Calfinder Remodeling Blog » David

On the Fence: A Fencing Materials Overview

David — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:07:54 +0000

As you know, fences are uniquely American. Since we were a baker’s dozen of colonies, we have been fascinated by fences. They not only serve to keep us safe, but also give our homes and landscapes a touch of class and beauty.

In the going-on 300 years since colonial fences took root, there have been some major advances in fencing materials. In addition to classics such as wood and iron, you now have vinyl and aluminum. Each is more or less an attempt at improving on the other.

Vinyl vs. Wood

Wood is the traditional choice for picket, rail, or privacy fences. It is versatile, can be painted or stained any number of colors, and durable (if cared for). Vinyl, compared to wood, is the teenage upstart; the younger, faster guy who wants your job — and just might get it. Vinyl, which usually comes in one of several picket designs, is durable and virtually maintenance-free. Among vinyl’s inhibitions, however, is its lack of an extensive color palette.

Aluminum vs. Wrought Iron

Both aluminum and iron fencing fit under the broader heading of Ornamental fencing. This type of fencing is prevalent in both commercial and residential markets because it provides custom elegance and valuable security. Wrought iron is the ‘godfather’ of ornamental fencing. Aluminum, because it is cheaper and durable, is not as strong as iron but is assembled (as opposed to welded), less rust-prone, and now dominates the residential, ornamental fencing market. In fact, even in the commercial market, most new wrought iron fences are hybrids containing both steel and aluminum.

These materials are just the four most common. It is hard to write about fencing without at least mentioning chain-link fences. But if you would like to learn, in more detail, about the ins and outs of these fencing materials, then go to CalFinder’s Remodeling Library and learn more about materials, placement, and fencing designs.

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Tools & Tips: Stripping Old Paint, The Right Way

David — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:00:55 +0000

Putting paint on has always been more fun than taking paint off. But some problems in the land of homeownership just can’t be avoided. The odds are pretty good that “someday” will eventually come and you’ll be grabbing that putty knife and throwing your denim overalls on. However, all too often, after just one good scrape you realize that there’s almost as much paint as wood under that top coat. You further realize, that there’s naught to do now but remove all that old paint. But how?

There are three conventional ways to remove paint: sanding, heat, or chemicals. I’ll describe them for you and then tell you which one I find to be the best.

Sanding (grinding). This technique is straightforward enough. Just grab that orbital sander and get to work. There are downsides. For one; the mess and the dust. For two; while sanding may be successful and quick, it may also remove some of the wood underneath.

Heat. Using heat to remove paint is another effective but possibly volatile approach. Applied heat basically obliterates the film in the old paint, making it easy to scrape off. If you’re using this method, be sure to scrape the paint off immediately after heating it.

Warning! Never heat the same area for too long. It wouldn’t be the first time the heating method had caused a fire!

Chemicals. This option is not as straightforward because of the wide variety of chemical strippers available. Chemical paint removers are typically in a paste or liquid form. Some are sprayable, some are brushable (especially paste-like versions). The oldest trick in the book is methylene chloride. It’s very effective but very caustic. There are now more environmentally friendly solutions available but they work significantly slower than their caustic counterparts. Some chemical strippers try to dissolve the layers of paint, others simply break the bond between paint and wood.

The latter is what I prefer. Usually such paint removers are water-based and non-toxic. Granted, you will have fun with a scraper after the stripper has done its part, but I’ll gladly sacrifice a little sweat for healthy lungs and skin, not to mention a healthy environment. And, may I add, This Old House agrees with me, at least for this segment.

Note: Whatever chemical stripper you might use, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and read all safety warnings and recommendations. You don’t want to mess around with a lot of these paint strippers.

Looking to repaint your house? Get in touch with prescreened painting contractors today.

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Fancy Frames for our Flying Pets

David — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:17:43 +0000

I suppose that if I’m going to write about Reptilian Remodeling, I may as well cover their prehistoric cousins; Birds. Now, we’ve all seen the old Tweety Bird cartoons, and we all know canary cages, bird houses, and the like. But what about fancy bird enclosures? Where do function and fashion meet for our airborne pets? Fascinated, I put my “web-worn” hands to work at finding some real custom bird cages; at finding some ideas that toed the line between cage and furniture. Here are some of my avian accumulations:

The first one I found was an immediate favorite. Sold by Designer Aviaries, these custom enclosures are more like bird mansions. They are made of solid Oak or Cherry with interiors completely lined with metal and wire, all powder-coated, so that the bird can’t damage the wood. The cages are beautifully crafted, and although not inexpensive they are certainly worth a look.

The Birdcage Backpack. Another amazing find! This portable aviary is a small mesh enclosure that fits over your shoulders just like your typical backpack. Except that it looks like you can wear this baby on the front too! Just think…now you can take your parrot for a walk.

Building Your Own Bird Enclosure. After those two finds I quickly ran out of luck. But I was already sure I could build my own fancy enclosure. Although I make it a point to know birds in the wild, I must admit I have never had a pet bird and I am certainly no expert in that field. Nonetheless, my head swam with ideas (like an indoor/outdoor enclosure–can birds open doors?). But seriously, there is some good information out there on building your own bird enclosures. Important factors are cage size, wire size, and wire thickness. Mostly you’ll find the basics of cage building and, once you have these down, you make it as fancy as you like.

