Paint Your Aluminum Siding

Posted on by Tim Carter

Painting Your Aluminum Siding

UPDATE:  New information regarding painting aluminum has been added to this column. Be sure to check the Author's Notes following the article.

The first room addition I ever built was on the west side of Cincinnati. It was a master bedroom expansion.

The existing house had aluminum siding. I was able to get the same siding, however the color didn't match the existing siding. The owner said it wasn't a problem. He suggested that I give him a bid to paint the entire house and the new addition.

I did some homework and found out that you could successfully paint aluminum siding. The job turned out just fine. Two things played an important role: choosing the right paint and getting the siding ready for paint.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local painters who can paint your aluminum siding.

Metal + Paint = BINGO!

Metal is a wonderful surface to paint. Unlike wood, it moves very little. Think about all the metal things you've seen painted:

  • cars and truck
  • lawnmowers
  • wheelbarrows
  • tools
  • traffic signs

Rarely will you see paint peel from these things unless they're poorly maintained. Paint loves to stick to metal.

Wood Is Hygroscopic

Wood offers tremendous challenges. It can and does absorb water. It's hygroscopic meaning it expands and contracts in response to the amount of moisture in the wood.

The wood itself can change its size dramatically causing the paint film to detach. Metals, including aluminum, do not pose these problems. Metals don't absorb water and they don't expand and contract to the degree wood does. They are a perfect surface for paint.

Why Paint Fades

OK, OK, so the salesman lied. He told you the aluminum siding would be "...maintenance free. You'll never have to...."

Guess what? He was wrong! All paints fade over time.

Sunlight, acid rain, and air breakdown the clear resins that surround the pigment or color particles. This causes the finish to become dull. It also permits the soft pigment particles to be released from the film.

That is what is causing those white stains on your brick!

Not All Paints Equal

Some paints will fade before others. This fading is a function of the quality and quantity of resin in the paint.

The resin is the most important ingredient in paint. It's the glue that allows the paint to stick to things and itself.

There are different types of resin. Two of the most popular are vinyl acetate and acrylic. Acrylic resins cost twice as much as vinyl acetate. They also last longer and are more flexible.

Urethane The Best

In my opinion, the best exterior paints are those that contain urethane resins. You know how sticky urethane is if you've ever applied it to wood. It's almost impossible to remove.

The same urethane resin in paint makes the paint really hold onto anything it touches. CLICK HERE to get a great exterior paint that contains urethane resin.

Here's a great porch paint you can tint to any color you want. CLICK THE IMAGE TO BUY IT NOW.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local painters who can paint your aluminum siding.

Companion Articles:  Aluminum Gutters Can Be Painted, Aluminum Siding Painting Tips, Aluminum Siding Paint Manufacturers, Aluminum Siding - Paint and Primer Tips

Author's Notes: The following updated information was received from the Paint Quality Institute.  Debbie Zimmer addresses ammonia in latex paints and the resulting bubbling.

"Hi Tim,

Thanks so much for your questions and comments.  Regarding ammonia in latex paints, it is so low today that the off gassing (resulting in bubbling) is really not a factor.
 
Here are a few detailed points to consider:
 
1. Bare Aluminum: forms a strong oxide layer which is easy to stick to and is relatively inert to ammonia. Some folks confuse ammonia with acid. Yes --- acid will generate some hydrogen gas but there should not be a reaction with ammonia.
 
2. All Aluminum Siding is coated. This again generally results in a surface that is easy to stick to but for all intents and purposes, relatively inert to water-based paints. Even under poor conditions, incidental exposure to Aluminum should not be a problem because of above (1).
 
Also, on occasion, we do speak about oxygen bleach but typically use the more common (common to homeowners) "bleach" term.  Perhaps we should use oxygen bleach more often.  We don't use brand names (in any of our materials), such as Clorox.
 
Tim, I'm really glad you asked the questions --- it helps us make our educational information stronger.
 
If you are ever in the Philadelphia, PA area, I would love to take you on a tour of our PQI facilities --- we have over 30,000 paint panels on exposure (a few dating back to the '50's) and 1000's with the most recent and forward looking technologies. In addition, our "farm" contains over 200 different surfaces and substrates (painted/not painted) on exposure as well.
 
Thanks again,"
Debbie Zimmer
PQI Director of Communications and Alliances
Dow Coating Materials, North America
The Dow Chemical Company

Updated: April - 2017

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local painters who can paint your aluminum siding.

Column B274

Clogged Drain Hack

Posted on by Tim Carter

clogged drain

Clogged Drain Hack TIPS

  • Some pro drain cleaning companies offer no-clog warranties
  • Older drain pipes can have ROUGH interior surfaces
  • Five gallons of water in a toilet bowl FAST can remove clog
  • Prevent clogs by putting lots of water through pipes fast
  • CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

DEAR TIM: I love my plumber but I am getting sick and tired of paying him to unclog my drains. Do all household drain lines clog?

Do plungers really work that well? Are there things I can do to prevent clogs? Sandy R., Hoquiam, WA

DEAR SANDY: Calling a plumber or a drain cleaning company each time you get a clog can indeed be expensive.

Some Pros Offer Warranties!

But keep in mind that some plumbers and drain cleaning companies offer a limited warranty on their work. If a drain stops up again within a specific time period, you do not have to pay to have them come back out.

Get this warranty in writing if you do find that you need professional help in the future.

Free & Fast BIDS

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local drain clearing companies and plumbers. Be SURE to ask them about their written warranties!

Every drain line in every house is susceptible to clogging. Certain drain-pipe materials, plumbing codes and excellent plumbing practices can keep clogs to a minimum, but few homeowners ever have the opportunity to specify the piping material and possess the knowledge to determine if a plumbing drainage system has been installed to the highest levels of workmanship.

