Author: Edna Reynolds

Grinding concrete is performed on rough concrete surfaces to come up with a smooth, polished texture. It can be done whether the concrete is wet or dry. For some contractors, grinding wet concrete is better to avoid producing dust that could negatively impact the health of those around. Abrasive tools like a diamond grinder or angle grinder are used to refine concrete surfaces. 

It is important to grind concrete to support the smooth installation of top flooring. A rough or uneven concrete makes it hard for any alternative flooring to be installed on top of it. It prepares the concrete floor for the application of tiles or hardwood. A smooth concrete floor ensures the quality and longevity of the floor. Aside from getting rid of any imperfections and roughness, there are many reasons why you should grind your concrete surfaces. A pre-cast concrete project requires grinding the concrete surface while in concrete flooring, grinding is important to get rid of any remaining paint, epoxies, or damages. 

Grinding is not only done for the concrete floor, but it is also applicable to other types of concrete construction like walls, homes, buildings, walkways, and countertops. You can make any surface of your concrete look finer by grinding and polishing. If you are planning to polish your concrete surface, remove paint stains or uneven coatings, or simply prepare the concrete for an alternative finishing touch, it’s best to have the right tools and knowledge on how to do the work by yourself. Read the following details on how to properly grind your concrete and the tools that you will need in the process.  

Concrete Grinder 

A concrete grinder is a finishing tool that is used to grind and level the concrete surface that results in a smooth finish. There are three reasons why you should use a concrete grinder – extreme coating removing, surface preparation, and concrete polishing. A concrete grinder is different from grinders used for granite and marble as it is more sturdy and uses more power to provide greater sliding friction that is important for concrete. 

Meanwhile, a diamond grinder is a machine that is composed of sanding pads of different sizes anchored to the abrasive discs or rotating blades. This type of grinder, which is known as the “diamond”, also has diamond particles on it. This synthetic diamond differs in size, strength, and shapes. It is also is known in terms of grit sizes or grit numbers. This type of grinder made it possible to produce a surface that is almost close to marble to terrazzo-like appearance. 

5 Easy Steps To Grind A Concrete 

1. Read carefully and follow the ground rules for handling grinding tools or machines. Learn how it operates and the safety measures that come with it. Remember that concrete grinders are powerful machines. Knowing how to properly operate it helps you avoid any accident. 

2. Thoroughly check every part of the machine. Make sure that there is no damage to it, and all cables are plugged correctly. 

3. Once your machine or tool is all set, the next move is the prepare the concrete surface that you intend to grind. Check for any obvious cracks or humps. If you find one, you must repair it first. Also, if there are any existing coating or sealer remnants, stip them off before grinding. 

4. Once your concrete surface is ready, it’s time to use your concrete grinder. Work your way through it, polishing every corner. You can start from the coarser grit to finer grit, depending on your preferred outcome or finish. 

5. After grinding the entire concrete surface, the final step us to use your preferred sealant to cover and protect it from different elements like extreme weather, chemicals, oil, staining, and moisture. 

Concrete grinding is a straightforward task. The only challenge that comes with it is the proper handling of the grinder. The concrete grinder is robust and powerful therefore, proper handling and care are important while operating it. All in all, everything can be done even by an inexperienced person. 

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Having frozen pipes is a big problem when it comes to sprinklers during the winter season. This happens because the water inside the sprinkler pipes are undrained before the winter season comes. If the pipes get frozen, the ice inside might cause damage to other parts inside the sprinkler. Or worse, the expansion of ice inside will cause it to rupture, which leads to huge expenses from repairs during springtime.

Which is why it’s crucial to winterize your sprinklers. Which leaves this question: how do we winterize sprinklers?

There are steps you need to do, and here it is:

1. Drain off the water inside the pipe.

Removing the source of the future problem is the key. There are two approaches to this method, in which it depends whether the sprinkler has an automatic drainage or not.

• Manual Draining

Begin by turning off the water supply for the sprinklers, and the backflow valves. And then, open up all the manual drain valves in the system. It will drain off most of the water inside the pipes and sprinklers. Why majority? It’s because the pipes can be moved from its original position over time, which will leave behind water that the manual draining cannot remove easily. Do step no. 2 if you did this mode of draining.

