What Do I Need To Do To Add On To My House

A home addition is an exciting yet stressful experience. With so many options, homeowners often find themselves struggling to come up with the right additions. Since the rate of returns on practical home additions is comparatively more than homes without one, it is logical that more and more homeowners are looking for home additions and spending time on home addition designs. So, let’s take you through the process of what you need to do to transform your old house into a dream home.

Ask Yourself How Much Are You Willing To Spend?

The first and most important thing you should ask yourself when it comes to home additions is the amount you are willing to spend. Surprisingly, the majority of homeowners ignore this question, which leads to trouble down the road. The thing is that a home addition is a broad idea. This means that you can pretty much do anything as long as you are willing to spend money.

However, not everyone has an unlimited budget. That said, you will need to consider the foundational, labor, and other additional costs. Having an estimate of the project will give you a better idea of what you can and cannot do considering your budget. The last thing you would want is the total cost surpassing your planned budget, turning your savings to zero.

Do I Need A Contractor?

Yes, a home addition without a contractor will simply be a silly mistake. Depending on your home addition, you may require permits from the local authorities and this is where a contractor comes in. Plus, contractors have sufficient experience and skills along with expert labor who will make sure the work is done properly and according to the standards.

However, finding a good builder is difficult. You will need to put in some time and effort until you can find a trustworthy contractor. Once you have found one, interview them and share your ideas. Finally, close the deal via a mutual contract so that you are protected by law as well.

Check If You Can Remodel An Existing Space

Remember, a home addition does not come cheap. It is going to cost you money one way or the other. Therefore, it is not wise to jump straight to planning a room addition. If you are a bit smart and clever, you should look around if you can remodel an existing space. The reason is that remodels are relatively cheaper and more affordable than home additions.

Maybe you have a basement or an attic that needs a bit of renovation and upgrades to turn it into a living space. Plus, if you want to expand a particular area of the house such as the kitchen, you can remodel it and make some space for new additions.

Check If Foundation Work Needs To Be Done

Before you can begin building the foundation, you will need to consult an architect too. Regardless of the size of the project, an architect will help you use the available space most effectively and efficiently. In most cases, room additions get a full-scale foundation so, building the foundation is a pre-requisite. It can take many days or weeks and is carried out by experts.

But it might be that you do not need any foundation work. This will cut costs. However, you cannot be so sure until you have consulted your contractor and architect. If you have a slightly old house, the foundation might be intact and the contractor won’t need to correct it before adding new space to your house. That said, make sure if your home addition project requires any foundation work to be done.

Decide If You Want To Build Up Or Out

Building up is less expensive as it does not require any foundation and excavation work. But you will need the help of an architect since building up is relatively more complicated than staying on the ground.

However, if you want to build out, that is going to save you money as well but such additions are usually used as home offices, garages, and guesthouses.

Final Word

Home additions can make your money worth it if done the right way. But if you are careless, you might find your investment going down the drain. Therefore, ask yourself the questions mentioned above before planning a home addition so that you are aware of the pros and cons, and then contact architects builders DC.

Pros And Cons Of Dolomite Countertops

There are so many natural stone materials for countertops to choose from such as marble and granite countertops. Sometimes, the choice of material can become difficult. So, here is everything you need to know about another natural stone, dolomite.

Pros Of Dolomite Countertops

It Is Similar To Marble In Looks

If you are looking for a countertop material that is strikingly similar to marble in looks and feels but is stronger and more durable than it and also less expensive, then dolomite is the perfect stone to go for.

It is a great stone that has similar veining and pattern on its surface which is usually found on marble. You will love the look of dolomite and your kitchen will also look extremely beautiful. The colors of dolomite countertops are also quite the same as marble, so it’s safe to say that both stones have a lot of similarities in appearance.

It Resists Heat Well

One of the great things about dolomite is that it resists heat like a champ. It is one of the few materials which will not have those pesky dark heat stains which are a pain to remove. It is a great material if you are someone who handles hot things directly on the countertop surface.

