Popcorn ceilings are a well-known finish that resembles a bubble-like textured surface. They were trendy from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. This is why homeowners who have had difficulty removing carpet and green tiles in the kitchen now want stucco removal.
Steps to Remove Popcorn Ceilings
The most effective way to remove a textured popcorn ceiling is to use a large paint scraper. However, if you do not follow the correct procedure and do not know the nuances, you can end up with a huge mess.
Here are some practical tips that you can use to remove popcorn ceilings from your home:
Determine if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. If you built your home before 1980, there is a chance that your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. This is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems. To do this, buy a special test kit or hire a professional.
Gather the right tools. To remove a popcorn ceiling, you will need a scraper, an aerosol can, a ladder, and safety equipment (goggles, gloves, and a respirator).
Clear the space. Make sure the room is empty before removing a textured ceiling. Cover large items that you cannot take out with a heavy-duty tarp.
Disconnect ceiling lights. This will reduce the risk of accidental damage. Secure electrical wires with special wire nuts to prevent electric shock while working.
Protect electrical outlets and light fixtures. Cover them with plastic wrap and masking tape. This blockage will prevent water from entering the outlet and reduce the risk of short circuits.
Protect floors, doors, and windows. Cover all surfaces with a heavy tarpaulin mat and secure it with masking tape.
Wet the ceiling. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a few drops of detergent and spray the ceiling.
Scrape off the popcorn texture. You can use a wide putty knife for this. Use smooth, even movements to remove the material effectively. You can add more water to make the process easier. Wait 24 hours for the ceiling to dry before moving on to the next step.
Apply a sanding coat and sand. This will help you fill in any gaps and provide a smooth surface. Let the mixture dry, and then sand again to remove uneven areas.
After this, you can prime and paint the ceiling as desired.
Finally, you can remove the mat, put the lamps and fans back, remove the socket covers, and arrange the furniture.
Removing the popcorn ceiling is quite problematic. This process requires special tools and skills. The main problem with removing popcorn texture is the colossal mess it creates. Only professionals can remove popcorn ceilings without dust and dirt. If you’re intimidated by cleaning or need more time, hiring professionals is a great way to solve the problem.
How to simplify the process of removing popcorn ceilings?
If you want to simplify removing popcorn ceiling as much as possible, use the services of professionals from Renovated-Home. Experienced craftsmen will help transform your home into the place of your dreams. Renovated-Home craftsmen use leading technologies to remove textured ceilings. The surface is removed without dust and mess.
The Renovated-Home team works in Toronto and provides the highest professional services. Сraftsmens have extensive experience leveling ceilings, so you will not have to wait long. They will perfectly level the surface and clean up everything after themselves, leaving a clean space in your home.
If you have questions about the cost, request a consultation. Managers will contact you and calculate the cost of work individually, considering the area, ceiling height, and the presence of furniture. Get a free consultation right now. For the Silo, Kristina Rigina.
Research from acoustics scientist Dr. Floyd Toole indicates that bass quality accounts for about 30% of your system’s sound quality. So, I’ve experimented with target curves that raise the bass loudness relative to other frequencies and added bass traps to reduce its decay times to improve my system performance and satisfaction. My experiments are on top of already “perfectly time aligned” and EQ’d subs and main speakers via FIR convolution correction filters using Audiolense software. OmniMic software is used to measure decay times and frequency response. I’ll summarize my experience below.
Room Layout and Bass Trap Types
My living room layout (25′ x 11.25′ x 8′) is open on the left and right sides to a dining room and foyer and long hallway respectively. At the back of the room on the right side it’s open to a den. While these openings may act like bass traps allowing bass waves to escape before bouncing back with less energy, there is still much that can be done to improve the overall bass quality. I use 25 bass traps, most in the listening room but 4 in a foyer/hallway, and 1 very large DIY in the dining room and den. Six traps are “pressure” types that use a membrane to absorb bass, while the rest are “velocity” type traps that use insulation and friction to turn bass waves into heat. Typically, pressure bass traps work below about 100Hz while velocity traps work above it. Therefore, they are complimentary and both are needed when a system plays to the lowest bass notes. Pictures of my room and trap locations follow.
Front Wall Trap Placement
Picture 1 above shows large bass traps in each front wall corner extending upwards to the ceiling.
Left Side Wall Trap Placement
Picture 2 above shows black membrane traps on the floor against the wall (with boards atop) and a black velocity trap on its side on the far left. Additional traps are behind the couch.
Back Wall Trap Placement
Picture 3 above shows the back wall with alternating white RPG Skyline diffusion and GIK Monster Bass Traps with FlexRange elevated above and behind the couch, while more GIK traps sit behind the couch on the floor.
Bass Loudness
It’s worth noting my preferred target curve to boost the bass frequency loudness is as follows: 250Hz is XdB 125Hz is X+1dB 63Hz is X+3dB 30Hz is X+6dB This is a gentle almost logarithmic increase to partially-match our hearing’s “equal loudness curves.”