PVC Is Smooth

PVC plastic and copper drain lines have very smooth interior surfaces. These are least likely to clog. But they can and do clog!

Not too long ago I had to clear a clog in my own home. The building drain pipe under my basement floor is PVC. 

The source of the clog was a new low-flush toilet. I'm not a fan of these. This particular toilet only sends two quarts of water down the drain if you flip the flush handle.

To get the entire 1.6 gallons of water out of the toilet tank, you have to hold down the flush handle for five seconds. That's a very poor design because the average homeowner would never know to do that, nor want to stand there holding down the flush handle.

My son and wife were not doing that and about thirty feet away from the toilet, a giant buildup of toilet paper clogged the drain.

It took a while, about one year, for the drain line to completely get clogged with a mass of toilet paper and other solid you-know-what.

I was able to get it cleared with ease using a 50-foot hand-powered drain cleaning snake. Once I put the snake in the clean out opening I had the clog removed in about ten seconds.

Here's the exact simple drain cleaning snake I used to clear my clog. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO HAVE THIS DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

Galvanized & Cast Iron Rougher

Older homes often have drain pipes made with galvanized or cast iron pipe. Smaller diameter drain lines made with these materials are prone to blockages.

The galvanized and cast iron drain lines over time begin to corrode from the inside out. A scale of rust and corrosion creates a very rough inner surface that helps to grab hair, toothpaste, soap film, etc. Soon the inner diameter of the drain pipes begins to get smaller.

I have seen some 1.5 inch inner diameter drain lines packed solid with rust, scale and black organic goop and biofilm.

5-Gallon Bucket HACK

Many common toilet clogs can be removed with just a five-gallon bucket of water. Some clogs in toilets allow water to slowly get past the clog. You'll flush the toilet, the water will rise to the top of the bowl and either overflow - a HUGE MESS - or it will stop just in time.

Then ten minutes later you'll notice the water level in the bowl has magically dropped to the normal level. But don't be fooled, the clog could still be there because the water seeps past the toilet paper in the clog.

Force = Mass X Acceleration

Ninety percent of the time if you have a clog like this, you can free it with five gallons of water. Fill a bucket and hold it up about 18 inches from the toilet bowl.

Pour it as FAST AS POSSIBLE into the bowl and stop pouring just as the water rises to the rim of the bowl. The weight of the water falling that distance and lots of it at once put lots of pressure against the clog. In almost all cases, it's enough to unclog the toilet. No need for the messy plunger!

Plungers Work Well

Plungers do work very well if you use them properly. They should be the first tool one uses when a clog happens. It's important that the bottom of the plunger make full contact with the fixture so the pressure you create when plunging is forced down the pipe.

If the plunger seal is inadequate all the pressure will just be in the sink or toilet and wasted.

Remove Stopper From Tubs

When you are working on a tub or bathroom sink drain, you tend to get the best results if you remove the stopper mechanism from the drain inlet. To remove a sink stopper, you must remove the control rod that connects to the stopper and sticks out the back of the pipe that exits the bottom of the sink.

Reinstall the control rod and nut into the pipe after the stopper has been pulled up from the sink. Tub drain stoppers typically are attached to the lever on the overflow outlet. Remove the two screws at this location and pull up to remove the lever and the tub stopper.

Hair & Goop

Often hair and goop will be on the end of the control rod and the bottom of the stopper. This alone may be the source of the problem. If the drain is still clogged, take a wet wash rag and hold it over the drain overflow holes at the top front edge of the sink.

Run water so that you have about two inches of water in the sink, hold the rag tightly against the overflow holes and push hard down on the plunger two or three times. Remove the plunger to see if the clog was dislodged.

If you're lucky, you will experience instant improvement. Water will flow readily from the sink or tub. If plunging does no good, it may be time to try some of the off-the-shelf drain cleaners and/or call in a professional.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local drain clearing companies and plumbers. Be SURE to ask them about their written warranties!

Clog Prevention

You can prevent clogged drains by performing some very simple tasks on a routine basis. Check the sink and tub stoppers on a quarterly basis for hair and biofim buildup.

It is easy to remove and replace these items. Once a week, fill each sink in your home to the brim and then pull up the stopper. The volume and weight of the water will fill the drain pipe completely with water. It will do a good job of flushing the drain line.

Once a week pour five gallons of water as fast as possible into a toilet to give the drain line a great clean out.

Three-Month Huge Flush

Once every three months fill every sink and tub in the house with water. With the help of friends or family members simultaneously pull all of the drain stoppers up and flush all toilets in the house. This large volume of water will help flush out the larger sized drain stacks and underground building drains.

Chlorine Bleach - Great Drain Cleaner

If your home is connected to a municipal sewage plant, you can really help your drain lines if you pour liquid chlorine bleach into the fixture traps once a month. Pour 12 ounces of bleach into each sink and tub before you go to bed.

Pour it carefully into the drain of stainless steel kitchen sinks. Chlorine bleach that lays on stainless steel can cause permanent stains. The chlorine bleach that sits in the trap and saturates partially clogged drain lines works to soften biofilm and debris overnight. When you use the fixtures the next day, water running through the drain lines carries the debris to the sewer.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local drain clearing companies and plumbers. Be SURE to ask them about their written warranties!

Column 454

April 9, 2017 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

roofing ripoff

Roofing Ripoff Book

If you're a new subscriber in the past few days, this is a very unusual newsletter. Don't click the Unsubscribe link just yet!

I've been waiting for fifteen months to send this announcement.

During all that time, I've had a few days filled with fear and other days of elation. It's been a roller coaster ride to be sure.

I should have kept a journal, but I didn't.

My long-awaited Roofing Ripoff book is finished and within days you'll be able to get your hands on it.

Friday afternoon my top-drawer libel attorney gave it the green light. Believe me, his fee was well worth it because my book is about to take on the multi-billion dollar USA asphalt-shingle industry.