With other natural stones and materials, you need to be careful not to let the hot stuff touch the surface of the countertop, otherwise, they will stain and crack over time. Not with dolomite though, you have complete liberty to use hot pots and pans directly on the surface.

It Is Less Expensive

As mentioned before, dolomite is a great alternative to marble. It is also a great substitute for expensive stones which are all about looks and have no durability. Dolomite is not only reasonably durable, but it is also a great material price-wise.

You don’t need to spend a huge fortune on a countertop material when you have the option of dolomite. It is extremely reasonable in price and it also lasts longer, so you have yourself a great deal which shouldn’t be missed.

It Is Available In Ample Quantities

Dolomite is found in the depths of the Earth. It is a sedimentary rock and is made up of sediments or small particles of different stones. Pulverized marble, limestone, and other stones make up dolomite.

One of the reasons why dolomite is so reasonably priced is that it is available in ample quantities all over the planet. It is not a precious or rare stone and it can be mined from anywhere. It’s available in huge quantities and there are tons of manufacturers which take these huge slabs of dolomite and convert them into slabs for kitchen countertops.

Cons Of Dolomite Countertops

It Is Prone To Scratches

Dolomite is durable, but one of the biggest drawbacks of dolomite is that it is prone to scratches. Sedimentary rocks are soft on the outside and any sharp object can produce a nasty scratch which will be a hassle to get fixed.

You need to be careful that you are not letting any sharp object like a knife or needle get in contact with the surface of dolomite, otherwise, it will scratch and then you will need to have the scratch filled, which is just another task to maintain the countertop. If you don’t fill in the scratch on time, it may penetrate deeper and cause further damage.

It Is Porous

Dolomite is a sedimentary rock, so it is porous. If you are familiar with the types of rocks, you will know that sedimentary rocks are extremely porous and water or any other substance can go into the rock and penetrate to its core. The same goes for dolomite. This is why you need to have them sealed if you want to use them in the kitchen.

Sealing the countertop will make it waterproof and will make it last longer, but it can be tedious for some people, which is totally understandable.

Conclusion

There you have it! Now you know all of the good and bad about dolomite countertops, so, you can decide more easily what material should you select for your countertops. Visit the store of granite countertop installers Durham NC to find different types of natural stone and engineered countertop materials.

When Should A Chimney Be Relined

Replacing the lining on your chimney is important once it starts to deteriorate. Even though you are looking at a costly replacement, but it cannot be ignored at the same time. Since it is a costly process involving chimney contractors and you are going to pay for a new flue as well, it is necessary that you are aware of the type of liners available. Let’s take the discussion ahead and see why and when should a chimney be relined.

What Is Chimney Relining?

As mentioned earlier, chimney liner or flue begins to deteriorate over time, which can turn hazardous for people living inside the house. The reason liners are important is because they direct both heat and gasses up through the chimney top and prevent the combustible materials around the chimney from catching fire due to heat.

Therefore, if you observe that your chimney lining has some cracks, you should know that it is time to reline your chimney before you can use your fireplace. If you are skeptical about relining the chimney, you should consult an expert who will use special camera equipment to show you a view from the inside.

Why Is It Important?

Part of what makes the chimney relining process necessary is the fact that some chimneys were not built right in the first place. Liners not only provide a seamless and smooth surface but insulation as well. Back in the day, chimneys were purged with mortar to line the flue and these were termed the best-quality chimneys.

Although clay tiles have been a standard since the 1990s but even today, some properties have chimneys that are without a liner. This is because builders and contractors do not keep up with the standard practices and expect the owner to pay for it in the future.

Keep in mind that the a chimney flue liner will need to be replaced and you will have three options in hand: clay tile liners, cast-in-place liners, and metal flue liners.

Clay Tile Liners

Traditionally, the majority of homes feature clay tile liners. These are undoubtedly the favorite of many since it does not catch any heat and does not corrode easily. A well-built clay tile liner can easily offer a lifespan of 50 years or more with very little maintenance. However, you will need to regularly clean it to ensure that it does not need to be replaced for years to come.

