Deck Collapses

Deck Collapses in Atlanta during a Birthday party, Good thing nobody got seriously hurt.

Doing Tile with Bondera

Bondera Tile-mat is a self-bonding sheet membrane that eliminates thinset mortar or mastic when doing tile work. It is very easy to use, all you have to do is peel the plastic shield on the back side and press it down, it bonds immediately to almost any surface. Then you apply tile to the surface by simply peeling the protective plastic on the front starting from the corner, and apply the tile, once tile is aligned, press harder for the stronger bond. The product is still new, not many contractors used it yet, but for DIY project is a nice try, especially when doing a smaller area like a back splash,etc.

You can obtain more information at Tiling with Bondera

New House Construction Update

It's been a few busy weeks, I didn't have time to make an update about New Home Construction. Things been progressing nicely considering the Holidays and rains we had during which the work was stopped. But now it's back on the roll and moving. Here is a few more updates.

Rough framing is completed. Today roof is being delivered to the job. They will start the roofing installation on Monday and they should complete the job the same day. Windows already waiting to be delivered, stairs will be delivered the beginning of next week. Tuesday basement and garage slab will be prepped for inspection and on Wednesday if it stay dry concrete slabs will be poured. So it looks like I will have a busy week.

Enjoy the weekend and I will keep this updated.

Stainless Steel Sinks with PermaDrain

This week we remodeled a kitchen, and we used a new sink with PermaDrain. This is a new new stainless steel sink made by Lenova company. They included PermaClean Drain System in to theirs sink design. The drain its self is a removable splash guards which is can be washed in the dishwasher dishwasher and it has a  strainer basket that seals to the drain fitting and the garbage disposal. Real neat design and the sink has a neat design and it makes a nice addition to any kitchen.

Deck Resurface

Another deck resurface job was completed end of this summer. Decking is Trex, Madeira color.
Old decking and railing was removed and disposed.

New decking material being properly spaced and installed.

The previous deck did not have access from the deck on to the lawn, so the new steps where installed with the gate and a concrete landing.

Decking job is complete

New Home Construction

I hope everyone had a good Summer, it was a nice and busy Summer for me, and I just started the construction of a New Home. I will keep it updated as I go along, so far I am into the 4th week of Construction.
Weather been good, no lost days, except for a few 1/2 days due to extreme heat conditions....So in two weeks excavation was done, footings poured and foundation work was completed.

The black stuff around the foundation is the Waterproof membrain I have been using on all my homes. First time I used this material, I was very happy with its performance, the home I built was located in the high seasonal water table area and during heavy rains and the last major flood we had, the foundation wall remained dry and the dranage around foundation walls was superb.

Week 3 the backfill was done, lumber was delivered on the job and framing stage of the job started.

The second floor deck was just completed on Wednesday, the job was stopped due to the Jewish Holiday in the area, Monday the second floor walls will  be up. and I will post another update on Monday or Tuesday. Have a great weekend everyone.

New Trex Transcend Decking

Trex Transcend Decking is an upgrade to Trex Accents brand. Trex Transcend decking came out this winter, and it combines a finish that resists stains, scratches and mold. The boards are thicker and heavier then the other brands of Trex decking and they come in two profile options... square and grooved. Grooved comes with the hidden fastener system. Square profile is screwed through the surface like the other brands. They also added to this brand a high-definition wood grain pattern which is more visible. It is like the rest of the Trex products, it won’t rot, warp,crack or splinter. They state that they added protective shell which will defend surface against fading,stain,mold and scratches.The entire Transcend decking collection is also backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain warranty. In the warranty, they note light fading is possible but not as much as other brands.

I just used it on the first job and I like the outcome of it and so is the homeowner, who said the job came out better then they thought it would, after we added something  extra without additional charge to the homeowner and enclosed the entire surface under the bench as a little surprise. Here is a few samples of the deck before and after refacing job was completed.

The existing wood decking was removed because it was split and deteriorated on the surface. Existing original framing was in a very good shape and no signs of deterioration, so no additional work was required other then adding a few metal joist angles to reinforce some of the joist.

