Author: Flenn Hall

How to Perform Air Conditioning Repair

On January 20, 2023

There are a number of ways to perform air conditioning repairs on your unit. Some of them include inspections, refrigerant recycling, and duct leakage. All of these can help you to increase the lifespan of your unit.

It is important to schedule regular inspections to keep your HVAC system in good shape. An annual checkup can help you prevent problems and catch them before they become expensive to repair. Also, it can save you money on energy bills and improve your air quality. A home inspector can give you a detailed overview of your HVAC system. The technician will check your air conditioning unit’s age, size, and condition. Air Conditioning Repair Kansas City will also inspect for potential upgrades and problems.

If you still need to inspect your air conditioning system, it’s great to get it checked out before summer arrives. Not only will this help keep it in tip-top shape, but it will also prevent unexpected breakdowns.

If you own an air conditioner, you know that the heat can be brutal in the summer months, but that’s not the only thing that can go wrong. You need to make sure you keep your unit in tip top shape, or you could be faced with a cold winter. A broken condensate pump can be the harbinger of doom. That’s why it’s important to do a little maintenance planning to keep your air conditioning running at its best.

In addition to keeping your unit in good shape, you should also inspect it for signs of damage. It’s a good idea to perform a full service on your air conditioner at least once a year, preferably twice. This can help you spot problems early on, which can save you money in the long run.

If you’re in the market for air conditioning repair, it’s important to check your ductwork. Duct leaks can cause a host of problems, including dust, excess humidity, and unhealthy levels of indoor air quality. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to spot air duct leaks before they get out of control.

If you’re unsure if your ducts are leaking, you can perform a visual inspection. You can check for holes, loose connections, or insulation that’s been moved. Once you know where the problem is, you can work on fixing it. However, if you think it’s too big to fix on your own, you can call an HVAC professional.

If you have an AC unit at home, there is a good chance that you have a tripped breaker. While this is not a problem you want to have to deal with on a daily basis, there is no reason you cannot remedy the situation. First, you’ll need to identify the cause of the tripped breaker. For example, you may have an old or malfunctioning breaker. A qualified technician can determine if the tripped breaker is due to a broken breaker or a faulty component of your AC system. Next, you’ll need to determine the most important step in repairing your AC. In some cases, it will be necessary to replace the compressor. This can be costly and without a warranty.

Recycled refrigerant for air conditioning repair is an option to dispose of unused refrigerants. When this option is chosen, a service shop will send the used refrigerant to a specialized company. Then, the refrigerant is processed and regenerated. It is then re-used or sold in the market.

In order to ensure the quality of recycled refrigerants, a purification process must be carried out on site. This process will remove the impurities and other contaminants from the refrigerant. Once the refrigerant has been regenerated, it will perform the same as virgin refrigerant. The refrigerant recycling process is a complicated and risky procedure. It involves sending the refrigerant through various processes, including filtration and distillation.

The network infrastructure device provides the means to control and monitor end devices. Modern HVAC control systems typically use CAT-5/6 Ethernet and RS-485 twisted pair cables to transmit messages from a head-end to field devices. These devices include sensors for measuring a variable value, relay switches that open and close circuits, and actuators that convert energy into mechanical force. Each device in the HVAC control system has an input and output cable.

Regular HVAC system maintenance will help avoid costly repairs and malfunctions. Running equipment until it breaks down will cost ten times as much as a regular maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance also improves the air quality in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollution levels are two to three times higher than outdoor air. It is, therefore vital to regularly maintain your HVAC unit.

AC Duct Cleaning – Things You Can Do Yourself to Ensure a Cleaner Home

By Flenn Hall

On July 15, 2022

In Duct Cleaning

Before you hire an AC Duct Cleaning company, there are a few things you can do yourself to ensure a quality job. You should inspect your ducts for fine dust and discoloration. If you can, remove the cover on your ducts and wipe them inside with a damp rag. If you see excessive dust, call Air Duct Cleaning Charlotte. Otherwise, the dust and discoloration can become dangerous and lead to health problems.

