Published on: 23 November 2017
Last Updated on: 22 July 2024
Garage doors tend to get damaged due to weather conditions and routine movement after a certain period of time. As they are not supposed to function properly for a lifetime, there are several things to be focused when designing your own garage door to avail long term benefit. When upgrading the exterior of your home, make sure you do not compromise on the quality of your garage door repair as it can add extra beauty and safety.
Homeowners often find it impossible to make the ideal garage door on their own for which we have discussed the top 5 factors to consider while buying a new garage door.
1. Construction material
Apart from outer design and crafting, the first thing to notice in ready-made garage doors is the material it is made out of. In routine, steel doors are most preferred because they are long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain as compared to those made out of wood. Although wooden garage doors are attractive and beautifully crafted, there are high chances of damage due to rain and environmental conditions. Moreover, they are expensive and need regular repainting as well. Aluminum garage doors are also beneficial as they cost lower and weigh less as compared to the garage doors made out of wood or steel.
2. Design and style
After you are done with selecting the type of material for your garage door, next comes the step to analyze and chose the best match for your home exterior. Garage door services are available in clean lines and straight design pattern for townhouses whereas crafted and sleek outlook can be considered for farmhouses. Steel and aluminum garage doors are usually recommended for a contemporary home for which you can select the design similar to that of windows grilles placed in your house.
3. Openers and installation
Installing opener and the garage door by yourself is certainly not advised as it can be dangerous and risky. A trained professional can place the opener and fix garage door by using appropriate tools which will make your garage door function properly. When selecting the opener, you can a belt-drive motor which needs to maintenance and is quieter as compared to other models. Furthermore, horsepower can be selected by analyzing the weight of your garage door for easy movement.
4. Cost
Depending upon the material and design specifications, garage doors are available in a wide range of variety. Prices usually depend on construction material, opener horsepower, insulation, and design pattern. It is advised that you chose the material and design after getting the total estimate including installation charges as well. This can save you from further expenditures needed to completely replace your garage door.
5. Adding Insulation
Insulation value is also known as “R-value” for garage door replacements so that homeowners can analyze the energy efficiency and insulation value of each one separately. Depending upon the weather conditions of the area you are living in, the type of insulation can be selected for warmth and protection. The higher the R-Value, the greater will be the cost of your garage door.
Garage doors need to be strong and safe as they are supposed to protect your home by all means. As there are various designs and types of garage doors available, selecting the best one suitable with your home exterior needs some research. Just analyze the construction material, design and insulation of each garage door and purchase the one which best suits your budget. By overviewing the factors and steps as explained above, we are sure purchasing the best garage door will surely not be an issue.
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Because all plumbing jobs have different risks and requirements, pipe manufacturers make a variety of products for specific maintenance and repair situations. If you select a proper pipe, you'll less likely experience leaks, flooding, and other plumbing problems after all of your fixtures are operational. Make use of the best plumbing pipe that can work well in your favor. At local hardware stores, you'll find many plumbing pipes that can distribute water and process waste. However, if you're looking for the best option for a bathroom or kitchen, there are five pipes that are worth considering.
PEX Pipes:
PEX piping is one of the most popular options for traditional jobs. They can supply water to various fixtures around a home or building. The housing is very rigid and strong, so these pipes can handle intense pressure from a water supply. It is one of the best plumbing pipe to make things easier for you. It is one of the best plumbing pipe that you can look for.
Pros:
Thanks to the color-coded designs, you can easily identify pipes for hot and cold water. The cold pipes are blue, and the hot water pipes are red.
Every PEX pipe is easy to cut during installation jobs. If a pipe doesn't fit, you can make adjustments by taking advantage of its 90-degree curves.
Cons:
You can't use PEX pipes with push-fit fittings because leaking may occur. When a pipe breaks and leaks, you can't recycle it.
PVC Pipes:
PVC pipes are built for drainage and venting jobs. Many plumbers work with these pipes because they're light and simple to use. The big advantage is that PVC piping is easy to cut. You can slice through the product quickly with a hacksaw. Whenever you need to secure PVC pipes together to extend the lines, you can connect them using solvents.
