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Saturday, December 8, 2012

Using Travertine Pavers Around Your Pool

A great substitute is the use of travertine pavers. Travertine has earned a good reputation and rising in popularity in the region of Florida where it is often used on pool surfaces and it is actually making its name in other parts of the country. These pavers (you can also try out the tiles) are slices of a sedimentary rock that offer a great coverage of surface areas because of their toughness and offering of reliable traction for stable footing.

Travertine belongs to the limestone family. However, it is inappropriate to address it as travertine limestone because of the presence of other minerals. The formation of travertine stones takes several eons and it happens at the base of hot spring pools. As the hot water moves all the way up through the ground, it brings along with it several minerals until it reaches the surface with them. When the water evaporates in the water pools, the minerals are left out and are collected on the bottom. The combination of the different minerals results in the unique colors and patterns of these pavers. As a matter of fact, it is impossible for two pavers to have the same shade and color which helps in increasing the impressive look around the pool area.

You can choose from three different surfaces when you are purchasing pavers. These surfaces are polished, honed and tumbled. Basically, a tumbled surface is the main choice for the surrounding area of the pool because its texture gives good and stable footing even when it's wet. Also, the existence of air pockets and natural voids let the water disperse unlike concrete where the water just sits on the surface. This also reduces the risks of slipping and falling.

Lately, people are also utilizing the tiles by installing them inside their homes. A good example is the travertine bathroom tile which looks very warm and nice and it gives the ancient feeling of using a Roman bath. Travertine's popularity can be traced back to during the rule of Roman Empire since its original quarrying site, where the name of the stone is derived, was just 60 miles away from the heart of the city.

Having your own pool makes you conscious about the trouble its surrounding area can cause. If you used a brick for the surrounding area, it easily gets hot which can give an unprotected foot a hard time. It also has the tendency to be really slippery when wet and its color fades off after several years of being exposed under the sun.

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Brick Wall Demolition

If you have an old masonry brick wall that needs to be demolished there are certain steps that should be followed to insure a safe and clean demolition. In this post where I am going to give a general overview of how to demolish a brick wall, this isn't exactly how it must be done but it does give you a pretty good idea of what needs to be done, just use a little common sense as you attempt to complete this project.

You first need to organize your demolition equipment. You are going to need a scaffolding, dumpster or dump truck, large tarps to cover the grounds work area, small hammer drill, partner saw, wheelbarrow, hammer, chisel, gloves, dust mask respirator and eye protection. It is also a good idea to wear long work jeans and a long sleeve work shirt to help protect yourself.

Try to position your dumpster or dump truck as close to the work area as possible, there is no sense in having to handle all the debris twice if you don't have to. Spread your tarps out below the work area to help reduce the debris field when it comes time to clean up. Start by making a series long vertical cuts about 2 to 3 foot apart with your partner saw from the top of the wall to the bottom as close as you can get down to. If it is an old masonry wall you may be able to skip this step if the mortar joints are weak.

Next you will want to get out your hammer drill. Be sure it is set to vibrate only and use a small wedge tip on the end of it. In this case the small bits generally work better that large ones when taking apart masonry structures. Go to very to course of the wall to begin, never start at the bottom. With you bit attack the bottom of the brick rite where the bottom of the brick meets the mortar, pull the trigger and after a few seconds the brick should pop loose, grab the brick and throw it in the dumpster and continue along one course at a time.

You should avoid trying to take multiple courses at once unless you are skilled in demolition work. Improper demolition can result in a collapse of the entire masonry structure which would not be good especially if you are standing under it, odds are you will suffer serious injury or death. If you notice the wall starting to buckle while you are demolishing it you may need to stop and shore up the wall with bracing until that section of wall is down. As you tear down the wall you should come across wall ties every few feet that may require a claw hammer or a metal cutting blade to remove them.

Finally clean up your work area, there will be a lot of debris so hopefully you put your tarps down well so cleanup will be much easier. If you are planning to replace your brick wall with another masonry structure be sure that the footer is totally cleaned off and all mortar is chiseled off as well, it will make installing your new brick wall much simpler. If you don't feel that you can tackle this project you should hire a qualified mason contractor or a demolition specialist.