It's a disruptive book. Very disruptive.

If you're old enough to remember Ralph Nader's Unsafe at Any Speed book that made him a household name, then you'll appreciate the fury I'm about to encounter.

He took on the USA automotive industry and deep-sixed the Chevrolet Corvair made by the mighty and powerful General Motors.

His book brought the auto makers to their knees.

Billions of dollars are at stake here. Your dollars I might add.

You could be spending those dollars on something else or saving instead of buying more shingles.

You'll discover in Roofing Ripoff how to do an end-around on the entire asphalt shingle industry.

You'll not have to HOPE you can get a great product from them.

Never forget this. Hope is the emotion of last resort. You hope for things you can't control.

I show you how EASY it is to control the destiny and lifespan of your asphalt shingles!

You may be one who'll never ever again have to put on another roof. It's SO EXCITING to be able to share this with you!

"I'm All In"

When you decide to go up against giant companies that have unlimited legal resources with stories and facts they'd probably prefer stay buried, you have to be brave.

Kathy has supported me the entire way, and we both know the ultimate defense in a libel lawsuit are facts.

That's why were all in with everything we own in case we have to do battle with one or more of the shingle manufacturers.

Roofing Ripoff is filled with stories, facts and photographs that are going to both shock and awe you.

Believe me, there's going to be wailing and gnashing of teeth in quite a few big-company conference rooms in the next few days.

It's going to be fascinating to see how the asphalt shingle companies react. But as Kenny Chesney said in his hit song, "Only time will tell, but it ain't talkin'."

Free Sample Chapters!

How would you like to read the first three chapters for FREE?

Yeah, I thought you'd like that.

But before you do, here are the Roofing Ripoff FAQs:

When will the COMPLETE BOOK be available?

You should get an email from me on Tuesday. At that time you'll be able to purchase an INSTANT DOWNLOAD .pdf version that will look like the free chapters you can see below.

Will the book be available as an Amazon Kindle book?

Yes. I expect Amazon will have cleared it and made available by April 14, 2017.

Will the book be available as a paperback?

Yes. I hope to have all the professional formatting completed and uploaded to Amazon Create Space on or before April 30, 2017. Expect the paperback to be available by May 15, 2017.

CLICK HERE to get a FREE Instant Download of the first three chapters of Roofing Ripoff.

If the download is SLOW, it could be because TOO MANY PEOPLE are trying to get it at one time. Be patient and TRY MULTIPLE TIMES in a few hours.

That's enough for today.

I suggest you download the FREE three chapters, read them and ponder how the rest of the book will turn out.

Chapter Ten is going to infuriate you. I'll warn you now.

In Chapter Eleven, I share with you my HUGE DISCOVERY!!!

Look at its title in the Table of Contents.

You're going to be able to save your new, newer, or older asphalt single roof that's still in great shape!

WOO HOO!!!!

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

April 7, 2017 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

Happy Friday!

I've got a boatload of new tips to share and great news about my Roofing Ripoff book below.

I also need your input on a very important four-question survey.

The weather forecasters say Spring is going to show up here in New Hampshire. Sunny days and warm temperatures are supposed to start happening next Monday.

Not a day too soon!!!

Let's get into some good stuff, enough about snow, ice and chilly weather!

Roofing Ripoff Book News

Two hours ago, I sent the final copy of my book to my high-priced libel attorney for his final review.

Today all of the components you need to get to PROTECT your existing asphalt shingle roof, or the new one you're about to install, should be at the fulfillment center.

I've not been able to release the book until I had ready for you WHAT YOU NEED to protect your investment.

This means early next week you should be able to get the book in electronic format. It will be available in paperback, but that's a few weeks out.

If the attorney gives me a thumbs up today, and it's possible, I will have a few FREE sample chapters for you on Sunday.

I thought this day would never come, but it's been worth the wait.

If you're a new subscriber and wonder what this is all about, go to the official Roofing Ripoff website. CLICK HERE.

Cracked Concrete Block Foundation Repair

Do you know someone who has a concrete block foundation?

They often develop a horizontal crack about halfway up the wall.


Do you want to know what all the colored lines and ovals represent? I thought so!

CLICK HERE now and I'll bet you discover something new.

Guest Post Request

Yesterday afternoon I received an email from Ms. Sarah Walsh who works for a company I've never heard of - Web Talent Marketing. They say they're in Lancaster, PA.

I get an email like Sarah's about once or twice a month.

Sarah was probing to see if I accepted guest posts from companies.

A guest or sponsored post is one where the content is created by someone other than the owner of the website. In this case, Armstrong Flooring was going to create some column about flooring. They just wanted me to place it on my website HOPING that you'd see it.

Websites like AsktheBuilder.com often charge money to do this. Think of it as charging rent for space in a shopping mall.

MY POLICY at AsktheBuilder.com has always been that I DO NOT accept guest posts.

I entered into a back-and-forth discussion probing with Sarah as to what Armstrong was trying to accomplish.

Here was Sarah's reply about ninety minutes ago:

"I reach out to publications on behalf of Armstrong Flooring, but they create the guest content for publications like yours. As for a post buried deep in web search, our main goal of this relationship and post is to connect with your readers, not the entirety of the internet at once. Please let me know if you have additional questions!"

I responded back to Sarah telling her I felt that very few people have the time to just wander around to websites to see what's new.

What's more, I shared with Sarah that I felt folks like you discounted this content.

Let's see if I'm right. If not, I'll GLADLY admit my error.

Please take this SHORT four-question survey and let's see how you feel about surfing the web and this new trend of guest and sponsored posts at websites!

CLICK HERE to take the survey.

I'll SHARE THE RESULTS in a few days.

Window Seats

Have you ever wanted a window seat? They can be very comfortable and they add a very neat cool factor to most homes.

If you're building new, you should absolutely consider adding alcoves where you can put one or two in.