At the same time, if you were opting for rectangular or square flue tiles, you should know that the natural flow of smoke spirals upward in a helical pattern through the flue. Considering the flow, experts suggest opting for round flues as they are more efficient.

In addition to that, clay tile liners are relatively cheap but you will be paying for expensive intensive labor. Retrofitting clay liners on an existing chimney can be slightly tricky, especially if it isn’t straight. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to find someone who can get the job done right in some areas.

Cast-In-Place Liners

If using new clay tiles is not an option, it is possible to use several poured-cement processes to create a new flue inside a damaged chimney. Cast-in-place liners offer additional benefits as compared to clay tile liners as they are hardly affected by acids, heat, and condensation.

Plus, the temperature inside cast-in-place liners happens to be high due to their insulation properties. As a result, they burn cleaner and reduce the accumulation of creosote as well. Additionally, cast-in-place liners can be less labor-intensive as compared to reconstructing clay flues but there are several ways of doing it. With that said, the overall flue liner cost will depend on the technique and method used by the professional to install the new liners.

Metal Flue Liners

According to most installers, metal flue liners are the easiest to install as they are less labor-intensive and are readily available in different shapes and sizes to suit wood stoves and fireplaces. However, the problem is old-house restorers come across an overwhelming number of types and options and it becomes hard to select the best option.

On the other hand, the good news is that most metal flue liners come with a kit that makes them even easier to replace. Overall, opting for metal flue liners can be a wise decision but only if you are able to find someone expert enough to get the job done the right way.

Final Word

Considering the fact that chimney liners can turn harmful, it is important that you keep a lookout for flue replacement when needed. Remember, relining the chimney can be a labor-intensive process. Therefore, you should forget about doing it yourself and hire chimney relining services Columbia MD for the task.

In What Order Should I Remodel My Bathroom

Bathroom remodeling is no doubt an exciting process. As easy and simple it might seem, homeowners often mind the process a bit confusing. The reason is that there are several factors to consider that ensure the bathroom remodeling project is successful. One of the major concerns is the order in which the bathroom should be remodeled. This is because even a slight mistake might cause the contractor to tear down an entire wall or dig up the floor. Therefore, let’s discuss some important tips that will help you remodel your bathroom the right way.

Remove Bathroom Fixtures

The first step towards bathroom remodeling relates to removing all the fixtures. Regardless of you opting for a partial or complete renovation, you are going to need to remove the fixtures. You can do this on your own but you will need a set of tools.

If floor renovation is also part of the process, you will need to remove the toilet as well as the tub. In this case, you are going to need a helping hand. While removing the fixtures, you need to be extra careful to not damage or crack anything. Next, the cabinets and drawers need to be removed.

Removing fixtures such as mirrors and cabinets requires wearing safety goggles and other equipment to prevent injuries since these items contain sharp edges. Once they are removed, make sure to place or store them away temporarily in a safe place.

Install The New Shower Or Tub

Once you have gutted the bathroom, the first thing that needs to go inside is the new shower or tub. If you find that the floor is cracked or damaged, you will need to replace that first as well. While choosing a new tub or shower, keep in mind the entrance of the bathroom and the location.

In most cases, people tend to purchase tubs that are comparatively bigger than the area available. To avoid that, it is suggested to measure the area available so that you end up with the perfect match. You can also opt for a combination of shower or tub if there is enough space available. Experts recommend installing at least one tub to increase the resale value of the property.

Lay The New Flooring

Once the new tub or shower has been installed, you can start working on your new flooring. While tiles tend to be the most popular type amongst homeowners, you can also opt for vinyl or laminate if budget is an issue.

If you are opting for tiles, make sure that they all are installed perfectly inline. Some people have done this on their own in the past but it is better to hire an expert for the purpose. If your house is relatively older, you might want to put in some effort and money into correcting the floor first.

Hang Drywall And Start Painting

The next step of your the remodeling process of your bathroom is hanging the new drywall. You should expect this process to be time consuming as the drywall needs to be modified to fit the vanity, walls, and other features. Working on the drywall means that you should use drywall mud and tape to cover the gaps and seams.