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How to Install Flagstone - Add Great DIY Value to Your Home

Installing a flagstone patio is one of the most fulfilling do-it-yourself projects you can undertake. Not only will you be able to proudly declare that you toiled with your own hands to beautify your home, you can also regale your friends with tales of the money you saved by not hiring a professional (representative costs are in the range of $20 per square foot, resulting in a considerable outlay of $2000 for a small 10' X 10' plot). However, just knowing how to install flagstone is not enough to do a good job - you must learn to avoid some common mistakes. The following guidelines can be a good starting point:

1. Do not order flagstones over the phone or Internet. Visit the dealer in person to make the purchase. And before going, be sure to finalize the color, shape and texture you want. Ensure that you buy the right quantity; if required, make multiple trips.

2. Use proper tools. Do not depend on makeshift implements to do the work.

3. Ensure you have a solid base. If you do not, the stones may shift resulting in a crooked patio.

4. Ensure that any cracks and gaps between stones are properly filled to prevent tripping.

5. Ensure that the level of the stones is slightly higher than the surroundings to prevent accumulation of water.

The best resource to teach you how to install flagstone, and to avoid the aforementioned mistakes, is someone who has made this a lifelong vocation. Although it does not require the brains of a rocket scientist to learn how to install flagstone, it does take knowledge, skill and some hours of backbreaking effort. Amidst the numerous DIY guides available today, choose the one that promises to be thorough without promising miracles.

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Before Repointing or Tuck Pointing Identify the Root of the Problem

How does one know if repointing or tuck pointing a masonry structure is needed and what do you look for?

The signs of loose or deteriorated bricks or stone or mortar joints cracking or deteriorating, damp walls, or even damaged plasterwork on the inside of masonry walls.

One may assume that any and all of these signs of deterioration is caused by weathering or the natural break down of the masonry components from age related failure and this may not be the case at all.

The bottom line cause of the deterioration can come from a litany of other issues, such as: leaking roofs or gutters, foundation settlement of the building itself, improper mortar application, blocking moisture vents behind the masonry work causing dampness behind the masonry wall.

Another issue to consider in assessing the damage is the harness of the original mortar mixture. If the mortar is harder than the brick or stone that it is used on, the stone or brick itself can begin to spall, crack and fail like the mortar should have done (in doing its job over a period of many years) in the first place. The mortar is suppose to breath, flex, wick moisture and is suppose to eventually weather away and fail, so the brick and stone will not, leaving the wall itself in good structural condition.

All of these peripheral issues should always be dealt with prior to beginning work.

Without taking appropriate steps to repair and eliminate the source of the problem, mortar and /or masonry unit deterioration will continue, making any repointing a waste of time and money. It could also cause even further damage to building components other than the masonry portion of the structure.

10 Useful Ways to Include Travertine in Projects

As the popularity of travertine is quickly spreading nationwide, it is worth discovering the many qualities and advantages that travertine has to offer. Travertine is a great natural stone that is convenient for both indoor and outdoor projects. In a concise manner, the following suggestions demonstrate the various ways that travertine can be incorporated into household projects.

1) Retaining walls

In order to prevent erosion on a hilly terrain, a retaining wall can be formed by stacking together various sizes of Travertine Pavers. Tumbled Travertine Pavers are the ideal material to be used on retaining walls due to their robust and porous surface.

2) Outdoor kitchens

Brushed & Chiseled Travertine Tiles are an excellent way to add sophistication and functionality to an outdoor kitchen project. These tiles are ideal for a high traffic area and should be sealed in case of spills and other occurrences that happen in the kitchen. Doing so will help to preserve and protect the travertine from stains. Travertine Tiles can also be used for the backsplash.

3) Fire pits/Fireplaces & Hearths

Traditional fireplaces have long been associated with bricks, but the decision to build a modern or even a rustic fireplace leaves plenty of room for other material options. The different colors, sizes and finishes of Travertine make it easier for homeowners to obtain the fireplace or hearth that they desire. Tumbled Travertine Pavers can also be used for outdoor fire pits as well as the walkways leading to the pit.