When you begin the cleaning process, use heavy-duty gloves and a mask to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and dust. A vacuum cleaner is a great tool for cleaning ducts, especially those with a long hose. You can also use a power drill to remove screws. A stiff-bristled paintbrush or toilet brush can also be used to clean surfaces. A quality furnace filter is also a must.

After the cleaning, HVAC professionals apply biocides to kill microorganisms. Some will also use sealants to keep particles contained and prevent air leaks. After the cleaning, your air ducts will have a cleaner, healthier air quality. If you’re concerned about odors and dust mites, you should consider hiring an AC Duct Cleaning service. You’ll be glad you did when the air quality in your home improves!

Another important thing to do is to clean the vents of your HVAC system. Animal fur and dander can easily get trapped in the HVAC vents. These can harbor living germs and fungus. Additionally, dander and fur from pets can interfere with the efficiency of the system. Furthermore, if the ducts are full of hair, dust and debris will make the air flow difficult and slow down. Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent this from happening to your HVAC system.

While dusting is not a fun task, it’s necessary. Dust will remain inside the air ducts until the cleaning is complete. Dusting supplies should be stored far away from the area you’re dusting. If you notice that your ductwork is filled with dust, you need to call an AC Duct Cleaning company right away. It’s the only way to ensure a dust-free home. When you hire an AC Duct Cleaning company, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are taking care of your HVAC system.

Air conditioning costs should be consistent year-round. If your bill is higher than normal, this might be due to your dirty ductwork. Dirty ducts make your HVAC system work harder, increasing your utility bills. Aside from air quality, a clean system will make your home safer to live in. So call a professional today to learn more about the benefits of AC Duct Cleaning. It’s worth the investment!

A typical six-room home accumulates about 40 pounds of dust per year. One ounce of dust contains as many as 40,000 allergens. Dust “bunnies” can be a breeding ground for mold, fungi, and other unwanted irritants. The EPA has even classified indoor air pollution as one of the five most significant risks to public health. In fact, millions of airborne particles and debris live inside air ducts in your home.

Once you’ve identified the supply register, you can begin cleaning the rest of the ductwork. A vacuum cleaner is helpful in this process, but remember to cover the supply register before cleaning. In addition, a power drill is handy in opening the duct covers. Then, wipe down the inside of the duct with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse the damp cloth several times to remove any remaining dirt and debris.

After selecting the right AC Duct Cleaning company, schedule your appointment with the company online or by phone. Most AC duct cleaning companies provide online scheduling, but you may have to call to arrange a time and date that’s convenient for you. In addition, you can often schedule a consultation with a professional to get an accurate quote. Having an AC Duct Cleaning company perform your duct cleaning will help you stay healthy and comfortable in your home.

Professionals offer the best air duct cleaning service, and their quote process breaks down the cost into affordable, reasonable amounts. They also offer a wide range of cleaning services for your HVAC equipment and air ducts. It has a network of 1,900 locations in the states. The service is available around the clock, and most technicians are available seven days a week.

How to Build Better Prospecting Lists

By Flenn Hall

On November 11, 2021

In Productivity Software

There are many ways to build better prospecting lists. First, the use of telesales scripts to automate prospecting. Scripts described above can be very effective, but you cannot grow your business by only using them. The real growth potential comes when you combine script-based prospecting with a quality sales navigator and an autoresponder. Second, salespeople can generate more business just by getting out and talking to more people! Here are three reasons why this is possible. Learn more about building better prospecting lists at https://www.gonzy.com/.

Using sales scripts to automate the prospecting process removes the human element from the sales process. Of course, it is impossible to remove human interaction from the sales process altogether. However, salespeople who have complete control over the process of prospecting are infinitely more productive than those who are forced to deal with prospects in an unpredictable environment.

Scripts used for prospecting calls can build better prospecting lists in other ways. For example, salespersons who have complete control over their prospects’ contact information love to ask questions about things like income and credit history. They want to know these things to better judge the financial risk/reward ratio of a prospective client. And finally, salespeople who can manage their prospects’ contact information love to hear from clients where they stand today regarding income, equity, debt ratio, etc. This information gives them a head start on negotiating a good sales contract.