• Automatic Draining

Having automatic draining valves is a good idea when it comes to sprinklers. Simply turn off the water supply for the sprinklers and the backflow valves, and let the automatic draining valves do its work as the pressure in the pipe recedes. Also, open up the drain valve near the water supply valve and the backflow device to remove the trapped water there. If you have automatic draining valves, proceed to do step no. 3.

2. Blow off the remaining water in the pipe

If you did manual draining, you need to do this after removing the leftover water inside the system. However, caution must be exercised at using the air compressor since excess air pressure might cause damage or rupture to the sprinkler system. Before doing this, make sure the water supply and the backflow valves are still shut. Then, remove the plug of the blow-out port and connect the air compressor (preferably 10 CFM model, or if you have a different air compressor model, limit the air pressure to at least 40 psi) using a hose adaptor. Open up just one zone, then proceed to blow out the water at that zone. Release the air pressure once the sprinklers stop blowing out water. Change to another and repeat the process. Once completely finished, then seal the blow-out port again with its plug.

3. Insulate the exposed pipes and main valve

As extra insurance for the upcoming winter season, cover the main valve with a plastic bag and foam insulation tape and above-ground sprinkler pipes with foam insulation tubes. By doing this, these exposed parts can be protected from the severe cold temperatures brought about by winter.

And with that, your sprinklers are now ready for the oncoming winter season! If you think these tips have helped you winterize your sprinkler system, don’t hesitate to share this with others!

Hanging artwork on the stucco wall is quite challenging. When you try to hammer or drill a screw, it often chips and cracks when done improperly. If you want to save time, money, and effort, you must learn how to properly hang your decor on the stucco wall. Today. I’m going to show you how to hang a wall decor without using nails or tools on stucco. 

Tools for hanging outdoor wall decor without drilling   

You can choose among the following tools, which one is the most suitable for your current need. If you are hanging a painting or art decor that requires wire backing, an adhesive hook is a good choice. 

• Double-sided mounting tape 
• Adhesive hooks 
• Wire hangers 

Clean surfaces before hanging a wall decor if you are using a tool that sticks to the wall

Wipe clean the surface area where you intend to hang your object using water or rubbing alcohol. Allow it to dry. 

Measure and mark the point where you want to hang your decor

Determine the exact location where you want to hang your decor. Mark it using a pencil to avoid mistakes later on. Be sure to apply the adhesives on the right spot. It is better to stick the adhesive hooks properly the first time than to keep removing and reapplying it. 

If you are hanging large objects or frames that require wire backing, you may need to use multiple hooks. Make sure to carefully measure the surface especially if you will be using multiple hooks. You can use a tape measure, leveler, or ruler to see if the hooks are properly aligned. Hold the measuring tool against the stucco and check if the spots you marked are on an even or straight line. 

Peel off the adhesive backing and attach the hooks on the stucco wall 

Make sure to attach the hooks right at the spot you’ve marked with a pencil. Once again, adhesive tapes are often hard to remove so it is important to attach it right for the first time. Also, make sure to read the directions on your adhesive tape’s packaging to see if there is any specific instruction on how to properly stick your hooks to stucco walls. 

For heavy or bigger objects, you may want to add more strength to the adhesive. You can add a dab of hot glue right to the adhesive part before attaching it to the stucco. 

Hold and press the hooks against the stucco for a few seconds 

This is to ensure that it will stick very well to the stucco wall. You can hold and press the hook for around 30 seconds. 

Hang your decor on the hooks gently 

Finally, your hooks are good to go. You can now hang your decor on the hooks carefully. Although adhesive hooks may be strong enough to hold the object, you may want to gently anchor the object to the hooks so that they won’t slide off the stucco. 

Homeowners may choose different materials for their homes and other projects. Cinder blocks and cement blocks are quite popular. You have to clearly know their differences and advantages, so you can know which is best for you and what you need.

Composition

One of their major difference is their composition. Concrete is made of aggregates, which are commonly finely crushed stone or sand. It is the end product if cement and a filler component. On the other hand, a cinder block is actually a generic term for structural blocks. That means that they are made from different things. However, the term “cinder” was from back in the day, when people use to burn coal to heat their homes. 

