she offers valuable advice when renovating a bathroom so that decorating is easy.

Maximize the Space and Save

Is your bathroom small? Are you trying to figure out how to accomplish magic with small space bathroom remodeling? Youll be amazed at what you can accomplish by using a few tips form the pros.

First off, youre not alone. Many homes have small bathrooms and small space bathroom remodeling seems like a chore that wont yield the desired results. In order to get the greatest appeal and function from your small space bathroom remodeling, you first have to combine the total area of your space with a little creativity.

Take Inventory

Before you begin the remodeling project, youll save time and money by taking inventory of primary aspects of the project. What is the main thing you want to accomplish with the bathroom remodel? Provide more usable space? Or, perhaps your small bathroom needs a makeover and you want to optimize the space while youre at it. Maybe youre simply updating the bathroom for a more stylish, trendy appeal. Focus on the primary reason for the remodel and try to envision the completed project delivering all your goals. By getting a clear vision of what you want, and working backwards from that point, youll ensure that every aspect is considered.

Small Space Bathroom R7D3emodeling

If you want more space consider the type: counter, storage, or floor. Next, evaluate the adjoining rooms or closets to see if by moving a wall a bit or eliminating a closet you can gain some space to help maximize your small space bathroom remodeling.

If that is not possible, consider reconfiguring the existing layout to accommodate more usable space. Moving the bathroom shower, sink, or commode, can improve floor space. While this will involve additional cost, the rewards can be a more functional and accommodating space. A contractor experienced in small space bathroom remodeling can offer valuable advice and services in this area.

Accessorize

Another source to check is the availability of items designed for the compact bathroom. The addition of wall shelving, baskets, racks and other storage items can greatly improve storage space without taking up floor space. A freestanding lavatory can also free up floor space.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

Kitchen Faucets Help

Out of date, less modern kitchen faucets that are still in many homes today can look bad, lead to water problems, and increase your kitchen work. New kitchen faucets come in stylish designs that will suit and make wholesome the dcor of any kitchen. More over, newer kitchen faucet models are easier to rinse, can come with water filtration methods and include features which improve the capability to clean dishes, rinse out the sink, and wash vegetables.

If you are interested in purchasing a kitchen faucet, you may want to check out popular and quality kitchen sink brands such as Blanco, Moen, Franke, and Kohler. Many of these kitchens faucet brands can be found for discounted prices, and most of these faucets come with warranties and customer service assistance. Three of the more popular kitchen faucets today include: the Kohler K-10430 kitchen faucet, the Blanco Profession Series 157064 kitchen faucet, and the Franke DW100 Series. All of these brands have a proven track record and you really can't go wrong. The main thing you need to look for when finding the right kitchen faucet is one that fits your wallet.

Available in multiple stylish designs the Kohler K-10430 series kitchen faucet is equipped with a fashionable pull out spray spout. This series comes in seven different finishes that will certainly match almost any kitchen color and dcor. In addition to its style and pull out accessory, the spout has a function on it where you can choose between a strong water stream or a light aerated stream. Available in different finishing, the Blanco Professional Series 157064 is a Pot Filler Kitchen Faucet; this faucet can be installed near a stove so that you can add water to pots and other accessories on the stove easily. One of the more popular and stylish kitchen faucets in todays market is the Franke DW100 series. The Franke also comes with a filtration system, a uniflow single knob filtration faucet, and a swivel spout. In addition to the filtration features, the Franke DW100 series comes in a variety of styles and designs. But, before purchasing your brand new kitchen faucet, make sure you spend time and do your homework. Make sure you make a smart, educated decision and take full advantage of all the resources you have available.

Saji Nase is actively involved with an kitchen faucet review project that informs consumers through well-written articles. Read great information on Kitchen Faucet Reviews, Kitchen Faucets Guide, Delta, Moen, Blanco, and Kohler Faucets.

Remodeling For Retirement and Beyond

Statistics show that more and more seniors are wanting to remain in their own homes in the later stages of life, as opposed to being admitted to a seniors home or facility. What this has created, is a demand for a niche market that remodels homes for seniors. This market is dedicated to understand1C66ing and offering remodeling services that cater to the needs of this aging homeowner population. Whether you are wanting to remodel for yourself and/or your partner in preparation for the years ahead, or if you are considering updating your house to make it "senior friendly" for resale, there are particular elements to consider.

Before we head into a list of great remodeling projects to think about, there is one forewarning that should be headed: Although certain remodeling projects can add resale value for a niche market of seniors looking for a home that suits their particular needs and disabilities, take note that too many major renovations in this regard can harm the potential resale value of a home. It is best to err on the side of modesty with your renos, so that you don't alienate future buyers.

Homeowners of any age can benefit by incorporating innovative designs into their home improvement plans, creating not only a stylish environment, but also a safe and comfortable home for years to come. The following are home modification suggestions that can be both stylish and functional for an aging population.

- Widen hallways and doorways for greater mobility. Doorways at least 2-feet-10-inches to 3-feet wide are considerably easier for seniors using a walker or a wheelchair

- Replace treacherous steps outside and inside with elegant tamps. (they don't need to look like they belong in a hospital!) A good designer can streamline function into fashion, and that is what you should be aiming to do. Take note, stairs that are a minimum of 7-inches high and 11-inches wide are the most safe and easiest to climb.

- Remove bathtubs and replace with roll-in showers. If you are working with a home that has two bathrooms try to keep one bath in tact. This is key for resale as you have then optimized one bathroom for seniors and one can remain standardized.

- Other simple bathroom renos include installing a hand-help shower, putting in non-skid strips in the bathtub and replace a standard-height toilet with a taller model.

- Remove carpeting to expose hardwood floors or replace carpeting with floor tile for better wheelchair accessibility.

- Lower cabinets and counter tops to wheelchair height and create spaces beneath these areas for a chair to roll under.

- Evaluate the height of appliances like dishwashers and stoves. Consider raising them to accommodate those with back problems or impaired mobility.

- Find ways to improve lighting throughout the house. Floor level night -lights can be very helpful in preventing a fall. Remember that conventional flip light switches and round doorknobs can present challenges to those with arthritis. Install rocker switches and replace lever-style door knobs with easier alternatives.

- Install doorbells that light up as well as ring, to accommodate hearing impairments.

As you design a remodeling plan, consider that the kitchen and bathroom often demand the most thorough changes. With the rest of the house you want to focus on wheel chair access and good lighting to help with easy mobility from room to room.

Austin Lansing is the Manager of Operations with High Country Realty, an agency that specializes in Blue Ridge real estate. Explore Jasper real estate listings to view beautiful properties in Pickens County and around the North Georgia area.