Bass Trap Positioning Affects Decay Times
If bass wavelengths are long and omni-directional, then traps can just be spread around the room I thought. Well, in my room, it turns out that placing traps in the adjoining rooms and hallway helps to reduce bass decay times but not by as much as when the traps are moved and placed closer to the mic or speaker positions. The membrane pressure bass traps for <100Hz were more effective when placed in a three-surface corner and in front of rigid concrete support walls where bass pressure is highest, and less effective in front of less rigid drywall etc. The insulation filled velocity bass traps for >100Hz were sensitive to air space depth behind them, and I was surprised to find some places where they made little effect – not every wall is equal. Trial and error and measurements helped find their best positions.
Calculating Decay Times
If your room is enclosed (and not open to the rest of the house), then one of the theoretical equations may work for you: Decay Time = 0.3 X [(Cubic Room Volume/3532)(1/3)] Divide your cubic room volume by 3532, then take the cubed root, and then multiply it by 0.3 which equals the average decay time based on room size.
However, if your room is an “open concept” or “great room” open to other rooms and hallways like mine, then the theoretical equation may not be best. I prefer to measure decay time in 1/3 octave intervals and take the average from 20-20khz and then add/subtract 15% to represent an upper/lower limit respectively. Each channel is measured separately to spot any anomalies and then their averages are combined as a single average decay metric.
Bass Ratio and “Warmth”
Perceived bass warmth is its loudness and decay times relative to mids/high frequencies and is a personal preference. Perceived bass warmth factors include: > frequency response (e.g. desired target curve to boost bass frequency loudness) > decay time (e.g. absorption amounts) > room acoustics (e.g. dimensions, materials, furnishings & acoustic treatments) > personal preferences (e.g. preferred musical genres)
Musical genres seem to influence how much bass warmth we enjoy. > Genres with More Bass Warmth: jazz, blues, R&B, soul, classical, reggae, folk > Genres with Less Bass Warmth: electronic dance, rock, metal, pop, hip-hop
In attempts to quantify perceived bass warmth, I borrowed the “Bass Ratio & Warmth” metric found in F. Alton Everest’s book “Master Handbook of Acoustics” used for large spaces like auditoriums and concert halls. It uses 2 bass octaves (centered at 125Hz and 250Hz) and compares it to the 2 midrange octaves above them (centered at 500hz and 1KHz). Because it’s based on a ratio, it should work for smaller domestic rooms also I recon. While large spaces use the RT60 metric for decay time, I prefer the T40 for domestic rooms. It’s calculated as: Bass Ratio & Warmth = [T40(125hz)+T40(250Hz)] / [T40(500hz)+T40(1khz)] = should be from 1.1 – 1.4
This means that the 2 bass octaves used in the formula have decay times 10% – 40% longer than the 2 midrange octaves (i.e. a 1.4 value is warmer than 1.1).
At one point I managed to get my bass ratio down to 1.2 which sounded a tad thin based on what I was used to hearing previously. To compensate, I boosted the sub’s volume a bit. Today’s ratio is 1.3 which sounds better to my ears likely because it is closer to how I’ve always had it but I no longer boost the sub’s volume. I might experiment with shifting the entire equation down one octave as I suspect my music with synthesized bass lines run deeper than an orchestra, so the calculation would be: Bass Ratio & Warmth = [T40(63hz)+T40(125Hz)] / [T40(250hz)+T40(500Hz)] = maybe 1.2 – 1.5?
If bass warmth is affected by relative loudness and decay times, then how do we combine them into a workable ‘model?’ One way is to recognize that I can get bass warmth under two opposing situations: (A) short bass decay times but louder bass frequencies, and (B) longer bass decay times but with attenuated bass frequencies.
The downside of (A) Short Bass Decay Time with Louder Bass Frequencies > thin sounding as if harmonics are missing > lacks a certain fullness > possible listening fatigue from having the bass volume turned higher
The downside of (B) Long Bass Decay Time with Attenuated Bass Frequencies > muddy or boomy sound where individual bass notes are not defined resulting in reduced clarity > less clear midrange > bass modes may be triggered for an unsmooth frequency response
And in between these two opposing situations is a continuum of possible situations that I attempt to show in Chart 1 below.
Tips
For starters, the subwoofers need to be perfectly time aligned with the main speakers as a minimum. Use measurement software and impulse responses or get equipment like miniDSP or with DIRAC or ARC capabilities. or Audiolense to generate FIR convolution files. If you only have analog sources then pull the subs ahead of the mains due to the sub’s group delay until they sound lockstep with the mains.
EQ bass peaks using FIR filters ideally or use DSP within JRiver/ROON or miniDSP, or graphic eqs as a last resort. Measurements are a must.
Install both types of bass traps to augment each other and extend the absorption down to 40Hz or lower. I’ve found that open concept rooms will naturally have lower high frequency decay times so you’ll likely need more bass traps to try and bring the bass decay times down and in line with the mids/highs compared to an enclosed room.
Take decay measurements as you move bass traps from one location scenario to another – it’s tedious work. Try and achieve different Bass Ratios to hear how different they sound and take notes so you can revisit your best sounding scenario. You want to strive for as flat a decay line through mids/highs with the bass about doubling the mids’ decay time. Aim for 200 – 500ms decay time with the high end for stereo and the low end for Home Theatre. Each speaker should have about the same decay times across the tested frequencies (i.e. little inter-speaker decay variance).
Try and preserve your mids/high decay times through reflections of hard surfaces like diffusion, or bass traps that have a membrane of sorts that reduce its absorbency of mid/high frequencies (e.g. GIK Monster with FlexRange). Air acts as a natural absorber from +2KHz, and so does an open concept room that doesn’t allow the highs to reflect back with much energy.
