Use glass balustrades to add life to bland balcony areas Railings are ok when they re fitted to balconies; they serve a purpose but they re pretty boring as well. Use Glass Balustrades instead and your balcony becomes a beautiful feature as gorgeous custom cut glazing sets a rather tasteful tone. There was a time when Glass Balustrades were specialist features in the UK, building developers and architects tended to prefer other types of materials for balconies. Times have changed for the better though. Today you ll find plenty of Glass Balustrades fitted to modern apartment blocks, plus they prove to be popular features inside houses that have undergone periods of refurbishment which incorporate glass shower screens and glass railings as well. Fitted to balcony areas, Glass Balustrades are fabulous types of features. Create the look Styles and designs of glass balustrades are tailored to individual specifications. Customers have the option to pick from a diverse collection of Glass Balustrades from suppliers of glass shower screens and top quality glass railings. Made from hardy materials, Glass Balustrades are tougher than they look, once fitted they provide an uncompromising barrier which makes them ideal for balcony or terrace areas. Modern to look at, Glass Balustrades permit light to filter through the glazing, they re contemporary in appearance and add style to whatever setting they are used within, whether that s for domestic or commercial purposes. It s not difficult to create an air of allure using Glass Balustrades; they re packed with designer appeal. That s a stunning staircase Rip out an old wooden banister and replace it with one of the amazing Glass Balustrades and your home has a touch of the wow factor. Highly desirable Glass Balustrades are perfect for trendy staircases; they ve become fashionable and funky accessories that grace the interiors of only the very stylish designer dwellings. If you want to create a feeling of light and space on your staircase look no further than swanky Glass Balustrades made by first class manufacturers of glass railings and en-vogue glass shower screens. Accessorize glass balustrades with stainless steel fittings or for a specialist effect, choose seamless Glass Balustrades for a rather spectacular appearance, they embrace all that is good about modern interior design.
question:
What is the best type of material to put on a balcony deck ?so no water get through...?
i have a balcony which is tile .. but its leaking .. i am breaking all tile and re doing a torch down,,,, then what type of tile or matrial is best to put so i will not have any more leaks... ?
answer:
Unsure of what you are trying to do. Are you trying to keep water from dripping below or from coming in your apartment/home?
question:
How much will it cost to build a wooden observation tower?
I need to build a wooden observation tower so that buyers of my condominiums can see the view they will have from their first floor and second floor balconies. The tower therefore needs to have two platforms, one at first floor level (5 feet above the ground) and one at second floor level (15 feet above the ground). Can someone tell me how large each platform needs to be, and approximately how much this tower would cost to build? If you need to view the site, please go to my 360 page and see my primary photo. Thank you!
answer:
This strictly depends on the materials cost, labor and permitting in your area.
From the information you provided, I would estimate around 00.00 in my area (southeastern region)
Each landing (deck) area should be around 10 feet x 10 feet to be stable at height of 15 feet.
question:
What can I use to patch a deck (balcony) of a house?
The deck is covered with black material (tar paper? rubbery feel, but thin like heavy paper), 6 or 7 large sheets with seams covered with some kind of black/gray caulking (the caulking is peeling). Can I use caulking? If so, what kind should I get at the local hardware store/Home Depot. There are no holes in the deck but the old caulking is peeling. Thanks.
answer:
Often when seams are sealed excess adhesive is forced out of the joint and appears to be caulk. With time and exposure this excess will start peeling but the seam remains bonded. If you are not experiencing leaks I would leave it alone unless the seams are starting to fail.
If it starts leaking I would talk with a roofer to determine the best method to repair or need to replace.
question:
What are the legal requirements for building a deck on a house in Queens, New York?
The only thing I can find on-line is that I have to go to an architect and apply for a permit. But before I do, I just wanted to know -- how high, what materials, how big can it be, etc. so I can put some thought into it. I've searched on the internet and cannot find this detail for decks in NYC.
answer:
From nyc gov website
Decks and porches are raised floors that are
level with or below the first story of a house,
supported by a structural frame and without
a roof. The difference between them is that a
porch provides access to a building s primary
entrance. NYC Building Code 3300 governs
construction safety and applies to decks and
porches. If either is built with a roof, the structure may then be considered an additional
room and different zoning rules and NYC
Construction Codes provisions could apply.
