Do It Yourself Basement Waterproofing

If your basement leaks I am sure you are tired of the headaches it causes. But what can you do? You have basically 2 choices: either call an expensive contractor, or do it by yourself. Do it yourself basement waterproofing can be a simple task if you choose the right product, and it will help you save time and most importantly, money.


Don't let waterproofing your home without the aid of professionals intimidate you. There are many different products out on the market to assist you in waterproofing your basement. Here are some of the choices to help you decide:

Basement Dry: To use this product a hole is drilled into the basement floor, a probe is then inserted into the hole. The probe is essential for detecting ground water. Once water is detected, the probe will suck up the water into the self-priming pump. What makes this product effective is, when the water is removed from under the floor, the pressure is removed also. If the water was never removed, pressure would still be present, resulting in the water being pushed into any crack in the floor or wall.

Aqua-Stop Crystalline basement waterproofing: Used all over the world for many years, brought to North America for residential use by Aquasealusa.com. Highly effective as it penetrates deep inside your walls/floor where the crystals expand over the years sealing it permanently! Withstands extremely high pressure. Can be applied to any concrete surface. Comes as a powder in bucket, you just mix it with water and apply with roller or brush according to instruction. What can be easier than that?

SquidGee Dry: This fabrication works on poured and block walls. With block walls water is trapped in the holes of the block. To drain the water simply drill small holes on the bottom layer of block, using the SquidGee Dry. It is not necessary to drill in every single block. Once the water is released it goes to the SquidGee Dry. With poured walls the process is also simple. Unlike block walls, poured walls are not hollow. Water comes through the cracks and goes to the "cold joint" (where the floor and wall meet.) Seal these cracks from top to bottom. But leave the very bottom unsealed, so the water can then go to the SquidGee Dry.

Portable Wheelchair Lift

A portable wheelchair lift is a great cost effective alternative compared to expensive elevators or other costly alternatives. It is designed for individuals with physical disabilities to ensure their practical access to solutions for mobility as well as climbing stairs. It is not only useful but also makes disabled people’s lives convenient, fast and easier.


Be it for commercial or residential applications, a portable wheelchair lift may have many practical uses. They come in two operation categories, namely the electric and hydraulic. The electric operation category comes with battery back-up systems for any case of power failure or shortage while the hydraulic operation category uses hydraulics for increased performance.


If needed the electronic portable wheelchair lift can be installed with telephone jacks or automatic door openers. The electric portable wheelchair lift is significantly cheaper than the hydraulic portable wheelchair lift.


All branded portable wheelchair lifts are created with an outstanding blend of durability, comfort and quality to be able to meet the needs of the users. It may come with extensive selections of styles, features, functions, sizes and even colors. With the many models and styles, the most popular are the ones with inclined platform lifts and vertical platform lifts.


Every kind of portable wheelchair lift is made available with its own set of unique specifications and features. Aside from its portability, it is also safe and quiet to use. The ones with inclined platform lifts are ideal for traveling or climbing up to either curved or straight stairways. One great advantage of this model is that it can be tower-mounted or wall-mounted to the staircase.


Aside from the most affordable solutions, it can also be used on various styles of stairways. It is very simple to set up as well as to operate. It has many user-friendly control stations and many safety features such as anti-slip flooring, emergency stop switch, handrail, under-platform sensors and many more.

How to Stay Away From Home Repair Scams

Having your home repaired is just part of home ownership. If you own a house, you will undoubtedly have to fix something at some point. Pipes break, air conditioners and heaters get old, and appliances fall apart. Unless you are a handyman, you will most likely have to have a contractor in your house to do some work at some point. While many contractors out there are great, every once in awhile, you'll come across a major scam. The contractor doesn't do what they say they will or they take the money and run. Here are a few tips to keep yourself out of the middle of a home repair scam.

1. Ask for references - When a contractor comes to give you an estimate, the best thing you can do is ask for references. References allow you to check up on the contractor and see what they've done in the past. If they don't have any references, you can pretty much forget about them as a repair man. If they can not supply you with someone that they have done work for in the past, there's a good chance that they don't know what they are doing. They are planning on doing a terrible job for you or taking your money and walking with it.

2. Avoid upfront payments - Asking for all of the money upfront is a clear sign that they are out to get your money and walk away. On many repairs, there is no reason to pay them until the job is complete. Depending on the project, you might have to pay something for materials. You should not expect to buy a house full of carpet or flooring and not pay a dime upfront. The company will be out some money until you pay them for the material. However, in those situations, you can pay for the material and save the part for the labor. This will keep the relationship between you and them on a positive note and still hold them accountable to do a good job for you. If you give a contractor the entire amount upfront, there is not much keeping them from taking your money and walking away with it. Don't make this mistake and keep a tight hold on the checkbook.

3. Ask about certification - Depending on what type of repair you are having done, the contractor will probably need to be certified to do the work. Even if the law does not require that they be certified, it is still a good idea to make sure that they are. While certifications don't tell you the whole story, it at least gets you started. If they went through the effort to get certified, they at least have a pretty good idea of what's going on.