Experiment with different Target Curves that boost low bass frequency loudness.
Want Less Bass Boom/Warmth?
If you want less bass warmth then: (i) move the starting point of the bass loudness boost from 250Hz to 150Hz or 100Hz (ii) use a less steep target curve to reduce the amount of boost at the lowest frequencies (iii) move speakers away from walls that reinforce bass (iv) add bass traps to reduce decay times and modal ringing (v) move your listening chair (vi) EQ out bass peaks.
When assessing the perceived warmth of bass, consider frequency response loudness levels across bass and midrange frequencies and their decay times.
Chart 1 above shows how bass loudness and bass decay times can be combined to provide good bass quality from subtle to pronounced warmth. For the Silo, Kevin Fielding.
Kevin Fielding offers acoustic measurements services and serves the greater Toronto area in person and will consult remotely with people farther away. He is reachable at kevinfielding@hotmail.com
A dishwasher is an essential appliance in any modern kitchen. It saves time, water, and energy, making cleaning up after meals much easier. However, a new dishwasher can be expensive, and only some have the money to pay for one upfront. This article will explore some options for paying for a new dishwasher.
Assess Your Finances
Before you start shopping for a new dishwasher, it’s important to assess your finances. Determine how much you can afford to spend and create a budget. Look for areas where you can cut costs to save money. For example, consider cutting back on dining out or entertainment expenses. Use the money you save to put towards your new dishwasher.
Consider Financing Options
Financing is a popular option for purchasing a new dishwasher. Many appliance retailers offer financing plans with low monthly payments and no interest for a set period of time. However, comparing financing options and reading the fine print is important. Ensure you understand the interest rates and fees associated with the financing plan.
One other form of financing that you may consider if you live in Canada is a payday loan. Payday loans in Canada are short-term loans that are typically due on your next payday. They are a quick and easy way to get cash and do not require collateral. They are unsecured personal loans that you can use for your short-term needs.
Whatever option you choose, carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing plan.
Look into Rebates and Discounts
Many appliance manufacturers and retailers offer rebates and discounts for dishwashers. Look for promotions on the manufacturer’s website or in-store. These promotions can include cash-back offers, discounts, or free installation. Some utility companies also offer rebates for energy-efficient appliances. Take advantage of these offers to save money on your new dishwasher.
Consider DIY Installation
Installation fees for a new dishwasher can add up quickly. If you are handy with tools and have experience with plumbing and electrical work, consider installing the dishwasher yourself. DIY installation can save you hundreds of dollars. However, ensure you have the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to complete the job safely and correctly. If you need more clarification, hiring a professional to install the dishwasher is best.
Sell or Trade In Your Old Dishwasher
If you currently have a working dishwasher, consider selling it or trading it in for a discount on your new appliance. Selling a used dishwasher can offset the cost of a new one. Consider listing it for sale on local classifieds websites, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Make sure to clean and repair any damages before selling it. If your appliance retailer offers a trade-in program, take advantage of it. You can receive a discount on your new dishwasher by trading in your old one.
Purchasing a new dishwasher can be a significant expense, but there are several options for paying for it. Assess your finances and create a budget to determine how much you can afford to spend. Consider financing options, but make sure to read the fine print and understand the interest rates and fees. Look for rebates and discounts to save money on your new dishwasher. Finally, sell or trade in your old dishwasher to offset the cost of your new one. By using these tips, you can make a smart and informed decision when purchasing a new dishwasher.
Many people are unaware that they can repair some problems with their air conditioners. There are some times when you can avoid some expensive repairs.
Before calling a professional, you can troubleshoot your system first.
If it’s aggravating to discover that the problems you called a technician to fix are things you could have done yourself, Nevertheless, before booking an appointment with a technician, you can try out these DIY air conditioner repair tips outlined below:
Examine your breaker
If you discover that your air conditioning system is not coming on, then it means that your breaker could have tripped. Your breaker tripping may occur when you have other appliances connected to it. You can save money by performing this quick check instead of calling an air conditioning technician. You may contact GetPaydayloans for instant help if you need a technician to fix your air conditioning system if you are out of funds to pay a technician.
Check your thermostat
Another tip that can save you a lot of money is to examine your air conditioner’s thermostat. For instance, if the unit is battery-operated, it may just need a new battery. Also, you need to ensure that the thermostat is set for a temperature below that of the room.
Change filter
To keep your air conditioner in good shape, you must frequently change the filter. In fact, changing your filter regularly can reduce the need for constant repairs on your air conditioner. When the filter is dirty, it can cause many issues that will affect other parts of the air conditioning system.
Melt any ice
When an air conditioner is iced up, it will not cool. Simply melting the ice will get the system back to normal. However, before dissolving the ice, turn off the system and run the fan. The fan will heat the ice, and it will fall off. You can also turn the air conditioner off and gradually melt the ice.
Consistent cleaning
A lot of people need to pay more attention to their air conditioning systems. Even something as simple as cleaning the air conditioning system can reduce the need for a lot of repairs. You may not need to dismantle the air conditioner to clean the inside. Simply cleaning the fan blades and removing debris can increase the air conditioner’s lifespan. However, you need to be careful when cleaning the fan blades of the air conditioner. Nevertheless, ensure the air conditioner is turned off before cleaning it.