Today, cinder blocks are composed of different aggregates instead of sand or gravel. They might use ash, coal, In some cases, they are the same size as concrete blocks. 

Weight

Concrete blocks are significantly heavier than cinder ones. That is mostly because of their hollow structure. Concrete is typically more compact. It is also because of the proportions of the aggregates and other materials in it. 

Strength

Of course, concrete is much stronger than cinder. You should know if it applies to the project you want to do. Never use a cinder block for in some places that require strength. An example is pavements or driveways that will have to carry a huge weight. 

Remember, you should follow building codes in any project you may have. It will ensure your safety and the strength and durability of your end product. 

Concrete and cinder blocks both have open cells, so they can get reinforced with metal or other materials. It is up to you to decide, just make sure that you consult a professional if it is about some serious project. Put safety as your utmost priority.

Durability

Cinder blocks are banned from many areas, especially because they will not stand up to elements. They can bend, and are prone to bowing and buckling. It does not even have a lot of tensile strength. It is best to reserve it for projects that will suit its properties and features.

On the other hand, concrete is efficient and has lots of advantages that it can offer. It is undeniably strong and long-lasting. Many houses and infrastructures built more than a hundred years ago are still standing today. It can stand up against many elements, even time.

Price

If you think that builders today will prefer concrete, then you are wrong. If the building code in your area agrees to it, then you may still use cinder blocks. Remember that whatever you do should adhere to the regulations of the area. Because of that, cinder blocks can get costly, because of demands in an area. They are also easier to lift, so many may still prefer them.

Do not forget to ask experts when you are planning on building something. It is also significant that you consider codes in an area and follow them strictly, to avoid any problems.

To begin any construction work, it is important to identify the amount of concrete that you need. You want to be as accurate as possible in buying the right amount of materials. You can find several concrete calculators online that say the same figures, but in an actual world, you may want to know the estimated number of bags that you need per yard or area that you will work on. Knowing the numbers or the exact mathematical computation per pound is not as practical as knowing the amount needed per bag or packaging. 

So how do you calculate the amount of concrete needed for any home or commercial projects? 

How many 80 pound bags of concrete does it take to make a yard?

Short answer:

45 bags. 

An 80-pound bag of pre-mixed cement and concrete is 0.6 cubic feet per the bag

Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, so the equation is 27 / 0.6 = 45

Long answer:

If you are amazed by a bit of mathematical computation, then read on. The first thing that you need to do is to determine the volume of the space that you want to fill. This is not as complicated at all. Filling out a concrete or chocolate ice cream cone is no different. Determining the volume is quite easy. Due to the amount of concrete needed for most construction jobs, it is best to measure the volume in cubic feet. But if your project is massive, then it is recommended to calculate the volume in cubic yards instead of cubic feet. 

To simplify things, whenever you hear the word cube, think of an ice cube. The ice cube has three sides – about the sides that touch the ice tray in your freezer. The simplest way to get the volume of an ice cube is the multiple these three sides. If you have a perfect ice cube, the width, length, and depth will be the same. For example, it will be 2 feet wide, 2 feet long, and 2 feet deep. Therefore, when these figures are multiplied, you will get a volume of 8 cubic feet. 

Refer to this formula: 

Volume = width x length x height (depth) 

Meanwhile, concrete slabs’ dimensions are not equal. They are not perfect cubes. That is why the computation is a bit different. If you have a slab that is both 2 feet wide and long, the depth or height unlikely to be 2 feet. It might be 4 inches in depth for an average concrete slab. Hence, follow this simple formula: 2’ x 2’ x 4”. But you cannot multiply feet by inches. You have to compute everything in the same units. So, after multiplying everything, simply divide it by 12. You’ll get the answer 1.3 cubic feet. 

Refer to this formula: 

2 feet x 2 feet x 4 inches 

2 x 2 x 4 = 16 / 12 = 1.3 cubic feet 

For filling a round hole in the street to install a post or mailbox, the equation for the volume is different from the cube or rectangle.

