The insulating concrete forms (ICF) industry is rampant with inaccurate information. Some have been passed along by industry members, while others represent simple misunderstandings about the technology. Most of these misstatements are made by persons that simply lack the appropriate knowledge behind the information. The toughest part of researching ICFs is not finding the information, but sorting through all of the inaccurate information.
Virtually every aspect of the ICF industry is affected by misstated information, but the most common issues involve discussions of R-Value, waterproofing, and termites and bugs. R-value statements range from R-18 to R-50+. To explode this myth and get a clearer understanding of this myth, you will need a firm understanding of R-value and the difference between PERFORMANCE and TRUE R-values.
Are you tired of looking at plain dull concrete around your home? Have you seen beautifully colored concrete and wondered how it’s done? It’s not difficult and can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer.
Concrete staining is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to decorate new and existing concrete surfaces. Staining can transform your concrete surface into a stunning and unique masterpiece with little cost compared to other decorative methods such as stamping. Concrete staining is excellent for patios, porches, driveways and even interior floors like kitchens and basements.
The foundation of your house is…. well your foundation. If your foundation was laid out wrong, or you are having problems with water or expansive soils around your foundation, you will see them manifest themselves in other areas of the structure.
If your foundation does not have an adequate water drainage system to drain excess water and you do not have a sufficient water barrier on the exterior basement walls, you will have a damp or soggy basement and subsequently, this will lead to mold.
When you are considering the flooring for your new home there are many things to keep in mind. Most of us are working on a budget so we want something that looks good, will last a long time, and not require a lot of maintenance. One of the newer trends in flooring is using stained concrete. Here are a few tips on how to decide if using stained concrete is a realistic option for your home.
Before we start this project let me warn you that it is a messy business. You should have some rubber gloves, a couple of tubes of clear silicone caulking compound, (don’t get the odorless kind) some Xylene, (this is for cleanup so get a pint or so) a can of paste wax, a small bottle of glycerin, and some acrylic crafters paint.
You should be able to get glycerin at a pharmacy; you only need a little so get the smallest bottle you can.
One form of decorative concrete is to use bands of decorative concrete around areas of flat and non decorative concrete. How big these bands of concrete are will depend on the size of the concrete area as a whole, and what you want the area to look like. Basically when it comes to bands it can be one of any style of decorative concrete: stamped, exposed aggregate, colored concrete, salt finish, etc.
The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway or patio complements a home in a way that is unmatched. It adds a level of quality and elegance to a home entrance that can not be achieved with either concrete or asphalt. Brick and Pavers also come in many different colors and shapes allowing for unique color schemes and patterns to be achieved. In addition, installing a Brick or Paver walkway does not necessarily require a pro. With some basic knowledge and a relatively simple walkway plan, a homeowner is capable of undertaking such a project.
If a concrete patio is decorated well after being built, it can
be an attractive part of your landscaping. It also adds
convenience to your landscaping since it is rectangular and easy
to mow around. Concrete patios also offer great places to
entertain guests and a way to increase property value. Rather than paying someone else to do it, you
can save time and money by building the concrete patio on your
own in about 3 days. It is a relatively small amount of time and
effort to build when compared to how long the patio will last.
It will be very durable and can withstand years of wear and tear.
Concrete is the most widely used manmade product in the world. It powers a $35 billion industry, one of the largest on Earth. Concrete is used to make a variety of structures a which you use everyday.
Concrete is a construction material that consists of, in its most common form, cement, gravel and sand, and water. Concrete is the most highly used manmade product on Earth. It is used to make pavements, building structures, foundations, motorways/roads, overpasses, parking structures, brick/block walls and
footings for gates, fences and poles. Approximately six billion cubic metres of concrete are produced every year, which is one cubic metre per person on Earth! Concrete commands a $35 billion worldwide industry and employs, in the United States alone, 2 million people.
If you have lots of concrete around your home, then perhaps you’ve considered the idea of doing something to make it a little more attractive. Many people have heard of paints or coating agents, but the idea of concrete acid staining is unfamiliar to most. Basically, it involves coloring the concrete by causing a chemical reaction on the concrete’s surface.
Concrete acid stain causes a chemical reaction by mixing acid, water and inorganic salts. There are already minerals present in the concrete, and once they are mixed with the three added ingredients, the concrete changes color. It doesn’t matter whether your concrete is new or old; it works beautifully either way. If you take the time after acid staining to protect the concrete, then the effect will last for a very long time.