Check the condition of your ducts.
Checking your ducts is another way to reduce the possibility of spending money repairing your air conditioner. However, only some people feel comfortable climbing into the attic to check if the air is coming from them. But if you climb to the attic and notice the duct is dirty, you could clean it, so the air can flow incorrectly.
Conclusion
Following the cost of repairing an air conditioning system, you must take a small step to reduce your spending. Try out these tips, and you may be shocked that they may be why your air conditioner is not working.
Expanding foam is a versatile material that is commonly used in construction, DIY projects, and home repairs. It is a polymer foam that expands upon application and hardens to fill gaps, cracks, and voids. Expanding foam is useful for insulating walls, sealing leaks, and stabilizing structures. While it is readily available for purchase at hardware stores and home improvement centers, it is also possible to make expanding foam at home. Visit here to learn more.
Making expanding foam at home is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing premade foam. It also allows you to customize the foam to your specific needs and preferences. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of making expanding foam at home.
Step 1: Gather materials
To make expanding foam at home, you will need the following materials:
The ratio of ingredients needed to make expanding foam varies depending on the desired consistency and expansion rate. A common ratio is 2 parts polyurethane resin to 1 part isocyanate and a small amount of catalyst and foaming agent.
Measure out the ingredients using a mixing container or a measuring cup. It is important to be precise with the measurements to ensure that the foam expands and hardens properly.
Step 3: Mix the ingredients
Pour the polyurethane resin and isocyanate into the mixing container. Use the stirring stick to mix the ingredients together until they are fully combined.
Step 4: Add the catalyst and foaming agent
Once the polyurethane resin and isocyanate are fully combined, add a small amount of catalyst and foaming agent. The exact amount of catalyst and foaming agent needed will depend on the size of the batch and the desired expansion rate.
Step 5: Stir the mixture
Stir the mixture until the catalyst and foaming agent are fully incorporated. It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the foam expands and hardens properly.
Step 6: Pour the foam into the desired area
Pour the foam into the area where it is needed. The foam will begin to expand as soon as it comes into contact with the air. Use a tool, such as a spatula or putty knife, to shape the foam as desired.
Step 7: Allow the foam to harden
Allow the foam to harden completely before handling or using it. The drying time will depend on the size of the batch and the desired expansion rate.
Benefits Of Expanding Foam
Expanding foam is a versatile and widely used material in construction, DIY projects, and home repairs. It is a polymer foam that expands upon application and hardens to fill gaps, cracks, and voids. Expanding foam is useful for a variety of purposes, including insulation, sealing leaks, and stabilizing structures. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of expanding foam and how it can be used in a variety of applications.
Insulation: One of the primary benefits of expanding foam is its ability to insulate a space. When applied to walls, attics, or crawl spaces, expanding foam can help to keep a building or home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can save energy and reduce heating and cooling costs. Expanding foam is also effective at blocking drafts, which can further improve energy efficiency.
Sealing leaks: Expanding foam can be used to seal leaks around windows, doors, pipes, and other openings. It is an effective way to prevent water damage and improve the overall energy efficiency of a building or home.
Stabilizing structures: Expanding foam can be used to stabilize structures, such as foundations, roofs, and walls. It is often used in situations where traditional methods of repair are not feasible, such as when access to the damaged area is limited.
Filling gaps and cracks: Expanding foam is an excellent material for filling gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and other surfaces. It can be used to fill small gaps and cracks as well as larger voids.
Durability: Expanding foam is a durable material that can withstand a range of temperatures and weather conditions. It is resistant to water, moisture, and rot, making it an ideal choice for use in damp or humid environments.
Easy to use: Expanding foam is easy to apply and does not require any special tools or equipment. It can be applied using a simple nozzle or applicator and hardens quickly, making it convenient to use.
Customizable: Expanding foam can be customized to suit specific needs and preferences. The expansion rate and consistency of the foam can be adjusted by adjusting the ratio of ingredients used to make it. This allows for a wide range of applications and allows the foam to be tailored to specific requirements.
Versatility: Expanding foam can be used in a wide range of applications, including construction, home repairs, and DIY projects. It is an effective material for filling gaps and cracks, sealing leaks, insulating spaces, and stabilizing structures.
Conclusion:
Making expanding foam at home is a cost-effective and customizable alternative to purchasing premade foam. With the right materials and a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily make expanding foam at home. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide and you’ll be on your way to using your very own homemade expanding foam in no time.
The summer may be winding down, but there are still a few weeks left to keep that air conditioner pumping fresh, cool air throughout your home and before you receive a professional furnace check-up for the winter months ahead.
Just like a furnace, with regular upkeep and maintenance, your air conditioner will enjoy a long and healthy lifespan. Your HVAC system is an integral component to your home because it not only provides comfort, but it also supplies high-quality and clean air for you and your family to enjoy.
It takes a lot to keep an entire high rise cool during a heatwave. Your home a/c unit requires regular attention too.
Without proper care, the system can become dirty and clogged which prevents clean air from flowing through your house, and even worse, a neglected system can become dangerous because of old wiring and electrical circuits.
