Sanding drywall: When sanding drywall seams, it's good to follow the seam instead of going against it. It's better to go in circles, this way everything is blended and faded instead of getting that "path" from over sanding. Use a scrap piece of lumber or something hard and flat to put under your sand paper, this will keep things uniform. Using your hand can result in high and low spots which ultimately leads to more work. Also if you need the seams to dry quickly, try mixing your own "mud" instead of using the premix. The powedered mix comes in drying times of 20 minute, 45 minute, and 90 minute. The work times aren't very long with these so keep moving!
 Caulking: Caulking can be a messy job that results in what looks like a 3 year old played arts and crafts with your house. Not to worry, here are a few tips to help you out. Around glass or a finished surface, use painters tape on either side of the joint being caulked. This will save you time on clean up and it's ok if the process gets a little messy, if caulk gets on the tape you can peel it right up. For the "professional" look, wet your finger and run it down the bead to smooth it out and remove the excess, this will also work if you want to use a putty knife. Just wet the knife and run it down the bead. Using a putty knife to tool the caulk or window glazing may take some practice. Part of the blade will need to follow a flat surace to keep things looking good, every movement made or bump the knife hits will show up in the caulk. Also be careful not to remove to much caulk or it will be ineffective. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for proper adhesion and sealing. Happy caulking.
Installing drywall can be a challenge, the bad part is you're only half done when the drywall is hung. Mudding and taping are next. I find it easier and faster, in most cases, to use the self adhesive grid tape on the flat joints and either corner beads or paper tape in the corners. Using the grid tape allows you to get the "glue" step and first coat all in one. If your joints are tight and even, you may only need two coats instead of three. After that all you need to do is sand, prime, and paint. Property Serv LLC can handle these and other remodel projects for you and estimates are Free! Give us a call to set up an appointment today. Have a happy project.
Well the new year is here, a time to start anew. If you are dealing with the same old problems, like drafts or cold spots or high heating bills, it's not to late to add some insulation or other weatherization products to remedy those issues. We haven't seen the coldest part of the season yet and the price of utilites doesn't seem to drop until May. So if you're concerned about the environment or your wallet, give us a call for a Free estimate and recommendations. A warmer, well insulated house definately saves the homeowner money, but also reduces the amount of fuel burned by the utility companies and is therefor better for the environment. Also, protect those pipes! Heat tape or pipe wrap is a good investment and a cheap alternative to replacing busted pipes. Feburary, which isn't that far off, is notorious for extreme cold and frozen/busted pipes. Set up an appointment today!
Remember if you are going to add insulation to your walls and your house was built prior to 1978, consult with a Certified Lead Renovator. |
AuthorCraig Jones, owner of Property Serv LLC. My goal is to better educate the homeowner and to make Richmond a better place to live. Archives
October 2013
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