Let me tell you a little bit about me and the way I work. I have been selling real estate since 1988 and I am an Broker at RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage in Borden/Angus, Ontario. Prior to ’88 I worked as a broadcast engineer at CBC radio – after completing an Honours B.A. at the University of Toronto as well as a Music Industry Arts/Recording Engineering Diploma at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario.
As you can see, real estate is a second career for me – and perhaps it is this added perspective that has shaped my attitude to be somewhat different. I try to operate less like the stereotypical salesperson and more like a business professional. My goal is to serve the needs of my clients in the best, most professional, and ethical manner possible. The only way that I “push” is by pushing myself to work harder and perform better. My clients tell me that I am never pushy or “salesy”. I feel that this philosophy has paid off over the years – and the job is more fun to do as well!
Hugh Hardy has been a Professional Real Estate agent for 30 plus years. Hugh used to write columns in the local Angus News paper on Real Estate tips. This was before cell phones and the internet were even thought of. Hugh Hardy joined the Re/Max Chay real estate team when they first came to Angus.
Hugh has been helping Military members move for years and is the resident expert when it comes to providing the service military members need. Hugh has many testimonials from satisfied military members such as: “Transferred into or out of Borden, Barrie or Angus? If you need expert and honest real estate advice call Hugh today. I have referred Hugh a number of times over the years and he has always come through for my clients in a very big way. He is particularly tuned into the federal government relocation program. Call Hugh today – he won’t disappoint!”
Even other Real Estate agents value Hugh’s experience and knowledge, such as the testimonial by John Price….“Over the 21 plus years that I have serviced the Kingston Military, there has always been one real estate agent in the Barrie region that has earn my hightest respect for hard work and professional service to his Clients. If you are transeferring the Barrie region, I urge you to call Hugh. You will be glad you did. Heck tell him John Price sent you.”
These are just some of the testimonials Hugh Hardy has collected over the years as a Professional Real estate agent serving the Angus-Borden area. Customer Service is the keystone of Hugh’s relationship with his clients and that in turn has made him one of the best known agents in the area. Hugh prefers the one on one client approach without the rush of using assistants and helpers to look after his clients.
If you are looking for a knowledgeable Real Estate Broker in the Angus, Borden real estate market, Hugh Hardy is the agent that won’t disappoint you. Call Hugh today and get some personalized customer service.
Masonry Block Building Tips. Every block wall-regardless of height or length-should be placed on a secure footing of poured concrete. A block barbecue grill or outdoor fireplace requires a large concrete pad as a footing. The footing must extend down beyond the frost line to prevent heaving in the winter.
For a footing poured in an area where drainage is a problem, lay a drain line along the outer edge of the form. Allow for a drop of about 1″ for each 20′ of drain line. Backfill over the drain line with about 12″ of crushed stone or gravel. In Ontario this is mandatory and must be installed for any building of 100 square feet in size.
Building exact corners is the most important construction of a masonry wall as corners will guide the building of the rest of the wall. A corner pole will make the job easier. A corner pole is any type of post which can be braced into a true vertical position and which will hold a taut mason’s line without bending. Two such poles are set up, one on each corner, with the mason’s line stretched between them. Corner poles for block walls should be marked every 4 to 8 inches, depending on how high the material is with which you are building the wall. Such marks must be absolutely level when the mason’s line is stretched between them.
Set the corner block first. Be sure you are using the correct block. Check the starting corner block, both horizontally and vertically, and take time to get it positioned correctly. All other blocks will align with this starter block, so it’s very important to set it exactly. Follow this same procedure as you reach the other corners, laying the first course out about two or three blocks in each direction. Tie a line between two bricks and stretch it between the two corner blocks on the first course.
Corners and lead blocks are generally built 4-6 rows high, with each course being stepped back one block from the course below, creating a pyramid effect. The wall alignment, plumb and level should be checked on these corners before completing the wall. If everything checks out fine, it is now time to fill in each course between the corners.