Your digital thermostat has gone blank or it has lost power
Water is leaking from your indoor unit (please note: attic units can leak and cause water stains on the ceiling)
Always work with a trusted and professional heating and cooling service provider who offers 24-hour emergency repair. Commercial or residence, it’s important to work with experienced technicians who can advise you with integrity and sincerity on the right solutions for your needs.
There are also a few things you can double-check before you jump to any serious conclusions.
Check the Temperature
Does it feel abnormally hot or humid in your house? Always be sure to set the thermostat to Air Conditioning Mode. If you notice that it is set to that, and it’s still muggy and hot in the house, it might be time to give your maintenance technician a call.
Often air conditioners can have trouble maintaining service if it’s hotter than 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit). However, most units should be able to maintain your home’s cool air within a couple of degrees of your setting. If it’s not working when it’s above 33 degrees, there might be a problem.
Check with your maintenance and installation provider if you think the temperature is hotter than it should be just in case something is broken so that you can go back to feeling comfortable and content.
Change the Filters
Dirty air filters can cause great damage to your AC unit. You’d be surprised at how much dust and debris air filters catch, and when they’re not cleaned or changed, the collected debris can clog things up and cause wear and tear on the system’s parts.
This prevents clean, cool air from flowing through. It also means that the AC unit will not live a long, healthy life because the extreme wear and tear of the dirty parts will cause it to breakdown faster than it should.
Take a look at your filters and investigate how clean they look. If you’re unsure how to locate the filters or how to do this, consult your trusted heating and cooling service provider to know exactly what to do. The best companies offer DIY tips so that you’ll be able to tackle any small problems yourself in the future.
Keep in mind to always switch off the unit’s power entirely before you attempt any maintenance or repair work.
Feel the Air in Your Home
If you’ve already checked the temperature and taken a look at your filters, check the air coming out of the supply vents.
If you have an outdoor unit, make sure it’s running and that the thermostat is in Air Conditioner Mode. You should feel cold air.
If you find that there is considerably less air than usual coming out of the vents, or if you find the air to be warm, it’s possible that there is an issue. If there is no air coming out of the outdoor unit’s vents at all, this could also be a problem.
In these cases, your evaporator coils may be iced over. Be sure to cut off the unit so that it can thaw before a technician arrives.
Pay Attention to any Noises
If you notice any squeaks, grinding, or grating sounds coming from your AC unit, chances are there are problems to be attended to.
These types of noises usually occur when a belt has slipped out of place, parts need lubrication, or the motor bearings have broken.
It’s critical that this is maintained right away because prolonged avoidance can result in additional and costly damage. It’s possible that you need a replacement unit or simply have repairs made.
Air conditioner repair is important because it keeps the quality of air in your home clean and safe.
Always remember to work with a trusted maintenance and installation company who offers round-the-clock emergency support, and one who you can trust! For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.
ICYMI: Poorly installed tile can cause serious health issues due to mold, and significantly decrease home values. Gregory Norman, founder of BathMasters, highlights the advantages of hiring a professional for tiling projects and encourages homeowners to resist cutting corners.
(Clearwater, FL) —The homeowner improvement and repair market reached $317 billion USD in 2017 alone and continued to hover around that mark right up to this year-even when factoring in Covid, (1) and the number of homeowners utilizing DIY and unlicensed contractors for renovations is also on the rise.
13% of all households undertook a bathroom remodel or replacement project in the past 5 years, and of those, 42% failed to use a licensed contractor.(2)
The risks associated with improper renovations—especially tiling—can not only slash a home’s value, but also prove hazardous for homeowners’ health, warns bathroom renovation company BathMasters.
When it comes to bathroom overhauls, homeowners are generally unprepared for surprises, such as mold or leaks that can be hiding inside walls and beneath floors.(3) Improper tiling performed by a homeowner or unlicensed contractor can inadvertently allow water to seep in, facilitating accumulation of mold spores and thereby causing serious damage to a homeowner’s house and personal health.(4) Per BathMasters founder, Greg Norman, statistics show that in all remodeling projects, tile showers are the number one botched renovation.
Norman says the room for error is vast; if the underside of the shower pan is not waterproofed, or the membrane going to the drain is improperly installed, costly leaks and mold can – and likely will – occur.
(3) And the risks are alarming: mold and water damage under shoddily-installed tiles can cause heightened asthma problems, skin rashes and even autoimmune diseases.(4) Per Norman, preserving health and the value of the home are invaluable to cutting corners on a renovation project.
“No home renovation project in the world is worth putting one’s health at risk,” said Norman. “Additionally, home renovations are intended to increase the value of a home; DIY projects or renovations done by unlicensed contractors run completely contrary to that.”
Although it may seem like homeowners can save money by not using a licensed contractor, even a small defect can significantly devalue a property. Most cities require homeowners to tear out walls, along with any ceramic wall tiles, if the renovation project wasn’t inspected by the city beforehand. Also, a home appraiser may not include a non permitted addition in the square footage for the home value, which could cost homeowners thousands of dollars.
When considering home renovation projects that include electrical work, plumbing jobs, tiling or knocking down walls, hiring a licensed contractor is key.” Norman went on to say that when hiring a contractor, homeowners need to do their homework by checking reviews and ensuring that permits are being pulled consistently.
“BathMasters regularly replaces showers that have been done incorrectly by unlicensed contractors, generally within five years of installation.
