Whether working with colored mortars, pigments or bricks, be sure to check out installation tips and literature before you start. For colored mortar and mortar pigments, consult techniques and web sites for the following manufacturers. When it comes to bricks, any of the 100 brick companies listed on the Brick Industry Association web site also serve as great resources for advice or installation tips, as well as the Portland Cement Association.
Brick is a great building material. It is dense, strong and durable. Because of the wide range of brick colors, textures and colored mortars, an almost endless variety of exterior looks can be achieved by using brick. The positive qualities of brick are so ingrained in our culture that they are a key factor in the outcome of the fairy tale "The Three Little Pigs."
Paving bricks are a wonderful surfacing material. Their color and texture add a unique touch to sidewalks, driveways or patios. Many paving bricks are available in different patterns as well. They add depth and character that you can't easily achieve with standard asphalt or concrete. Here is a list of paving brick companies that make the grade.
Efflorescence is primarily an appearance problem that occurs with masonry and often plaster. Rarely do these deposits of crystalline salts do any harm to masonry surfaces. In most cases, the efflorescence appears as a white dust or deposit on the surface of brick walls, chimneys or patio bricks. In certain cases, the color of these salts can also be green and brown. While it's difficult to control, efflorescence can be prevented by reducing moisture sources.
The following publications have excellent information concerning what is efflorescence, its prevention and guidance on efflorescence removers. Some of them may be available at your local library.
Mold is all around us, and looking to thrive and multiply. Black mold and toxic mold types evolved to eat most anything. Mold, however, like all living things, needs water to survive. Mold removal will fill your days if you ignore steps to keep your home dry. These mold prevention tips will help you avoid mold allergies, hazards and problems that house mold and mold growth can deliver.
Never pay all of the money due for remodeling plans before the plans are complete. Once you give cash in advance for incomplete work, you lose all of your leverage. Upfront payment has left tens of thousands of people disappointed when the person never finished the job after being paid.
Stained glass is simply gorgeous. When you mix and match different colored pieces of glass to make attractive stained glass patterns, you can create windows whose beauty endures for years. But many people are unaware that you can overlay stained glass panels on top of regular windows. By doing this, you get superior energy efficiency and unequaled beauty all in one.
Foam insulation is very popular. I used spray foam insulation on one of my jobs years ago and had splendid results. But don't think for a moment that do it yourself spray foam insulation is possible. You need very special equipment to apply the foam insulation. Furthermore, if you put too much of the foam on the wall, it can expand far too much and you waste the expensive material.
Headers and beams size and load information is available in a free booklet. How to insert beams into a frame wall is illustrated, and a nifty electronic sensor can help you "see" what's behind your wall.
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