4) Walkways and steps

The tumbled surface of a Travertine Paver makes it a great choice for walkways, providing good traction for foot traffic. They are also strong enough to take on the load of heavier objects you may find along the way, such as large planters and patio sets. Travertine can be used for stairs, which is usually done with stair treads. It is a great way to incorporate the stairs with the walkway and is easy to install. Travertine comes in sizes that make the stair design more ergonomic.

5) Patios

One of the main uses of Travertine Pavers is on an outdoor patio. Patios made with Travertine Pavers are not only safer, but more accommodating as well. The pavers retain heat and as such will not burn your feet in hotter temperatures. They come in different sizes and colors differentiating them from the monotony of concrete and the busy illusion of bricks.

6) Driveways

At 1.25" thick, Chiseled Travertine Pavers are a great option for driveways. The chiseled edges allow a closer fit, giving the pavers a higher load capacity and the honed surface will not immediately absorb spills, (i.e. the oil dripping on the driveway for instance).

7) Bathrooms

Travertine Tiles and Mosaics come in various colors and designs to appeal to any bathroom project. They cost less than other materials in their category yet are easy to maintain. They are great for countertop backsplashes and are an innovative way to replace the typical subway bathroom tiles that are so common today.

8) Flooring

Travertine Pavers and Tiles are a simple way to increase your home's value. At a price that is more economical than other natural stone flooring, Travertine has become the obvious choice for home projects. It is recommended to have any high traffic areas sealed in order to preserve the Travertine's beauty and to protect it.

9) Walls

Travertine Tiles can be used on walls and ceilings to give the look of a room built entirely of stone. They can also be used in hallways, dens, studies or wine cellars. Travertine is extremely durable and is a great investment that will really stand the test of time.

10) Pool decks

Tumbled Travertine Pavers create a beautiful and refined space around a pool deck. Their porous surface ensures that any standing water will be immediately absorbed, leaving the area safe to walk upon. As mentioned earlier, they stay cool to the touch and will not burn your feet during hot summer months or in tropical climates. Travertine Pavers also work in cold weather climates as they are able to withstand repeat freeze/thaw cycles without so much as a crack, if properly installed.

As you can see, Travertine can be included in all types of projects and will add elegance and great taste to any mundane space - making it a natural stone not to overlook.

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Why Stucco Can Be a Damage Nightmare

I have worked with many products over the years and each has their pro and con but I have never seen the kind of nightmarish damage that unproperly applied Stucco can do. Take one project for example, there was a home owner who had a home with exterior stucco that didn't have proper channels installed and was generally poor in it's application and the water/general damage was massive, so much so he documented it on a site about the lawsuit.

To quote the introduction of the site:

"In 2002, the Thomas family contracted with a St. Louis based stucco and plaster company to install new stucco on the exterior of their home in St. Louis County, Missouri. A contract was drawn up with Lucas Stucco & EIFS Design, LLC. It was signed by Mr. Thomas for the homeowner, and Ralf Schlaefli of Lucas Stucco & EIFS Design. The stucco used was manufactured by Parex®, Inc. The contract called for Ralf Schlaefli to be personally present at the jobsite during most of the time that the Parex® stucco was being installed.

The type of material to be used was specified in the Parex® warranty as "Parex® one coat 210 stucco with 310 primer and acrylic finish."

There are two basic types of stucco systems used in residential applications. One is a "hard-coat", cement based material. The other is a Styrofoam-type panel covered with a thin coat of stucco, which is often referred to as an "Exterior Insulation and Finish System" or "EIFS" for short. The Thomas's contracted to purchase a hard-coat, cement-based Parex® stucco, not an EIFS stucco system, because of the moisture problems often associated with the EIFS systems.

After the cement stucco was applied to the exterior of the home, the Thomas's noticed cracks and pitting in the concrete stucco material, along with other defects. They contacted the installer who claimed that the job did not need repair. "

When I look at reports like that and other conversations on the subject I cant help but wonder if Stucco is worth the risk when there are many other options just as affordable and without the risk of damage from quality or application? There is now siding designed to look like wood or stone that can give just as good of a finish and be repaired or installed much easier and less intrusively.