Finally, using a sales navigator and an autoresponder gives salespeople a single, easy-to-operate interface to manage all of their contacts. When prospects’ information is captured and placed in the appropriate accounts, the sales team is immediately notified. This means that there are no lead-elimination steps to take or any time-consuming prospecting process to duplicate. A salesperson doesn’t need to spend valuable time with each prospect individually anymore.

All of this automatically increases sales productivity, which in turn increases the company’s bottom line income. The only question now is how do you capture your prospects’ information and use it to build your sales gravy train? This is quickly done using what is called the sales funnel.

This is where a course may be the most critical tool in your sales team arsenal. The course can help you capture your prospects’ names and information so that you can follow up with them at any time. Also, this kind, of course, may help you eliminate costly “noise” that comes from prospecting efforts gone bad, such as false leads, unresponsive customers, un-returned phone calls, unauthorized credit card charges, and so forth.

In addition, prospects don’t want to feel like they are being sold to. They want a personal relationship with a professional. This is why salespeople should know how to identify their potential prospects’ needs and desires before they even speak to them. This is not difficult, but it does take some knowledge and practice. Fortunately, many good prospecting techniques can significantly improve your prospecting skills and cut down on the number of prospecting calls and letters you have to send out.

Salespeople who learn how to build their prospecting lists will save their company money because they won’t outsource their prospecting activities. You can also use your prospecting skills to sell your own products or services in your own business. That’s another great thing about the chrome extension: It allows you to make sales from anywhere. If you want to start selling, all you have to do is install the Chrome extension.

4 Reasons Why You Might Need AC Repairs

By Flenn Hall

On July 8, 2021

Your air conditioning unit has a big job: keeping you, your family, and especially your visitors relaxed and comfortable inside. However, when an air conditioning unit breaks down, it’s as frustrating as it can be costly. It may seem like a significant expense at the time, but it doesn’t have to be. You can get your air conditioning repaired quickly and easily by calling an air conditioning professional in your area.

Air conditioners can break down for many different reasons. Some typical AC repair includes refrigeration units that malfunction or run no longer than they should condenser leaks and motor problems. When calling in an air conditioning professional, they can inspect your air conditioning and make sure it’s functioning correctly. They’ll also evaluate your AC and let you know if it needs to be replaced or repaired.

If you have an air conditioning repair on hand, you won’t have to wait around very long. The technician will come to your home or office, perform the needed work, and make you aware of whether or not your unit is going to need another repair job immediately. He may even suggest an AC repair specialist for your home or business so you don’t have to pay to have it done.

One common reason that air conditioners break down is because of faulty or broken parts. This could include motors, compressors, fan belts, evaporators, and more. In most cases, all of these parts can be taken care of by professionals, which means that your AC repair will be quick and easy. If your AC is noisy, the noises are usually caused by the evaporator coils. If your AC repair needs to be carried out because the fan belt needs replacing, you’ll be glad to know that the professionals who do the job can replace both parts in one visit, allowing you to be back at work or running your errands in no time.

In order to determine if an AC repair is needed, you should get an estimate from the professional. Since most AC repairs aren’t usually covered by homeowners’ insurance, you’ll need to shell out some money upfront to make sure that the job is done properly. Even if your AC repair needs to be covered by emergency insurance, you can still count on a more affordable estimate when you get a professional air conditioning repair technician to come out and give you an estimate on the cost of the repair.

Another reason that your air conditioner may be breaking down is because it isn’t working as well as it should. This can include a clogged air filter, dry air in the vents, and a problem with the condenser. A repair expert can check each one of these problems with ease to determine what’s wrong and give you advice on how to fix it. If your AC is broken down because the heater isn’t working anymore, for example, and you don’t have money for a repair person to come out and fix your AC, you can call around to several companies and ask them about a heater replacement program. This will allow you to quickly get the heat back into your home while you wait for a professional air conditioner repair team to come out and fix the issue.

If your air conditioner is broken down specifically because of a problem with the refrigerant, you may need to have it checked out as soon as possible. The refrigerant is used to keep cool air inside your house at a certain temperature. As the refrigerator is emptied or as the new unit is installed, there is a possibility that the refrigerant could leak. If this happens, you’ll need a new AC to prevent any serious damage to your home. A repair company can check the refrigerant to ensure that it’s leaking and replace the unit for you. In some cases, the leak might be so small that the refrigerant won’t leak at all, but if it’s large enough that the unit is jeopardizing your home’s structural integrity, you’ll have to get a brand new unit installed.