Because they can be adjusted in size slightly, mortar joints provide some layout flexibility. While the ideal mortar joint is 3⁄8 inch wide, masons routinely shrink joints to as small as 1⁄4 inch or stretch them to as large as1⁄2 inch. Joints that fall out- side this range are unsightly and, with a few small exceptions, prohibited by most building codes.
The Barrie Home Inspector uses his training to ensure every building inspected meets or exceeds the required building code practices. As a Certified Building Code Official he is one of the few Barrie Home Inspector’s with Ontario Building Code training in both Part 9 and Part 3 of the Building Code.
Fireplace Inserts and WETT Inspections. Inserts are made from plate steel or cast iron and most have glass doors so you can see the flames. These appliances fit into the opening of the fireplace, with some models protruding onto the hearth. An insert which is extended out may be more efficient because the sides, top, and bottom provide additional radiant heat.
Masonry chimneys. When chimney fires occur in masonry chimneys, the 2100 degree temperatures, and the extreme pressure’s that result, often crack the terra cotta clay flue tiles which line the chimney. Chimney fires are NO ordinary fires! They frequently melt dampers and chimney caps, and can actually “melt” mortar! Flue tiles expand until they crack when subjected to such extreme temperatures. These cracks then provide a pathway for flame under intense pressure to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. Enough heat can also be conducted through a perfectly sound chimney to ignite nearby combustibles. Even if a first chimney fire doesn’t seem to have harmed a home, the structure may be so weakened that a second fire will burn it down.
In the past, most installers placed inserts in the fireplace without any chimney connections. This method, in some cases, allowed creosote to build up inside the fireplace, presenting a potential fire hazard. To prevent this, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) now requires that inserts be installed with at least (minimum) a positive connection to the chimney.
It is important to note that when relining an open hearth fireplace, a proper transition also constructed of stainless steel must be installed and sealed in the existing smoke chamber. Failure to properly install and seal this transition will result in smoke seeping to the outside of the liner carrying with it by products such as soot and creosote.
Inserts must have a connector between the appliance outlet and the first section of the flue liner. This sends the smoke and gases up and out of the chimney more directly, minimizing combustible deposits that condense in the fireplace. Most fireplace insert installations will benefit from a full relining of the chimney, because the smaller pipe size will provide a better draft as well as an added margin of safety.
Creosote is easy to identify as it is usually black in appearance. It can be the fine black dust called soot, (1st stage creosote); or porous and crunchy, (2nd stage: see photo on left); or it can be tar-like: drippy and sticky, until it hardens into a shiny glaze, (3rd stage). All forms of creosote can occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and ignites inside the chimney flue: the result is a volcanic chimney fire.
For a WETT inspection of your woodstove, fireplace, insert, pellet stove or space heater you can contact the WETT Inspector to schedule an inspection. WETT inspections are provided to Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetang, Rama, Lagoon City, Newmarket, Bradford, Alliston, Angus, Everett, Thornton, Cookstown, Stayner, Innisfil, Lefroy, Alcona Beach, Wasaga Beach and most of Simcoe County. Your wood burning appliance will be inspected by a WETT Certified Inspector with over 7 years of WETT inspection experience.
Installing Pellet Stove for a WETT Inspection. Pellet stoves are relatively complicated machines, with electronic control boards, multiple blowers, safety switches and sensors. As a result there is much more to go wrong than with a simple wood stove or fireplace. Pellet stoves require regular attention, service and maintenance. Your first order of business when shopping for a Pellet stove is to ask yourself who will be taking care of your stove. If you are very handy with tools, draft gauges and chimney brushes, then it may be possible for you to troubleshoot and repair your unit. If you are a bit less handy, you should strongly consider purchasing from a local and reputable dealer with a service department. Ask questions about their future service policies BEFORE you put your $$$ down.