Plus, for the shower/tub wall, you should use a cement backer board instead of drywall. And last but not the least, coat the drywall with a waterproofing material to protect against water damage. Once you are done with the drywall, it is time to paint it. Choose a color that matches the overall theme of your house. Avoid using dark colors as stains and other materials appear more prominent.

Install Cabinets And Vanity

Now that the wall is done, you can begin reinstalling the cabinets and vanity. You should install the vanity first along with the faucet and sink. Once the major work is done, you can move on to other minor things such as the trim, mirror, and cabinets.

Then again, be extra careful and wear appropriate safety equipment to protect yourself against serious injuries.

Final Word

While you work on mostly the visual appeal of your bathroom, make sure to ask your bathroom remodeling contractors Rockville to upgrade features such as lighting and plumbing systems as well. Then, you can add some decorative items and hang some pictures to put some life into it. Finally, take a hot shower and enjoy the new space you have spent so much time and money on.

Is It Normal For Steam To Come Out Of Heat Pump

Heat pumps are designed to keep you warm and cozy during the winters. Even though they tend to develop problems as they age, but in some cases, you might observe some steam coming out of the heat pump. You might wonder if you need heat pump repair. Let’s dig a bit deeper and discuss what it actually is about.

The Defrost Cycle Of The Heat Pump

To understand why your heat pump might be producing steam, it is important that you first become aware of its basics. A heat pump runs more or less like an air conditioner. It includes two sets of coils, one indoors and the other, outdoors. The refrigerant tends to evaporate in one coil that absorbs the heat and then condenses in the other to release heat.

This means that the heat during the winter season is absorbed by the outdoor coil. At the same time, as the refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor coil, it leads to the production of moisture in the air to form along with the coil. If you have ever come across the sound of water dripping inside the air conditioners in the summer season, this is exactly what it is. However, the question is what happens when moisture forms on the outdoor coil.

If you say, it freezes, then this can be a problem with the heat pump. The reason is that a layer of ice will form on the outdoor unit of the heat pump, which will make it a bit difficult for the heat pump to draw heat from the air. Luckily, the heat pump is built keeping this problem in view. The heat pump will switch to defrost mode automatically if it senses such a problem.

It’s Not Smoke, It’s Steam

Some people tend to panic as soon as they see steam coming out believing that it is smoke and something is burning. As you know, steam is odorless, however, if it has a burning smell for a reason, then you need to panic. Immediately, turn off the unit and call a professional.

Even though it is very rare for heat pumps to give off smoke, but not impossible.

Is This Your First Winter With A Heat Pump?

Some people tend to panic watching what looks like smoke coming out from their heat pumps since it is their first winter using the unit. If you have recently installed a heat pump, this might be your first time witnessing steam coming out from the heat pump.

You do not need to panic as it is the heat pump simply doing its job. It is going through a defrost cycle, which is a part of the operation that does not occur in the cooling mode.

Fan Overheating

Heat pumps are not designed to burn or smoke. With that said, if you observe smoke coming out, it might be due to some other components. For instance, the fan might be under stress. If there is something stuck between the fan blades, the motor will run but the blades won’t rotate.

As a result, the motor will heat up and might catch fire. In addition to that, if the coils tend to be covered by dirt, shrubs, and debris, they can overheat as well. However, the chances of catching fire are fairly low.

This means that your heat pump should be properly maintained to prevent such types of mishaps. Heat pumps can easily last for years until they need replacement. However, some people tend to ignore their maintenance. In such a case, the overall lifespan of the HVAC unit will decrease and you will end up with expensive repairs.

How To Maintain A Heat Pump?

Maintaining a heat pump is as important as looking after all the other essential home appliances that you use on a daily basis. You should perform a weekly inspection and clear any dust and dirt accumulation. However, if you are not aware of the basics, it is better to consult a professional.

Final Word

In the end, it is most probably steam coming out from your heat pump and not smoke. However, you should keep an eye out on such things as you can miss out on serious problems and only let experts from HVAC companies McLean inspect the unit. Because surviving the winters without a heat pump can be a nightmare.