CLICK HERE to see a window seat I created here at my house in just TWO DAYS with a few simple tools.

The best part is I share HOW to create a window seat with virtually NO CARPENTRY SKILLS. You can buy the parts already preassembled!!!

DIY Wood Rot Treatment - Preventative Liquid!

How would you like to treat lumber to prevent wood rot?

You can't always get treated lumber like you want it.

Guess what? I share a magic liquid you can buy that will work really really well!!

CLUE: Cutty Sark and Thermopylae

CLICK HERE to see what it is.

Replacement Window Time?

Have you decided this is the year you're going to bite the bullet and get new windows?

If so, you REALLY can get taken by a salesperson.

Would you like to know what the BEST WINDOWS are? I thought so.

CLICK HERE to see what replacement windows I'd buy.

P.S. I give you links in the column so you can get FREE & FAST BIDS from local window companies that can get you the best windows!!

Maggie's Fireplace

Maggie is a long-time subscriber to this newsletter. I hope to meet her one day. She lives in North Carolina.

About two weeks ago, she reached out to me asking the best way to clean her interior fireplace.

She was sick of the way it looked and wanted to really brighten the room.

What do you think she was going to do?

Wait until you see the AMAZING PHOTOS she took of the before, during and after!!

CLICK HERE to see what Maggie did and then consider doing a project of your own.

I'd really appreciate it if you'd then SEND me your photos and comments!

That's enough for today.

Are you as excited as I am about the Roofing Ripoff book?

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Cracked Block Foundation Repair

Posted on by Tim Carter

Block foundation repair is more common than most people realize. Concrete block foundations that are about 8-feet tall have a history of developing horizontal cracks about 4 feet up from the floor. You rarely see this happen in cast or poured concrete foundation walls.

Concrete Block = Hollow Walls

It's important to realize the reason the cracks develop. Rarely are concrete block walls filled solid. 

The average concrete block that measures 8 inches high, 8 inches thick and 16 inches long has two giant void spaces inside the block. There's a center web that connects the two flat faces you see on either side of the block. Two additional webs are at each end with ears that end up creating a narrow void space between two touching blocks.

block foundation repair

You can see the hollow cores of concrete block under the horizontal PVC drain pipe. It's a far cry from a poured concrete wall! Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

Another key point is the only thing holding the block together is a thin 3/8-inch mortar joint.

Mortar Has Strength Issues

While the concrete block may have been made well and is very strong if cured and there's enough Portland cement in the mix, you can't say the same thing for the mortar the block masons used.

The mortar could have these defects:

  • too much sand was used in the mix
  • mortar partially set up before being used
  • mortar was re-tempered by adding water weakening it
  • mortar froze before it cured

The bottom line is the mortar is the weakest link and you only have a narrow 1-inch strip of it to resist horizontal pressure from the soil pressing against the wall.

If you’re interested in learning more about cost estimates for foundation repair I have an article here.

Related Links

Concrete Block Basics

Repair Crumbling Concrete Block

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local concrete block contractors who can do the repair I show in this column.

Stronger Poured Walls

A cast or poured concrete foundation wall is solid. It's usually 8 inches thick. It takes far more horizontal pressure to crack or snap a wall like this.

To repair a hollow concrete block foundation, one of your options is to transform it into a solid wall every 24 inches on center.

block foundation repair

Here's a typical block foundation wall in the early stages of failure. The red arrow is pointing at a crack in the horizontal bed mortar joint between two courses of block. Pressure on the other side of the wall from the soil is pushing the wall inwards. The result is a bending force much as you'd snap a twig or thin saltine cracker in two. Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

Block Foundation Repair Using Peas

The easiest thing to do is to fill the void spaces with  concrete when a new block foundation is being built. In addition the concrete must contain small stones no bigger than a green pea.

This gravel is commonly called pea gravel for the obvious reason. It could have been called jaw breaker concrete too as that hard candy I remember as a kid was about the size of a larger green pea. But I digress.

It's easy to fill the voids and it doesn't take long if you can spot a ready mix concrete truck around the foundation. If you can do this building new, you want to fill all the void spaces with the pea gravel concrete.

Doing this, your concrete block wall now is as close as possible to a poured or cast concrete wall.

Steel Rebar In The Block Cores

Insert a 1/2-inch piece of rebar down into the wet concrete every 24 inches on center to get the strongest possible wall. It's best if this steel has a connection to the poured concrete footing. This would require steel rods being installed in the footing when it was poured.

It takes great skill to put these steel rods exactly where they'll end up in the center of the concrete block void spaces. The steel rods project up about 2 feet from the top of the footing. The rods that are installed in the block overlap these shorter rods.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local concrete block contractors who can do the repair I show in this column.

Repairing an Existing Block Wall

Do the same thing to repair an existing concrete block wall. The problem is it's much harder to accomplish because the top of the block is covered by the house structure.

Block foundation repair starts on the outside. Every 24 inches you have to break into the concrete block to expose the void spaces between the webbing.

You then create some sort of funnel to pour the pea gravel concrete into this hole. It's not easy. You should also install the steel rod, but you may find it far easier to use a #3 bar that's only 3/8-inch in diameter. It will be easier to push down into the void spaces at an angle.

 

 

block foundation repair

There's lots going on in this photo. The red lines represent where you'll find the hollow cores in regular block. The blue ovals are where you'd break into the block on the outside so you can fill the voids with the pea-gravel concrete. I only put in two ovals. You'd need to crack into the block every 24 inches. The dashed yellow lines are the most common locations where you'd see the foundation start to fail - the horizontal bed mortar joints between 3 and 4-feet up from the basement floor. Copyright 2017 Tim Carter

Junior Steel Beams

There's another method engineers use to repair bowed block foundation walls. You can install vertical small I-beams that support the bowed block walls.