The formula for the volume of a round hole is: 

Pi r2 x depth 

3.14 x radius x radius x depth 

The width of the radius is the half portion of the round hole. But if you are not working on a big construction project, this will be easily calculated in terms of inches. 

If your round hole is 36 inches deep and 10 inches wide, the equation would be:

 3.14 x 5 x5 x36 /1728 = 1.6 cubic feet 

In case you forget the divisor which is 1728, just remember this formula: 12 x 12 x12 or simply the figure of cubic inches in a cubic foot. 

Now that we’re done calculating the volume, the next step is to calculate the number of concrete bags you will need to fill the round hole. When you walk into your local hardware store, you will usually see on the packaging or product label, how many cubic feet the bag can fill. This refers to the yield. The yield on an 80 pounds bag is about 6/10 or 0.6 cubic feet. Given the example mentioned above, the equation would be: 

1.6 / 0.6 – 2.7 bags 

The yield is almost always constant. You can use 0.06 yield on any calculation. 

Indeed, sprinklers are utilized for easy irrigation over a large area. It makes watering more convenient than manually doing it for a huge mass of land. For outdoor sprinklers, it can be prone to damage due to external factors. During the wintertime, frost and snow can cause damage to your sprinklers especially those that are uninsulated.

As the sprinkler system is prone to damage, it should be noted that the above-ground portions of a sprinkler system can eventually crack if not drained. Cracks can occur when water is not thoroughly drained. Hence, it can cause damages to the system due to the expanding ice. This makes repair deemed necessary. Also, water loss and erosion result from a broken sprinkler pipe.

During wintertime, it is the most susceptible season for sprinklers to possible experience damage. This is to ensure that you thoroughly drain your sprinkler system before winter comes. This can save you a fortune. Instead of minding about repairs in the future, it is best to avoid worst-case scenarios by being prepared beforehand.

Broken Sprinkler Pipe due to Freezing

For underground sprinkler pipes, it is situated under the soil to be insulated from cold temperatures. But for pipes that are above ground, these are the most susceptible and prone to leaks and cracks upon exposure to freezing. For pipes that are rigid such as that of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes, water has the potential to expand upon freezing. Since these pipes are rigid, it can create cracks and fissures due to the expansion of ice. For flexible pipes such as that of poly piping, which is used in drip irrigation, can still be prone to cracks and damage as it still have rigid zones in it. These rigid zones can be found in glued joints, but these joints are easy to locate. So crack or damage detection can still be easily done.

Avoid Freeze Damage

During winter time, irrigation is deemed unnecessary due to the weather. To avoid freeze damage, it is best to thoroughly drain the sprinkler system and switch it off as early as in fall.

Detection of Leaks

Leaks can be due to cracks formed on the pipes due to the expansion of water from freezing. For pipes situated above ground, leaks can be easily determined and pinpointed as it is obvious how there are water spurting out from a certain zone. When expansion of ice creates cracks onto the pipe, the unfrozen water will now spurt out from this cracked zone.

However for detecting leaks from pipes situated underground, it is more difficult to determine. But then, if the sprinkler system is pressurized when the break happens, a large wet area will be seen in the soil. The difference between a moist and wet soil from a dry one can determine whether there is a potential leak from the sprinkler pipes underground.

For those sprinkler lines that are not pressurized, these leaks will only be apparent when the sprinkler system is turned on. One can see that the spray volume is reduced, or even non-existent. There will also be a wet area formed in the soil to indicate the source of leakage.

Repair and Restoration Procedures

For pipes that were caused by freeze damage, it is deemed that it is not repairable. The best way to fix it is to replace the pipes. Moreover, any damaged section of the PVC pipe is opted to be cut out and replaced. To do this, cut a new piece of pipe shorter than the section removed. Splice it into the line with a coupling on each end. This procedure is called telescoping. Telescoping PVC couplings make the procedure easier as one end goes onto the pipe whereas the other end slides out to fit onto the other piece of pipe.

Your air conditioner is composed of many components that make it efficient, safe, and function properly. One of the most essential part is the capacitor. It is a cylindrical object that provides power in the system, especially to devices on startup. Some problems you might encounter with your air conditioner is probably caused by a bad capacitor. To help you replace it, you have to find one that matches your system. Here are some places where you can find a capacitor.