As you can see, there are a lot of different reasons why AC repairs might be necessary. If you’re wondering whether or not you should hire an HVAC technician to come out and look at your AC in order to determine what needs to be done, you should know that a qualified HVAC technician can identify many common issues with your AC and provide you with valuable advice. If you want to save some money when it comes to air conditioning repairs, you should make sure to let your local air conditioning company know when it comes time to have your AC repaired. By doing this, you can prevent your AC from needing expensive repairs in the future.

What Type of Pine Needle Rake Should I Purchase?

By Flenn Hall

On April 27, 2021

In Rakes

Pine needle rakes are made to reach high branches and tree trunks to pull away large amounts of debris. They come in different sizes to accommodate different branches and sizes of trees. The most commonly used type of pine needle rake is the 6-foot pine needle rake. It can fit through holes up to six feet. The larger the tree, the larger the needle that will be needed. The pine needle can reach up to ten feet in length.

Most needle rakes have four adjustable tines, which allows you to choose the exact diameter of the blades. The two-needle styles have a single blade and three needles. The larger variety of pine needle rakes can be utilized in smaller raking machines. These types are ideal for use in smaller areas or residential yards. If a large tree or large mound of debris needs to be removed, this rake style would be better suited to the task.

Before purchasing a pine needle rake, it’s important to understand how they work. A wood mulching machine utilizes the wood scrap and needles to make a thick pile of straw. The thickness of the straw depends on the volume of material to be moved. The best way to estimate the amount of wood to be moved is by using an overhead crane. With the help of the crane, the operator can estimate how many needles to be inserted into the hopper.

Unlike a standard garden rake or lawnmower, the pine needle rake requires no tools to operate. They are powered by the operator using a strap attached to a rope. The operator holds the rope and swings it back and forth in a motion similar to that of a lawnmower.

It’s important to note that the Pine Needle Rake is designed for larger areas. This means that they are not best suited for light yard work. They can, however, be used for digging up roots within 1,000 miles of its farthest location. This is ideal for people who have to clear away huge amounts of refuse from their land or people who live in areas where they have to clear away massive amounts of pine needles, which build up over time. You will need to invest in a rope to pull this type of rake in, which can cost quite a bit.

Another popular option is to purchase an aluminum head rake. These aluminum heads are more powerful than their steel counterparts and can easily shred any type of material with ease. These are, however, typically not as effective for pine needles. An aluminum head pine needle rake is best suited for people who have more severe yard work projects. For minimal yard work, a flexrake is likely the best option.

The last type of pine needles rake is the flexrake. These are not the most powerful type of rakes, but they are most effective for what you are trying to do. These rakes come with various handles, some made from metal and some made from wood. A flexrake is best suited for people who need to clear large amounts of pine needles. It’s also best for people who own larger properties that require the use of a bigger machine.

These tools can be purchased from many different home improvement stores and some internet retailers. If you are going to use your pine needle rake for tree removal purposes, it’s best to make sure that you buy one with the best tines for the job. There are several different brands of tines available on the market today, so you will be able to find one to suit your needs.

Why You Should Hire a Professional to Repair or Restore Your Property

By Flenn Hall

On March 13, 2021

In Blog

Restoration is a good word to use when we talk about restoring something. It simply means “restoration”, but on an artistic or cosmetic level. When you want something back to the way it was originally, or you just want it to have a few small changes, you are looking at restoration repair with professional contractors. Most people refer to this when they talk about getting their teeth whitened, having their wrinkles removed, and putting an old photograph back into good condition. These changes are called restorations. They can be anything from something as small as getting rid of a scar to something as large as having a complete room overhauled and completely redone.

If you have something in your home that needs a little bit of TLC, and you are not exactly a handyman type of person, you might want to consider hiring someone to get the restoration repair completed. If you are a reasonably good homeowner, you should have no problem coming up with a decent estimate for doing the work yourself. Of course, if you are just looking to do a minor restoration on something in your home, then you may want to hire a contractor to come in and do the work for you.

