Sherry Kennedy – Quick Cleaning Tips

The Importance Of Proper Log Home Planning

Most log home buyers spend a lot of time looking at floor plans, researching online resources, and ordering manufacturer literature before making a final plan selection.

The delivery day marks a milestone for most log homeowners as the 18-wheelers bearing logs and materials snake up the entrance road. Once on site, the fun begins. So make sure you have proper planning by clicking here at https://richardsonloghomes.com/.

Size

There are several considerations when selecting the size of a log home. For example, it is important to consider the number of people that will be living in the house, the amount of space they need, and whether or not they will need any additional features such as a sauna or a swimming pool. Also, it is important to consider the property where the log home will be built and the natural landscape.

Log homes can be built in various styles and sizes, from small single-level cabins to large lodges. They can be constructed from either full-scribe or post-and-beam logs. Full-scribe logs are cut and scribed to fit together like puzzle pieces, while post and beam homes use vertical log posts that support horizontal logs. Post and beam homes are a bit more expensive than full-scribe logs, but they offer a variety of design flexibility options.

Another factor to consider when choosing a log home is the climate and moisture content of the area where it will be located. Logs shrink as they dry, sometimes a significant amount, so it is important to allow for this shrinkage in the building plans. This can be done by leaving 4 to 6 inches above all doors and windows, by using a special shrinkage system, or by adding heavy timber or log joists.

It is also important to keep in mind that it will be more difficult to modify a log home once construction begins. This is because the interior walls are made from the same logs as the exterior, so removing or changing these walls can be very expensive. This is why it is important to carefully plan the layout and details of the log home before beginning construction.

Layout

Log home floor plans can range from cozy hunting and fishing cabins to grand lodge-like rustic retreats that are perfect for a mountain or lakeside getaway. From small, single-level cottages to spacious two-story designs, there’s something for every taste and property. Regardless of size, however, the best log homes feature a unique layout that showcases the logs in a way that complements the surrounding scenery.

Log homes were first used by pioneers who settled in the west during westward expansion. The cabins were often built quickly using wood from local trees and often featured a simple design. Today’s log home plans incorporate rustic architectural styles reminiscent of those early cabins while offering modern amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows that let you take in stunning views of your surroundings.

A variety of styles and building materials can be used to create log home floor plans, including pine logs or materials made to look like logs. Most log cabins use gable roofs, and the exterior walls are often scribed to give them a more traditional look. They can also be framed with traditional timbers or other types of wood that offer strength and durability.

If you’re interested in designing your own custom log home, our designers will work with you to determine the best layout for your needs and budget. Browse our collection of plans below to get a feel for how different log home layouts can be created.

Materials

Unlike conventional construction, log homes are built from massive timbers that are crafted to fit tightly together, creating a beautiful and unique look. The material also has the added advantage of allowing the walls to breathe, which reduces moisture problems like mold and mildew. Additionally, because logs are natural insulators, they retain heat and provide extra warmth in the winter.

While a log home can be built in any style or size, it’s important to consider the setting. Whether it’s nestled in a forest setting or placed against a backdrop of mountains, the right log home can make for an impressive sight. The logs also offer an element of rustic charm to a more modern home, contrasting the smooth and crisp lines of other structures with the warm and cozy feeling of natural wood.

When choosing a company to supply your logs, ask for a detailed materials list that outlines the items included with each package. Some producers may include more than others, so comparing their packages on an apples-to-apples basis is essential. Additionally, make sure that you’re evaluating the total cost of each package, including shipping costs.

Some log home producers only sell the logs and fastening materials needed to erect the house, without providing roof materials or other components such as porches or stairs. This allows them to price their products more competitively than companies that offer complete kits. In contrast, many wholesale companies offer a full-service option that includes all building materials, including doors and windows, which helps you save money by cutting out the middleman and buying directly from the supplier. This will help keep your budget on track and eliminate the risk of overspending.

Energy Efficiency

Log home builders often face resistance from local code enforcement agencies when attempting to meet energy standards set forth by government regulations. This is often due to the lack of easily obtainable scientific data on log homes and an unfamiliarity with the subject.

Whether you are looking for a rustic hunting or fishing cabin or a lodge-like retreat, modern log home plans can deliver a comfortable living environment that is environmentally responsible. Many of today’s timber frame and log home companies use wood from certified sustainable forests, and the building materials are reclaimed or harvested after a tree’s natural life cycle is complete.

Because of their breathing yet tight walls, log homes are naturally more energy efficient than traditional stick-built houses. The wood absorbs and holds thermal energy in its cells, which then radiates that heat throughout the interior. Adding proper insulation helps maximize energy efficiency.

Another important aspect of log home planning is making sure to seal your home properly. This includes sealing the gap between your foundation and the first course of logs, log-to-log connections, and where the roof system meets the log wall. This will save you money on energy bills and extend the life of your log home.

