SUNDAY, JULY 10 2013

Lead Base Paint Removal

Before the 1970s, household paint often contained lead. As lead paint ages, it can chip or crumble into dust. Exposure to lead-paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems. Children and pregnant women are at higher risk. So, if you live in or own an older home, you need to know how to protect yourself and others.

Getting Started There are many ways to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint — but SOME METHODS OF REMOVING PAINT ACTUALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF LEAD EXPOSURE. It's important to pick the safest method for your project; the goal is to reduce the hazards while creating as little lead dust as possible. If lead paint on ceilings and walls is in good repair, then painting them or covering them with wallpaper may be all that is needed to keep the lead paint in place.

But —if lead paint is chipping or peeling, or if it's on a surface such as a windowsill or stair rail where children can chew on it, then the lead paint (or the painted material) should be removed or covered. Painted surfaces that rub on each other, such as doors and windows, require special attention to stop the friction. And if the paint has been damaged by other problems, such as water damage due to leaks, then the underlying problem should be fixed first.

Safety Precautions BE CAREFUL! During the work, you might stir up dust or create fumes containing lead. This can be very dangerous for adults, children and pets. Always use a method that creates the least amount of dust and fumes. You should consider hiring a professional contractor with experience in working safely with lead removal. Whether you're going to do the job yourself or hire somebody, it's YOUR responsibility to see that the job is done safely. Here are some tips: This might be a good time to think about replacement. Sometimes it's easier to replace windows, doors, or woodwork than it is to remove lead-based paint.

Removal It is safest not to undertake lead removal on your own. Contact your local health department for additional information or for help in identifying qualified contractors experienced in lead removal.

MONDAY, APRIL 4 2013

Different Types of Siding For Your Home

House Siding Types: A Summary of the Different Home Siding Options

With aluminum, wood clapboard and vinyl to choose from, how can you find out with type of siding is best for your home? Read this article to learn the benefits and drawbacks of each type of siding.

The siding market offers homeowners a wide variety of options to choose from. Siding products differ in the material, cost, durability and maintenance needs. Here are some of the common types of siding.

Aluminum Aluminum siding is one of the more affordable siding options available. It is also very durable. According to the writers at Do It Yourself, www.doityourself.com, aluminum is considered more durable and easier to maintain than wood clapboard. On the matters of durability and maintenance, one of aluminum siding's main competitors is vinyl siding. However, aluminum siding is not considered as hazardous to the environment as vinyl siding, making it more popular with environmentalists. Even though aluminum siding has all these benefits, some homeowners choose not install aluminum siding because it's not aesthetically pleasing enough for them.

Wood Clapboard Wood clapboard siding is one of the oldest types of siding that has been used. This type of siding comes is made from different tree species. The writers at Do It Yourself, www.doityourself.com, note that wood clapboard can be made from cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, cyprus or Douglas fir. Often, homeowners can find many older homes with wood clapboard because it has been well taken care of. Wood clapboard requires more care than aluminum or vinyl siding. Homeowners will have to sand, repaint and replace wood clapboard over the years. Wood clapboard can also fall victim to mold or termites if it's not taken care of properly. Despite having to care for this type of siding more carefully, homeowners still choose it because it adds style to the exterior of their home.

Vinyl Vinyl siding is one of the less expensive types of siding. Unfortunately, there are mixed feelings about it. According to Jackie Craven of About.com, www.about.com, scientists believe manufacturing and disposing of vinyl is bad for people's health and the environment. For this reason, some homeowners are apprehensive to choose vinyl siding for their home.

Other homeowners choose to install vinyl siding because it is durable and easy to maintain. Homeowners will not have to repaint as frequently as wood clapboard because it is less likely to fade. When it comes to cracking or chipping, it depends on the quality and thickness of the vinyl. Vinyl is becoming more accepted among homeowners, but it has yet to surpass the popularity of aluminum or wood clapboard.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 2013

Spring Has Sprung

After a long, cold winter, it is now time to put your shovels and snow blowers into hibernation mode. It is official......Spring has sprung!

You have had all winter to get the inside of your home in order. Now is the perfect time to get your outside ideas in motion.

We are proud to offer a virtual picture from our HARDSCAPE computer program. This can help you picture your dream make over with a finished product. We will come to your home and take a picture of your desired location to be re-done, and with in 24-48 hours we will have your desired brick type and color available for your viewing.

If you're able to shoot your own picture, you can save a step by sending it to roni@ronirhoconstruction.com and we will produce the finished product in your hands for a completed look.