Most of the time, these restoration services are pretty inexpensive. Sometimes, depending on what work has to be done, they can even be less than you would spend hiring a professional to do the job for you. This all depends on how much time and effort you are willing to put into the restoration process, which will determine how much restoration work you are willing to do.

Most of the time, these restoration services will begin by removing anything that is visible. Once they have done that, they will start to assess the damage. In some cases, they may decide to start rebuilding the piece of furniture or other item first, before they start doing the overall restorations. Then they will give you an estimate for the whole project. You can then decide whether you need to proceed with that particular restoration or not.

Restoration work can be done in your home as well. There are companies that specialize in repairing homes. However, if you have a historic home, then you might want to hire a local restoration company. There are many local restoration services that focus on historical homes. You may want to hire one of these companies to take care of your home.

A lot of people are not sure about hiring a restoration service because they think it will cost them too much money. Restoring your home to its original condition is not always cheap, so it is understandable if people wonder if they should hire restoration services to do it. However, there are several benefits to hiring one of these companies. The most important benefit is that they will do a more thorough job. They will also know the right things to do to make your home look great.

Another benefit of hiring a restoration company is that they will be experienced at what they do. They will know what methods work best for restoring your property to the original look. They will use high-quality materials and techniques to make your home look as good as new. Since they are experienced, they will be able to prevent any future problems with your home. So, by hiring them, you will be guaranteed to have a properly restored house.

A lot of people do not realize that hiring professionals can help to save them money. By hiring professionals, you will be able to get your restoration done faster. They have more experience at performing this type of work, and they know what works best. The result will be a house that looks great and functions properly. If you are worried about hiring restoration services, you should call around to different companies to determine which one has the best reputation.

How To Remove Spray Paint From Concrete

By Flenn Hall

On September 19, 2020

In Blog

Unwanted spray paint in your concrete is not attractive to the overall look of your building or home. It may appear like a stain or dirt in which could mess up the quality of your concrete finish. Spray paint happens when the finishing coat is not complete, or there’s no finishing mask applied in the first place. It could also be a faded design in a paint project or simply an unwanted drift from a paint job. Regardless of the cause, removing such stain is quite time-consuming and laborious. It could be easy if the spray paint is still fresh, but more often than not, it is not since spray paints dry up quickly.

You can use basic soap and water to scrub the paint off, but in some cases, you will need chemicals to do the job for you. This article will show you how to successfully remove paint stains from your concrete.

Method 1: Clean Using Soap and Water

Using the materials that you can easily access at home – soap, water, and hard bristle brush scrub off the paint stain carefully but rigorously. This method is recommended if the stain is just small or light. It also won’t harm giving this a try first before resorting to other chemical solutions. This is a non- toxic, safest, and most economical solution for removing paint spray from the concrete. However, this method uses the mildest solution therefore, it may take more work to remove the paint, and it may not remove everything. Since the concrete is porous and highly absorbent, once the paint dries up, it will be difficult for it to come off with just soap and water. But it’s always worth a try since this method is simple and free. You may need to apply and scrub several times.

Adding some vinegar to your cleaning solution is also recommended since it is proven to clean a variety of surfaces. But be careful using vinegar in sealed concrete areas, because the acid from it could strip the seal coating. It’s better to test the vinegar first in a small spot to see how it reacts to specific paint stains before fully diluting the entire area on it.

Materials Needed:

Buckets of water
Mild soap or detergent
Garden hose (for outdoors)
Stiff bristled brush
Mop and bucket (for indoors)
Protective gears like goggles, gloves, respirator and safety glasses)
Warm water
Versatile, absorbent paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Wear your protective gear before working.
Clean the area to remove any dust or dirt.
Prepare your cleaning agent. Pour warm water to two separate buckets then add some dish soap or detergent on the other one.
Wet the stained spot with warm water.
Apply the detergent solution using a brush. Scrub it using a circular movement.
Damp the spot with a clean paper towel.
Rinse with fresh water. You can use a garden hose if you’re outdoors.
Just keep on repeating the process until the stain is removed.

