Soffit Vents – How to Install

To introduce fresh and cool air to your attic, as well as let hot air escapes from the top of the attic through ridge vents you may consider adding soffit vents. The cooling costs for your house can be reduced using and the job itself is easy enough for you to handle. In order to determine how many will be needed along each section you must first measure the area where you want to install the vent. Use a template made of wood to mark the cut lines for each location that has been cut a little smaller than the size of the vent you’re installing. It should be an inch shorter and an inch narrower than the actual vent. For a nice finishing touch paint the vent to match the soffit. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Center each soffit vent over the hole and parallel to the eaves with the vent louvers facing in toward the house before you screw each vent to the soffit board.
  • Cut the hole using a circular or saber saw.
  • Easy to handle yourself.

  • "No one will notice it is there except you and you utility bill." Original Source: How to Install Soffit Vents

    Understanding Solar Thermal Panels

    A large amount of solar energy reflects back into space or is absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, enough energy to power homes and businesses for years. The solar thermal panels are used to heat domestic hot water. The panels are filled with antifreeze or evacuated tubes. A typical thermal-panel system can produce around 70% of a house’s hot water demands. A photovoltaic (PV) system transforms the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter mounted inside the house converts the DC power to standard alternating current (AC), which is then used to power lights, appliances, and other electrical devices. If the PV system produces more electricity than you can use, the excess gets sent back to the power company and you receive a credit on your electric bill. Solar companies are now offering power purchase agreements to homeowners, which include a free solar system in exchange for government rebates. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Unraveling the mystery of off-grid solar power and understand the basics about your system.
  • There are some nuances in solar power that you must be aware of.
  • Often the most overlooked component of any off grid system is safety.

  • Original Source: "Understanding Solar Power"

    How To – Maintain Stucco

    Stucco is used both outdoors siding and indoors wall finish, to ensure stucco looks and performs its best patching may be necessary and cleaning and with the right combination of products and tools, any homeowner can get the job done. Indoor stucco may need some paint sporadically, however as outdoor stucco are exposed to the elements, the sidings will most probably need cleaning and repair. To clean indoor stucco it often requires water and some elbow grease. Simply scrub the dingy stucco with a dampened nylon brush to saturate the surface, then rub away the buildup with a moistened microfiber cloth (or clean cotton rag). A chemical solution known as trisodium phosphate, or TSP maybe needed for deeply set stains. Homeowners must take the precautions when applying the solution, such as ventilate the area by opening windows and running a fan, wear rubber gloves, protective eye-wear, and long-sleeve clothing. Home centers and hardware stores usually have available the solution and they can advised how to use TSP safely. Combine the TSP with water in a bucket, diluting to water-to-TSP ratio of 15 to 1. Finally, apply the TSP to the affected area by means of a nylon brush and allow the stucco an hour or two to dry. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
    • The good news is that cleaning indoor stucco usually takes nothing more than water and a bit of elbow grease
    • Don’t give a minor crack the chance to become a major headache. Take swift action.
    • In fact, due to its unique formulation, you get the job done in remarkably little time.
    "if the existing surface features a smooth finish, then no problem—you can smooth the patch to an equally smooth finish with a traditional plastering tool. If, however, you need to match a decorative effect like stippling, then you may wish to take a cue from the pros who often employ ad hoc tools like sponges and kitchen whisks to create the desired effect. Once you have finished the patch to your satisfaction, you can more or less call it a day." Original Source: http://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-maintain-stucco/?#.V85vB5grLIU

    How to Weather Wood – Easy DIY Methods

    Making furniture look old can be done using simple tricks, people passionate about decorating or who wants to give a rustic, antique or vintage can use simple DIY tricks. There are techniques that involve sanding the surface of the furniture, or simply using the elements to give a total new look to any wood surface. Different ways to weather the wood can so that it appears to have lived through years for sunshine, spills, wear and tear despite being a new piece. Some of the techniques will age your furnishings quickly. Some of the looks you can give the wood are fake wear and tear, go grey, rich wood stain, weather with paint or bleach with a sun bath. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
    • Different wood gets different results, despite using the same process. And whatever that process, it’s never an exact science.
    • Nothing is permanent. If you’re not crazy about your end results, rest assured that they’re only surface deep!
    • You can always paint it, or strip it and try again, thanks to the forgiving nature of this beloved building material.
    "Naturally, wet wood looks very different when dry, so let your treatments dry completely before deciding to add another layer." "Use the elements to weather your wood. One sunny afternoon could add years to your furniture’s appearance. This method only works with tannic woods, like redwood, cedar, pine, mahogany, and red oak, so check what type of wood your piece is made of before you begin." Original Source: http://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-weather-wood/?