The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality work; as such, its team is equipped with specialized training from the Tile Council of North America in South Carolina, enabling its contractors to offer customers the highest standard of work for all bathroom renovations. For the Silo, Ashley Richardson.
About BathMasters:
BathMasters is a Virginia plumbing, electrical and building contractor with showrooms and warehouses in Northern Virginia and the Tampa Bay Area (Florida). BathMasters is rapidly expanding to meet the demand of its customers for high-quality, full-service bathroom renovations and tub-to-shower conversions built to withstand the test of time. With thousands of custom bathroom remodel jobs under its belt, BathMasters has become the premier choice for all bathroom renovation needs.
Co-founders and brothers Gregory and David Norman grew up in a family of masters: their father was a master plumber, and their uncles worked as a master electrician, master carpenter, and class A home builder. The Norman family legacy has always been about high-quality work, never cutting corners, and an unparalleled commitment to communication, honesty and integrity in their dealings with homeowners. It is this legacy that Gregory and David carry forward at BathMasters. Their mission is to improve the skill level of bathroom installers through their extensive workforce training programs, to the benefit of homeowners and the industry itself. Visit BathMastersVirginia.com and BathMastersFlorida.com.
Donahue, Kerry. “STRONG AND STABLE GROWTH PREDICTED FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR MARKET IN 2017.” Joint Center for Housing Studies. N.p., 19 Jan. 2017. Web.
Webb, Craig. “Homeowners Hired Pros to Remodel 66% of Kitchens, 58% of Baths, NKBA Survey Finds.” Remodeling. N.p., 11 Jan. 2017. Web. 09 Mar. 2017.
LaPonsie, Maryalene. “7 Reasons to Back Away From DIY Home Improvement Projects.” Money Talks News. N.p., 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
Is Your Home a Death Trap? How Mold Affects Your Health and Your Home’s Value. N.p., n.d. Web.
San Francisco, CA —School’s out for summer, but learning doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door. For parents and educators looking to keep their students exploring, tinkering, and creating, No Starch Press offers the latest addition to its lineup of STEM books. This time focusing on the Arduino microcontroller.
The Arduino Inventor’s Guide (No Starch Press, $29.95USD, 336 pp., June 2017) is a project-packed introduction to building and coding with the Arduino microcontroller. With each hands-on project, total beginners learn useful electronics and coding skills while building an interactive gadget.
This is No Starch Press’s second installment in its introductory-level educational series for aspiring makers. The series is a collaboration with SparkFun Electronics, the popular electronics parts retailer dedicated to making the world of electronics more accessible to the average person. Authors Brian Huang and Derek Runberg of SparkFun’s Department of Education use their teaching experience to make learning about electronics an adventure.
“We wanted to share the magic that happens when you build something interactive with electronics,” says Huang. “The goal is to teach real, valuable hardware skills, one project at a time,” adds Runberg.
Readers learn how to make their hardware move, buzz, flash, and interact with the world as they build 10 projects, including:
A miniature traffic light
A light-sensitive, color-changing night-light
A temperature-sensing mini greenhouse
A motorized, programmable robot
A tiny, playable electric piano
“We’ve teamed up with SparkFun to make electronics and coding skills achievable for anyone,” says No Starch Press founder Bill Pollock. “This book will take total beginners from blinking their first LED to programming their first robot.”
Sample pages from The Arduino Inventor’s Guide:
For the Silo, Amanda Hariri.
About the Authors
Brian Huang is the Education Engineer for SparkFun Electronics. He combines his knowledge of teaching and engineering to create professional development materials.
Derek Runberg works in the Department of Education at SparkFun Electronics, where he runs workshops about technology in classrooms and at conferences. He is the author of The SparkFun Guide to Processing.
SparkFun Electronics is an online retail store that sells electronic parts for DIY projects. It offers classes for the public as well as resources, tutorials, and professional development for educators through its Department of Education.
The Arduino Inventor’s Guide
Publisher: No Starch Press
Authors: Brian Huang and Derek Runberg
Print ISBN: 978-1-59327-652-2
Price: $29.95USD
Publication Date: June 2017
Specs: 336 pp., 4C Available in fine bookstores everywhere, contact marketingdirector@thesilo.ca for locations near you and online ordering information.About No Starch Press
From deep in the heart of San Francisco’s start-up gulch, No Starch Press carefully crafts the finest in geek entertainment. The growing list of award-winning No Starch Press bestsellers covers topics like LEGO, hacking, STEM, programming, science, and math. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our books tackle topics that people care about.
I learned about the Hamilton Audio Visual Node (HAVN) a few years ago by doing the rounds during Art Crawl. Since then it’s become obvious they’re hosting some of the most innovative music and visual art in Hamilton. I sat down with Connor Bennett and Chris Ferguson at the beginning of July to learn more about the collective and discover yet another reason to move to Hamilton. Connor and Chris made it pretty clear you don’t need an invitation to join the party. Featured Title Image, The HAVN Storefront on Barton Street Credit: Ariel Bader-Shamai
Timothy: How did HAVN get started?
Connor: Um, a few of us started a band, and we were practising in the basement of a student house and when it came time to leave that house, we wanted a space where we could continue to play, and show art, and we just lucked out, our collaborator and co-founder Amy McIntosh was living above a storefront and…
Chris: …had a good relationship with the landlord and managed to get the downstairs space at a price we could afford.