Method 2: Use Any of the Following Removers – Aerosol, Trigger Sprayers, or Liquid Solutions.

If soap and water don’t work, you can use any graffiti remover. A graffiti remover has special ingredients that seep into surfaces and loosen the paint. They come in various forms – trigger sprayers, wipes, aerosol cans, pastes, liquid solutions, and sponges. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to find the most suitable for your needs.

Generally, graffiti removers are inexpensive although they involve chemicals it’s not as strong as TSP or paint thinner. Every product or brand varies in strength, and some removers may not require you to scrub the stained area. Just blotting or wiping with a cloth or towel will be enough to remove the dirt. Bit since this remover is loaded with chemicals that require it to sit in for several minutes to a few hours for it to work, this could be time-consuming.

If you’re any graffiti remover, take into consideration that if you apply it on a vertical surface, it will tend to drip down. Use a painter’s tape or plastic drop cloths to protect the bottom surface.

Materials Needed:

Water bucket
Warm water
Scrub brush
Graffiti remover
Mop and bucket (for indoors)
Garden hose (for outdoors)
Paper towels or disposable cloths
Protective gears

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Wear your protective gear before working.
Clean the spot to remove any dust or dirt.
Pour warm water into the empty bucket.
Read the manufacturer’s instruction on the graffiti remover and apply it accordingly.
Let it sit for a few minutes,m depending on the severity of the stain.
Using a brush, scrub it in gently in circular movements.
Wipe the spot with a disposable cloth or paper towel.
Wash it with clean, warm water. You can run the garden hose if you’re outside.
Repeat this process until the paint is removed.

Method 3: Apply Paint Thinner, Stripper, or TSP.

Paint thinner and strippers, from the terms itself, are used to penetrate and loosen off thin paint on different surfaces like concrete. These are forms of solvents that can dissolve substances like paint. Paint thinner is a kind of solvent, similar to other types, which can remove paint-like stains like xylene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetone, turpentine, naphtha, and denatured alcohol. On the other hand, paint strippers are also known to remove paint stains although the formulation is different from the thinner.

Lastly, TSP or trisodium phosphate works like a paint stripper. It comes in both powder and liquid form.

Using these materials won’t break your bank. They are relatively affordable and available to your local hardware stores. However, solvents are flammable, so better keep them away from any heat sources or candles. They can also burn skin upon contact. Thus, wearing protective gear like thick gloves is inevitable. TSP, on the other hand, comes with non-caustic (won’t burn skin) options if you want to avoid skin injuries.

Materials Needed:

Paint thinner or stripper or TSP
Clean, disposable cloth
Protective gears
Stiff brush
1- gallon bucket
5-gallon bucket
Warm water
Garden hose (for outdoors)
Mop (for indoors)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Thinner or Stripper:

Wear your protective gear before working.
Clean the specific spot to remove any dust or dirt.
Carefully apply the thinner or stripper to the stained spot. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
Using a clean, disposable cloth, wipe the spot after application.
Keep on applying and wiping until the last residue of the stain is gone.

Step-by-Step Instructions for TSP:

Wear your protective gear before working.
Clean the specific spot to remove any dust or dirt.
Read the instructions on the product label and follow the directions for diluting TSP in warm water.
Using a brush, apply the TSP solution to the stained spot. You can also scrub it and let it work for 20 minutes before totally scrubbing.
Rinse the area with warm water.
Keep on repeating the process until the stain is fully removed.
Clean the work area.

There are other ways to remove the spray paint on your concrete. Some may resort to using a power washer, sandblaster, and angle grinder. But the methods enumerated above are ideal for paint sprays as they could easily come off using lighter substances.

How to Stucco a Block Wall

By Flenn Hall

On September 17, 2020

In Blog

Concrete block wall and Portland cement-based plaster or stucco are very complementary since they are both made from the same primary ingredients. Therefore, if properly done, a concrete block wall can be a great base framework for the stucco.

A concrete block must have an open or rough texture to apply stucco. This opening or coarseness allows the stucco to interlock with the exterior of the concrete block providing a mechanical key bond.

A mechanical bond refers to the entanglement in space among multiple component parts. It means that there can be no separation without distorting or breaking chemical bonds between atoms.

