Building Safe Stairs

As a general rule of thumb in stair building the sum of the tread and riser should equal around 17 1/2 inches. This is a general rule of thumb for a comfortable, easy to walk up and down set of stairs.

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For example if your stair tread is 10 inches and the stair riser is 7 1/2 inches you have a comfortable stairway. Walking up and down a stairway using this formula creates a comfortable set of stairs. The next time you walk down any uncomfortable set of stairs measure the stair tread and riser. You will be amazed at what you'll find.

MASONITE EXTERIOR DOORS

For public stairs or heavily used stairs this method will become one of your best friends. On public stairs you have liability issues and of course lawyer issues if you are the owner of the building. If you are not building a safe set of stairs that meets your local building codes standards you could be in for a whopping financial nightmare.

Building safe stairs as a contractor is your obligation to society. I don't know how many times I come across a loose stair tread or a broken hand rail. One of the biggest problems I find is in the poorer neighborhoods you come across some major construction problems and safety hazards. I never have been able to figure out why a building owner would not want to protect himself financially and the people that occupy and use his buildings safety.

Here's something you need to avoid when using the stair building general rule of thumb. This rule of thumb does not apply to good to an 8 inch tread with a 9 1/2 inch stair rise. You don't want to be building a latter you want to be building a safe set up stairs.

The maximum stair rise you can use for most building codes is 8 inches. You will not find the stairway to comfortable with a 9 1/2 inch stair tread and an 8 inch riser. If you have no choice and are cramped for space and you can't redesign this stairway to fit in the house or building then at least make sure you have a nice sturdy grip able stair hand rail.

This formula works great when you are working with exterior landscaping and you have a long run of stairs with a small rise. For example: if you have a 14 inch stair tread and you use a 4 inch riser this will lead to a comfortable step.

Look for stairs in your neighborhood or around some apartment complexes that don't follow these rules and have 16 inch stair treads with 7 inch risers. You will find yourself taking two steps on the stair tread on every other step and it is not a real comfortable stairway.

Happy stair building and keep this formula in mind for a nice comfortable set of stairs in your building future.

Building Safe Stairs

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

MASONITE EXTERIOR DOORS

Fireplace Doors

Fireplace doors are an alternative to regular fireplace screens. When I originally set out to find all the necessary accessories to go along with my new fireplace, I thought that I would simply purchases a traditional fireplace screen. Yet, after looking at the various fireplace doors that are available, I decided that these would make a more attractive fireplace.

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There are fireplace doors that are single doors that cover the entire fireplace opening, and there are two piece fireplace doors that open on hinges with the connecting seam running down the middle of the fireplace opening.

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These two types of fireplace doors make up the vast majority of fireplace doors, yet there are some more contemporary and unique styles that don't quite fir into either of these categories. Additionally, not all fireplace doors are sold as complete units. With some types of fireplace doors, you will have to purchase the framing portions separately from the individual fireplace door pieces.

Be sure that you know which type of fireplace doors that you are purchasing, as to whether or not they will require additional framework to complete the opening and door installation. Some fireplace doors do come with everything that is required to complete your fireplace.

Of course buying the individual fireplace doors separate from the finishing framing pieces has its advantages. With this type of fireplace doors, you have more room to customize the design specifically to your liking.

There are fireplace door frames in nearly every type of material and finish imaginable, from gold, silver and pewter, to iron and many other types of materials. Whether your décor is dark, light or somewhere in between, there are fireplace door frames for every style or taste you may desire.

Though many people consider fireplace curtains to fit more in the fireplace screen category, I believe they fit more accurately within the fireplace doors category, as they can be placed in either a closed, open or partly open position.

A more expensive, yet truly unique look is to incorporate bi-fold glass fireplace doors. These lovely fireplace doors contain four panels of polished and tempered glass panels. Each half of these fireplace doors bends in the middle and slides along ball bearings located at the top and bottom of the doors. These typically also feature draft control at the bottom section of the doors.

I found just the right set of fireplace doors at http://fireplacesnow.com and was about to place an order when I decided to take a look and see if I couldn't find the same set of doors for less on eBay. I didn't think I'd be able to save that much, if any, money, but also thought it was worth a try.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the exact same model of bi-fold fireplace doors were for sale on eBay, and from a reputable seller, nonetheless. Ok, so these fireplace doors had been used, which is not what many people would want to buy. For me, this was a very attractive option, as they cost more than ,000 when brand new. I walked away with a gently used set of fireplace doors for about 0. I certainly recommend perusing all the various options before committing to one.

Fireplace Doors

Jon worked in construction for 10 years before starting his own local fireplace installation service 8 years ago. At his website, Jon will show you how his years of experience in the industry can help change your fireplace into the focal point of your home. To learn more about fireplace design ideas visit http://www.fireplacegate.com

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Variety in Mirrored Bifold Closet Doors For the Home

Everyone knows that mirrors make a room look larger. Mirrored bifold closet doors not only make your room look larger but can also give it a contemporary look. The doors come both framed and frameless and can be framed in aluminum or wood such as pine and mahogany. They bring a certain modern charm to any room and because they are mirrored they brighten the room as well. Mirrored closet doors are intended for interior use only and should not be used in a garage or shed due to the risk of breakage.