A pellet stove is simpler to operate than a classic wood-burning stove, but it’s certainly not as hands-off as a conventional furnace. “Our whole culture is built around giving the consumer products that you can plug in and forget,” says Dan Freihofer, vice president of operations for PelletSales.com, a pellet provider. “But the pellet stove takes a little more involvement. You’ve got to fill it every day, and clean the ash out every few days. The typical home owner is someone who isn’t daunted by a little technology–an engineer or someone who likes to tinker.” There are two basic stove types: inserts that fit into a fireplace and freestanding models, like the Lopi Leyden that Goodrow and Willis bought. This stove produces 45,100 Btu per hour, roughly matching the output of a small residential boiler or furnace–enough to heat 2250 square feet of living space.
Wood-heating technology and its safe installation are more complicated. It isn’t safe to simply hook up a wood stove to an existing chimney and begin using it for heating. You should get reliable advice from a trained professional and consider having the wood-burning system professionally installed. This way, you will get the best performance from the system and be assured of its safety. Before starting the installation, get a building permit from your municipal office and inform your insurance agent of your intentions.
Depending on the burn rate, a stove will run anywhere from several hours to all day before its hopper needs another load of fuel. Each pellet is an energy-dense sawdust extrusion that measures about 1/4 inch in diameter and 3/4 inch long. The average household uses between 2 and 3 tons per heating season. Last winter a ton of pellets (50 40-pound bags) cost about $200 to $275–providing, that is, you could find them. The pellet industry got a sooty black eye over the last few seasons in regions where demand outstripped supply. The producers and retailers say they have fixed the problem for this year with better production methods and logistics. Just to be sure, many stove owners started placing orders in the spring. Some groups of owners started pooling their orders to buy a whole tractor-trailer load of fuel at a time–bringing down the price while ensuring they’d have pellets once the temperature drops. “Supply looks dramatically better this year,” Freihofer says. “Supply will exceed demand.”
Wood-burning appliances and fireplaces may emit large quantities of air pollutants. Wood smoke contains hundreds of chemical compounds including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, organic gases, and particulate matter, many of which have adverse health effects. In many urban and rural areas, smoke from wood burning is a major contributor to air pollution. Because of this, some municipalities restrict wood heating appliance use when the local air quality reaches unacceptable levels. Others restrict or ban the installation of wood-burning appliances in new construction. Before installing a wood-burning system, you should contact your local building codes department, state energy office, or state environmental agency about wood-burning regulations that may apply in your area.
WETT inspections can be booked at by calling 705-795-8255 or visit Barrie Wett Inspections. WETT Inspection for new home owners in the Barrie or Simcoe County area. Insurance companies now require that all wood stoves and fireplaces be inspected prior to issuing home insurance. Call now for a Professional WETT Certified inspection of your wood stove, fireplace, fireplace insert or pellet stove.
Want to find out more about Barrie WETT Inspections by a Certified Professional.
Heating Your Home With Wood. Wood is not a perfect fuel, but there really is no such thing. All fuel burning, indeed all energy use, causes environmental impacts. The most often cited impact, is from old-style wood heating, visible as smelly smoke curling from chimneys. The new advanced technology wood stoves, fireplaces and furnaces that are certified low emission by the US Environmental Protection Agency can burn with no visible smoke and ninety per cent less pollution than appliances of thirty years ago.
The particular form of wood used depends upon factors such as source, quantity, quality and application. Sawmill waste and construction industry by-products also include various forms of lumber tailings. Some consider wood fuel bad for the environment, however this is not the case if proper techinques are used.
Wood heating is practiced on a small scale, the fuel is usually harvested from a local resource, and the users gain a more complete understanding of their impacts on the environment than users of other energy sources. As environmentalists have suggested, these are some of the very features needed for economic and environmental sustainability. Families who heat their homes with wood responsibly should be recognized for their contribution to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a sustainable energy future.
Although wood is a good fuel with advantages for individual families, it is not a good fuel for all families in all regions. For example, wood is not a good fuel for serious heating in multi-family dwellings or in the downtown core of our large cities. Wood is best used as a fuel outside cities, in small towns and rural areas, where the cost of firewood and population density are lower.
Wood pellets are another form of fuel that is commonly used in Pellet stoves some of which utilize automatic feeders for continuous operation. The particular brand of pellet does matter as BTU’s vary only slightly from brand to brand, but ash content, length consistency, and impurities may vary greatly. Impurities increase “klinkering” or “caking” of ash in the burn pot. There is a huge difference between 1% ash and 0.25% ash.