Some concrete blocks have a smooth surface texture. This type of concrete block has an inadequate mechanical bond for the stucco to clutch. But if the suction bond can be developed, it can still be considered a great base framework for stucco installation.

A suction bond refers to the permanent bond created by the absorption of another agent’s element. For example, if you are laying bricks and those bricks, due to their porous characteristic, absorb water quickly. It is this suction that absorbs the mortar into a brick. Therefore, creating a permanent bond between them. Likewise, in the case of stucco and concrete block wall, suction bond refers to the absorption of water and Portland cement from the mortar into the surface of the block. This occurrence caused a bonding effect at the interface of the stucco and the block wall.

In a block wall that is to receive the stucco, the intersections are cut flush with the block. In order to prevent the reduction of mechanical keying needed for a good bond, sponging or floating of mortar joints is considered a prohibited practice. As defined in ACI 530 Chapter 3, the walls must be aligned properly to ward off large variations in stucco thickness and plane tolerances. The should be tidy and free from any form oil, efflorescence, mortar drippings, loose block, roof tar, etc. The wall must be checked for suitability before plastering. You should address cracks or voids in the mortar joints before applying the stucco.

The Bond

Before applying the scratch coat, determine the bond sufficiency. You should not process if the bond is questionable. You may consider the other options available:

Dash‐Bond Coat – this provides a mechanical bond for succeeding plaster. It is composed of a thick slurry of Portland cement and fine sands with enough water.

Bonding Agents – since there are several variations of this material in the market, it is important to identify the right bonding agent to be used. Some are integrally combined into the stucco mortar while some are surface applied to the block prior to the application of the scratch coat.

Metal Plaster Base Assembly – for this application, it is recommended to have a paper backed, self‐furring metal lath properly anchored to the wall. The reason for this is for the paper is to ensure that there is a uniform un-bonded condition and that the stucco is not sticking to the block which causes cracking.

Control Joints

One of the greatest benefits of using block for a base is that it just needs to be connected at the control joints in the base wall with the correctly bonded stucco.

If a metal plaster base is applied over a block wall, the same thing must be applied with frame construction.

Different Bases

Differences in the bases will cause the stucco to crack if walls where block construction adjoins another type of construction. As a precaution, it is recommended to have the control joint at the juncture of the block and frame walls. In this way, the crack will be hidden and pre-aligned.

The Mix

The stucco mix refers to the properties of the aggregates and materials available in each location. The most important characteristic of a stucco mix is its utility. Adhesiveness is important in order for it to stick on the trowel from the hawk to the wall. Plasticity is also important to make troweling easy. But above all, the mix should bond properly with the block.

A minimum of five minutes of mixing time after adding the final ingredient is sufficient to achieve a proper bond.

Coats and Thickness

For block wall construction, provisions for either a two‐coat or three‐coat application was contained in ASTM C 926, “Installation of Portland Cement-Based Plaster”.

Application

To ensure mechanical key and section bond, stucco should be applied with adequate pressure to push the material into the surface of the block. It’s not enough to just spread it on the wall. Also, in order to achieve the preferred thickness of the coat, sufficient substance should be applied. For the scratch coat, sufficient thickness is very important because it is prone to bond failure and “dry out”.

Curing

Curing is important in any stucco work. There are no definite codes and standards regarding proper curing. Generally, there must be “sufficient moisture and time between coats”. In most cases, moist curing like a fog mist applied several times a day for the first two or three days should be sufficient. It is not allowed for the stucco to dry out during this stage.

How to Stucco a Wall

By Flenn Hall

On August 14, 2020

In Blog

Enhancing the beauty of your home might be a priority for you. Since we stay at home and people sometimes come as guests, we surely want to give them a good impression. Because of that, stucco may appeal to you. It is popular since it is low maintenance, water-proof, long-lasting, and gives homes a timeless appeal. It will surely give your house a textured look that will make it stand up. You can use it in different materials like brick, wood, cement, and others. Here is a guide to help you with your stucco home projects.

Process

When you are applying stucco on wood, make sure to cover it with building paper and attach metal latches for structure support. You will apply three layers: scratch coat, brown coat, and finish or color coat.

