How to Hang Gutters

Gutters are your house's first defence against water damage and help to direct water away from walls, pavements and foundations. Proper installation of a gutter system can prevent costly structural and cosmetic repairs. Hanging gutters is a fairly simple project with just a few steps and important tips.

The first step is to remove the old gutter if one exists. Once the gutter is removed, it is the perfect time to repair or replace the fascia. Prior to purchasing the gutter materials, decide the type of gutter that is most appropriate for the area; a deeper gutter is indicated if there is a lot of local rain, debris guards are a good choice if there are a lot of trees overhanging the roof line. The location of the downspout is the first step to hanging gutters. If there is an existing drain, hang a plumb line and install the outlet in line with the drain. If there is no drain, the downspout should be aimed toward an existing gully. Never point a downspout at a driveway or pavement since it promotes the growth of algae and ice formation. The top of the gutter should never be more than 30mm from the bottom of the roof. After installation of the outlet gutter section, install a fascia bracket 150mm from each end of the gutter run. The gutter may be installed level or with a maximum fall of 3mm per metre. Using a string, extend a line from the insertion line of the outlet to the end of the run. The insertion line allows a moveable joint for expansion. Once the line is extended, install fascia brackets every metre. In addition to brackets every metre, all joints require brackets as well. Install the gutter by tilting the gutter under the back of the fitting and then pushing down into the front of the bracket. Install end caps at the end of the gutter run.

Once the gutter is installed, install the downpipe. If the house has a large overhang, use an offset bend to bring the downspout closer to the wall. Downspout support brackets are installed every two metres. If the downspout discharges over an open topped gully, finish the downspout with a rainwater shoe. If the downspout of the gutter discharges into a drain, use a drain adapter. For new construction projects, such as a conservatory, consult the local building authority for proper placement of the downspout.

A properly installed and maintained gutter is an inexpensive way to protect your biggest investment. Hanging a gutter requires a little careful planning but can be accomplished in a short amount of time.

Your gutters should be cleaned out at least one a year, maybe twice if you live in a very tree lined area.

Autor: D L Anderson

http://www.toptradespeople.co.uk

Added: September 30, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How to Fix a Steel Gate

A gate is used as an entry or exit into a plot. It may also be used to secure the home compound. This are made of different materials. They could be made with timber, steel sections or metal sheets. The home owner desires a beautiful entry into the compound. the gate may have a sentry cubicle on the side to control movement into and out of the compound. The height can vary depending on the location. If its fixed on a long driveway it can be opened by remote control.

The gate should is fixed such that the home owner can open and close effortlessly. It is important to have the posts hanging the gate very strong. The hanging post can be made of steel or concrete stanchions. This should not buckle under the weight. The hinge system should be able to open and close smoothly. On the hanging stanchion, a bell or security system can be installed. Also lighting should be provided for ensuring a lit entry or exit into the home. Also a gate sensor can be added.

Once the gate is fabricated then fixing commences. The width of the gate is measured and the support post position is established. Column pits are excavated to a depth of three feet. The stanchions are plumbed and kept straight upwards. These should also be in line. The stanchion column is then put into the excavated holes. Concrete of one part cement, two parts sand and four parts ballast is mixed and poured into the pit. It is then vibrated properly. Power points are placed on the side and top for lighting and the bell.

The gate stanchion concrete should dry for at least four days. The gate is then lifted and put into position on the hinges. If the columns are done correctly it will fit on the provide hinges. The top of the hinge is then capped by welding to prevent lifting of the gate. The tower bolt position is marked at the center of the gate. Two steel round hollow sections of one feet long are driven into the ground. A concrete surround is done to prevent movement when locking the gate.

Autor: Andrew Karundu Andrew Karundu
Level: Basic PLUS
Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist, Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling And Redesigning Homes. He Uses Simple Tried And Tested Methods To ... ...

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

Added: September 29, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Landscape Sprinkler System - Learn to Install One

This article is about a system that will water flowers, gardens and trees only.

Identify the incoming water line at your residence assuming this is where the sprinkler system is, if you already examined the sprinkler heads at the store, you know doubt saw that they spray in different designs: 360 degrees, 180 degrees, 90 degrees. Some will allow you to adjust the degree of spray and some will only "bubble up" a small quantity of water.

Spray water away from your house not towards it. Some water is very hard and continued spraying of this water on your house will leave an ugly yellow or brownish color that is hard to clean off.

A typical 360 degree sprinkler head running on normal residential water pressure on a circuit properly configured, will spray a circle about 12 feet in diameter. (Or a 6 foot radius from the sprinkler head, however, the type of sprinkler head you use will vary this number). Plan accordingly. Soon you will see about how many individual sprinkler heads you'll really need to cover the square footage required. 180 degree heads may be the best bet here.

Use 1" T's and hook one in with the appropriate length of pipe running upwards to meet the ground level. Some heads will pop up when they are turned on, so these need to be mounted at ground level.

Install up to 6 of these per circuit for starters. Adjust the quantity once you see how your water pressure is pushing the water through the line. Reduce the size from 1" pipe to 3/4". Finally reduce to 1/2". Most of the time, 1/2" pipe threads will be the size of each sprinkler head.

Include the use of an automatic drain on the bottom of each sprinkler head especially if you know that you are NOT going to blow the system out in the late Fall months and you are located in a freezing climate.

Experiment with different heads to develop the spray pattern you need.

If using automatic valves, simply purchase a clock timer from the box store and run two wires from it to each valve.

A master turn off valve for this sprinkler system is suggested. It should be located in the house.

If other areas need to be watered, run pipe from the 2nd valve to the general area and then branch off again using smaller pipe and misc heads.

Autor: Mike Summy Mike Summy
Level: Basic PLUS
Mike Summy is a seasoned home remodeler, home inspector and a source for help on many do-it-yourself projects around your home. Visit this helpful site...

Mike Summy is a seasoned home remodeler, home inspector and a source for help on many do-it-yourself projects around your home. He is the proprietor of:

http://www.easyhomeimprovementprojects.com

Added: September 27, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/