In addition to regular maintenance and annual re-caulking, you can improve your log home’s energy efficiency with a moisture membrane, timber batons, and insulation. These techniques can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.

Budget

Log homes are generally seen as more eco-friendly than contemporary homes built of modern materials. While some might question this, because log homes require the felling of trees, today’s environmentally-conscious builders make sure to use only tree species that are replanted in their place once harvested. This results in a carbon-negative building process. Plus, the wood walls of a log home are naturally energy-efficient. They absorb thermal energy during the day and release it at night.

One thing to keep in mind is that a log cabin requires more maintenance than traditional homes, according to a magazine. This includes settling and cracking of logs, which can cause water damage in the house. Additionally, log homes are more susceptible to insects and diseases, including carpenter bees, termites, rot, and mold. These problems can be more expensive to fix than those that might be found in conventional homes and aren’t usually covered by homeowners insurance.

For those looking to build a log home, it’s important to work with a company that offers a full-service design/build package. Using this approach helps ensure that your dreams and plans will be realized while keeping within your budget. A professional design/build team can help you find ways to cut costs and still get the look you want for your new log home.

It’s also a good idea to get estimates from several companies. This will give you an idea of what building costs are in your area. It will also help you to determine which log packages are affordable for your home and how much you can spend on the other components of your log home.

September 8, 2023

Chimney Repair: Signs That You Need a Chimney Sweep

It is important to have your chimney inspected on a regular basis so that small cracks and deterioration do not turn into larger problems. When these problems are left unattended, they can lead to smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide entering the living space of your home.

Minor damage can be repaired with a process called tuckpointing or red rubbing. However, more serious issues may need to be fixed with a flue replacement or rebuild. Visit Website for professional help.

Mortar joints are essential to the structural integrity of brick walls and chimneys. They provide a buffer against the movement of the brick and stresses from elements such as temperature changes. Over time, however, these mortar joints can begin to crack and crumble as they age. The damage is not immediately noticeable, but left unattended, it can cause significant problems with the overall structure. Mortar joint cracks are often caused by moisture, but they can also result from expansion and contraction or minor ground settlement. It’s important to repair these areas quickly to prevent water penetration and further deterioration of the masonry structure.

The first step in repairing a damaged mortar joint is to clean out the old mortar. While wearing protective safety glasses, use a cold chisel and hammer to remove the old mortar from the wall or chimney. Work carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding brickwork or causing other problems. When finished, blow out all dust and debris and dampen all cavity surfaces. Next, mix a batch of latex-fortified mortar, tinting it with pigments as necessary to match the existing color. Apply the new mortar with a pointing trowel. Smooth the mortar as you go, creating a finished edge.

To protect the new mortar from further deterioration, mist it with water several times throughout the day. This helps to keep the mortar moist, which will allow it to cure properly. It is important to use the right type of mortar for your project. Traditional tuckpointing uses lime-based mortar that is similar to the original material used in the brick construction of your home. This is the best option to preserve the historic brick structure and add longevity to its life.

Although tuckpointing can be done as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, you’ll likely save time and money by hiring a professional. Be sure to hire a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor who has experience working on a variety of different structures. A qualified mason will be able to assess your structure and recommend the right repair method. Be sure to ask for references and a portfolio of past work.

White Stains

White stains are not only unsightly; they are also indicative of serious problems with your chimney structure. Often mistaken as a sign of aging, they actually indicate the presence of water within the brick. Also called efflorescence, the powdery, salt-like deposits are formed when moisture seeps into brick and mortar through tiny fissures or hairline cracks. The water combines with the soluble salts in the bricks and then evaporates, leaving behind those white discolorations that you may notice on your chimney. While they may not be as severe as black stains, white deposits are still an indication that you need to schedule an appointment with your local chimney sweep.

Efflorescence is a natural occurrence that occurs on many types of masonry structures, including concrete blocks, clay tile, and even some basement walls. The process is typically slow and gradual, but as the water penetrates the bricks, it can cause structural damage to the masonry structure. In many cases, a leaking chimney may not be obvious and will go unnoticed for quite some time. Chimney leaks are often caused by the deterioration of the chimney crown or chimney flashing, but they can also be a result of other underlying issues, such as a damaged liner or a cracked, crumbling masonry structure.

Water that infiltrates the masonry of your chimney will eventually find its way into your home through walls, floors, and ceilings, creating rot, mold, and other forms of destruction. It’s important to schedule a professional inspection as soon as you begin to notice masonry damage, such as spalling brick or crumbling mortar joints. Chimney leaks never get better on their own and will only become more severe if left untreated.