Pros:
All PVC pipes are inexpensive, and they're great cost-efficient options for irrigation projects. If you ever need to bend a pipe, you can arch its flexible housing.
Cons:
PVC pipes are only great for simple jobs because they have fragile housing. You can't apply glue on PVC pipes since water may leak through the seal.
Ridged Copper Pipes:
Ridged copper pipes are also made for water supply in a home, and you can also cut them using a hacksaw. In order to connect a riged copper pipe, you'll need to use a soldering device. Many home builders and commercial building contractors rely on these particular pipes when they design plumbing systems because copper distributes drinking water without contaminating it.
Pros:
A ridged copper pipe can handle high heat well. It can also withstand intense water pressure. When you no longer need a riged copper pipe, you can easily recycle it.
Cons:
If you don't have great plumbing skills, the process of connecting ridged pipes with soldering equipment may be challenging. Also, you'll need to set aside plenty of cash to buy ridged pipes since they're expensive.
ABS Pipes:
ABS pipes are commonly used during jobs that involve drains and vents. These pipes and PVC pipes have similar characteristics. However, the big difference is that ABS pipes have a black housing that's somewhat softer.
Pros:
If you need great pipes for underground plumbing systems, ABS pipes are ideal options since they're durable and strong. When the temperature drops outdoors, ABS pipes won't break because their housing is engineered for cold weather.
Cons:
You'll need to use ABS pipes in some locations wisely according to the building code. Also, you must pick the installation zones strategically since high temperatures can cause warping.
Flexible Copper Pipes:
These pipes are built for sinks, fridges, and water heaters. You can bend them to establish a secure connection during installation jobs, and you can cut them very easily with a sharp hacksaw.
Pros:
Flexible copper pipes will fit snugly in tight spaces. They can also handle high heat that builds up in confined areas. It is one of the best plumbing pipe that you can look for at your end.
Cons:
You must handle flexible copper pipes with care to avoid breaking them. Another disadvantage is that the pipes are expensive.
Winter Protection Strategies for the Best Plumbing Pipe:
After you have proper pipes for a job, you'll need to implement procedures to protect them. Winter is a time when most pipes are damaged. As water freezes in a line, pressure builds up, and the intensity of the expanding ice can crack or break a pipe that isn't properly protected. By following a few simple steps, you'll maintain and protect your pipes whenever the temperature dramatically drops in your neighborhood.
Insulation can create a barrier that blocks icy air around your pipes. When applying insulation onto thick or thin pipes, ensure that there are no gaps because air can seep through any opening. Plastic pipes are more vulnerable than copper pipes, so they will need extra protection before a harsh winter storm.
Indoor pipes will also need protection against cold weather. You can keep arctic air away from vulnerable pipes underneath kitchen and bathroom fixtures by sealing cracks around your home. Caulking and spray foam is the best sealants for large cracks around doors and windows.
Heaters, furnaces, and other heat sources can protect vulnerable indoor pipes as well. To achieve the best results, use indoor heat sources throughout the night because the coldest temperatures occur long after the sun sets.
These five piping materials are great options for general residential and commercial projects, and you can protect each product using insulation, sealants, and heat sources throughout the winter. However, along the way, you may need professional help with an installation or maintenance routine. When this happens, always work with a professional plumbing company, such as Conrad Martens Plumbing.
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Among the defining factors of your kitchen’s overall look are its cabinets. After all, in kitchen design, the cabinetry often serves as an anchor, the thing that ties every other design elements together to create a seamless look. As such, beyond style, what’s more, important is to choose the right materials for your kitchen cabinet.
Reliable flat pack kitchen contractors can offer you a variety of kitchen cabinet material choices. Moreover, they can also recommend suitable materials and even combinations of materials to suit both style and practical function. Here’s a quick look into the most common materials used by cabinet makers.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project:
Hardwood Cabinets
You could say that hardwood kitchen cabinets are the grandfather of all kitchen cabinets. One of the main draws of using hardwood is that, because it’s a natural material that varies in grain from piece to piece, every kitchen cabinet will be equally unique. There are no two trees that are exactly alike, which means that even cabinets made from the same kind of hardwood will have subtle differences. Another benefit of hardwood is that it’s not only durable. It’s also easy to repair. Even inexperienced carpenters can DIY procedures like sanding, staining, or refinishing. Finally, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. Popular hardwood species include jarrah, marri, birch, cherry, maple, and oak.