You need to break into the concrete slab in the basement to hold the bottom of the beam. The top of the beam is held in place by a small angle iron that's bolted to the underside of the floor joists.

Soil Anchors

A point often overlooked are giant steel plates inside the foundation. This system resembles a massive washer you might put behind the head of a bolt.

A giant steel rod passes through the wall and is buried in the soil outside. The end of the steel rod indoors has threads on it.

The long massive bolt connects to a massive steel anchor in the ground. Tighten the nut on the end of the rod to pull the block tighter against the soil outdoors

Watch this video to see how soil anchors are installed.


These work best if you excavate the soil outside the foundation wall and put in the anchors. There's less pressure against the anchors and plates if you do this.

If you go to all this work, you may as well clean off the block wall, put in excellent waterproofing like Tuf-n-Dri as well as a great foundation drain tile.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local concrete block contractors who can do the repair I show in this column.

Low E Glass Benefits

Posted on by Tim Carter

Low-E Glass Benefits TIPS

DEAR TIM: My husband and I will be building a new home soon. Our windows are available with optional low-E glass. Just what is low E glass? Does it really work?

Are there different types? Will it block ultraviolet (UV) light? Is the argon gas necessary? Do you think it is worth the extra money? E. R.

DEAR E. R.: Window glass was revolutionized in the 1970's.

Single Became Double

Insulated glass (two or more pieces of glass with a dead air space between) made its debut in the early 70's. Prior to this almost all window glass was a single pane.

Low-E Glass Next In Line

Low E glass was introduced in 1979. The E stands for emissivity. Low E glass works by reflecting heat back to its source. It does this by utilizing an ultra thin metallic coating on or in the glass.

Among other things, sunlight contains visible light, UV light, and infrared (IR) light. Visible light enables us to see things. Ultraviolet light damages your skin, wood, fabrics, and causes colors to fade.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local window companies that can install the BEST Low-E glass windows in your home.

IR = Infrared Bouncing Is Good

Infrared light is basically heat. Low E glass has the ability to allow visible light to pass while blocking certain amounts of UV light and IR light.

The infrared light in sunlight is powerful. When it strikes an object it heats it up. These objects can be your tile floors, furniture, sidewalks, patio furniture, etc. As these objects cool off, they emit a low powered form of IR light.

Cooler House In Summer / Warmer In Winter

Low E glass reflects this form of energy. In the summer this helps to keep your house cooler, as the heat from objects outside is kept outside. In the winter, all objects in your home are heated (by either the sun or your furnace). This heat is also bounced back into your house by the low E glass.

Hard & Soft Coat

There are two types of low E glass: hard coat and soft coat. Tin is applied directly to the molten glass to make hard coat low E glass. It is hard to scratch the tin off the glass. The soft coat process commonly involves the application of a thin layer of silver while the glass is in a vacuum.

This coating is delicate. Soft coat low E glass is always sandwiched with another piece of glass. It can also oxidize if exposed to air. Argon gas is sometimes used to prevent this oxidation. This gas also acts as an additional insulator.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local window companies that can install the BEST Low-E glass windows in your home.

Low-E Glass Detector

If you need to test a window to see if it does have low-e glass, you're in luck. There are high-tech low-e glass detector tools that do this. Here's one:

Here's a low-e glass detector. CLICK THE IMAGE TO LEARN MORE OR BUY IT.

Helps Reduce Condensation

Low E glass helps to reduce condensation on glass. The inside surface temperature of the glass is warmer.

The differences can be dramatic. Imagine a cold night with an outside temperature of 0 degrees and a 15 mph wind.

The inside temperature of a single pane window would be approximately 26 degrees. Regular double pane glass might register 35 degrees. Hard coat low E glass would be very near 49 degrees. And weighing in at champ would be soft coat low E glass at 62 degrees.

Low-E Film

Some glass manufacturers have gone even farther. They have suspended thin, low E transparent films in between pieces of glass. This system has excellent performance characteristics. Some of these films can block 99.5 percent of UV light. Some boast an insulating value twice that of soft coat low E glass.

Low E glass is worth the price, especially since houses tend to lose 25 percent of their heat through windows. Purchase the highest quality low-E glass you can afford.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local window companies that can install the BEST Low-E glass windows in your home.

Column 097

Window Sashes

Posted on by Tim Carter

Window Sash TIPS

  • Installing just wood window sashes instead of an entire window is possible
  • Major window companies make replacement sash kits
  • WATCH sash install video below
  • Measurements must be precise - have window dealer help
  • CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

DEAR TIM: Some window sashes in my home are in good shape while others are falling apart. Can I purchase window sash replacement kits that will allow me to maintain the character of my older home?

Will the replacement window sash still use the old rope and cast-iron weight? I would love to get a replacement tilt-in window-sash kit to make washing windows easier.

Do you think I can do window sash repair, or is it a better idea to buy a new one? Melissa D., North Andover, MA

DEAR MELISSA: Window sashes can absolutely be replaced in many instances without having to alter the actual window frame.

New Window Sashes That Look Old

The best part is you can buy new window sashes that look old. A window sash consists of the frame that holds the window glass, and the actual glass you look through.

Typically the window sash moves while the window frame that surrounds the sash is stationary. The best analogy is to compare a window sash to a door.

window with vintage look

These window sashes have a vintage look, but they are less than six years old. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Sash Kits From Major Mfrs

Window sash replacement kits have been available for years. These marvelous products allowed me to replace broken or rotted window sashes with new sashes, while the window frame and all interior and exterior woodwork trim was left untouched.

The homeowners who I worked for were amazed at how quickly they could enjoy functioning and energy-efficient windows with minimal mess and disruption to their homes. The new window sashes were able to be ordered to fit the existing openings like a glove fits a hand.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local companies that can install new windows or sashes for you.

