Tag: services

Home Improvement

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home

Evelyne Carlson

Siding protects a home or building from moisture, wind, and other damage and enhances its appearance. It is available in a variety of styles and materials, allowing homeowners to achieve the look they desire. Contact Hawkins Siding And Exteriors now!

For example, LP SmartSide siding has the classic look of wood but is more durable and can help resist termite damage. It’s treated with zinc borate and resins that give it core strength and helps it resist moisture, rot and insects.

All About Siding - This Old House

When choosing the right siding for your home, it’s important to consider the cost of the material and how much labor will be needed to install it. There are many different factors that affect the price of siding, including the size and shape of your home, installation time, and type of siding you choose. Many homeowners find it helpful to calculate the number of square feet of siding they need before starting a project, which will help them budget their costs and avoid overspending.

The first step in calculating the amount of siding you will need is to measure the four walls of your house or structure. Using a pencil, paper and measuring tape, take measurements of the height and width of each wall that will be sided. Then, add up all of these measurements to find the total square footage of the house or structure. You should also take measurements of any soffit areas. For gable areas, use the area formula for triangles: base x height x width divided by two. This will help you determine how much soffit area you need and how much trim strip to order.

There are many types of siding on the market, from vinyl to wood, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, vinyl siding is a durable material that resists damage and is easy to maintain. It’s also available in a wide variety of colors to match your home’s architecture, and it’s easy to install by a professional. However, some types of vinyl can be damaged by sunlight or heat, and it’s not fire-resistant.

Another popular option is wood siding, which is natural and attractive, but requires more maintenance than other materials. Wood is prone to rot and insect damage, and will need a new coat of paint every three to five years. In addition, wood must be treated with a weather-resistant sealant to protect against humidity and water.

Another option is fiber cement siding, which is made of Portland cement and various natural cellulose wood fibers. This siding can be cut and shaped to look like wood and is a popular choice among homeowners. It is also available in a range of color options and can be painted to match any style or color. It’s also eco-friendly and lasts longer than other types of siding.

Durability

Modern sidings are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, which protects homes from moisture infiltration and insect damage. They also help to prevent structural decay. They are available in a variety of materials, including vinyl and wood-look products. Some are even termite-proof and fire-resistant. However, these sidings can be more expensive than other types of home exteriors. Fortunately, there are ways to cut the costs of these types of sidings.

Siding should be maintained and repaired as needed. Detecting minor issues early on will prevent deterioration and save money in the long run. If you notice any cracks or holes, it’s best to repair them immediately, as these will eventually become worse. This will prevent moisture infiltration, mold growth, and pests from entering the house.

Aside from regular cleaning, you should also protect your siding from damage by avoiding the use of chemical cleaners. These chemicals can damage the material, fading its color and decreasing its water-repelling properties. Avoid undiluted bleach, liquid grease remover, and abrasive scrubbers.

Choosing the right type of siding is important for determining its durability. Different materials have varying lifespans, ranging from 30 to 100 years. Siding with a longer lifespan will cost more, but it may be worth the investment in the long run as you won’t have to replace it as often.

In order to determine how much siding you need, you must first measure the square footage of your home’s exterior. It’s best to do this twice, once clockwise and once counterclockwise. This will help to reduce mistakes and make it easier to compare the results. Moreover, it’s important to add a margin of 5 to 10% to your calculations. Otherwise, you risk ordering too little or too much material.

It’s also important to take into account the area of your home’s gables and dormers when calculating how much siding you need. This will require a trip down memory lane to geometry class: area is determined by multiplying the base and height of each section. For example, if you have a gable that’s triangular in shape, it can be easily calculated by multiplying its width and height by two and adding them together.

Maintenance

The maintenance needed for siding varies depending on the type of siding and its geographic location. For example, vinyl can last up to 40 years but will need to be cleaned regularly to remove dirt buildup and protect against ultraviolet rays. It is also important to repair any damaged sections of siding as soon as possible. Postponing repairs can lead to further damage and higher repair costs.