Bellow are the pictures after the job was completed using Trex Transcend Decking. Deck color in the pictures is Gravel Path.

If additional information needed, please visit Trex Decking Website or you can drop me a note at any time, I am a certified installation contractor for the Trex Decking Manufacturer.

Lead Poisoning Risk

I spoke to my painting contractor who just took EPA's lead safety class, and I would advise Homeowners to test your windows for lead paint if your home was built in 1978 and prior. If you detect lead during testing, I would advise to replace your windows and sill's, because they are one of the biggest causes of lead poisoning. By opening the window's, lead dust is created and the room becomes contaminated. This is the major concern, because it effects small kids and pregnant women if they live in the house.


I wrote in the past that EPA's Lead Poisoning rule went into effect in 22 of April. Any contractor who is doing work on the home built in 1978 or prior, must have EPA's lead certification.

Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces by DuPont

Zodiaq  is the perfect blend of nature and science.
It is an advanced composite material made of 93% quartz and it is a long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free material.
Sparkling crystals within its surface give a stunning light-play and a mesmerizing depth, while the surface's inherent sheen adds to this reflective effect.
 It gives the impression of natural stone yet without natural stone's imperfections. It draws you in and begs you to stay; it makes an inviting table, or an exotic bar.

Zodiaq Quartz is:

•Non-porous and carefree: No sealant, polish or reconditioning necessary
•Made from 93% natural quartz crystal, one of nature's strongest materials
•45 colors
•Stain resistant
•NSF/ANSI Standard 51 Certified for food contact and Class I(A) fire rated
•Durable: Made from an extremely hard mineral, quartz crystal
•Scratch resistant
•Heat-resistant
•Easy to clean: When properly cleaned, Zodiaq® is mold and mildew resistant
•GREENGUARD Certified® as a low-emitting material

For more information visit DuPont Zodiaq 

Home Safety

Preparing your Play Area for Summer Fun, because the time for outdoors and time to let your kids run, climb and play til they drop... so before you open the doors, be sure the play area at your home is safe and childproof.
Here is some general things to do before the summer starts

1.Garages and storage sheds

•Be sure all buckets and large containers are kept out of children’s reach. If filled with water, a container as small as 5-gallon capacity can be a source of drowning.
•Store all garden tools and sharp objects out of reach, as well as pesticides and herbicides, gasoline, and motor oil.
•Keep all ladders out of children’s reach.

2. Playground equipment

•Check all swings, slides, playhouses and other structures for sharp objects, rusty metal pieces, breaks, or weakened support pieces,rotted wood where swings or play towers meet the ground.
•On metal swing sets, be sure to cap all open tube pieces. They’re a popular nesting place for bees, wasps and hornets during hot weather arrives, check under chairs, tables, umbrellas for nests.
•Put wood chips, mulch, sand or another soft substance under all swing sets and back yard play equipment.
•Check sandboxes for leaves, bugs and other undesirables. To be safe best way is to get rid of old sand and replace it with new playground sand.

3. Wooden decks

•Check the deck floor and handrails for splintered wood, rotted wood. A splinter of treated wood can cause serious infection and cause serious problems.
•Inspect all connections and fasteners to make sure nothing is lose and everything is stable.
•Inspect stairs,especially stringers and railings to make sure nothing is broken,cracked or lose... Check spindles on railing, this is the first thing kids grab when walking down the stairs.

Some safety rules to impose:

•No Kids Near the Grill. When hot, even after it’s been shut off, a metal barbecue grill can cause burns.
•No Walking on the Wooden Deck in Bare Feet. Splinters are serious stuff.
•No Walking Near the Swing Sets. A child wandering too near the front or back of a swing set can be knocked down by someone swinging and get seriously hurt and it only takes a split second.
•No Swimming without an adults being present. If you have a swimming pool, even a small one, set a rule that requires all children to get out of the pool if the adult leaves, even for a moment. And if you have a pool, add no yelling help unless you need help and no running near the Pool.
•If you got Trampoline make sure kids use it one at a Time...I know its never the case,but one wrong jump and you got some serious problem on your hands, serious injury and everything else that happen on this things.

Enjoy and have a great summer!