Plans + Permits
Construction may only begin after the Department
approves construction plans and issues permits for a
deck or porch. Only an NYS licensed professional engineer (PE) or registered architect (RA) may design them.
Requirements
Deck + Balcony Depth: Up to 8 feet from the
building into the rear yard. NYC Zoning Resolution
and NYC DOB TPPN 4/03
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/tool_kit_pools.pdf
question:
What flooring goes on balcony roofing?
I made a porch that if heavy duty in order to be able to make it into a balcony. I used 2x12 and 3/4 plywood. I originally used roll on roofing, and now I want to transform it into a balcony. What are the steps and what kind of material should I use to make it into a balcony?
answer:
I assume its an open balcony and exposed to the weather.. I ll go on that assumption .. A drain system should be installed . This w/ a heavy rubber membrane made for this.. Now you can do a couple of things. A mud floor( a special cement) having it sloped properly to the drain. If you do this its a very special drain for this system ( 10$ at local plumbing shops) Or maybe the rubber membrane and put in a few floating sleepers( treated lumber) and then decking or cedar flooring atop that to allow water drainage GL
question:
rebuilding old deck and it has 2x4 joists, am i crazy?
Most of my elevated deck is rotted, it's 15yrs old. So I have torn it down and am replacing it piece by piece so that it is an exact replica of the previous deck. I'm doing this to avoid 100's in city council fees etc (i replace it, paint it, and no one is the wiser it's 'always been tlike that'). I figured if it was good enough all those years it should be good enough now. I have even used 2x4 joists which is what was there eventhough where i live now it's not compliant BUT my deck is only 5ft wide and 20ft long. The 2x4 joists go into the house and connect to the big house floor joists, they extend out onto a double 2x8 beam that is held up by 4 4x4 posts. The 2x4 joists are spaced about 15inches apart. There is never a load on the deck such as a jacuzzi or many people, I can't see why this would be a problem using the 2x4 treated joists? do you?
answer:
As a senior journeyman carpenter , I'll give it to you both ways.
At a span of 5 feet, it is still iffy in the extreme. For an overhang, yes. Where people will have to trust their safety, maybe their life, do you really want to put anyone at risk for for less than 80 dollars?
Yes, Specs have changed. In most cases, those specs change because somewhere, the old ones were found to be inadequate or dangerous.
It was just a couple of years ago that a balconey in Chicago, I think , collapsed under the load from a party...The culprit? Inadequate materials in the joists and attachments, and because there were fatalities, union locals all over the country were alerted for training purposes. The balcony was relatively new, but built out of code.
If you skimp on a wall in a storage shed, it sags. Skimp on an elevated platform designed for people, it is likely to never give a hint of problems right up till it hits the ground.
The 80 dollar figure is MORE than it would cost to use 2x8s per most codes for your span, as opposed to 2x4s, and 2x6 is BARE minimum
question:
What is the difference between a porch, balcony, veranda,patio and deck?
answer:
Elias asnwered this well, except left out a thing or two. A deck is made of wood or synthetic wood. A patio is made of cement, stone or slate or a combination of those materials. Furthermore, a veranda is defined as an open-walled, roofed porch. I believe it may be considered a synonym for porch...
question:
Ways to keep potted plants from drying out fast in the summer?
I moved into an apartment this winter and am planning to grow my veggie garden outside in pots. I have tried this before but had problems with the soil drying out very quickly. I have thought of some stuff, like mulch on top of the soil, or even covering the pot with a plastic bag to keep moisture in.
Any Ideas?
answer:
All kinds of things influence how well a potted vegetable garden retains moisture. Cylindrical or square pots hold moisture better than the classic V-shaped pots, which have a wider surface area at the top and lose more moisture. Unglazed clay or terra cotta pots lose more moisture than glazed terra cotta pots, because they lose moisture from the sides. Mulch can reduce watering by 20%.
I like Smart Pots (fleece pots) because they're cylindrical, and the sides don't heat up and bake the plant roots.