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Other types of closet doors include louvered and accordion doors. Accordion doors are tiny long planks of wood that are attached one to another. These are generally made of pine and mahogany and are used primarily for room dividers. Louvered bifold doors are the more common bifold kind and are generally cheaper than other types of doors. Materials for bifold doors will vary from one manufacturer as well. Some may have panes of glass or frosted glass instead of planks of wood. These are perfect for pantries and entry way closets.

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Most bifold closet doors are adjustable so you get the perfect fit for your doorway. This is why it is not as important to have precise dimensions for pre-made doors. Custom ones are different; in order to make the builder look their best, they want them to fit in an exact area therefore they ensure the dimensions are exact. Locks are also available for mirrored bifold doors as well as other forms of bifold doors. These locks are metal slides that slide over the tops of the panels at the hinge to prevent children from opening doors they shouldn't. Custom doors can have regular locks built right in them for convenience.

Most interior bifold doors have a specific style like a modern or contemporary style but mirrored bifold closet doors pretty much covers both of these styles in one design. They are sleek with few details like a contemporary style but are also modern with their frameless designs. If you were to look up both styles, you would find mirrored doors even though they may be slightly different in their designs. The two styles are also similar in prices with the only differences being in the manufacturers.

Local retailers can help you choose the mirrored or bifold closet doors that are right for your home. You simply need to know a few specifics such as where they will be used and your budget as well as the dimensions of the doorway they will cover. Keep in mind that they are meant for interior use and can be adjustable so the dimensions do not have to be precise. Prices will vary depending on your specification, preferences, materials and manufacturers. Some retailers offer custom built bifold closet doors that are usually more expensive than store bought or pre-made doors so take that into consideration when shopping for your doors.

Variety in Mirrored Bifold Closet Doors For the Home

For more information about MIRRORED BIFOLD CLOSET DOORS and other door types, pay a visit to http://www.contemporaryclosetdoors.com.

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Steel Garage Doors Meant for High Performance

Steel doors are considered as the most common type of doors. They are available in distinct variety. They are not only comparatively cheaper but also deliver sophisticated and aesthetic appearance. They come up with additional security, as it is hard to break metal curtains. One can merge steel doors with fibre and PVC openings. Till date, they are considered as high performance doors as they give added insulation feature. They are not only less expensive but are also light in weight which makes their operation quite easy and simple.

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Prime benefits of steel garage doors Steel garages have innumerable essential features which make them a popular choice. They are light in weight that can be quite easily moulded during the manufacturing process. Due to ease in moulding, steel enhances the visual appeal thereby giving the door a pleasing appearance. Other major advantage is the added security prospects. This is the biggest reason for their preference over timber and fibre. One can get multilayered, single layer, double layer and triple layer doors. They are highly resistant to rust and do not require frequent painting. Steel garage doors rarely experience wear and tear which may cause temporary or permanent damage to the garage. As far as durability is concerned, steel is more durable than any other material.

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Fitting steel garage doors need adequate care and precision. Steel doors often come as side hung garage doors, sectional, up and over, roller shutter and sliding doors. Fitting of steel door requires lot of care and precision. Before fitting a steel door, it is essential to take accurate measurements, because once the steel doors are fitted, any alteration can be quite cumbersome. It can be noticed that even professional installers can make faults while installing a door. It is therefore advisable to follow the guide thoroughly. One should not try to fix a door without any professional guidance or assistance. Before actually installing a garage, do take all the necessary safety measures to avoid any instances of accidents.

Steel Garage Doors Meant for High Performance

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Siding Problems Need Attention or They Will Cost You a Lot More to Fix

Are you faced with problem siding such as Louisiana Pacific (LP siding), Weyerhauser, Masonite Siding,T-111 siding or Drivet material? These products have been associated with rot and leaking in the Seattle area. There are a couple of reasons why you will experience problems with these products in the Pacific Northwest.

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1. They are not capable of handling all the wet weather we have in our area.
2. A lot of home owners and building owners do not do the proper maintenance.
3. The original design of the building and installation method used on the siding during construction.

MASONITE EXTERIOR DOORS

This can include things like improper flashing and caulking of the siding, Improper grade and installation on home wrap.We have also seen problems with improper gutter installation and lack of gutters cleaning that leads to water pouring down the siding over windows.

Once the siding and caulking joints start to deteriorate the water will get behind the wall and saturate the paper or homes wrap. Once this occurs your home can experience rot underneath the siding. The sheathing ( Plywood on your homes framing stem ) and the actual framing starts to rot. This is the expensive part of any siding repair job.

Once water gets behind the wall it is only a matter of time before your repair cost go up exponentially. Siding is relatively easy to remove and replace. Once we have to tear off the siding the plywood remove doors, windows, flashing,plywood and pull framing apart the labor required really snowballs. Framing need to be supported and only very small sections can be fixed at a time.