Local HVAC Store

Probably, HVAC stores near you will have what you need. Tell them the specifics they will be able to help you most of the time. If due to some unexpected problem, what you are looking for is not available, there are still other places to look.

Online HVAC Stores

 You may browse catalogs on the internet on HVAC store sites. Verify if it is exactly what you need. You may also check reviews and stars given by other customers. It will be convenient to purchase online, but you have to wait for a while.

To make sure you are buying the best capacitor for your system, there are many things to consider.

Capacitor Type

There are two types of capacitors you can find in your air conditioner. The run capacitor powers the system while it is turned on. The start capacitor gives a boost to some devices like the fan, compressor, or others. Take a look at where the connection from the capacitor leads. Check the terminal your capacitor is connected in, that is also information you must have.

Capacitor Shape

 While most of the capacitors are cylindrical, some might still vary depending on your air conditioner type, model, or brand. Make sure you purchase one that is identical to your old capacitor.

Capacitor Voltage

 The capacitor voltage is critical to your system. Take note of that one because it is essential to get a capacitor with the same voltage range capacity. Most of the time, you can find this printed on the side of the capacitor cover. It is also on your owner’s manual, so be sure to keep those in case needed.

Capacitance Value

Another piece of information you have to keep is the capacitance value. This one is also printed on your capacitor. A run capacitor will have a different value than a start capacitor. It is measured in micro Farads, sometimes expressed as μf or MFD. Find a capacitor that has an identical capacitance value to your old one. 

When looking for a capacitor, make sure you will get the right one that matches your system, to avoid other problems. A bad capacitor is easy to fix yourself, after all. You will only have to pay for the capacitor.

If you are not confident with doing the work on your own, contact a licensed expert to do it for you. You may also check if your unit is still under warranty, or if you have a plan with your HVAC contractor. Repairs and replacements will be easy if you have someone for help! 

Making plans for regular service with your HVAC contractor will benefit your air conditioner and furnace. It will increase the chance of your technician catching the small problems before it gets big. Tiny repairs won’t cost as much as service calls. It will also help maintain your units and make sure they work perfectly.

Here are the essential services your contractor might offer:

Check-up 

 Your contractor should check up parts of your air conditioner and furnace to know if they are in good condition. They have to make sure that the air and blower filters are free of dust, fur, or other things that may obstruct airflow; it can happen at least once every 30 days. 

 Coils also gather some dirt, dust, or debris once in a while. The evaporator coil may even get covered by ice, while the condenser coil is exposed outside. It can get blocked because of leaves and foliage. Examining this will also help your air conditioner and furnace greatly. 

 Chimneys and vents should also get checked to know if enough air is circulating in the system. Your technician has to examine if the ductwork is properly insulated or if the pipe joints are connected. Condensate drains also need some inspection once in a while to make sure it is free of any obstruction.

 Thermostats, motors, breakers, and other electrical components also have to get checked occasionally. Some problems you may have with your unit might be because of broken fuses or capacitors.

 Another good thing to check is the refrigerant level. It will go down after a long time of use, and your air conditioner might not be able to cool the air enough. Regular check-ups will also reveal if there are any leaks with the system.

Cleaning

Your HVAC contractor should also offer some cleaning services for components like the air or blower filter, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and others that may require cleaning after some time of use. The parts of your unit should be free of blockages to get the proper airflow and work efficiently. If all are good, you will consume less energy and spend less on electricity bills.

Repair and Replacement

To preserve or prolong the outstanding performance your air conditioner and furnace gives you, some parts that may malfunction need repair or replacement. Even if you take good care of your units, components may get worn out. Compared to emergency repairs, it will save you a lot if you have planned services with your contractor. Some extra fees might be required if the part that needs repair is a complex one. Replacing the compressor may also add some additional costs since it is quite expensive.

Inspection

After making repairs or replacements with your air conditioner or furnace, your technician should inspect if everything works fine before letting you use your unit again.

Do not hesitate to make service plans with your HVAC contractor to be saved from emergency repair costs! Contact one now to make sure your units always work in the perfect condition!