The potting soil is critical. I have a balcony farm of cantilevered planters, window boxes, a salad table, and all kinds of potted vegetables going on two decks off my apartment. It would've cost me a fortune to buy potting soil for all those planters, so I learned to buy materials in bulk, and make my own potting soil that holds moisture really well. Here's my basic potting soil recipe:
http://www.grow-it-organically.com/container-gardening-drainage.html#makeyourown
If you add greensand to your potting soil, it increases water-holding capacity in the potting mix. Inoculating the roots of fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, and cucumbers with mycorrhizae, a symbiotic fungus, gives the plants a fine, fibrous root system that soaks up and holds moisture, but you can't use Miracle grow or chemical fertilizers because they inhibit the fungi. This page has information on fertilizing container vegetables:
http://www.grow-it-organically.com/fertilizing-container-vegetables.html
There's information on controlling temperature in container gardens, container gardening drainage, matching the size of the pot to the vegetable's root depth, everything you need to know about balcony farming at
http://www.grow-it-organically.com/growing-vegetables-in-containers.html
Have fun with your container garden!
question:
Should the Patriots be striped of their superbowl titles since they were taping other teams?
My personal opinion is that they should have to pay more than just a fine. I do think it should be noted in history books that they cheated in some fashion. All in all it's just really messed up. What do you think?
i mean stripped...sorry about that.
answer:
No, because other teams were taping them and everyone else. Where did everyone get this idea that taping is this brand new thing that the Pats invented? The NFL has some very confusing rules about taping. Basically you can't tape from field level, but you can tape from upper levels or from the end zones. What is the realistic material difference whether you tape something from the sideline or from one of the upper balconies using a zoom lense?
You can also steal signals using other lower tech means such as binoculars and even lipreaders. Yes. Teams have actually hired lip readers to steal signals, i.e. Denver has openly admitted to it.
Some teams steal signals by signing players from other division teams to get their playbooks. Tony Dungy once said that when he was with KC in a game against the 49ers they knew every play the niners called because they had gotten a playbook from a former niner they had signed.
The dolphins bought game tape of Tom Brady's audibles and figured out his audibles before the 21-0 game a few years ago (don't remember the year at the moment).
The Pats violated a rule by taping from the sideline. If they had done it from the upper deck it would've been legal. So as former Steeler coach Chuck Knoll said, "it's a whole lot to do about nothing".
question:
What are some common uses of ground penetrating radar?
What is GPR (ground penetrating radar) used for?
answer:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
Ground Penetrating Radar Program
Investigating the variability of soil properties.
Mapping peat thickness and volume.
Mapping geologic deposits.
Sedimentation surveys.
Locating buried objects.
Engineering application.
Hydrologic Investigations.
Soil survey investigations.
Locating contamination plumes.
Cultural resources/Archeological investigations
Construction Detail - Ground Radar is can determine the general arrangement of construction, changes in material type, location of structural steelwork and layer thickness.
Concrete Mapping - Ground Radar can be used to inspect concrete floors, walls, decks, slabs, tunnels, balconies, warehouses and garages. It can locate rebar, tendons, conduits, voids and measure slab thickness.
Chimney Flue Location - Ground Radar provides a quick and non-intrusive method of locating and mapping chimney flues. The results can either be marked on site or onto CAD drawings.
Roads, Runways and Pavement Surveys - Ground Penetrating Radar can determine pavement thickness (asphalt and concrete), detect voids underneath the road pavement, identify de-bonding between layers and determine layer thickness.
Buried Objects - GPR can be used to locate underground storage tanks (UST), grave location, forensic investigations and a wide variety of other buried objects.
Service Location - Ground Radar is the only non-destructive technology that can identify non-metallic as well as metallic subsurface utilities. It is suitable for the location of services including water, sewer, gas, electric, telephone and fibre optic.
Hazardous Waste - Having successfully located buried pipes, drums and underground storage tanks, Ground Radar can, under the right conditions, be used to identify the extent of any leakage and contamination.
Foundations - Ground Radar is a useful tool for the location, investigation and determination of the extent of footings and foundations.
question:
What temperature is best do stain a deck?
answer:
GET the most expensive deck stain. Then read the requirements of the can. Also use the best outdoor type of wood...Like
REDWOOD or use a new material that never needs paint or stain it is called....TREX COMPANY HOME ...goto their home page. A good friend shared this with me. It really works!
We created a new balcony railing and repaired his deck.
question:
Does dew fall in the middle of the ocean?
I was on a cruise on Oasis of the Seas recently, andi remember at night the chairs on our balcony and the public areas were damp. They wernt near the pools and it didnt rain and it wasnt sea spray because the chairs were way up on deck 18. Why were they damp?
answer:
So the previous answer has it pretty good.
