Valley Roof Flashing Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Valley Roof Flashing

A roof valley is a metal plate where to sections of the roof meet. Even if these roof flashings are painted, they are very noticeable. There is a way to disguise valley roof flashings so they blend into the roof. Get some rust inhibitive paint from your local paint store. Clean the flashing and start applying the paint. As soon as you have painted the metal flashing, sprinkle into the paint some of the colored roof granules.

Where do you get these color roof granules? Many stores that sell roof shingles can order the roof granules from shingle manufacturers. Get the granules that match your roof color. They very affordable. A 5 gallon bucket would have enough to cover the typical roof. Apply more granules then necessary. After a few days drying period, brush off any excess from the valleys. Your roof flashing valleys will no longer stand out from your roof.

Vapor Barrier Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Older homes had tar paper to prevent water from getting to the wood framing. Today, houses are built with air and water infiltration barriers. They won't let water in, but they will let water vapor out. These vapor barriers come on large rolls. Installation of the vapor barriers can be done with either special nails or staples.

The most important installation step is to tape over the seams. There is a special tape to seal the seams so water does not leak in behind the barrier.

Allow the barrier to extend about an inch down over the foundation. This will prevent any water from leaking in as it runs down off the siding. These new water infiltration barriers will protect your house.

Types Of Wood Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Framing lumber is typically spruce, pine or fir. Floor joints are yellow pine, which is very strong. Redwood and cedar are normally used for outside projects because of their natural resistance to rot. Douglas fir is great for matching old porch flooring. Look for the vertical graining in the wood grain.

Interior projects might call for the use of white pine or poplar. These woods are also used in the door trim, baseboard and window trim. Poplar is very common because of its ease in staining or painting.

Woods are great for many of your home remodeling projects. Be sure to get the proper wood for your build.

This video was mentioned in the February 25, 2014 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Soil Map Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Soil Map

Getting ready to build a new home? What is the most important tool to have to start the project - a big bulldozer? No, a soil map. A soil map will tell you all the characteristics, good and bad, for the soil under your project.

These soil maps are put together by geologists and are printed for each county. And they are free. The information contained in these booklets will tell you what type of trees with grow in that soil. It will indicate if the soil is good for septic systems. How well the soil drains.

Locate the property you are considering from the aerial photographs in the map. Once you find your property, the map will have lines and symbols indicating the type of soil on that lot. Look up the symbols and read about your soil.

These soil maps can be found at the county soil and water conversation services office. Get yours before purchasing or building on a lot.

Author's Note:

Dan emailed the following comment regarding an updated source of information for soil maps. If your county doesn't have updated information, you might try Dan's suggestion. He wrote:

"Web soil survey on the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) website is the official repository of soil survey information. The books shown in this video are no longer printed and many have not been updated since the seventies. Instead, you should go on the website http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm and use that information. It is free. I am a soil scientist in PA."

Screw Gun Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Tired of driving drywall screws by hand? There is a better way. You can use a drill or a screw gun. A drill should have variable speed for best results. The disadvantage of the drill is if you are not careful, you can drive the screw too deep into the drywall and tear the paper.

The better tool is the screw gun. This power tool has a special collar and a clutch that stops the driving motion of the screw gun when the screw reaches are certain depth. Just set the stop on the screw gun collar. Once you have the depth set correctly, you can drive all the screws to the proper depth without worry.

Screws guns are fast and easy. If you don't have one, most tool rental stores have them available.

Sawzall Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

If you are still using an older hand saw, you might be doing it the hard way. Add power to that saw with a sawzall. A sawsall can be used to cut all types of materials - wood, steel, plastics. Plus you can use it to cut shapes or curves, that you can't with a traditional hand saw.

Sawzall blades are small and thin. They come in a variety of styles for the different materials you are cutting. The blades change quickly.

Need to cut a hole in the center of a piece of wood without first drilling a pilot hole? The sawzall will allow you to do this. Just place the blade at a very low angle to the wood and turn it on. Gently push the blade down into the wood. Once through, you can continue your cut.

Sawzalls are versatile and should be in your toolbox.

Exterior Shutters Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Wood shutters are nice, but they don't always hold up over time if not properly maintained. Vinyl window shutters are a great alternative. They are maintenance free and come in a variety of styles and colors for any style of house.

Vinyl shutters come with a special fastener for quick and easy installation. Drill a 1/4" hole into the shutter and in the house, then drive the fastener into the hole.

Vinyl window shutters are easy to hang, maintenance free and look great. Try them if you have to change your shutters.

French Cleat Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Instead of ruining a piece by drilling holes and putting screws through it to hold it to the wall, try a French cleat. The French cleat can mount objects, such as mantles, to the wall without the use of unsightly fasteners.

What is a French cleat? It is two pieces of material that interlock with each other. It can be made from wood or metal. Use it to mount picture, plate, mantel, etc. to a wall. To make one out of wood, set your circular saw to 45 degrees and rip a 1 x 3 in half down the length of the board. Attach one of the pieces to the wall with the V facing up. The other piece gets attached the opposite way on the object being hung. Slide the two pieces together and you will have an interlocking mount.

Great for hanging objects without having nails or screws showing.

This video was mentioned in Tim's April 5, 2011 Newsletter.

Mixing Paint Colors Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Trying to match the exact color of that desk, cabinet or house exterior when it is time to paint? And the ready made colors just don't match? Or you want a shade that is just a little different.

Go the paint store and buy two quarts of two colors that closely match the desired color. Make sure the paints from the same manufacturer and the same type of paint with the same finish. Put some on the wall to check. If it is not quite right, get a measuring spoon and mix the paints together. Keep track of how many parts of each color you use. Once you found the right mixture, you can use the amounts to blend the paint required for your painting project.

A little trial and error and you will get the perfect color. It takes time and patience. But the results will be worth it.

Exterior House Painting Tips Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

When painting the exterior of your house and want a professional looking finish? First, spackle all the nail holes in the trim and caulk all the cracks. This will keep water from getting into the wood and causing the paint to blister.

Use an exterior spackling compound. They are light weight and easy to work with and they don't shrink! Holes only have to filled in once.

Get an acrylic latex caulk. They are available at most paint stores and they also fill in holes and cracks. Most caulks do shrink. So check in a day or two after the first application to see if a second one is needed. Apply the caulk in a small bead about the size of the crack you are filling. Wipe it in with your finger to work it in. Then, take a damp sponge and wipe any excess off the wood.

Caulking and spackling are not that hard, but they are very important to achieve that long lasting paint job.