The Basics Techniques of Installing Drywall Panels in Your Home

First of all, you need to remember that installing drywall panels as walls or ceilings for your home is not that hard to do. However, this is only half the battle. You still have to know about taping and applying compound on to the drywall you installed. This is very important as this will adjust the finished product that you will be left with.
When it comes to drywall installation, knowing how to correctly apply the mud is very important.
So, here are some things that you have to remember when you are going to start applying mud on to your drywall.
The first thing that you have to keep in mind is that you have to know about the compounds and tools.
Like in any do it yourself projects, preparation is the key in order for you to become successful. You need to be patient in order for you to get used to the tools and the equipments that is often used when installing and mudding drywalls. By being patient, you will be able to learn the different techniques that you will be using when installing and finishing drywalls. And, with patience, you will end up with a great looking final product.
You need to keep in mind that there are basically two types of jointing compound. The first is the powder and there are also pre-mixed compounds that you can use. You will find that different compounds are available in different textures. Taping compounds are coarser and commonly used after taping. Topping compounds are finer and this is used for producing a smooth wall. This is basically used for finishing. There are also all purpose compounds which can be used to do the entire job.
To apply the drywall mud on to the drywall, you will need to use taping knives. The knives are available in different lengths and sizes, which will be able to accommodate your needs when it comes to applying mud.
You need to remember that before you apply the compound, you need to make sure that all the nails and screws are sunk just below the surface of the drywall. This is to ensure that they don’t stick out. You can check if this is done properly by running a knife along the seams. If it hits any nails or screws, then you have to tap the nail or screw in the screws a little deeper.
There are four basic steps to apply mud on to the drywall. Each of the steps will require an entire day to finish, which basically means that you will get the job done in four days.
The first step is to apply the first layer, which is the taping later. You first apply the compound and then tape over the joints by using jointing tape. After this, you can apply another thin layer of compound. After this stage, you will be left with a level surface without any holes.
Next, you have to apply the other two layers of compound. These two layers are done in order to make the texture of the wall smoother. For this, you will need to use a longer taping knife than the previous steps.
The final coat is the finishing coat of compound. This will make the walls very smooth. Alchoices remember that you need at least a day to get the compound to dry off. Because you will need to do four layers of compound, it will take you 4 days to finish the entire project. So, be patient about it and it will definitely pay off.

Read More..

Great Tips for Installing Drywall Properly

First of all, the drywall is a popular term for pre-fabricated plaster wall panels. These things are quite easy to install but you have to keep in mind that it will also require a lot of hard work if you ever need to repair it. This is why you have to avoid the basic mistakes of drywall installation in order for you to save yourself time, money and headache of redoing the entire job.
So, here are some tips that will be able to help you install drywall properly, which will be able to help you avoid making the most common mistakes in drywall installation. With these tips, you will be able to avoid the common drywall installation mistakes, which means that you will also avoid costly repair.
One great tip when installing drywall will concern the surface in which the drywall will be installed. The walls should be flat and the framing should be straight at right angles. If there are bowed rafters or studs, it should first be planed in order to flatten them before you begin your work in installing the drywall.
To test the walls if it is flat and straight, you can stretch a piece of string across it. This will also help you determine if the studs are all on the same place. Try redoing this process if necessary in order for you to be a hundred percent sure that the studs are in the proper place.
You also have to remember that cutting drywall should not involve sawing at the panel until all the sections are already separate. If you don’t follow this, you will only end up with a prematurely dull utility knife and a scratched surface underneath. You should consider drawing a line across the panel of drywall that you wish to cut. To make sure that the line is completely straight, you have to use a drywall T-square.
Then, you should score down the line just deep enough to cut through the backing paper. After this, you just life the panel and snap it right down the guide-line. To completely cut the panel, you should slice through the remaining layer of backing paper. After cutting, you have to smooth the rough edges made by the cutting.
A lot of people go overboard when applying the joint compound or mud whenever they are taping or mudding the drywall. Some people also go overboard when working their joint. Sometimes, they do it too early or too much, which is definitely a no-no in drywall installation.
Alchoices remember that you first need to apply the tape and spread a thin layer of compound over the tape in order to embed it. Then, you should leave it to dry before scraping it slightly to level any high spots. The, you need to apply the second layer if you need to.
At first, drywall hanging may seem very simple to do. However, you will find that hanging drywall will require a process. Alchoices keep in mind that when it comes to installing drywall properly, there are no shortcuts. You have to follow the step-by-step process in order to ensure high quality work.