Dew is formed when the temperature of the air is cooled to the "dew point" - a relative term that describes the temperature of a parcel of air that allows it to lose the water vapor that it was carrying (supersaturation). Dew (and other precipitation) forms around condensation nuclei which are tiny imperfections in the atmosphere that can attract water to it and allow drops to form. Now, the thing with being on the ocean is that you are in the middle of the largest site of water evaporation in the world. That means that the air is already exceptionally moist and even though the water retains heat pretty well the materials on the ship (like metals and plastics) will not and will become cool. That will cool the air in the area to the "dew point" and allow water to form on the surfaces (as long as there is not a lot of wind). This would work just fine but if there is some wind, why does it still happen? The sea, with its churning and movement can release microscopic salt particles which just so happen to form extremely efficient condensation nuclei (the relative humidity only needs to be about 70% (way way less than what tends to be above a huge body of water) for drops to form).
Hope this makes sense.
question:
what's the difference between verandas, patios, balconies, porches and decks.?
answer:
My ideas: A veranda is a covered patio. A patio is a covered or uncovered concrete or stone foundation attached to a house. A balcony is an upper story outside sitting area with access only from the inside of the building. A porch is an entry portion of a house near an entrance door and can be made of different materials. If made of wood the slats are butted tightly together. A deck is like a porch except the flooring has gaps between the slats. There's also terraces which are usually uncovered patios. And LaNis (spelling) which are some sort of South Sea patio. All these are just my ideas so don't bet the farm on them. Oh yeah, there's also stoops which are small porches either covered or uncovered. "The step" is often used to refer to a stoop.
question:
can i keep a fig tree in a pot?
my friend gave me a fig tree last summer its not very big would it be ok to keep it in a large flower pot as we only have a small garden. what type of soil should i use and how will it fair with the British weather.Any advice please thank you.
answer:
Plastic, clay, even wooden planters or half barrels will do fine for potting up fig trees. Porous materials such as clay will dry out quicker and require more frequent watering. Also, be careful with black or dark colored pots that may absorb too much heat and stress the plants. Smaller containers are okay for young trees, but move up to 15 or 20 gallon containers to accommodate the trees as they grow and increase in size.
Potting Soil: Use a light potting mix, but not an overly rich one to plant your fig tree in. Incorporate amendments such as sifted compost, vermiculite, worm castings, perlite and even builder s sand to lighten the mix and ensure that it will drain well. Your choice of a lightweight mix will also make things easier when it is time to move the container to shelter during winter.
Great Surroundings: Find a warm spot with plenty of sunlight for your potted fig tree to soak up. The plants are ornamental and tropical looking, making them an attractive addition to the patio, deck, or even a balcony. A sun room or unheated greenhouse can be a great location for your fig tree provided that there is plenty of ventilation during the heat of summer.
Feeding Your Fig: Figs are not heavy feeders, so select a slow release organic fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen to use when feeding your containerized fig trees. Bone meal is one commonly used organic source of phosphorus for garden plants.
Watering the Trees: As mentioned earlier, the type of container used can influence how often your fig tree will need to be watered. Your climate and high temperatures can also create the need for more frequent visits with the watering can. Provided the container has good drainage, over watering potted figs shouldn t be much of a concern for you.
Pruning and Training: Fig trees are thought to enjoy having their root system somewhat constricted, but potted trees may still need to be root pruned once every three years or so. Whenever you root prune be sure to prune the top growth also to balance the foliage to the reduced root structure. Even in a container fig trees can easily reach well over seven tall and grow almost as wide.
Winter Protection: In cold climates DO NOT leave your potted fig tree outdoors in the winter. Fig tree roots that would survive the winter if planted in the ground may not be as fortunate when over-wintering in an exposed container. Moving the plant into an unheated building or garage will allow you to maintain the tree s shape and encourage earlier fruiting. Water the fig tree sparingly once every three of four weeks during winter storage. The dormant tree does not need any light and can be stored in a total darkness.
question:
what should a 8x10 deck cost to Waterproof?
i have a small balcony that has some dryrot ,it looks like the i need to remove the plaster deck that was pored on top ,remove and replace 4x8 sheet of plywood,wWaterproof,wwonder boardthen tile .how mutch .ball park
answer:
If you're doing this yourself. all you have in expense is the cost of materials. Probably less than a couple hundred bucks. The scary part is the dry rot. If you have structural damage beneath the existing plywood, you could be facing some major repair.
question:
Are there restrictions for barbeques on decks of apartments in Nashville, Tennessee?