How To Paint A Concrete Patio

Concrete is a durable material for patios and driveways, but it doesn’t have a beautiful visual appeal. It looks dry and dull. If you want to improve the appearance of your concrete patio, consider painting it. You can ask a patio contractor for help but if you want to do it yourself, it’s a very simple and easy process.

Things You Need To Paint A Concrete Patio

Paint brushes
Paint rollers
Paint tray
Roller and brush extenders
Concrete filler
Primer
Concrete paint
Masking tape

Wash The Patio

Firstly, clear up any patio furniture and other items from the area. Now, clean the patio with a pressure washer or any other method of your choice. Be sure to remove all the dirt especially grease with a scrub. Because grease bleeds through the paint and ruin the color and lifespan of the paint. Plus, look for roots, grass or anything else that’s grown on the concrete and remove it before cleaning.

For those who are repainting, remove the old paint with a paint removing solvent. This is essential for repainting, otherwise there may be bumps and uneven surface on the patio. Removing the old paint adds up to the total time of patio painting, but its necessary for having a beautiful patio. Let the patio dry after paint removal before proceeding with the next step.

Repair Cracks In Concrete

Use a wire brush to clean out cracks. First, clean the cracks and then use a masonry crack filler to repair the cracks. Depending on the filler you’re using, you should use a scraper or caulking gun with it.

However, if the concrete cracks are deep, you need to give them more time. Fill them only ¼ inch a time and let them dry. Repeat the process until the crack is filled and even with the patio surface.

Make sure that you carry out the crack filling process on a dry concrete surface for best results. Keep in mind that if the surface was recently wet, the cracks will take more time to dry than the surface.

Choose The Type Of Paint

Normal paint used for exterior walls won’t survive and will crack or peel off the concrete surface. You have to choose a paint type that is good for an outdoor concrete surface. Below are the types you can use:

Concrete paints: They contain waterproofing and sealants and don’t allow water, grease, and other liquids to damage the paint or the surface.
Latex paints: They are either oil or water-based paints. They are made for painting outdoor flooring.
Masonry paints with binders and epoxies: They are good for concrete floors but don’t give a better protection than concrete and latex paints.

Choose A Paint Color

It’s easier to select a color if you consider the color of the outdoor furniture. Plus, ask a paint specialist for recommendations.

Use A Primer

With a concrete primer, you get a smooth, even surface. Without it, the surface is porous and uneven. The use of a primer is essential if the patio area is mostly damp as the primer will help the surface bind with the paint. To avoid problems, use a primer that is made for concrete.

Tape The Surroundings

You don’t want the bottom of walls or the surrounding landscape painted with the patio. Cover the surroundings with a tape or anything else of your choosing.

Follow These Steps To Carry Out The Main Process

Apply the primer and let it dry for eight hours.
Pour the paint into the paint tray
Start with painting the edges of the patio
Now apply the first coat on the whole concrete surface
Let the first coat dry for 8 or more hours
Apply the second coat
Allow the paint to dry
Wait more than 24 hours to be able to walk on it
Wait for seven days to be able to use furniture on it

Final Word

Painting a concrete patio takes more than a week, but it’s quite easy and homeowners can do it themselves. Make sure to use the recommendations from professionals like paint specialists and patio builders Long Island to get through the process safely. Good luck painting!

What To Know About Bump-Out Home Additions

There comes a point in every homeowner’s life where they would like to make several minor additions to their property. According to some, adding a few inches to their house is not possible without putting in a lot of time, effort, and money. The good news is that we are going to make this home addition design possible for you. Below we will discuss bump-out additions and how they can help add value to your property.

What Is A Bump-Out Addition?

The bump-out concept is relatively new but consistently gaining popularity. Typically, the bump-out process does not require foundation work. You work with the existing foundation and make important modifications to make some room. Overall, it saves quite a lot of time and money while allowing the homeowners to add extra space.

Most people tend to confuse a bump-out and room extension. The biggest difference between the two is the size. While bump-outs are minor, usually a few meters small, room additions are relatively bigger. In addition to that, micro additions rarely require heating or cooling.