Architectural Salvage Shops

You may be able to find a new window sash that will have the groove to accommodate the rope that attaches to the cast-iron weight, but I would not do that unless this is a specialized historic preservation project where you want the windows to be exactly like the old ones. You'd find this at a business that salvages old building parts.

New Vinyl Spring-Loaded Jambs

The new window sash replacement kits come with sleek spring-loaded jambs that connect to the window sashes. These sleek jambs are highly efficient, and keep air infiltration to an absolute minimum.

Window Installation Video

Here's a video that shows you the sashes and how easy they install. In this video, I'm installing a new FRAME at the same time, but doing just sashes is way easier!

Remove Old Weights

I feel it is best to remove the old window weights, and fill the void space with special expanding foam insulation that stays flexible. This foam insulation will do a great job of stopping air leaks, and will also help to make the inside of your home quieter.

Touch-n-Foam

This is a brand-name foam that's meant to be sprayed around the frames of windows and doors. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO BUY IT.

Air leaks around windows are a common source of noise pollution. Sirens, irritating road noise, train whistles, urban din, etc. will disappear when you stop air leaks around windows.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local companies that can install new windows or sashes for you.

Easy To Wash Windows

You will love your new replacement tilt-in window-sash kit after it is installed. Cleaning windows has never been easier. I have these type of windows at my own home, and really appreciate not having to use ladders to clean second-story window sashes.

The tilt-in feature allows you to readily remove the entire sash from the frame if you prefer to clean windows or repaint the exterior of them on a work stand within the room. Widow maintenance couldn't be easier with the tilt-in option.

Special Repair Epoxy

Repairing window sashes may be possible depending upon the degree of damage. If serious rot has caused the window sash frame to be loose or distorted, it may be better to buy a new sash. But if you have some spots of rot, you can buy special epoxies and injectable wood fortifiers that will make the old window sash like new. The epoxies are sandable and paintable once cured.

wood epoxy

This is a great wood epoxy that will fill larger cracks in wood decking and outdoor wood. If the wood is starting to rot, get the kit that has the PC Petrifier component. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO HAVE THIS PRODUCT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

Some Energy Savings

The decision to repair or replace should also focus around your fuel bills. Window sash replacement kits can make a considerable difference on your heating and cooling bills as the glass within the sash can be ordered with a Low-E coating and special inert gases between the glass panes.

This glass option coupled with the air-tight jambs makes for a highly efficient window. You will be more comfortable inside your home, and the upgraded windows will be more attractive to a future buyer.

DIY Friendly

One of the great features of window sash replacement kits is that they are do-it-yourself friendly, and they can be done one or two windows at a time. You can save thousands of dollars in installation fees if you try to install the new window sashes by yourself. It is possible to build installation confidence by starting with a smaller window on the rear of your home or some other window that can't be seen from the road.

Get Brand Name

Be sure you select a window sash replacement kit from a name-brand window company that has made this line of products for years. This will be vitally important if you choose to replace only so many window sashes a year. I happened to use Marvin Windows for all my jobs. I'm not worried about them going out of business.

This may be your plan, if you have a tight budget. If at all possible, try to replace all window sashes at the same time so the job gets completed. At the very least, always replace all of the sashes on any given side of your home at the same time for a more uniform look.

Measurements Are Critical

Keep in mind that measurements are very critical. If at all possible, get the window dealer to come to your home to take the actual measurements. If you supply the measurements and make an error, you will have to purchase new window sashes to replace the ones that don't fit.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local companies that can install new windows or sashes for you.

Column 649

Glass Block Installation

Posted on by Tim Carter
glass block installation

Glass block installation like this requires skill. I doubt you'll do a job like this your first time. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

"Now for the fun part. I hope you bought several bundles of cedar shims, as we are going to need them."

Glass Block Window Installation Tips

  • Take great measurements - mortar gap on sides and top can be up to 3/4 inch
  • Use ingenuity to remove the old window frame
  • WATCH glass block videos below
  • Wood shims hold new pre-made glass block window in place
  • CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

Can You Buy Pre-made Glass Block Windows?

Yes, that's the easiest way to install glass block windows. Don't try to lay glass block like a bricklayer lays brick. It's very easy to install a pre-made glass block window, but hard to install individual glass blocks.

Glass block windows are a fun project to tackle. Minimal tools are needed. If all goes well even a "newbie" DIY'r can install four pre-fabricated glass-block windows in a day. Here is what I have learned over the years about installing these neat windows.

Related Links

 Glass & Acrylic Blocks Do Many Things

Glass Block

Glass Block Manufacturers

Glass Block Greenhouse

Should I Make a Drawing of the Existing Opening?

Make a simple sketch of each window opening you intend to transform into the glass block. Measure the narrowest point side to side and up and down to the masonry or where you "think" the masonry will be once you remove the frame.

If you're in doubt, take a photo of different windows. You will need to show these to the company that will make your glass block panels. Check your measurements.

Go to the fabricator and ask if everything is in order. Show him/her using your photos and drawings where the measurements were taken. Getting the right size is the most critical aspect of the ENTIRE job. Let's take our time and do this right.

Free & Fast BIDS

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local glass-block window installers. Ask about venting windows.

How Big Will the Glass Block Window Be?

When the windows are built, they will be a giant slab of glass. Some fabricators put a band clamp around the windows so they can't break apart. If you don't have a clamp, be CAREFUL! If you bump a corner, you can pop a glass block off. Ask the fabricators to wrap the windows with a band clamp if possible.

Glass Block Videos

Watch these two videos to give you an idea of how easy it can be to work with glass block. In these, I put together panels with a single block.

You can BUY pre-made windows so you don't have to do what I did in the videos.

How Heavy are Glass Block Windows?

The glass block windows are very heavy. Glass block is just clear rock believe it or not. It's pure silica in most instances. Just one square glass block can weigh three or four pounds.