With appropriately certified and operated modern wood heaters, the use of good quality wood fuel is one of the most efficient and cheapest forms of heating in colder climates. The replacement of existing national domestic heating needs supplied by wood with gas and electricity would result in a significant net increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while the application and enforcement of national standards for wood heaters and wood fuel would substantially reduce particulate emissions.
Always choose a WETT Certified Professional to inspect your wood burning appliance. In Barrie Ontario the Barrie Home Inspector is available to supply all the information and perform your insurance inspection of your wood burning appliances. Visit our WETT Inspection Site for information and to book your WETT Inspection. Most insurance companies now require a WETT Inspection for new installations or existing installations if you are buying a new home.
Want to find out more about WETT Inspections for all your wood stove, pellet and fireplace needs. Call Roger at 705-795-8255
WETT Certified inspections are only $75.00 when included as part of home inspection.
WETT Inspections for Wood Burning Appliances. Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by holders of valid WETT certificates. Through its administrative designate, WETT Inc. functions as the national registrar of the WETT program. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood burning systems in Canada.
A certificate holder will not knowingly contravene any federal, provincial or municipal law, regulation or by-law relating to the sale, installation, inspection or maintenance of woodburning systems. Tests of individual advanced technology stoves show that they produce between 60 and 90 per cent less smoke than the old ‘airtights’. Most advanced stoves average between two and five grams of smoke per hour of use, whereas the old stoves emit as much as 40 grams per hour. In Libby, Montana, where 1130 old wood stoves were replaced by EPA certified models between 2005 and 2007, the average outdoor air pollution (from all sources) was reduced by 30 per cent and indoor air pollution by 70 per cent compared to previous years. All cities and towns with concerns about winter air pollution can achieve big improvements by promoting the use of only advanced technology wood heaters.
Like any other human endeavor, wood heating can be done badly or well. Firewood can be harvested poorly, burned dirty and its heat wasted. The harmful behavior of those who burn wood badly has led to continual attacks in the media on the whole idea of residential wood heating. The increasing public backlash and government response to wood smoke, particularly in urban areas, is of such concern to us here at woodheat.org that we created a new site called The Woodpile to serve as a place to discuss the future of wood heating. Please visit The Woodpile and give your views on the state of wood heating today.
Energy is actively debated on several fronts these days. The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, drilling in the arctic, and the Alberta tar sands spark debate about the environmental wisdom of continued oil exploitation. Climate change is caused mainly by the combustion of fossil fuels, something that goes on at a spectacular rate around the world. Peak oil – meaning the maximum possible global production rate of conventional oil – has entered the mainstream discussion after a decade of lurking in the shadows. But judged by policy discussions about our energy future, wood heating is virtually nonexistent.
In April 2004, the CANMET combustion labs of Natural Resources Canada published results of its own research into dioxin emissions from wood stoves. Here is how the report authors described the results and presented them in a graph:
“When the total emission factors for each stove type are averaged, the certified stove produced 363 pg TEQ/kg dry fuel and the conventional stove produced 847 pg TEQ/kg dry fuel.
The certified woodstove produced lower PCDD [dioxin] and PCDF [furan] emissions than the conventional stove. This result is the opposite to the findings of the Environment Canada study. The effect of burn rate is dependent on the type of stove. For the conventional stove, a high burn rate produced more PCDD and PCDF emissions than a low burn rate. The opposite was observed for the certified stove, a low burn rate produced a more PCDD and PCDF emissions than a high burn rate.” Now we have the two most carefully instrumented investigations into dioxin emissions from wood stoves ever conducted producing opposite results. And the EPA certified stove is shown in the second study to produce less than half dioxin emissions of the conventional stove, on average.
Whatever energy source you choose, its use will have an impact on the environment. The best energy sources are renewable and the best of those are solar power and wind power because their environmental impacts tend to be low. As good as they are, though, they do have their problems and limitations. Wood is another renewable energy source with its own problems and limitations, some of which can be managed and minimized, others of which cannot. But when it is used effectively, wood is a fine fuel compared to all the other options we have available.