How Big Can You Make A Bump-Out Addition?

When it comes to deciding how big you can make a bump-out addition, the most important factor is the existing floor joists of the house. The bigger the size of the protrusion, the bigger should be the bars. According to several experienced home contractors, a floor joist can be as much as four times deep as the joist.

Furthermore, bump-out home additions are mostly made to the first floor of the home by the homeowners. However, that does not restrict you to the second floor. Depending on the construction materials used, you can add several meters if required.

Reasons To Add A Bit Of Extra Space

While cost saving is one important factor of bump-out additions, there are several others that make homeowners opt for them over room extensions. Perhaps the biggest reason is that most homeowners require only a few feet additions. However, for a bump-out addition, you need a building permit.

Therefore, before you begin the bump-out addition process, you need to check in with the local authorities and consult the construction officials as well to avoid legal problems. If your house is already too close to the property boundary, it might be relatively difficult to accommodate a bump-out addition.

How Much Does A Bump-Out Addition Cost?

According to several estimates, a bump-out addition on average costs between $86 and $208. If that is the case, a typical bump-out addition can cost $20,000 or more. However, since bump-out additions lack some of the driving factors that raise the price, a 2-foot micro addition to the kitchen can cost $5,000.

You might think that a 2-feet addition might not be that much but if you have a 15-foot room, you can easily add 30 square feet. This is enough to add a breakfast table.

Why Are Bump-Out Additions Cheaper Than Full Additions?

There are several factors that make bump-out additions comparatively a lot cheaper than full additions. The size is perhaps the biggest factor. However, several other important factors come into play as well such as the lack of foundation work. Other important additions including plumbing, wiring, and HVAC pipes depend on the function and size of the additive, which homeowners usually do not need.

Pros And Cons Of Bump-Out Additions

Homeowners opt for bump-out additions, particularly for two reasons. First, is if they wish to make a minor addition to their house, and second, for adding a bit of value to the property. If you intend to live in your house without planning to sell it soon, opting for a bump-out addition is going to be a wise decision.

However, if you intend to add a bit of value, then bump-out additions do not contribute much. Therefore, you need to think it through and define the purpose you seek.

Final Word

Finally, when it comes to bump-out additions, you should always hire a professional architects builders DC. If the addition is not done properly, the structure of the property will be compromised which you definitely won’t want to happen. And to avoid serious complications, make sure you follow building codes and local rules & regulations.

Why Is My Furnace Not Shutting Off

It is often that you come across a furnace that simply refuses to shut off. A continuously running furnace not only increases the energy costs but might soon develop problems as well. You should call in furnace services if your furnace is not shutting down. In this blog, we are going to take a look at some important factors contributing to this problem and how you can solve them.

Check Your Thermostat

The first thing you need to check if your furnace is not shutting off is the thermostat. A thermostat measures the inside temperature of your house and tells the furnace to increase or decrease the production or circulation of hot air accordingly. If it happens to be faulty, it will confuse the furnace.

As a result, the furnace will continue working and the temperature inside your house will not reach the desired temperature. Even though thermostats giving up is rare unless they are very old, that does not mean it is not possible. In other cases, you might need to calibrate it. Either way, fixing up the problem does not break your bank but ignoring it will increase the energy costs in the long run.

To check whether the thermostat is working fine, you should set it to On or Auto. If you set it to Auto, the fan will automatically shut down once the adjusted temperature is achieved. In addition to that, if the temperature is set too high, the furnace might not be able to keep up, causing it to run continuously. Upon running an inspection there seems to be no problem with the thermostat, you should move on to the next step.

Check Your Air Filter

No matter how much you stress it, some homeowners still ignore the air filters. The air filters are installed in the furnace for a reason. The primary job of the air filters is to filter the air and then distribute it. Since air passes through the air filter, they are prone to get blocked or clogged. Therefore, it is always advised to clean the air filters at least once or twice a week.

