Category: home

How to remove and install a kitchen sink

Whether you are renovating or just want to spruce up your kitchen, adding a new kitchen sink can make a world of difference. Maybe you want a deeper sink or a double sink? Stainless steel or porcelain? What ever way you decide to go, did you know that it is a fairly simple thing to do yourself? Here are 2 videos. One shows how easy it is to remove the old and the 2nd shows how easy it is to install. So grab your tools and let’s get to work!



 

BACK TO BLOG

Simple Home Improvement Ideas

Big improvement doesn’t have to mean big money. There are so many little things that you can do to your home that will improve it’s appearance and it’s functionality. Then there are those that are just plain awesome! Check this out….

BACK TO BLOG

Understanding Ice Dams

Here is an informational video on how the Raychem Roof Ice Melt System efficiently and effectively prevents icicles and ice dams from building up on your roof eaves and valleys.

Raychem Roof Ice Melt Systems have successfully prevented ice dam and icicle formation on roofs across the country for over a decade. Unlike other solutions, such as a cold roof system or zigzag heating cable, Raychem’s RIM Systems are successful preventing ice dams and icicles in heavy snow regions as well as moderate snow regions. Raychem’s RIM Systems specifically target the ice dam and icicle prone areas of a roof regardless of the design, complexities, or snow load. Area Classifications, determine which Raychem Roof Ice Melt products are right for the job by identifying heavy, moderate, and light snow load areas.

The success of eliminating ice dam and icicle problems has led architects and contractors to specify the patented RIM system for their projects. In addition, hundreds of property owners have retrofitted their roofs with the RIM system. Over 480,000 feet (90+ miles) of roof eaves and valleys, throughout the United States and Canada, are protected from ice dams and icicles with Raychem’s Roof Ice Melt System

BEFORE

beforeice2     AFTER

beforeice

UNDERSTANDING ROOF ICE PROBLEMS

Ice dams and icicles occur as a result of:

  • Snow buildup on the roof
  • Heat loss from the building
    • Through insulation
    • Through chimneys
    • Through roof vents
  • Winter temperature fluctuations – freeze/thaw cycles
  • Solar heating during winter days with below freezing nights

As roof snow accumulation increases, ice dam and icicle formation likewise increase. Subsequent water ponding can lead to roof leaks, internal building damage and possible mold issues. Falling icicles can create lower roof damage, deck damage and people safety issues.

THE WINTER PROCESS
  1. Winter storms build up snow on the roof.
  2. Heat from the building (through insulation, chimneys, and roof vents) and from the sun (solar gain) causes roof snowmelt.
  3. Melted snow runs down roof lines to valleys and eaves.
  4. The melted snow refreezes at the base of the valleys and at the roof eaves.
  5. As day/night time temperatures cycle up and down, the ice dams and icicles continue to grow.
  6. Icicles cause ‘people and property safety’ concerns.

 Protect your home. Call Newhouse & Sun today!

BACK TO BLOG

How To Pick The Right Painting Tools

There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment you get from standing back and looking at a freshly painted room. Whether it was just a touch up or a completely different color, it feels good! Getting there isn’t so easy though. Painting can be frustrating work. Streaks and drips…UGH!

It certainly helps when you have the right tools. Knowing what to use and how to use it can make all the difference. Watch the video below for which painting tools to use for your needs. Also, check out things like roller pan liners and gallon pour spouts! Little things like this can make life so much easier!

BACK TO BLOG

How to Replace A Kitchen Sink

Part of remodeling your kitchen is ripping out and installing a new sink. It doesn’t look easy, but it can be with the right tools and know how. Here are a couple of short videos that show you how to remove the old sink and how to install the new one. You’ll have your kitchen upgraded in no time. So grab your tools and let’s get to work!

HOW TO REMOVE THE OLD

HOW TO INSTALL THE NEW

BACK TO BLOG

Childproofing Your Home!

Childproofing your home is an important step of parenting and let’s face it, nothing is more important than your children. Here is a great info-graphic to help you to make sure that everything in your home is child friendly!

Infographic on Childproofing 101: Baby Proofing Your Home for Safety – An infographic by the team at MrHandyman.com

BACK TO BLOG

Chimney Cleaning 101

Did you know that most structure fires, fire deaths and fire injuries occur in the home? According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 357,000 reported home structure fires caused 2,470 civilian deaths per year. During the five-year period of 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 357,000 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,470 civilian deaths, 12,890 civilian fire injuries, and $6.9 billion in direct property damage.

Home fire deaths occur more often in winter and between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. In 2009-2013, 28% of home structure fires and one-third of home structure fire deaths occurred in the winter months of December, January and February. Of these fires, heating equipment was the second leading cause of home fires, home fire deaths, and home fire injuries during this period. Chimney fires were the most common type of heating fire!

I’m not saying all this to scare you. I am, however, trying to warn you. We all think it’s not going to happen to us. Well, why not make sure of it? The number one way to prevent a chimney fire is by cleaning your chimney EVERY year BEFORE you use it! I know it’s dirty work but isn’t it worth it? Below is a video on how to do it yourself. It’s really not that hard. Give it a try. It could save your life!

As with anything, if you are not comfortable handling it yourself, hire a professional. Whatever route you choose, just do it!

BACK TO BLOG