The Barrie Home Inpector is a Certified WETT Inspector and provides services in Barrie, Alliston, Orillia, Midland, Penetang, Bradford, Newmarket, Innisfil, Tiny Beaches, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Alcona Beach, Lagoon City, Brechin, Angus, New Lowell and many other communities in Simcoe County.
WETT Inspections in Barrie ON. Cast iron and steel have almost identical conductivity ratings and both are suitable for stoves; however, the Insurance Information Institute recommends cast iron. In either case, the thicker the metal, the longer the stove will last.
About 70 percent of a stove’s usable heat comes from radiation; therefore, it is important that it be made of a metal with a high conductivity rating, be a color that aids heat radiation, and have enough surface from which the heat can radiate. It should be airtight to aid combustion and lined to retain heat for prolonged radiation.
An appliance with less than 75 mm (3 in) of clearance between the floor protection pad shall be supported off the floor protection pad by two courses of 90 mm (3.5 in) thick hollow masonry, clay or concrete units, arranged so that the hollow cores in the two courses are at right angles to each other to permit air circulation through them.
The clearance between a solid-fuel-burning appliance and a fuel oil storage tank shall be at least 1.5 m (5 ft). except that the authority having jurisdiction may permit a lesser clearance in accordance with CSA Standard B139.
The ceiling protection shall have a least 75 mm (3 in) edge clearance on all sides, as shown in Figure 6. If an adhesive is used to support noncombustible material, it shall not ignite or lose its adhesive qualities at temperatures likely to be encountered. The heat shield mounting hardware shall be installed to allow full vertical ventilation. Such hardware shall be placed not closer than 200 mm (8 in) from the vertical center-line of the appliance, except for diagonal corner installations.
A combustible is anything that will burn, including wallpaper, wood studs, certain types of insulation (e.g., polystyrene), and paneling. Even so-called “fire-resistant” gypsum board (drywall) panels are considered combustible.
Even if a wall has a non-combustible surface of tile or brick, it is still considered combustible if this surface is mounted on combustible material such as gypsum board and wood studs. Only a wall of concrete or brick without wood behind it, or one made of metal studs with a totally non-combustible covering, can be considered non-combustible.
The WETT Certified Inspector provides a detailed inspection of your wood burning appliance and your flue pipe or chimney system. Most insurance companies will require a WETT Certified Inspector to inspect your new home or newly installed wood burning appliance prior to issuing insurance on your home. For any information on WETT Certified Inspections and answers to questions concerning installations, visit Barrie WETT Inspections.
SITE (System Inspections and Technical Evaluation)
SITE is a set of standardized guidelines recommended by WETT for the inspection and evaluation of wood-burning and other solid fuel burning systems. This chart identifies what each inspection level includes, its purpose and process. An inspection at any level
may include more but not less than that outlined in the “SITE Chart and Guidelines”.
To find out more valuable information on WETT Inspections visit WETT INSPECTOR for all the information you will need when installing a wood stove, fireplace or pellet stove
Level 1 Inspection “Readily Accessible”
Level 2 Inspection “Accessible”
Level 3 Inspection “Concealed Accessibility”
Scope (What is Included)
The inspection of “readily accessible” components of: (1) A wood/solid-fuel burning appliance, or
(2) A site-built fireplace, and
(3) The venting system for:
a)The proper use of required components, and
b)clearance to combustibles, and
c)readily visible system obstructions or deposits.
(1)A Level 1 inspection, and (2)an inspection of all “accessible” components of the system for clearance to combustibles and for obstructions or deposits, and
(3)an evaluation of the construction, sizing, condition and suitability of “accessible” components of the system.
1)A Level 1 and 2 inspection, and (2)an inspection of system components in areas of “concealed accessibility” for clearance to combustibles, and
(3)an evaluation of construction, sizing, condition and suitability of components of the system in areas of “concealed accessibility”, and
(4)an examination of surrounding construction for evidence of damage.