Therefore, you should only trust those that are certified in the field they are in. If they can't produce the credentials, find someone else that will.

Get the Best with Plastic Siding

Plastic siding is commonly known as vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is considered as one of the best alternatives of cedar siding and wood siding. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on wood siding, then you always have different types of options, such as vinyl siding. Many people cannot afford wood siding as it is very expensive. Therefore, people prefer plastic siding or vinyl siding as it suits the best for them and their house needs. If you notice, then wood clapboard or wood siding is imitated by using vinyl siding or uPVC weatherboarding. Vinyl imitations are common these days and people generally use wood shingles and wood shakes to add beauty to their homes and also to get the feeling of real wood siding.

Vinyl siding has gained popularity since many years due to many reasons. One of the main reasons is that vinyl siding adds beauty to your home by imitating the real essence of wood siding. However, original is original and nothing can compare originality and its true essence, but from the past many years vinyl siding has proved to be the best. It generally has low maintenance and the cost is too low. That is the reason why vinyl siding has attracted a lot of people from all over the world.

In terms of colors, vinyl siding has limited color options and you would not be able to find a lot of colors in this as this siding is made up of vinyl or plastic. According to various records, the vinyl sidings usually crack and fade. Replacing needs every 6 months and if you are okay with this, then you should not worry about replacing older ones with new vinyl sidings. However, with the age and technological advancements, the vinyl siding has improved drastically in terms of resistance. Vinyl siding does not provide additional insulation unlike the wood siding. Today, the technology has made vinyl siding a fire resistant and now vinyl siding cannot be burned. Therefore, you can use vinyl siding if you want to replace your wood siding and if you want to make your place look real in low cost.

Liquid Roof And Its Uses

Liquid roof is the liquid version of true EPDM rubber marketed in the world. Liquid Roof facilitates RV industry in first instance. Liquid Roof be able to outline to any outside area and self-adheres to a faultless covering that protects your RV as of throbbing rain and extra rudiments. This hard-wearing, RV roof repair outside layer moreover defends against throbbing water and gives covering, maintenance your RV cooler in the summer and heater in the coldness. Liquid Roof liquid rubber is super-strong and waterproof, and is able to survive tremendous temperatures of warmth and chilly. The liquid form makes it possible to apply EPDM rubber  to many materials regardless of their shape. It cures by chemical reaction at ambient (ordinary) temperatures to form a flexible rubber membrane. A pre-measured catalyst is added to the rubber compound before application.

Liquid Roof offers easy one coat application which gives leak proof surface to your huge investment on RV. It saves your time and money by sealing and protecting your RV from water damage and fuel guzzling drafts. Liquid Roof's one-coat application saves you time and money sealing and protecting your roof from roof leaks. Easily applied over Metal, Rubber, Fiberglass, Concrete, Fabric and Foam! No primer or top coat needed. Liquid roof can be applied with a paint brush, roller or squeegee. Liquid Roof liquid rubber is super-strong and waterproof, and is able to survive tremendous temperatures of warmth and cold. One coat application of Liquid Roof will provide an air and watertight seal that will outlast the original sealant.

Liquid Roof Uses

Liquid Roof is ideal for various forms of roof repair: RV roof repair, metal roof repair, and more. However Liquid Roof is not now for RV roofs! Liquid Roof is moreover recognized as an “EPDM” a rubber appreciated for its protecting possessions and adaptability. Liquid roof sticks to the entire types of facades- canvas, plywood, suds, cement, mass rubber, customized roofing, additional roof coverings, strengthen, timber, top tiles, genuine tiles, solid, and more! Use it on approximately everything, counting previews, RVs, decks, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels.

Make Your Concrete Roof Impermeable

Below are the steps that you need to be followed to make your concrete roof water resistant:-

 

Step 1 - Clean Your Roof

In order to waterproof a concrete roof, you first need to start with a clean surface. Use the push broom and dust pan to remove any dirt or debris from the roof. Remove as much of the debris as possible and take your time so you can do this correctly.

Step 2 - Carry Out Mild Repairs

Concrete can crack and produce leaks just like any other roofing material. But the concrete roof is easier to repair and protect. First you need to find any crack, breaks or holes in the concrete roof. These areas are a prime spot for water to erode the concrete further.Use the silicone caulk and caulking gun to fill all of the cracks and holes. Use the putty knife to smooth out the silicone as well as to push it further into the crack or hole. Repeat this process until you are confident that the imperfection is completely sealed. Allow the silicone to dry before you move forward with waterproofing.

Step 3 - Prime the Concrete Roof

Priming helps in the waterproofing process. First use the seam tape to cover any seams in the concrete. Cover the entire seam with one piece of seam tape and then cut it with the scissors. Make sure the seams are centered. Walk the seams to press them down further. Next apply a coat of concrete primer to the roof. Start at one end and paint yourself into a corner; then use a paintbrush to finish the corner. Wait for the primer coat to dry and determine if you would like to add a second coat.