In some cases, you might need to replace the air filter as well. Ignoring a clogged air filter will lead to toxic air making its way inside your house and causing serious respiratory problems to your family members. Depending on the area where you live, you should regularly inspect the air filters. If that is not possible, hire a professional to do it.

Check The Ductwork

The ductwork is a system through which hot or cold air passes to the inside of the house. Overtime, duct leakages can develop, causing both hot and cold air to escape. As a result, the furnace will continue working to keep up with the adjusted temperature. There could be several reasons contributing to leaky ducts. Birds and rats can build accommodations for themselves, which can sometimes lead to cracks and damages.

Unfortunately, fixing damaged or cracked ductwork is not something you can do on your own. In some cases, the leaks are so minor that it is hard for a new person to notice. Therefore, the problem will require a thorough inspection. With that said, you should call upon a professional who will inspect the unit find the main issue and fix it.

Check The Fan Limit Switch

You will be able to find this part inside the furnace panel cover. It is designed to turn on and off the blower at appropriate times. Therefore, if the fan limit switch happens to be working perfectly, it should turn on the fan when the thermostat signals heat and turn off a little after the end of the heat cycle.

However, if you notice that the furnace fan keeps running regardless of the furnace heating or not, your fan limit switch is either set incorrectly or faulty.

Final Word

Concluding, the tips mentioned above will surely help you fix your furnace that fails to shut off. A furnace is an expensive unit and ignoring such minor problems can lead to a replacement, which is a costly procedure. Therefore, if you fail to solve the problem, do not hesitate to call in furnace repair services Long Island.

What Are The Benefits Of Chimney Waterproofing

The materials that are perfect for constructing a sustainable and sturdy chimney also are disastrous for water. Water drastically damages the chimney masonry and causes leakages and cracks. To avoid chimney repair, you should consider waterproofing your chimney.

Do You Need Chimney Waterproofing?

The masonry of your chimney is very much susceptible to damage. Over time if not waterproofed, your chimney may resort to cracks and holes causing leakage, and hence your chimney will not work to its capacity. Water will penetrate inside and outside of your chimney and cause a multitude of problems.

Water will lead to rusting of the masonry, doors, damper, and liner. All of these are made of metals and get rusted due to coming in contact with water.
Stains and discoloration of all the chimney parts and masonry giving a disoriented look.
When the water penetrates the chimney, it causes the mortar to disintegrate and break away thereby causing holes and cracks. When there are holes then there is a freeway entrance for the water to easily go in the chimney and cause further damage.
A chimney cap is used to protect the chimney from debris and external factors. It is usually made of stainless steel or copper. If it gets damaged then it causes your chimney to leak.
The flashing is part of the chimney which lies between the chimney and the roof and ensures that the connection stays waterproof. But after constant contact with water, it goes through severe wear and tear causing the chimney to leak and needs to be replaced or waterproofed.
The water inside the chimney leads to rotting, mildew, and fungus which causes a bad smell in the chimney.

What Are The Advantages Chimney Waterproofing Offers?

Now you know the reasons why it is absolutely necessary to waterproof your chimney. Waterproofing maintains the structure of your chimney and causes it to last a long time and work efficiently. If not waterproofed, then surely there will be cracks which will cause inefficient burning of the fire causing an increase in your bills and your home not getting warm enough. Below are the benefits of waterproofing your chimney:

Avoid Discoloration

Waterproofing your chimney avoids the blackening, discoloration, and stains on the chimney from inside and outside and makes it look new as of since it was installed.

Avoid Mortar Damage

When the chimney is waterproofed, then water is not able to penetrate inside the masonry and parts, thus the mortar stays fixed in place and there are fewer chances of cracks or gaps occurring which causes the structure of the chimney to remain solid and last longer.

In winters the area surrounding the chimney freezes and the masonry may also experience frost and ice which solidifies. This melts in the summers leading to damage from thawing and melting and can lead to cracks and gaps and missing mortar in your chimney. Waterproofing avoids the damage from this freezing and thawing scenario.

Moreover, waterproofing allows your chimney parts to release water vapors and also breathe.