Purpose (Why and When)
(1) To verify code compliance of the readily accessible components: (a)At a homeowner’s request, or
(b)with a homeowner’s permission, when requested by a third party such as a Realtor, insurance company, home buyer or seller etc.
1)When a Level 1 inspection is deemed insufficient because of a detected or suspected compliance issue or hazard, or (2)when verification of the suitability and integrity of the system components is required, or
(3)after an operating malfunction or external event that may have caused damage to the system, or
(4)if the system experiences combustion spillage events, or
(5)when an appliance is replaced, or
(6)when a major system component is replaced or requires significant repair.
(1)When a Level 2 inspection is deemed insufficient because of a detected or suspected compliance issue or hazard that cannot be fully verified without access to concealed areas, or (2)after an incident that may have caused damage to any concealed parts of the system or building construction related to the system.
Process (What to Expect)
1)A basic visual inspection by a WETT certified SITE inspector; performed without a ladder or specialized tools. (2)A report using WETT’s recommended inspection checklist(s) or similar checklist(s), for the type of system being inspected.
(1)Inspection of accessible system components, which may include disassembly of accessible system components, by a WETT certified SITE Comprehensive Inspector, or by a WETT certified Technician, as a part
of an installation or major system component repair process. (2)A report using WETT’s recommended checklist(s), or similar checklist(s).
(3)A written evaluation of the suitability and integrity of the system
(1)The inspection by invasive means of concealed areas of the system by a WETT certified SITE Comprehensive Inspector, including the removal of nonstructural building components and/or the disassembly of parts of the system. (2)The possible use of specialized tools and equipment.
(3)A comprehensive written report of the findings and possibly including inspection checklists.
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood and solid-fuel burning systems in Canada. SITE and WETT Inc. are registered trademarks of WETT Inc.
The Ontario Fire Code requires homeowners to maintain the safety of their chimneys and inspect them at least once a year. Consulting a WETT (Wood Energy Technical Transfer) Certified chimney sweep will ensure the present and future owners’ safety, and help relieve the liability issues for all parties involved.
Many insurance companies in Canada are requiring Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspections, an inspection of wood burning appliances, before issuing insurance. A WETT-inspector will visually inspect the safety of any wood-burning appliances.
Many insurance companies in Canada are requiring Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspections, an inspection of wood burning appliances, before issuing insurance. A WETT-inspector will visually inspect the safety of any wood-burning appliances. Call the Barrie Home inspector for all your wood burning inspection requirements.
The Orillia Home Inspector is WETT Certified and has been providing WETT inspection services since 2005. Let the Orillia Home inspectors expertise and training protect your home and investment. Whether purchasing a new home with a fireplace or wood stove or installing a new wood burning appliance call the Orillia Home Inspector.
One of the most common deficiencies found during a home inspection is cracks in drywall or plaster. Cracks are common in plaster and drywall because they are brittle and rigid but are supported by materials that are not equally as rigid. Plaster and drywall are attached to flexible wood structures on foundations that rest upon compressible soil. Wood expands in humid weather and contracts in dry weather. Plaster and drywall are too rigid to move with the wood and therefore cracks will appear when there is any movement in the house or foundation.
Drywall installation involves nailing or screwing the sheets to the studs. Drywall installers cut the sheets to fit, and holes must be cut to accommodate pipes and mechanical equipment. The sheets are then fastened to the studs in a process called hanging. While most drywall installation used to use nails, screws are now the most common. Drywall is normally installed perpendicular to (across) the ceiling joists and wall studs, and the ceiling is always installed first.
Special moisture resistant drywall is used where excessive moisture may be a problem, such as bathrooms. In most cases, the moisture resistant drywall is green. Fire-rated drywall (Type X) is used where building codes require it. Typically in garages and under stairs.
After the drywall is installed, special metal corner strips (“corner bead”) is installed on all corners. This helps to protect the edges of the drywall and provide a nice straight finished edge. Joint compound (drywall mud) is used to finish all joints, nail heads and corners. In most cases, two or three coats of compound are needed at all taped joints. The texture coat is applied last.
