NOVA PROS Home Improvement Resource » repair

Concrete Advantages over Wood

allison — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:17:20 +0000

When you compare concrete to lumber, for instance when building a patio, there are several disadvantages to wood. One is an environmental disadvantage, as the trees used to make the lumber that makes the patio takes years to grow and harvest. Secondly, the upkeep on a wooden patio is much greater than the upkeep on concrete.

Why use concrete? There are many advantages in using concrete over lumber.

1. Concrete can be easily shaped to fit a variety of landscapes and can be stamped to look like a variety of materials. By using a stamp and some concrete coloring (acid stain), you can make that concrete look like flagstone.

2. If installed properly, grass will not grow on it or through it.

3. You do not have to worry about splinters when installing or maintaining the concrete.

4. Concrete will dry fairly fast, and will not stay moist for days as wood can.

5. Termites cannot penetrate a concrete slab, and having concrete against the foundation will decrease/prevent the termites from getting inside the structure of your house.

6. If properly cared for (power washing occasionally, sweeping off debris, etc.) concrete will last much longer than a wooden structure.

Tips for Installing Toilets

allison — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:57:50 +0000

Installing toilets

Everyone says that installing a toilet is pretty simple, but if you are not careful, you may get in over your head.

Some tips to know while you or your plumber is installing a new toilet.

1. Make sure the water supply is turn off. You may think this is common sense, but so many get into the moment of changing the toilet, they forget minor things. I say this, only because I have seen it happen with Professionals.

2. Make sure the drain pipe is plugged up with an old rag or other material, so the gas fumes from the sewer to do not seep into your bathroom.

3. Make sure a new wax ring is used. This will ensure the best seal.

4. Make sure the floor flange and bolts are not damaged. If so, have them changed to ensure the toilet is properly secured to the floor.

5. Make sure the the nuts on the bolts protruding from the toilet are only hand-tighten. If too tight, the toilet may crack from the pressure.

6. Make sure that if a two-piece toilet is being installed, that the rubber washer is placed in between the two pieces. This prevents leaks.

7. And don’t forget the toilet seat. Most toilets do not come with the seat, so it has to be purchased separately.