Let me know about all your fun and fancy ideas!

Photo Credit: Designer Aviaries

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Maximizing the Sun in Your Home Design

David — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:42:38 +0000

Until recently, modern home designers and architects had largely ignored the usefulness of the sun in home building. It is a technique as old as home building itself and yet somehow we’d forgotten the importance of free heating and cooling. Yet now, as a new generation of homebuilders and architects again recognize the vitality of passive solar design, it has once again become important to understand and determine how best to build your home under the sun.

The Sun in Your Area

In determining the design and placement of your home, you need to know two things mainly: the sun’s characteristics for your location and your compass. First, know how the sun behaves in the sky above your home, i.e., its path across the sky, average number of days it shines through undeterred, and when and where it will first strike the house. When incorporating the sun into your design, certain rooms of the house will face in certain directions based on quantity of use, time of use, and more.

Room by Room Evaluation

Rooms such as breakfast rooms or bedrooms will need sunlight first and should have an easterly exposure. Likewise, dining rooms and other afternoon or evening rooms should face west to catch the evening sun. Our most frequently used rooms, such as living rooms, kitchens, and sunrooms should face south to get the maximum exposure and warmth available. As for the north, the darkest side of our hemisphere, this side of the house is reserved for seldom-used rooms like the bathroom, laundry room, or garage.

Also remember that building with sunshine in mind does not always mean maximizing exposure. In some climates you may want to avoid direct sunlight in frequently used areas. Good passive solar design requires awareness of, and deference to, the sun’s every movement. It will also require good open dialogue between you, your designer, and your contractor.

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Should I Have a Dehumidifier?

David — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:09:42 +0000

Dehumidifiers are handy for homes in humid climates, especially those with basements. I am from Michigan, which has fairly humid summers, and I remember quite well the days when I slept in the basement. And I remember quite well the feeling that my walls, my carpet, even my sheets were wet, and this is after sunny days! Quickly the dehumidifier became one of my best friends. And it may be yours, too…those of you who know what I’m talking about.

Dehumidifiers are beneficial for two big reasons. One, they pull moisture out of the air and out of the walls. Secondly, they reduce the chances that mold will thrive in your basement and house. So not only do they make life more comfortable for that teenage son who wants his own room bad enough to sleep in the basement, but dehumidifiers can help with allergenic members of the family by keeping that mold down.

Now, some people who live in states like Florida, where it is very hot and humid, run their air conditioners all day. Air conditioners act like dehumidifiers in that they also reduce air moisture (and mold) so many southerners probably don’t need a dehumidifier on top of their air conditioner.

Of course, as with most any appliance these days, dehumidifiers are available with an Energy Star rating. So if you’re looking to invest in one or need an upgrade, consider an Energy Star model. They work just as well as conventional dehumidifiers but use up to 20% less energy.

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Gasoline Free Mowers; Good for the Environment, and Your Wallet!

David — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:08:57 +0000

This is our young blog’s first guest post. Looking forward, we’re always looking for intriguing content, products and services to share with our readers on our remodeling blog. If you’d like to share some of your expertise on a remodeling topic, or perhaps a story from a home remodeling project of your own, please send any submissions to submissions [ at ] calfinder dot com with the subject “Guest Post.”

Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas each year mowing their grass and making beautiful lawns according to the EPA. With a $4.00 price tag for a gallon of gas that’s 3.2 billion dollars annually. The heightened environmental awareness and high gas prices are forcing some homeowners to return to the lost machinery of push reel mowers.

Push reel mowers have been around since the 19^th century and little has changed about them since. However today’s newer models are light and very easy to push. The push reel mower offers several benefits over today’s pollution making gasoline mowers.

Better Cutting Performance
Push reel mowers offer excellent cutting performance. In fact, a properly adjusted reel mower will outperform any modern day gasoline engine mower. Reel mowers make a very clean cut of the grass which helps the grass heal quicker for a better looking lawn.

Great Physical Exercise
Today most gasoline powered mowers are either a ride on version or a self-propelled push mower. By using a push reel mower you’re not only doing something good for the environment you’re also doing something good for your body and overall health. Spending an hour each week mowing your lawn with a push reel mower will not only save you money on gas but also on going to the gym.

Affordable Equipment Costs
A typical push reel mower costs about $200. That makes push reel mowers an affordable option for mowing your lawn when gas powered mowers typically cost at least that amount and require expensive maintenance each year. Push reel mowers have seen a 20% increase in sales this year which manufacturers attribute to rising fuel costs and environmental awareness.
If you’re looking for a way to cut your dependence on gasoline around the house then consider buying a push reel mower. You’ll certainly save money on gas, get some physical exercise and also have a very nice looking lawn.

Todd Fratzel, P.E. is the author of Home Construction Improvement and Today’s Green Construction. Mr. Fratzel is a Principal Engineer for a large construction company in New Hampshire and runs their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. He is also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction.

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