Avoid Rusting

When there is no entry of water then there is no chance of rusting if the masonry and parts of the chimney. Also, there will be no mildew and fungal growth thereby maintaining the internal structure of the chimney.

Avoid Mold Growth

The absorption of water from the vegetation growth and mold surrounding the chimney is avoided.

Avoid Leaning Of The Chimney

After a lot of damage to the structure of the chimney may lean on one side and there is the danger of the chimney collapsing and causing damage to property and life.

Extend Chimney’s Life

Waterproofing helps the chimney to last a long time and ensures its efficient working. If not waterproofed then the masonry and materials of the chimney will get damaged and the structure will begin to disintegrate. When this happens, you will naturally need to repair the masonry and parts which will be very costly.

Conclusion

There are many ways to waterproof a chimney. Your chimney expert will be able to determine the perfect way of waterproofing your chimney after a thorough check. Usually, your exterior masonry and the foundation of the chimney, and the chimney cap are waterproofed. You should instantly get your chimney waterproofed by a reliable chimney contractor Columbia MD before your chimney gets damaged further.

How To Avoid Hot And Cold Spots In Your Home

Despite having a heating and cooling system in place, you might experience hot and cold spots in your house. Different rooms of your house might have different temperatures which feel uncomfortable. This problem causes hot and cold spots in your house. Hot and cold spots can occur in your house due to various reasons. You may need the expertise of HVAC companies to find the culprit.

When this problem happens, it makes your house uncomfortable to live in, and can also make your HVAC system work much harder to achieve a constant temperature throughout the house. However, you can easily fix this issue by following these steps.

Improve The Insulation

Good insulation is key to having a consistent temperature throughout your house. Making your insulation effective can help you save a lot of money in the form of lower energy bills. Ineffective insulation can cause the heating to leak out from certain areas of your house, and this ultimately leads to the hot and cold spot problem.

So, if you are suffering from the hot and cold spot problem in your house, you can easily treat it by making your insulation effective if it isn’t already.

Get The Air Drafts Fixed

Any type of crack in the surface of your house can cause the outside ear to leak in through the whole. This problem can cause the area surrounding the crack to become significantly cooler or hotter as compared to the rest of your house depending on the season. In this problem, you can detect the air drafts in your house, and can get them fixed to illuminate the hot and cold spot problem.

However, if you do not know how to detect a gap or crack in the wall of your house, you can turn off all the fans and even the heat pump itself. Then, you can tie a thread with an object and scan the walls with this thread. If the thread wavers at any point, there might be a crack there. Alternatively, you can also hire an expert for help.

Get A Multi Zoned HVAC System Installed

Usually, the HVAC systems in our houses are designed to cool down or heat up the entire house with a single setting. This system is inefficient and can cause various hot and cold spots throughout the house. A multi zoned HVAC system can easily prevent this issue from happening. With the help of a multi zoned system, you can set different settings for different areas of your house.

Keep in mind that this type of system will cost you more money upfront, but can surely save you as much as 30% in the form of energy bills. That’s because you can turn off the system in areas where there is no need for heating.

Clean The Air Vents Properly

In order to deliver hot and cold here to different areas of your house, your heat pump needs to use the air vents. Over time, vents accumulate dust, dirt, and dead animals. This type of problem can easily cause the hot and cold zone problem in your house by blocking the air from going into certain areas.

Moreover, vents can also get blocked from the outside by furniture. This type of blockage can prevent the vent from delivering hot air to the affected area in winter. To treat this type of issue, you should check the vents for any blockages, and should also move the furniture items away from the openings of vents.

Be Careful With The Placement Of Appliances

Electronics and appliances produce a large amount of heat in your house. That’s why if there are many electronics accumulated in a small area of your house, they can surely increase the temperature of that particular area.

That is why you should position your electronics wisely. You should ideally not use two or more electronics that generate a lot of heat in a single room. However, if you must, you should arrange a good method of ventilation to keep the temperature in that room the same as the rest of your house.

This is how you can easily treat the hot and cold spot problem of your HVAC system. For quick solutions, connect with heat pump repair services Chantilly.