If you're doing a glass block window installation, one complete window can weigh 60, or more, pounds,

What is the Hardest Part of Glass Block Installation?

Removing the old window and frame is the hardest part of the job. If you get the frame out easily, celebrate!

If your window frame is a full-width metal frame that was cast with the concrete, then you better ask the fabricator for his recommendation. I always leave those frames in place. It is a NIGHTMARE to remove them.

Once the old frame is out, use a brush to clean away dust and debris. I also recommend that you sweep up the floor and get all unnecessary stuff out of the way.

How Many Old Windows Should I Remove in a Day?

Remove as many frames and old windows as you think you can deal with in a day. I prefer to get all the demo work done and do things in stages. I don't like to do these windows one at a time. It really breaks up your momentum.

WARNING TIP: Do not remove an old window unless you're sure the new glass block panel is going to fit inside the opening.

glass block window installation

A large window like this needs to be installed one glass block at a time. It's a huge window. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

How Much Mortar is on the Sides of the Window?

I also assume that there will be a 1/2 inch gap of mortar around the window. If so, then place several shims on the bottom frame that extend up 1/2 inch. Place these in from the corners about 3 inches or so. Slightly dampen the exposed masonry jambs with a spray bottle of water.

Now for the fun part. I hope you bought several bundles of cedar shims, as we are going to need them.

Where Do You Apply the Mortar?

Trowel some of the cement mortar onto the sill. Don't use bricklayers' mortar. Use Portland cement and sand. It will be stronger and more waterproof. If mortar is your only alternative, it will work, but I prefer cement.

Do You Install the Glass Block Panel on Shims?

Now tilt or slide the window onto the shims. Take two other shims and place them between the top of the window and the jamb. Slide them until they are just snug.

Check the window for plumb and square. You are also looking for equal reveal side to side. You want the window parallel with the inside and outside walls, not twisted.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local glass-block window installers. Ask about venting windows.

How Do You Install the Mortar?

Use rubber gloves, small trowels, sticks, whatever it takes to pack the cement mortar around the window. Fill any pesky gaps at the bottom.

Should I Put Mortar On Top of the Glass Block?

Don't put any mortar on the top of the window. Downward pressure or stress over time can crack these windows. The top gap can be successfully filled with caulking tomorrow.

Your mortar may be too wet to tool as soon as you install it. Don't worry. Within a short period of time, the mortar will begin to harden. You can tool it with an old spoon, a stick, or with your fingers. Use a damp sponge to remove mortar smears from the glass.

When Can I Remove the Shims?

Usually within about two hours, you can gently remove the shims. Apply pressure against the glass as you pull the shims. Immediately, fill the bottom holes with cement mortar. Blend it in to match the texture and tooling of the rest of the joint.

When Do I Caulk the Top?

Don't try to caulk the glass on the same day it is installed. I get the best results waiting 24 hours. Don't try to fill the entire space with caulk!

Use a foam caulking backer rod to get within 1/2 inch of where the caulk joint will finish out. Use 100 percent silicone caulk. Wipe up smears immediately with lacquer thinner.

"Dear Tim,

I was looking at info about building glass block windows and you were talking about using lacquer thinner to clean up silicone residue. I thought I'd e-mail you to offer the suggestion that the next time you are using silicone you try denatured alcohol. My tile man taught me this and it works really really good! Probably less toxic too! I share your interest in building...I live in what was the Hartwell fire department at the turn of the last century and remodeled it into something a little more modern. " - John Figueras, Cincinnati, OH

Dear John,

Thanks for this tip.

Author's Note: We've received other questions with similar problems or questions. Here's one from Lena K. of Rockville, MD, regarding basement replacement windows.

"Our basement windows leak air as well as water when the snow melts. The house was built in 1965 and the windows seem to be from that time. They are below the ground level with wells dug out around them. They are set directly into concrete blocks. I looked at different replacement window manufacturers and installers, and none of the ones I saw offer specific windows for basements. Do you have any suggestions? (We aren't planning on doing the replacement ourselves). Thank you."

 

Companion Articles:  Glass & Acrylic Blocks Do Many Things, Glass Block, Glass Block Manufacturers, Glass Block Greenhouse

Column B395

Window Seats

Posted on by Tim Carter

Window Seat

Window Seat TIPS

DEAR TIM: I have to have a window seat. I’ve searched everywhere and can’t find any kits, so I’m beginning to believe I’ll end up with a custom window seat for my family room.

How hard is it to build a storage window seat? What special tools and materials do I need?

How do I compute the size when I know I want window-seat cushions to sit on? What else do I need to know to end up with spectacular window seating? Beth P., Westerly, RI

DEAR BETH: If you have moderate building skills and a few common tools, you’ll have a completed window seat bench in just a couple of days.

Window Seats In Hours

I can say this with confidence as I just completed the largest window seat of my career this past weekend. It’s over 15-feet long, and it’s going to get all kinds of compliments once it’s painted and is stocked with books, a window-seat cushion or two or three and other decorative items.

The inspiration came from my daughter Meghan who envisioned the built-in window seat that would allow her to cozy up and read a book while gazing out upon the lake.

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local carpenters that specialize in built-in furniture like window seats. 

Box Design Is DIY Easy

The easiest window seat to construct is just one that looks like a box. It would have a vertical wall or face and then a flat top. But a window seat with storage is really the thing to have, as you’ll not only get the function of the seat, but the space beneath the seat will not go to waste.

You can have hidden or open storage. A window seat with hidden storage that’s concealed with doors or a flip-top seat adds significantly to the cost and complexity of the project.

Step-by-Step Photos

Fortunately, I had my helper take hundreds of window-seat pictures that show the project from start to finish. I intend to produce window-seat instructions and window-seat plans from the photos he took.