To ensure that your siding is protected from the elements, it is a good idea to develop a long-term maintenance plan. This plan should include routine cleanings, inspections and any necessary repairs. In addition, it is a good idea to hire a professional to address any significant issues or damage. By doing so, you can avoid major problems in the future and extend the life of your siding.

Wood siding is a popular choice for many homeowners and can enhance the visual appeal of a house. It is more expensive than vinyl, but it is durable and can last from 25 to 55 years. It is also a natural option for many homeowners who prefer to have a home that is environmentally friendly. However, it requires periodic maintenance to protect it from moisture intrusion and pest infestation.

Moisture penetration causes rot, mold and mildew, which can cause substantial structural damage to a house. If you notice any signs of moisture intrusion in your home’s exterior, call a professional immediately.

Another way to prevent moisture intrusion is to install gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your siding. You should also trim any nearby trees or shrubs that are touching your siding. This will prevent debris from rubbing against the siding and causing damage.

If your siding is stained, a combination of water and vinegar should work well to remove it. For tough stains, use a mixture of water and bleach. You can also use an antifungal cleaner for more serious issues.

For steel siding, it is a good idea to inspect the structure for scratches and dents on a regular basis. If you notice any damage, it is a good idea to repair it promptly to prevent rust. You can use nonabrasive stainless steel scratch remover to remove small scratches before they turn into rust spots. If you have already started to see rust spots, you can apply a rust-inhibitive primer to the area.

Appearance

Choosing the right color and style for your home’s siding will make a huge difference in its appearance. While the popularity of neutral-colored siding continues to grow, homeowners are also experimenting with different styles and materials. For example, shiplap is a unique installation method that results in an interesting architectural look. Other trends include using more than one type of cladding and blending several widths together.

In addition to the main walls of your house, you’ll need trim pieces to finish windows and doors and protect areas like the underside of eaves. To determine the amount of trim needed:

  1. Start by measuring the height and width of all rectangular walls on your exterior.
  2. Don’t deduct windows and doors from these measurements; this will give you some leeway in your calculations.
  3. Measure other parts of your home’s exterior, such as gables.

Add in the cost of any trim pieces you need, such as J-channel and starter strips.

Concrete Services

Different Methods of Concrete Repair

Kevin Campbell

Concrete Repair Colorado Springs can be repaired in a variety of ways. The repair method chosen will depend on the type and extent of damage.

The material used for repair must make an integral bond with the base concrete to prevent shrinkage cracking. It should also be low w/c and have a high percentage of coarse aggregate to minimize chloride ingress.

Concrete Repair

Many different methods can be used when repairing concrete. The best approach will depend on the crack’s severity and the concrete type. The surface of any crack you are repairing must be clean and dry before starting the repair process. This will help the concrete patch to adhere better and last longer.

One of the most common methods for repairing concrete cracks is routing and sealing. This involves enlarging the crack and filling it with sealants. The types of adhesives used can include silicones, epoxies, or urethanes. This method is most often used for dormant cracks, but it can also be used for active cracks if the correct type of filler is used.

This is a very cost-effective method of repairing concrete cracks. However, it is recommended for use on only a few wide cracks. A drill and cutting tool are required for this method. The drilled holes are then filled with a joint sealant. A good quality concrete supply is important to ensure you get the right sealant.

Another method of repairing cracks in concrete is by using a technique called stitching. This is done by drilling holes on both sides of the crack and placing large staple-looking metal units into these holes. These units are then anchored to the concrete with epoxy. This is a very effective method of repairing concrete cracks and can be used for active and dormant cracks.

In addition to these crack repair methods, there are several ways to prevent them from coming back in the future. Proper drainage systems are important to any driveway, sidewalk, or patio. This will reduce water levels, which will stop the cracks from growing. This will also keep moisture out of the cracks, preventing further damage to the concrete.

If you are repairing a cracked concrete section, using a product specifically designed for vertical and overhead concrete repairs is a good idea. These products have a thicker consistency and create a stronger bond on vertical surfaces. They can be sanded or painted for a more attractive finish.

The epoxy injection method offers a fast and straightforward repair solution for structural cracks. Although the procedure will vary depending on the structure, it generally involves prepping the concrete surface, installing injection ports, injecting, and removing the ports. The type of injection resin required varies by the size and depth of the crack and should be low in moisture content to prevent water entry that could cause further damage or even more cracking.