The finished quality of your drywall will have a large impact on the beauty of your home. Most drywall cracks can be eliminated by just applying joint compound, but plaster cracks should be widened to 3/8 inch down to the lathe cleaning it out and wetting it with Elmer’s glue diluted 50% with water. If sections of plaster are disconnected from the lathe, they can be secured with “plaster buttons” prior to plastering the crack. Press fresh patching plaster, not joint compound, into the crack so that it is forced into the spaces between the lathes.
When plaster ceilings are full of cracks, apply drywall directly over the plaster and don’t bother patching. It’s just not worth the effort. Make sure the drywall is screwed to the floor joist or strapping and not just to the lathe.
Buildings built between 1930 and 1950 may have metal lathes under the plaster. You’ll notice when you try to hang a picture! You can distinguish between metal or wood lathe by hitting the wall. Metal lathe walls tend to be much stiffer.
This home maintenance tip and maintenance advice is brought to you by the Barrie Home Inspector and Orillia Home Inspector
Pex Plumbing Facts and Installation. PEX plumbing is gaining attention throughout the world due to its durability and amazing quality to provide the best plumbing applications. It is widely used for numerous commercial and residential purposes. It is always preferred by experienced plumbers because PEX tubing installation is the easiest and reliable as well. It is completely corrosion resistance and can withstand extreme temperatures. PEX is actually a cross linked polyethylene which is formed by a combination of several molecules. It is well known for its durable nature and is one of the toughest applications for plumbing or piping.
Before installation, there are a few things needed which must be considered seriously. If you want to do a job comfortably, there are a few things such as drilling machine, hangars, stud plates, straps and PEX fasteners. It is essential to measure the length of PEX tubing which is required. According to that length, you can buy hangars and PEX straps. PEX cutter and crimp rings are also required along with crimping tools. It is essential to consider all such PEX accessories to make a successful installation.
PEX is one of the durable plumbing applications which can resist extremely hot and cold temperatures. PEX pipe may shrink or expand depending upon the intensity of heating and cooling effect. However, the shrinking or cooling effect can be less than 1 inches for every 10 to 15 degree rise or down in temperature. PEX plumbing is in huge demand across the world and is becoming a favorite of people due to its durability and longevity.
The procedure to install PEX piping is very easy and simple. You can do it by yourself or call a professional also. You need to drill holes in the walls at regular intervals in order to fix the pipe correctly. You can assure fixation of the piping by using straps and hangars. Then, the final task is to connect PEX pipes with plumbing attachments. It is essential to fix crimp rings by using crimper tool but make sure to install pipe at the right distance. It can be used and installed easily. Nowadays, it is widely used for water pipes to prevent water leakage which is very common in other traditional type of pipes.
After that, you need to insert tubing into the fitting of a piper. It should be slightly away from tubing. It is essential to ensure whether crimp ring attached to the crimper is available at 90 degrees or not. Make sure to close the crimp tool fully over crimp ring. Inspection is one of the essential factors which must be done perfectly. Finishing of all joints must be done precisely and accurately. In order to acquire perfect results, it is essential to do PEX installation precisely and accurately. If crimp tool is not available at 90 degrees then make sure to adjust it to get good results. PEX installation is completely different as compared to other kinds of copper tubing and PVC. So, it can be said that one must consider PEX installation as its very advantageous and can save your money in the long run.
Then there are the check valves which are used to ensure the flow of water. It checks whether water is flowing in the right direction or not. Sillcocks and Gate Valves have their own work during installation. On the other hand, thermostatic mixing valveare also widely used for residential applications. This kind of valve is mainly used to control the flow of liquid propane and natural gas. Gas ball valve has a handle and ball which helps the gas line to get turned off. Sillcock is also a valve which can be installed parallel over outside wall. It is mainly utilized for the linking of hose.
So, by considering the above PEX installation guide, you can get rid from all kinds of breakage and leakage in a house. It is not only durable but it is one of the best choices to fulfill plumbing needs of your house.