The best way to do these types of repairs is to work on one section at a time. To avoid having to do major repair work complete the following annual check list

1. Inspect the edges of your siding ensure that there is no cupping or de-lamination on the edges of the siding.
2. Make sure your caulking joints are not cracked as even small cracks in the caulking will result in leaks.
3. Make sure your gutters are clean and that they do not force water down walls over windows.
4. Paint and redo caulking on your home often. Use polyurethane caulking you can buy it at Handy home center for about a tube.

If you more than minor repairs or you have leaks please take care of the repairs quickly to save major cost later. Get 3 quotes from licensed and insured siding contractors. Consider doing on problem areas if you do not have the money in your budget.

Contractors will have moisture meters to help spot the water leak areas and the should explain how windows and doors are flashed.

Siding Problems Need Attention or They Will Cost You a Lot More to Fix

Gerrard Floyd is a siding expert who has been writing on the benefits, challenges, and methodology of siding replacement for over five years.He is a siding and window contractor serving Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland,Shoreline,Issaquah,Burien, Renton,Lynnwood His areas of expertise include hardiplank, small condominium repairs rot repair, and exterior painting as well as animal buying and selling Real Estate. If you are interested in more information on (topic) please visit siding seattle, Hardiplank, and fibercement.

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How to Choose the Best Composite Doors

What is it that keeps you worrying about your house the most? The answer is bound to be the security factor. And needless to say, doors do provide the basic home security. With newer technologies emerging every moment, the market is flooded with various types of doors. Composite doors are one such innovation that promises to safeguard the security of your abode in style. However, choosing the right door is not as easy as it seems on the surface level. Home owners often find it difficult to choose from scores of types and styles of composite doors. In this article I will help you make this uphill task of selecting the right composite doors for your house, easy and manageable.

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While choosing the front door it is important that you pay attention to both the quality and the look. If the door is strong with a look that does not match your house, it will not work. At the same time a fashionable door that can be damaged easily is also of no use. Try to find a door that can provide you safety, privacy and style at an affordable rate. Composite doors serve all of these purposes. The first step towards choosing the right door is going for the right provider. This is understandably difficult for the newbie. However you can depend on your own research and word of mouth to be sure about the credentials of the company.

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Once you have zeroed down on the provider, now is the time to check the quality of composite doors. Starting with the aesthetic look of your door, check whether they are made of glass reinforced plastic to be sure of their waterproof facilities. Often homeowners are found to be choosy about the color of the doors. With composite doors you can drive away that thought as you are bound to be spoilt with color variations. Remember that it is equally important to maintain the color in the future. So go for providers who assure you of doors that don't need repainting and are less scratch-prone.

Don't choose composite doors with long-term warranty. This is help you ensure lesser maintenance cost in case of damage. Be careful about choosing the right hardware for your doors. The hardware is an important part of front doors as well as for the other doors. Hardware for all doors is not the same and you need to understand the right type of hardware for each and every door. If you are new to all these, make sure that the vendor provides you with the fit-in services so that getting the door in place becomes less hazardous for you. Like every other commodity prices of composite doors vary with quality and design. You need to compare the offerings of various provides to strike the best deal.

How to Choose the Best Composite Doors

The author helps you make the best selection of Composite Doors Bedfordshire [http://www.sleepsafe.org.uk/pages/doors-composite.asp] and also gather information about Composite Door [http://www.globaldoor.co.uk], in general.

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Why Choose Vinyl Sliding Doors

Vinyl sliding doors are among the most popular types of doors that are used in most households today. This is because they are easy to install, sturdy, and cheaper compared to other types of sliding doors available out there.

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To be able to find the best door for you, here are some of the characteristics that you should consider before finally buying one.

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1. Check the commercial rating. One of the easiest ways to determine if the door is of quality of not is through its commercial ratings. If the product has passed any commercial rating, it's possible that it is durable enough to last for a long period of time.

2. Test its endurance. One of the ultimate tests for the doors is that it should be durable enough to endure the test of weather and times. Quality doors should not absorb moisture responsible for cracking, peeling, or warping.

3. It should be functional. Aside from testing its strength and endurance, the doors should be functional enough to suit your housing needs. Make sure that before you leave the hardware store that you tried on the function of the product to avoid any hassles in the future.

4. Its profile should be thick as well as the frame. This is significant because it will determine its strength and will also add up to its conventional look.

5. It should be easy to install and to operate. This is very important especially for neophytes because it lessens the possibility of damaging the product as well as the house. These qualities also save up money because you don't have to hire a professional to do the installation and onset operation for you.

6. The doors should be constructed with solid and high quality materials. This is to ensure that the product will be durable enough for long time use and should be reinforced double braced aluminum so it will be heavy-duty.

7. They should have welded sash corners. This is to give utmost endurance and stability to test different kinds of weather.

8. It should have excellent wedging interlocks to seal the panels. This will ensure that it will keep the chill during winter and the heat during summer.

9. The door should have keyed, dual-point locks and security bolts to ensure the safety of the user. Through this, it will keep the intruders and possible thieves away from the house.

Why Choose Vinyl Sliding Doors

For tips on choosing sliding doors, visit http://www.slidingdoors101.com

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