Before beginning, the crack must be cleaned. A high-pressure water jet or wire brush may remove dirt and debris from the surface of the crack and the concrete beneath. The crack should then be widened to create a V-shaped profile to aid in bonding with the epoxy. The crack in a concrete slab should also be restressed with an anchor bolt or metal strapping.

Surface ports, short rigid-plastic tubes with a flat base that serve as convenient entryways for the injection materials, are installed on the concrete surface adjacent to the crack. They can be spaced an inch apart for each inch of wall thickness or, as a rule of thumb, per inch of crack width. Sealboss 4500 crack-sealer epoxy paste is applied as a surface port adhesive and topped with a clean cap.

Injection begins at the lowest port and continues until epoxy begins to ooze out of the port above it, which is a visual indication that the crack is full to that point. Then, the first port is plugged, and the injection continues at the next port until the entire crack is filled.

The primary benefits of injection are that it effectively seals the crack to prevent harmful moisture from entering and monolithically welds the rebar together. While many believe that structural welding is the most important result of the repair, the sealing properties are often just as important. This is because the process protects the reinforcing from premature deterioration.

Hydraulic cement is an ideal solution for repairing holes and cracks in concrete structures. It can be used on various surfaces, including basement walls and floors, outdoor walkways, and swimming pools. It creates a watertight seal that keeps leaks from coming through the surface of the concrete. While hydraulic cement is a useful tool in the home, if you need to repair large areas of your foundation, you should contact a professional for a permanent solution.

This type of cement sets and hardens when mixed with water in a process called hydration. Most concrete structures we come into contact with are made with this type of cement. It is also possible to modify this material with additives to improve its performance, such as greatly reduced curing and setting time, the ability to be used underwater, or increased strength.

The basic hydraulic cement is a dry powder that mixes with water to become a liquid that forms and hardens the concrete structure. It can be used in many applications requiring strong, water-resistant concrete, such as filling cavities, making casts, or anchoring bolts and equipment. The hydration process is controlled by the temperature of the water, which allows for rapid application in situations where time is critical.

Various additives can be used to alter the properties of this material, such as modifying the water content for different climates or conditions or adding plasticizers that make it more flexible. Some types of hydraulic cement are designed for use in marine environments, where they can withstand moderate sulfate attack. Other versions are used to repair concrete structures exposed to high sulfate levels, such as bridges and dams.

It is important to prepare the surface by removing any loose debris or dust when using this material. It is also necessary to blend the material well, as it should have a heavy putty consistency. The best method is to mix it in a mechanical mixer, following the manufacturer’s recommendation for water content and the addition of additives.

Concrete bonding agents are adhesives used to help different concrete layers adhere. They are applied to the old concrete surface before patching or installing a new overlay or coating. This ensures that the new layer is bonded to the old one, which makes the entire structure stronger and more durable.

Before applying any bonding agent, the surface of the old concrete slab must be completely clean. This means brushing, vacuuming, or dusting away dirt, grime, or other debris on the old layer. In addition, the concrete should be pressure-cleaned to remove any grease or oil that may be present on the surface. Finally, any steel reinforcement that may be exposed on the surface of the old concrete should be protected with anti-corrosion slurry.

Many different types of bonding agents are available on the market, each with unique properties and uses. For example, cementitious bonding agents are great for concrete repair as they offer high strength and durability. On the other hand, acrylic latex bonding agents are ideal for fiddly jobs and work well with concrete surfaces like stucco or masonry.

Applying a concrete bonding agent must first be mixed with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is important, as the consistency of the bonding agent will determine how effective it is. In addition, it is crucial to follow the drying time of the bonding agent, as failure to do so can result in a weak bond between the concrete and the new surface.

Once the bonding agent has been properly mixed, it can be applied to the old concrete surface using a brush or trowel. It should be applied liberally and evenly, covering the entire area receiving the new overlay or coating. Depending on the bonding agent chosen, it may take a few minutes and several hours to dry. Once it has dried, the new surface can be coated or laid as desired.