If you’re noticing signs of water damage to your chimney, such as white stains or rust, it’s imperative that you call Oliver Twist Chimney & Fireplace right away to schedule an appointment for a chimney repair service. Moisture can cause major structural damage to traditional masonry chimneys as well as metal factory-built chimneys, and it’s never a good idea to try to address these issues on your own.

Rust

Unsightly rust stains are a common chimney issue caused by moisture and failure to stay on top of routine maintenance like annual chimney inspections. While it may be tempting to tackle a chimney repair project yourself, it’s a job that requires the proper tools and equipment to be completed safely. Many homeowners don’t have access to ladders that are tall enough to reach the peak of a chimney, and trying to get to the bottom of a chimney can cause serious injury if you fall. In addition, using power tools to try to remove rust stains can damage the brick and mortar of a chimney, requiring costly repairs later on.

Chimneys rust in the same way as other metals, such as car parts or kitchen appliances. When metal components like the chimney cap, chase cover, and flue liner corrode, they can dislodge bits of soot and other combustion debris from the lining and expose the masonry to water, which causes it to deteriorate. A rusted chimney is also more likely to leak, which can cause a host of problems, from moisture intrusion and mold to structural damage.

Rust can also form on the flashing, which is installed where a chimney meets the roof to prevent water from entering the home. Most flashing is made of copper or PVC, which are rust-resistant, but steel can rust as well. If you see rust stains on the flashing or in the area where it meets the chimney, you should contact a professional chimney contractor to have it replaced.

Another area of a chimney where rust can be dangerous is the chimney crown, which is the masonry that covers the top of a chimney. A chimney with a damaged crown can leak and create a fire hazard inside the fireplace, and it’s an area of the chimney that must be repaired as soon as possible.

While there are DIY chimney repair kits available that can help you fix certain chimney issues, hiring a professional is the best option for homeowners. Professional chimney contractors have the training and equipment to complete a variety of chimney repairs quickly and efficiently, and they’ll be able to identify and address any other problems that may arise during the repair process.

Leaning

A few hairline cracks in mortar joints don’t necessarily indicate the need to repoint or tuckpoint, but when the mortar begins to crumble and fall out of the cracks, it should be repaired before it contributes to further deterioration of the brick wall or chimney. It is also a good idea to have a sample of the historic mortar analyzed if the building is of particular significance. This will give the repointing contractor a guide for matching the strength of the new mortar mix.

May 31, 2023

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Mold Removal Service

If you are worried about the possibility of mold infestation in your home, you may need to hire a professional mold removal service. Although it might seem like an expensive procedure, you should consider the long-term consequences of not getting rid of it. In addition to destroying your belongings, mold can also be hazardous to your health. Mold remediation requires thorough cleaning and thorough drying. While there are numerous companies offering mold remediation services, there are a few factors that you need to take into consideration before selecting one.

A common sign of a mold infestation is a spot or furry island on a wall or ceiling. It can also appear on fabrics. Although these are small signs, you must not consider them as a sign of widespread mold growth. For example, gray spots under a cracked window are not indicative of a widespread problem. Similarly, mold can be present in a dormant state as well. Mold removal professionals can find and eliminate it before it causes further damage.

Professional mold removal service companies can help you to get rid of mold infestations by using advanced equipment. They have IICRC-certified technicians who apply proven techniques and follow industry standards to ensure the property is returned to its pre-loss condition. They also use HEPA air filtration devices and implement engineering controls. In addition to proper mold removal, professionals can clean and disinfect surfaces with advanced chemicals. This ensures that no mold spores will be present during the cleanup process.

You can also get rid of mold by sealing leaks with heavy-duty sponges soaked in a mixture of water and bleach. This method is effective for removing small patches but may require soaking for longer periods of time if the mold is stubborn. If you are not sure whether a mold removal service is necessary, you can opt to use a specially formulated mold remover that is made for removing mold. You can also use Kilz paint, which is a type of mold-resistant paint.

The process of mold remediation is an extensive process that has 14 steps. You must first determine the extent of the mold infestation, seal off the area, and fix the source of the moisture. You may need to seal air vents, air returns, and air conditioners. Then, you should remove any affected materials and building materials. This way, you will be able to clean the area without risking further exposure to the mold spores.

Hiring a mold removal service is not a daunting task, as long as you follow the tips above. A good company will be able to arrive at your home within 45 minutes, depending on the extent of the problem. You can also call the company on their national phone number for scheduling. If you don’t find a mold remediation service in your area, you can always ask for a referral. The right mold removal service will be happy to answer all your questions.

In addition to mold removal, a professional will also conduct a thorough test of your house to find out where the problem lies. A professional mold test will give you a more accurate result than a home test. Make sure to focus on areas with a musty smell or dampness. In addition to the surface of the walls, mold can also grow underneath the carpet, above ceiling tiles, and even in the heating and air conditioning ducts.