Connor: That was May, 2012, we opened up just as most of us were graduating from McMaster University.
Timothy: What does it mean to be a node for the arts? Is the storefront a critical component?
Connor: It’s probably not critical, although it’s nice, it’s really nice. I wouldn’t say it’s critical because we don’t do regular gallery hours, where people can just pop in. It is nice to have the storefront space for things like art crawl. We’re off of James Street but it’s still easier to get people out as compared to a studio space.
Aubrey Wilson Quartet in February 2015, Photo Credit: Amy McIntosh
Chris: Back to your question, as to what it means to be a node. Nodes are intersection points, which denotes the collaborative nature, the interdisciplinary nature of what we’re trying to do. And it was chosen for the sake of the acronym [Laughter].
Timothy: So what are your activities?
Chris: You could put it into four categories. We do art shows every art crawl, and occasionally outside of art crawl. We do music shows two to five times a month. And then there’s HAVN Records, our cassette tape little label. There’s also some miscellaneous things that are harder to categorize. We’ve done craft nights where people come out. Or if people in the collective supply an idea and make it happen. For a little while we had a darkroom in the backroom where people could develop photos.
Timothy: What are some of the highlights from the past couple of years?
Chris: It wasn’t something that I was involved with personally but I thought the darkroom was a really cool idea. It’s not something that’s widely available and it was a DIY thing where they obtained all the equipment and brought it all together. Some of it was donated by a like-minded friend from Guelph.
Connor: One of the best concerts I’ve seen recently was hosted by Cem Zafir and his partner Donna Akrey at HAVN, and they had a percussionist by the name of Tatsuya Nakatani come in and everyone in the room was transported to a different world, it was a magical moment. Those happen a lot. We’ve been really lucky with a lot of good music.
Hagface and Zena in August 2015, Photo Credit: Tony Hoang
Chris: What was the name of the show, I think Ariel and Petra did it, with the yarn, it was kind of, performance stuff; would you consider it a successor to the Quanta_1 show, where you and Kearon…
Connor: Yeah, yeah, it’s kind of like that…
Chris: An extension of that idea. Petra and Ariel did it, how would you describe it?
Connor: It was kind of a poetic yarn installation, with figures…
Chris: …and quotations.
Connor: It was great.
Chris: Really well executed. Not something you see a lot of.
Connor: Yeah, there’s lots of highlights.
Chris: We could keep going.
Connor: Once you start thinking about it.
Chris: I really liked our show for Supercrawl last year, which ended up being themed around Cootes Paradise, the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, which is a conservation effort beginning with Cootes Paradise all the way into Burlington to connect some critical natural lands. The show really nailed the peaceful nature of it. Supercrawl is very busy, there’s tonnes of people and then you come to HAVN and it’s peaceful, relaxed.
Connor: Serene.
Chris: Yeah, Judy Major-Girardin, a professor at McMaster that taught a lot of the HAVN crew, was very generous with her time and she’s a big supporter of that initiative, so she put up a gorgeous installation with sound recordings from Georgian Bay. Frogs. Printed cheesecloth. It was stunning.
Corridors, in Support of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, September 2015, Photo Credit: Ariel Bader-Shamai
Timothy: What are your objectives? What is the need or desire that you are addressing?
Connor: I’d say from the music side of things, it’s a space for outsider music, for music that doesn’t really fit in a club or a bar. It’s a small space, really intimate, so even if ten people come out it feels like a nice crowd.
Chris: Yeah, It could just be a touring band who might have trouble booking a show at a bigger venue, because they wouldn’t attract a bigger crowd.
Connor: We know a lot of people who are booking shows in Hamilton and we’re filling a bit of a void since they’re not booking these types of shows. Like free jazz, for example, there’s no venues that are booking free jazz but we will gladly and enthusiastically book a free-jazz show.
Boyhood and Holzkopf in July 2015, Photo Credit: Tony Hoang
Timothy: How did you determine the scope of your practice?
Connor: Time determined that. When I started out with HAVN I was working a lot more with Kearon on the visual arts and installation projects and with time my interests and time investments moved more towards the music. It’s a natural evolution within the group, that we’ve settled into our roles based on our interests.
Timothy: Were those interests present from the beginning, or have they been nurtured over time?
Connor: One of the reasons why this has worked out for so long is that everyone has been really passionate about creativity, and art in general, and open to all art forms. That’s been the crux of why we’ve been around for so long, and putting on shows that are successful.
Timothy: What is your current relationship with institutional structures like the university and the gallery?
Connor: Well, quite a few professors from McMaster have shown art in our space. Judy and Dr. McQueen had a show recently. Other galleries? We have good relationships with other galleries, in particular, the Factory Media Centre, because we’ve done a lot of media art, not only that, we’ve shown a lot of art there, and both Amy McIntosh and Aaron Hutchinson have been on the board there. Amy’s been involved since the beginning.
Timothy: You position yourself as an alternative, though.
Chris: It’s not an adversarial relationship, like ‘that stuff is no good.’
Connor: We just don’t want to replicate things that are being done elsewhere. I’m sure we do it all the time. But the intention is to fill a void, take a risk.
Timothy: What are the benefits and limitations associated with your present configuration?