Kitchen Cabinets Sans Doors

If you need inspiration as to what kind of window seat you want, all you have to do is look at open bookcases, or small kitchen cabinets that typically can be found over a refrigerator. The wood window seat I just built resembles an open bookshelf or a not-so-tall kitchen cabinet that has no doors.

Keep in mind that the total height of a window seat can’t be much more than 18 or 19 inches. You can’t have too much open space when you consider the top, face frame, bottom shelf and a space for some baseboard.

Use Kitchen Cabinets

If you want the look of cabinetry with doors that conceal the things under your seat, all you have to do is buy some 15-inch-high kitchen cabinets! If you put these on top of a 3-inch-tall recessed toe-kick and then add a 3/4-inch plywood top, you're at the perfect 19-inch height.

If you've already built your own frame as I did in the photo above, then locate tiny cabinet doors similar to the ones you find over a refrigerator. You may want to locate the cabinet doors first and then build a frame that will fit the doors.

This can be problematic from a scale perspective, as you should make sure the doors are in proportion to the overall height and width of the seat. This is best left to a real finish carpenter. If I were you, I’d start with just an open-shelf window seat for your first project.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local carpenters that specialize in built-in furniture like window seats. 

Birch Plywood Is Best

I used sheets of three-quarter-inch-thick birch plywood, 1x2 paint-grade solid poplar and a few pieces of common molding to construct my window seat. Go to a real lumber yard for these materials, not a home center. I doubt you’ll ever find 7-ply birch plywood at a big-box store!

Simple Tools

Believe it or not, I constructed the entire window seat with a circular saw, drill, framing square, measuring tape, hammer, a few squeeze clamps, a screwdriver and my trusty pocket-hole jig. The pocket-hole jig is an amazing tool that allows you to drill perfect concealed low-angle holes in finish lumber so that you can assemble them without glue.

kreg pocket hole jig

This is the EXACT pocket hole jig I used. It's probably the best on the market and it's affordable. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

The entire face frame of my window seat looks like a finish piece of custom furniture that I assembled in less than 30 minutes with screws and a screwdriver! Pocket-hole jigs are affordable and should be on every person’s workbench.

Test Existing Chairs

To ensure you end up with a comfortable window seat, you need to look at and sit in many of the pieces of furniture in your home. Find the most comfortable chair in your home and measure it. Note it’s height and the depth of the seat.

You’ll quickly discover that for maximum comfort your legs shouldn’t dangle off the edge of the seat not touching the floor. What’s more, if a seat is too low, your knees will uncomfortably point to the ceiling.

Build a seat that’s too deep and you won’t be able to relax using a wall as a backrest. Lots of thought went into creating the perfect chair in your home. Copy its dimensions.

Birch Loves Paint

Birch plywood makes for a perfect material for any number of reasons. First, the birch veneer makes for a magnificent surface for painting. Its fine grain makes for a silky smooth finish. You can stain birch plywood, but be sure the face-frame lumber has similar grain and coloration so the stain or clear finish matches.

Trim It Out

For a very custom look and feel, be sure all the trim that surrounds your window seat matches the trim and moldings in the room. If you have an older home, you can take a piece of your existing baseboard to a woodworking shop or mill. They have equipment that allows them to match the profile exactly.

Think About Flip Tops

Before you make the final decision on a flip-top window seat, understand that it makes storage of items a bit of a hassle. Things get stored on top of one another much like a chest freezer. If you’ve ever owned a chest freezer versus one that opens like a regular refrigerator, I believe you’ll agree that a chest freezer is not the best design. You’ll love the look of an open shelf on your new window seat!

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local carpenters that specialize in built-in furniture like window seats. 

Column 779

DIY Wood Rot Treatment

Posted on by Tim Carter
copper treatment

Here's an excellent oil-based DIY copper liquid you can use to treat your own lumber. CLICK or TAP HERE NOW TO HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

DIY Wood Rot Treatment TIPS

DIY wood rot treatment to prevent wood rot is easy.  You just have to think back to your high school chemistry or history class.

It's all about copper.

What Preserved the Wood on Old Ironsides & The Cutty Sark?

Two hundred years ago ships were the fastest way to travel great distances. Christopher Columbus and other early explorers sailed across the deep blue seas in wood ships.

Businessmen soon discovered they could make lots of money bringing new products like tea and spices back to their countries. They used clipper ships like the historic Cutty Sark and Thermopylae to allow them to ply their wares back in Europe.

Old Ironsides or the USS Constitution needed to be protected so she could sail fast in the water. 

The issue is that organic growth on the wood hulls below the water line would slow the ships in the water. These barnacles could be prevented if the ships had copper plating attached to the hulls.

Was it an Accidental Discovery?

No doubt at some point hundreds of years ago someone place a piece of copper onto a piece of wood. They then put it into some water for whatever reason. After a while stuff grew on the wood in the water, but the copper plate had no growth on it. Eureka!

This person was the first to notice that copper is a natural biocide. Organic things like wood rot fungi, termites, carpenter ants, algae, moss, etc. do not like copper. They think it's a poison. 

This is why modern treated lumber contains COPPER. The copper is dissolved in water and the solution is injected into the lumber in pressure cylinders. The pressure forces the liquid deep into the wood.

What is the Magic DIY Wood Rot Treatment?

You can treat lumber of any liquid form of copper. It comes in a solution your brush onto the wood.

copper treatment

Here's an excellent oil-based DIY copper liquid you can use to treat your own lumber. CLICK or TAP HERE NOW TO HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

To get it to soak up into the inside of the wood since you don't have a pressure vessel, you can put the liquid into a bucket and stand up the ends of the lumber much like you might a Christmas tree in water in your home.

It's important to cut off about an inch of the wood to expose fresh end grain for this to work. Some lumber is sealed at the lumber mill with paint or a clear liquid to prevent water from getting into the end of the lumber.

CLICK HERE to buy the amazing DIY wood rot treatment liquid.