You have to do your project on days with low wind and the right temperature (50F to 60F). Temperature will affect your work, like how it will quickly dry out if the weather is too hot. Do not continue it if you see that the weather forecast for several days is too hot or cold.

Preparation

For bricks and cement walls, you only need to fix cracks and thoroughly wash it. You also need to make sure that it is wet before applying the scratch coat. For plywood, you have to cover it with two layers of building paper, and attach them with staples or roofing nails. You also need trim accessories and galvanized lath or netting. Sometimes, you also need to apply some bonding agents, depending on the material.

Application

Make sure that you get the right consistency when mixing. For the scratch coat, mix 1 part cement material (with lime) and 2 1/4 to 4 parts plaster sand. If you are applying stucco to bricks or cement, you may skip this step. Directly apply it using a square trowel held at a 45-degree angle. Spread it evenly with 3/8-inch thickness. Keep the surface moist as it cures for 24 to 48 hours.

Mix 1 part cement (with lime) and 3 to 5 parts sand for the brown coat. Layer it to 3/8-inch thickness. Make sure to do a smooth surface, so fill gaps or voids. Let it dry for a while, then you may use a sponge masonry float to smooth the surface. Allow it to cure for 24 to 48 hours, keeping it moist as it does. For cement and bricks, the brown coat is the first coat. Evenly apply it until it reaches a 3/8-inch thickness.

For the final or color coat, you will need to mix 1 part cement and 1 1/2 to 3 parts sand. You may add a stucco colorant to give it a hue. Use techniques like knife swaths to achieve the texture you want. If you want to make sure that you will do a seamless job, you may use a texture roller. Make sure to dampen the surface as it cures, so you won’t have cracks on the surface.

Stucco is great for your home; it will surely help it look new and upgraded for several years to come.

Draft Landscape Supply – The Pros and Cons of Their Services

By Flenn Hall

On May 8, 2020

In Blog

As a customer of one of the most popular landscape supply sites, I have always found it to be an informative resource. However, I recently found myself wondering about the content that is published and whether or not I should continue to use them. Let’s take a look at their benefits and drawbacks.

The primary benefit of any online landscape supply website is that they allow customers to purchase items at discounted prices. That is the reason many turn to these sites when they are seeking ideas for their yard. They also enable you to save money on hard to find products. You will find that most of the products you find at these sites can be purchased through your local retailer.

One of the most common products they carry is a coffee table. It may be common but if you do not know how to assemble one then it can be rather challenging. This gives you an idea as to what to expect when you begin to assemble one.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect, it is a good idea to do some research on the different models of tables you might consider purchasing. If you plan on completing the project yourself then it is best to try to obtain one with a price tag as low as possible.

Now, let’s say you are not that handy and want to look into purchasing a coffee table. Of course, when you do this, you will have to make a decision about the type of material to use. If you choose a vinyl table, you might find it to be somewhat durable but it is also very susceptible to damage.

On the other hand, if you choose wood, you will have to invest in a patio umbrella to keep it protected from the elements. The problem with this is that it will cause the table to become dirty very quickly and will require frequent cleanings.

Even when choosing a material for your outdoor table, you have to consider the value of your patio as well. If you do not like having dirt, trash, and debris cluttering up your front yard, then you will need to invest in a material that will handle the mess you would expect.

These materials also come in a variety of styles and sizes. It is up to you to decide which design is going to work best for your needs. Once you have decided what style of table you want, you need to find out what type of surface it will need to be laid on.

A standard garden table that is on the ground level is going to work well but you could use it on the second level or in a higher spot. Of course, if you decide that you do not want a table on the ground level, it will make sense to purchase one with a foot or more of height to it.

Once you have the right type of table, you will also want to make sure that you have the right type of table legs. When considering this, you have to keep in mind that there are two types of legs.

The first type of legs is the wood ones that hang down from the legs and are used in lieu of a chair, and in some cases, even a table. They are strong and are built to withstand some heavy weights.

The second type of legs that you need to look for are those that are constructed to go up on a wall behind the outdoor table. They are not only stylish, but they also offer you the ability to raise the table so that you can sit in it and relax during the afternoon.