Connor: We’ve had trouble finding grants that apply to us. That’s one challenge because we operate with no inflow of money, so it’s just tough to make it work sometimes. That’s one of the limitations.
Chris: Sometimes I wonder if we put more time into the grants whether we would begin to take a different path. Like, having gallery hours wouldn’t be a bad thing, but it would be different than what we do now, and it would mean that we would be travelling down a more traditional path.
Timothy: Can you speak of the benefits and effects of HAVN, for yourselves and the broader community?
Connor: It’s such a useful space for us as artists and musicians, that’s kind of priceless.
Chris: It’s great to have a spot that you’re part of.
The Celestial Offerings Show in December 2015, Photo Credit: Petra Matar
Connor: Ideally we’re providing a space that’s inclusive, and open, where people feel comfortable. But if I was new to Hamilton and I went to HAVN I could understand feeling intimidated because there’s all these people who know each other already.
Chris: I think it’s always hard, because you establish your audience, and your friends, and you want people to have a stake in the space, that they’re part of it, that they’re not just attending shows, but that they’re part of the community too. But you have to balance that with being open and having new people feel that they can be part of it.
Timothy: So do you have any words of advice to people who might want to start a collective?
Chris: If I had any advice it would be pretty cheesy.
Connor: I don’t know. [Laughter]
Chris: The real trick is having the right group of people.
Connor: Get lucky.
Chris: Yeah, we couldn’t have made this happen in a bigger city where the rents are more expensive.
From the author of the #1 best-sellers, Tape It & Make It, Tape It & Make More and Tape It & Wear It comes the fourth book in this revolutionary “duct tape craft series:” Duct Tape Bags: 40 Projects for Totes, Clutches, Messenger Bags, and Bowlers (Clarkson Potter, July 2016). With the upcoming release of her new book, Richela Fabian Morgan is continuing to take the crafting and fashion world by storm, turning the humble roll of duct tape into the trendiest craft item since glitter glue.
Everyone from trendy teens to famous fashionistas can begin exploring the infinite uses this easy-to-follow guide provides to making handbags so fashionable, you won’t actually believe they’re made of duct-tape. Part art-piece, part usable accessory, Fabian Morgan shows how each of these gorgeous handbags can be recreated one manageable section at a time.
“About eight years ago, my kids and I were in our local hardware store when we spotted duct tape with patterns and colors,” says Fabian Morgan. “Since then, duct tape has been an obsession of mine. My daughter and her friends were my excuse to break out my vast collection of tape and try out different ideas for craft projects. Out of all the projects, the bags were the biggest hit! I started making bags for myself. So, it was only natural that I turned my attention to writing a book on duct tape bags. I wrote other books on duct tape crafts with a total of 242 projects spread out over three books, everything from housewares to costumes. Duct tape bags were on my radar. I had to write this book!”
Duct Tape Bags provides DIYers with 40 fun projects using duct tape, including:
Clutches and wristlets
Hobo and Shoulder Bags
Satchels
Messenger and Flap Bags
Tote Bags
And tons of other one-of-a-kind bags!
One of Rachel’s Duct Tape Bags.
Read more about Richela Fabian Morgan by using the links at the bottom of this article and:
Reveal what inspired her to begin crafting with duct tape.
See finished samples of the many bags included in her book.
Do print or video demos and step by step how-tos not only on her bags but any of the 240+ projects found in her duct tape books.
Provide the perfect summer duct tape projects for girls, boys and teens.
Look ahead to back to school: duct tape wallets, folders, book bags, pencil cases, lunch boxes and more!
Find tips to incorporate recycled items in your duct tape projects.
And so much more!
With detailed step-by-step instructions and primers on duct tape “fabric,” different types of closures from magnet snaps to jeans buttons, and bag accessories like bows and luggage tags, Fabian Morgan catapults this trend from the streets into the stratosphere. A mix of pop art and urban style photos of each project and a cool vibe throughout will make you want to immediately roll up your sleeves and rolling out the duct tape for a bag of your own! For the Silo, Erin MacDonald-Birnbaum
About Richela Fabian Morgan: Richela Fabian Morgan began her duct tape odyssey 8 years ago with a simple bi-fold wallet, before writing the best-selling crafting books Tape It & Make It, Tape It & Make More, and Tape It & Wear It. She is an indie crafter specializing in paper, adhesives, and found materials, and has taught craft projects at elementary schools, public libraries, and charitable organizations around the U.S. Her next duct tape crafting book, Duct Tape Bags, will be published by Clarkson Potter in July 2016.
Duct Tape Bags will be released July 12, 2016 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com and all major booksellers. Contact marketingdirector@thesilo.ca for more details.
Picture 2 above shows black membrane traps on the floor against the wall (with boards atop) and a black velocity trap on its side on the far left. Additional traps are behind the couch.
Picture 3 above shows the back wall with alternating white RPG Skyline diffusion and GIK Monster Bass Traps with FlexRange elevated above and behind the couch, while more GIK traps sit behind the couch on the floor.
Everyone from trendy teens to famous fashionistas can begin exploring the infinite uses this easy-to-follow guide provides to making handbags so fashionable, you won’t actually believe they’re made of duct-tape. Part art-piece, part usable accessory, Fabian Morgan shows how each of these gorgeous handbags can be recreated one manageable section at a time.