Read More..

Several Beneficial Steps On Installing Fitted Kitchens

So you’ve decided to redo your kitchen. There are a few things you need to know before you get started so that you don’t only end up with a kitchen that looks good, but one that is functional too. This will require some skill and basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical beforehand. But here are a couple tips on installing fitted kitchens to help things go smoothly.
Before you get started you need to have a plan in mind. Measure your kitchen so you know the amount of space you are working with and draw a tentative design on graph paper of your kitchen. It’s important that when you plan your kitchen, you design it around your needs. Take into account workspace and storage space as well as where things will be in conjunction to the windows and doors.
Removing the old – The old will definitely have to be removed before you start, but don’t start taking things apart until you have all of your new cabinets and appliances ready to go. After you do take apart and remove all the old cabinets and appliances, inspect your walls. This will be a perfect time to do any repairs on the walls or floors. Consider giving the walls a new coat of paint or even a new color to match your new kitchen.
Cabinets – When your workspace is ready, then it is time to install the cabinets. Work from the corner across the wall, making sure to check the level of each counter installed before moving onto the next. When joining cabinets, check the level and make sure they are perfectly straight. For the wall cabinets, you work in the same manner while constantly checking the levels. Don’t worry about placing the doors and shelves in until the cabinets are done.
How many worktops you have will determine how you install them. The best thing to do is to cut out a template first before cutting any counter tops that need to be shaped so that you have the perfect measurements and know it will fit. If you have three tops to place, like a U shape, you’ll need to do the end first, the middle of the U. When that is in place, then you will install the sides. If you need to cut out the top for the sink or hobs, do this before fixing the top.
Don’t forget that the hole for your sink is not going to be as long or wide as the sink. There is a lip on the sink so that it can be held into place in the counter top. Before placing the sink in the hole, check the pipes below. This will help you to know where the hot and cold pipes are located for installing the taps correctly. Once the sink is in the hole, just clip it and install the taps.
With the right tools and patience, installing fitted kitchens can be finished in no time. Allow yourself to work at a steady pace and when tired, rest. Don’t push yourself too hard to finish it quickly, otherwise you may wrongly measure something or find that your counter-tops are not level when you start to use your new kitchen.

Read More..

Installing House Solar Panels

The installation of house solar panels can certainly help save you a whole lot of hard earned cash that you might otherwise have had to spend on electrical power. But not only do you save cash by installing house solar panels, you additionally get the gratification of knowing you are doing what you can to help the environment.
Even though quite a few people opt to use an expert to add house solar panels on their property, you possibly can install them yourself along with support from a friend. You will have to first buy the appropriate equipment and tools for the job: solar panels, mounts and rails, a drill, steel bolts, tar and safety glasses. Nearly all of these particular supplies may be purchased at a neighborhood hardware store; on the other hand, you may possibly find it difficult to track down a store that sells solar panels except in cases where you obtain them online. How many panels you need to have will depend on the size of your home and also the dimensions of the panels.
Once you’ve bought the needed supplies, you are going to need to choose a place on the roof where the sunlight shines all or practically all of the time. Lots of men and women mount their roof solar panels facing the southwest, since those panels installed in this direction have a tendency to receive the most sunlight. Be certain there are no trees or nearby structures that would obstruct the sunlight from reaching the roof panels.
Next, you’ll have to find the supporting rafters. These can easily be found employing a stud finder. Pre-drill holes in the middle of the rafters in order that they don’t split. The next step should be to install the mounts in the holes employing stainless steel bolts. Then, seal the area around the brackets with tar, fasten the metal rails on the mounts and then mount the panels on the mounts. Securing them with steel bolts will assist to hold them firmly in place.
And finally, mount the conduit and run wires to connect the panels to the inverter. You’ll have to give them close to eight hours of sunshine before you are able to transition to solar power.
If for any kind of reason you don’t really feel up to the work of installing these solar panels yourself, you shouldn’t be reluctant to employ a professional to do it for you. Putting in solar panels can be a bit challenging, in particular if you do not have very much practical experience with carpentry or do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Contact a variety of professionals in an effort to find out which person can do the set up at a great price; in many instances the place that offers the solar panels can send out experts to your property to complete the set up for an additional fee.

Read More..