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Plastering : Smooth it Out

Posted on 14-03-2010 | By: admin

Category : Uncategorized

Plastering : Smooth it Out

By: Joanna Harris

Plastering is an integral part of construction works. Plastering is the covering of the raw and rough surface with plastering material. Newly constructed surfaces like walls or floors get finishing touches by applying this technique. After plastering, surface gets smooth and neat look. Besides adding ornamental value, plastering is important for other reasons as well. It protects the surface and hence the structure from any environmental conditions, like sunlight, dampness and variation in temperatures. Surface is protected then from the attacks of the chemicals like chlorides and sulphates.

Plastering is done with two kinds of plasters, namely, Gypsum Based and Cement Based. Exteriors walls need stronger and tougher plaster work. Cement is more resistant to dampness and water, so cement plaster is used for exterior walls and the interior walls where there is a risk of dampness. Gypsum based plastering is done on the interior walls. On the areas where walls tend to be damp most of times like in kitchen and bathroom, gypsum based plaster will crumble down. A thick layer of plaster is needed on damp surfaces.

For carrying out a perfect plastering work, you need to have perfect plastering tools. Some of the important tools required for plastering job are hawk, plasterer trowels, buckets, straight edge and plumb level, string line, trimming knife, steel floats, claw hammer and splash brush. For doing good plastering job, you need to keep the tools clean, especially bucket and plasterers float. Besides right kind of tools, the plastering material should be mixed in perfect manner. A mixer drill is used to mix large quantities while smaller amount of the plaster can be mixed with a piece of wood. Plaster is hold with the help of a hawk and float is used to transfer the plaster to the wall.

Usually, plaster is applied in two coats – backing coat and the final coat. Bonding or the browning plaster is used in the first coat which is the backing coat. Plasterboard is a good alternative to backing plaster coat. It is easy to apply. Even a novice can do it. After applying the backing plaster, apply the second and the final coat.

While mixing the plastering material, use only cold water. Never add water to plaster. Always add plastering material to the water to save it from getting lumpy. Plaster sets very quickly, so mix small quantities at a time. Plaster should be applied when it is still creamy and soft. You can apply base coat in two layers to achieve the right kind of thickness. Application of the final coat is called skimming and it requires fineness. Apply final coat when the base coat is set but still damp.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4230.shtml


Advice For Drains That Are Problematic

Posted on 14-03-2010 | By: admin

Category : Home Management

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

There are a lot of plumbing problems that home owners encounter. Drains that get plugged is one of the most commonly found problems. Here are some easy steps that can help you.

Make sure that you run the hottest tap water that you can through the draining system every few days. Not only can this help prevent plugged drains but it also can help prevent the build up of bad odors that often occurs.

If the drain is already plugged you may want to try putting a tablespoon of baking soda down the drain. Once this is done then slowly pour about 1/4 cup or so of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for half an hour or so. Then run very hot water through the drain. Many times this will unplug minor problems that occur.

If grease is the problem with the drain then pouring some salt water down it can help prevent a heavier build up from happening. Try not to pour grease down the drains in your kitchen is the best method of prevention for this issue. Many people use a can or jar to pour all of the unwanted grease into as opposed to pouring it down a drain. This is a very easy way to prevent this issue.

There are a lot of drain cleaners that are available these days. This may be the next step that needs to be done if the natural remedies are not working for you. Make sure that you follow the instructions very carefully as these cleaners contain some very harmful chemicals. You also need to make sure that the cleaner you choose is suitable for the drains that are in your home.

Trying to prevent a plugged drain from occurring is the very best line of defense that a person has. This can include using strainers kitchen sinks to prevent things from entering into the drain. Another very important thing is to remember to remove hair from the shower drain on a very regular basis. The hair can cause huge problems to happen when it comes to plugged drains. An ounce of prevention can be worth its weight in gold.

If the plug continues to be an issue, you may require the help of a licensed plumber in order to get the drains back working properly. This can be a very costly thing but there are times that this is the only choice that a person has to get to the root of the problem. They have the tools and equipment that most people don't own that can help resolve that you have.

Looking around the internet can help you find many options that are available for plumbers that are in your area. There are many people around that work in this profession and finding someone that can tackle the issue you have should not be difficult. Taking some time to look into the services they provide and the prices that they charge can help you find the best deal for your budget.

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