Once the remediation company has inspected the entire house, they may have to leave some items outdoors to provide evidence to the insurance company. This should be done only after the remediation company has cleared the mold. If there are any larger items that are affected, your attorney will recommend that you keep them and store them elsewhere. The remediation company will not transport mold-infested items, as they will need to be disposed of in a separate way.

Once you’ve identified the source of the mold, you can start the mold remediation process. This will require you to clean the affected area thoroughly. Using the right materials is essential to prevent the occurrence of mold-related health problems. The removal of mold is an important process, and it requires expert knowledge and experience. The process for removing mold safely is detailed and involves careful cleaning. If you’re not sure where to start, read some resources online or ask a professional to do the job for you.

April 15, 2022

Grout Cleaning and Keeping Tile Grout Clean

Cleaning tile flooring by hand is no longer easy work. It s messy, inconvenient, and almost impossible for even the most skilled mop-pushers to obtain the deep-clean look that comes from professional grout and tile cleaning. This is simply because regular mopping alone will never reach all of the hidden grout stains that lie deep inside the grout lines. Further, the dirty water that spills out from the sinks used for bathroom cleaning can also be a grout catcher. Not to mention the dirt, grease, and other foreign particles on tile flooring and walls. When you take all of these factors into consideration, it is not surprising that many homeowners are replacing their tile flooring and bathroom flooring by choosing to install new hardwood or ceramic flooring instead.

But if you have recently chosen to go with ceramic tile or hardwood flooring, there are still some things that you can do in order to keep the grout clean and looking like new. For example, it’s recommended that you use a professional grout cleaning service at least once a year, preferably more often. A professional grout cleaning service will use hot water to clean the grout and then, using a high-pressure hot water system, they will scrub and rinse the floor. This rinsing and scrubbing process leaves your floors looking cleaner, crisper, and shinier than they have been before. Because professional grout cleaning companies use only steam-powered equipment, you can rest assured that the water that is released from the equipment is safe and pH balanced to prevent harmful bacteria and fungi from forming.

In addition to using a professional grout cleaning service on a regular basis, you should also make it a point to follow a few simple guidelines to help keep your tile floors looking as good as new. The first of these is to avoid sitting and standing on your tile floors for an extended period of time. If you must sit on your floor for any length of time, you should protect your legs by wearing shoes that are well-ventilated and rubber-soled shoes. If walking is necessary, you should wear sandals instead of flat feet so that you will not put unnecessary strain on your legs. You also want to take frequent breaks and rest your feet if possible during your work.

Another step that you should take when cleaning grout in your bathroom or kitchen is to use an anti-microbial solution to wipe away any mold or mildew that may be present. It is important to remember that mold and mildew can grow very fast and can have a negative effect on your health. By working to eradicate mold and mildew in your home, you will protect yourself as well as your family. By reducing the growth and population of mold and mildew, you can extend the life of your tiles, reduce the costs associated with replacement, and most importantly, reduce the risk of illness in your family.

One grout cleaning method that many people do is to mix one part of white vinegar into two parts of warm water. This grout cleaning method works great because it does not create harmful fumes and also it is fairly inexpensive. All that you need to do is cut a small hole in the grout using a fine-tooth comb. Once the grout has been reduced in size, you will then add one part vinegar and leave the remaining clean water behind. When you have rinsed the vinegar off of the grout with warm water, you will need to gently scrub the grout to remove any remaining stains and to also get rid of any mold and mildew.

The next step is to clean your floors thoroughly. One way to keep dirt and grime from getting into your grout lines is to sweep or vacuum your floors on a regular basis. In addition to getting dirt into the grout lines, your shoes will drag dirt and mud into the ground and into the air. By taking care of your floors on a regular basis you can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and grime that gets into your home’s indoor air. In addition, if you have a basement, you may want to invest in an exhaust fan to clear away any dirt and grime.

After you have completed both upstairs and downstairs cleaning, it is important that you allow the area to dry completely. You can then either clean the floor or use a wet/dry shop vac to remove and discard the dirt and mud that was lifted up from your feet while you were walking up and down the stairs. It is extremely important that the floor be completely dry before installing anything else. If there are areas where you will have moisture, such as the underside of carpet runners, you should place a drop cloth over the floor so that you won’t accidentally push in the water while cleaning. If you don’t have a drop cloth, you can also put a sheet over the floor while you are cleaning so that water will bead on the sheets instead of the floor.

If you are looking for a method that will get rid of the grease and dirt from your ceramic tile grout, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time doing it, you can always hire a professional to come in and clean your grout for you. However, grout cleaning by a professional is usually very expensive, and it can be a very daunting task to do alone. A great alternative is to clean your grout with a tile grout brush. Not only is this a more inexpensive method that doesn’t require you to do any hard labor, but it is also a method that you can do in the comfort of your own home and at any time of day or night.

October 7, 2021