When it comes to downsides, however, the most common disadvantage people cite is that hardwoods tend to be heavy. As such, if you want pure hardwood cabinets, you have to make sure that there’s a sturdy enough structure to support them. Another drawback of hardwood kitchen cabinets is that they’re expensive, especially if you want fully customized designs. Some Perth kitchen cabinet makers will suggest combining hardwoods with other materials to help drive down the cost.
Are hardwood cabinets right for your kitchen? If budget isn’t an issue and you want beautiful, long-lasting cabinets, hardwood is the best choice. Hardwood is also great for busy kitchens since it’s a heavy-duty material.
Medium-Density Fibreboard Cabinets
Medium-density fibreboard or MDF has gained popularity in the world of cabinetry, especially since IKEA has long been using it for their own kitchen cabinets and other furniture. The material is a composite of recycled wood fibers and wax, bound together by resin. The boards are made through high-pressure CNC milling, resulting in strong and dense material.
Indeed, MDF is a versatile substrate, able to be painted, veneered, lacquered, laminated, or treated with almost any process or substance. MDF is also proven to be resistant to cracking and is considerably smoother than plywood.
The one downside of MDF is that it needs to be properly sealed. Otherwise, it has a tendency to warp. You can use carpenter’s glue for this purpose, especially if you’re going to paint over the material. For some waterproofing, you can use the wood sealant, varnish, or a coat of moisture-resistant paint.
Are MDF cabinets right for your kitchen? Those looking for more affordable yet high-quality alternatives can turn to MDF. Contemporary kitchens and those who love to DIY and customize will also benefit from MDF cabinets.
Plywood Cabinets
Plywood is made from multiple thin layers or plies of wood that are bound together by a combination of glue, heat, and pressure. The adjacent layers are rotated so that the grains are facing alternate directions. This technique, called cross-graining, enhances the material’s strength in all directions. Moreover, it helps prevent shrinkage and expansion, minimizes splitting of the layers (when nailed at the edges), and reduces warping.
Many cabinet makers consider plywood excellent material. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, plywood is also moisture-resistant, light but sturdy, flexible, and easy to install. In case the cabinets get damaged, plywood is also quite easy to repair through DIY methods. Finally, plywood is also much less expensive compared to even the most affordable hardwood.
Do remember that making plywood cabinets is all about choosing the right thickness. You’d want to use a thicker material on drawer bottoms, for example, or you risk it cracking or splitting if you put heavier items in it. Your kitchen cabinet maker likely already knows this, of course, but just make sure that you tell them what you need so they use the correct types of material. Also, ask where they source their plywood. Note that some lower-quality products may have gaps between the individual plies.
Are our plywood cabinets right for your kitchen? Plywood is ideal if you’re working with a stricter budget but don’t want to compromise on quality. You may also want to consider plywood if you’re making your own cabinets since it’s an easy material to work with.
Particleboard Cabinets
Particleboard is often compared to plywood. Also called low-density fibreboard (LDF) or chipboard, particleboard is engineered from various recycled wood products like wood chips, sawdust, and wood shavings. These materials are glued together, then pressed and extruded to create sheets. As a final touch, particleboard is laminated or given a wood veneer for a better-looking appearance (as plain particleboard can be, well, plain-looking).
The primary advantage of using particleboard for kitchen cabinets is that because it’s made from scrap materials, it’s very cheap. It’s also very lightweight. However, particleboard also tends to be on the lower end of the durability scale, especially when subjected to tension. Moreover, the material is prone to moisture damage and is not built to withstand sagging. Nonetheless, you can still find high-quality particleboards that are quite sturdy. Ask your kitchen cabinet maker to help you find the best ones.
Are particleboard cabinets right for your kitchen? If your kitchen doesn’t see too much action and you don’t have any heavy equipment, particleboard cabinets and shelves will more than suffice.