Step 4 - Waterproof the Concrete Roof

Pour the vapor barrier into the paint sprayer and liberally spray on an even coat to the concrete roof. Try to apply the waterproofing as evenly as possible. You will also overlap with the last spray you placed.Allow the vapor barrier to dry before you add a second coat. After your final coat dries, you can paint or prime it a different color.

Estimate Your Metal Roof

You will find many sources of discount metal roofing throughout this page.

Using metal roofing is continuing to be an upward trend for today's homeowners. There are many styles and colors available that can enhance the look of any house, from a century old farmhouse to a modern modular home. Although it can be more expensive than traditional shingles there are definite advantages that can offset metal roofing cost.

One of the many positive aspects to metal roofing is that it is very durable. It can be used in a number of different climates because it is heat resistant and rust resistant.

The cost of metal roofing can depend on the style and material that you want. Panels are generally less expensive than shingles and can often be fabricated on site. They can also be ordered online for convenience.

For homeowners that like the look of shingles, metal roof shingles are also an option. Shingle styles can vary and can create the look of slate or even cedar shake. They can create stylish looking roof that can really add flair to a home.

One of the ways that metal roofing cost can be offset is the fact that it can be placed directly over an existing roof. This can save money on the tear-down process that is often needed when roofs get replaced. Placing a metal roof on top of an existing roof can lead to substantial savings.

If you are considering replacing your roof with a metal one, it is definitely well worth the cost. They are maintenance free and often last much longer than traditional roofing materials. They can also help you save money on your monthly utility bills and those savings can really add up even over a short period of time.

Just Think Before You Choose Green Roofing

Often times, when concentrating on what is "green" and what is not, we tend to forget that what is green is not always what is safe. When it comes to choosing products for your home, you need to make sure that the safety of your home is not compromised for your principles.

"Recycled" materials are not always beneficial; sometimes, they can harm your well-being. Fly ash, for instance, is a commonly used material in cement, but because of its potentially harmful, dust-like properties it cannot be used in drywall. When choosing a product, you can be sure that all of our materials are not only eco-friendly but also safe for you to use. Roofscapes provides both durability and environmental friendliness for your home or business. To begin, all of our products are 100% recyclable!

Recycled products should certainly be used in your home; maintaining global consciousness of the harms of pollution is absolutely necessary for a solid future. Quality, however, should be taken into consideration alongside environmental-consciousness. Green Roofing Option and environmentally friendly roofs are available through Roofscapes and should strongly be considered.

Fix Your Cracked Plaster

  Older homes often have lath-and-plaster walls. Plaster is both a durable and good-looking surface, but there is one drawback: Plaster inevitably develops cracks.

Latex paint will hide hairline cracks in plaster, at least temporarily. The coverup, though, may last only a few hours or a few months. Small plaster cracks have an annoying way of showing up again and again. It may be smarter to enlarge them and fix them properly once and for all.

Making a small flaw bigger may sound like reverse logic, but it's easier to fix big cracks in plaster than small ones. Use plaster of paris, which doesn't shrink as it dries, or purchase premixed plaster repair compound. Repairing large plaster cracks involves these steps:

Step 1: Cut away loose plaster with utility knife. Turn knife to make opening wider and more clean-lined. Remove debris while preserving structural integrity of surface around it. Clean away loose plaster and dust with vacuum cleaner.

Step 2: Mix thick paste of plaster of paris and water, and wet crack thoroughly with paintbrush dipped in water. Pack plaster of paris (or repair compound) into wet crack to its full depth, and smooth surface with scraper or trowel. Let filled crack dry at least 24 hours.

Step 3: Lightly sand patch when plaster is dry with medium-or fine-grade sandpaper wrapped around wood block. If crack was wide, replaster it at least once more to make surface smooth, rewetting plastered area each time. Let area dry for at least 24 hours after final plastering.

Step 4: Lightly sand patch again, and prime it with thinned coat of paint or primer. When primer is dry, paint entire wall.

Inspect Your Indoor Roof

One of the more effective measures in roof maintenance is frequent roof inspection. This comprehensive inspection should be undertaken by an experienced professional roofing contractor, or a licensed home inspector. Generally, a roof inspection is carried out with a visual inspection of all aspects of the roofing construction, from both the interior and exterior of the structure.

Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an indoor roof inspection.

• Sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also require replacement when a new roof is installed.

• Outside light that can be seen through the roof. This may be common (and not a problem) on shake roofs, since the wooden shakes will swell during the wet months, effectively preventing any leaks.
• Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof).
• Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed.
• Signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains, or sagging ceilings)--this could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation.

If you observe any of the signs listed above, you need roof repairs or a new roof. Depending on the degree of damage, you can decide what is best for you and your house. Often the cost of fixing or replacing a roof is less than dealing with the damage an old roof can cause to your home.