Stainless Steel Cabinets
Finally, there’s stainless steel. Not many households opt for this material for kitchen cabinets. In fact, these are often seen only in industrial, professional-level kitchens. Nonetheless, stainless steel is an ideal material in the kitchen, both for cabinets and general usages like shelving and racks. It’s durable, doesn’t expand or contract, and resistant to most kinds of damage. Stainless steel can be difficult to clean, however, but it’s very hardy so it can withstand a lot of scrubbing and even harsh chemicals. This makes sterilizing a breeze. Nonetheless, you should also note that stainless steel cabinets tend to be expensive, sometimes costing even more than hardwood.
Are stainless cabinets right for your kitchen? Do you consider yourself a chef in your own right? Do you often cook, not just for yourself but also for your family and friends? If you do, then stainless steel kitchen cabinets are perfect for you.
Many of these materials, except perhaps for stainless steel, can be customized and combined with plenty of other materials, so the style isn’t the biggest issue. Therefore, in the end, choosing the right kitchen cabinet materials all boils down to two primary considerations: your budget and how often you’re going to use your kitchen. When you focus on these two, the decision will become simpler.
Contact kitchens now for quality flat pack kitchens
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Trying to keep the tile floor clean is like a never-ending chore. It becomes more of a serious headache when you have to use regular household cleaning tools. That's why I have concluded that I need to upgrade my whole procedure After getting major injuries in my knees and elbows. But what can I do to reduce the stress? First thing I did was Replacing the old ineffective brush by an advanced floor cleaning machine.
The decision has changed the cleaning routine forever. So if you are like me and looking for buying the best steam cleaner for tile and grout, here are some tips to effectively compare tile floor cleaning machines when purchasing.
1. Adjustable temperature levels:
The importance of having an adjustable temperature level cannot be stressed enough. Using a steam cleaner is excellent for sterilizing and deodorizing the floor. The kitchen floor mostly has stains, dirt, and odor. If you clean the tiles with a machine that can boil water up to 356 degrees then the floor will become sparkly clean.
But what if you cannot afford that?
Well then go for the 310-degree machine. Machines with a higher level of temperature are costly. Sometimes we tend to clean the floor with using too much steam. You can clean faster with more steam, but it leaves a nasty watermark on the tile. So do not go overboard with steam.
2. Pick a machine with a stainless steel boiler:
We all learn from the mistake. I learned the hard way. Cleaning machine that has plastic boilers will distort immediately after the second or third use. The cleaning machine may be cheap but if it deteriorates quickly the whole money is wasted.
So looking for a machine that has a stainless steel boiler is going to be a wiser decision. Floor cleaning machine that has steel boiler is usually the best steam cleaner for floor tile and grout. Plastic boiler machines are cheapies that are not worth any penny. Also, go for boilers that can take 3 to 4 ounces of water. Steam cleaners use little water to produce the steam that you use.
3. Look for a portable cleaning machine:
If you have a big house then cleaning is already a quite burden. If you are getting a cleaning machine to ease your job, sadly it will not help if it's too heavy. A versatile and portable cleaning machine is all you need. If the machine is easy to maneuver, it will make your task easier to clean tiles of the bathroom and kitchen.
4. Vacuum extraction:
Our kitchen has spills, bits and pieces of food and what not. Steam cleaners do clean the house, but it does not suck up the dirt. They are good at cleaning the surface, removing tough stains but not good at all for sucking out dirt. Some particular brands have vacuum extraction option with them. It will ease your cleaning job and cut the time into half. For cleaning with it, first, vacuum the whole area and then go for your steam cleaning machine.
5. Durability:
Expecting a couple of years’ service is not too much to ask when you are spending that much money. So look for machines that metal wand and plastic body that are sturdy.
There are some things to follow to take care of the machine like using distilled water for steaming and avoid putting pressure on some little parts. Also, keep in mind that cleaning machines are not like your regular traditional cleaning tool. It has a mechanism behind it and costs a lot of money. So make sure it last enough from checking some Best Vacuum for Tile Floors reviews as well.
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