I own a rental home and there are 3 apartments. One apartment, has a wooden deck on the 2nd story. I would like to inform my tenant of any restrictions, on this deck. Are there any restrictions for bar-b-ques, grills, etc... on decks in Nashville, Tennessee?
answer:
The Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Fire Code prohibits the use and storage of grills within ten (10) feet of any combustible materials on any balcony or patio of a multifamily dwelling.
Most apartment complexes now prohibit grills all together.
question:
What is the thickness of the OSB subfloor to span 20.5" meet maximum deflection of L/720?
I need to know the thickness of the subfloor material to meet a tile manufacturer's requirement of maximum L/720 deflection.
The material we are looking to use is an OSB tongue and groove subfloor. The clear span between the supporting members is at maximum of 20.5" (wood trusses at 24" on center). Please provide a solution or provide other econimical optional materials to meet this deflection requirement.
Thank you,
Pete
answer:
First of all, a maximum deflection of L/720 (I think) is a bit of an "overkill" if you are designing a floor for residential use. I believe the code allows us to use a minimum of L/240 deflection for our floors joists. A stronger design deflection criteria of L/360 for our joists is more than sufficient to carry a live load of 40 pounds per square foot and a dead load of about 15 pounds per square foot.
Residential codes require a minimum of 1-1/8" thickness for both the deck and subfloor. We normally use 1/2" decking under a 5/8" thk. sub-floor for joists spaced at 12" and 16" o.c.
I understand that spacing your floor joists (or your floor trusses...a truss is a structural system made up of horizontal, vertical and diagonal members joined together to act as a single member....are you really using trusses on your floor?) at 24" o.c. is more economical than spacing them at 12", 16" or 19.2" o.c. Assuming you are using 12" square tiles (granite), the spacing between the joists would only give you 2 tiles on that spacing. I don't think that you would need a subfloor thicker than 5/8" if you have a decking of 1/2" underneath. The sheathing's (plywood or OSB) main use is to distribute the loads unto the joists. I don't think two tiles will deflect that much in a spacing of 24" o.c. Besides, the deck and the subfloor are laid out in a certain pattern (which I assume you already know) that will make it stronger and thus have some fire rating qualities.
This means that you need not worry too much regarding the thickness of your sub-floor as long as you install the minimum thickness with the minimum decking thickness required. What you should worry about is if your joist (or your "trusses" as you term it) will be able to carry the load superimposed on it and be able to transfer these loads into the supporting walls (or beams, which is another question) and unto the foundation wall or footings below.
My suggestion, since your question is a bit unclear (what is the use of the floor, is it for residential or commercial, is it located on the first floor or on the upper floors, is it to be used as a cantilevered balcony or a supported deck, is it to be used for the exterior or interior since exterior use may mean snow load, etc.)is for you to call the tile manufacturer and give you some answers giving them the description of how you plan to lay out your joists (trusses).
I am an architect and one thing I always remember regarding structural questions....if I can't do it myself, let the manufacturer do it for you (be sure to put their answers in writing) or better yet, ask a structural engineer.
question:
question about balcony covering?
Our condo is an apartment-style third floor unit. We really want to find some way to create privacy on our balcony, but the association requires that we only use the material that people used to use to cover old aluminum chairs. I have no idea where we can find that nowadays to use on our deck. 20 years ago, it was probably easy to find at the local hardware store, but not any more. Does anybody have any recommendations? I already called the association office and they weren't able to give me any numbers or websites.
answer:
I have no idea. How about finding a balcony where the people have put a cover up, ask them what they used, and where they got it?
question:
cantilever decks waterleaks?
Anyone have problems with new homes with a cantilever deck and waterleaks?
answer:
There are at least two likely scenarios for a cantilevered deck. One, typically found on Condos, is part of a post-tension slab that steps down about four inches and extends out from the exterior wall forming a balcony. The reason I don't think this is you, is you didn't say condo, and they typically are professionally waterproofed at exterior joints with a "bond breaker", and shouldn't be leaking at this point.
Two: joists protruding from the exterior wall, either from a masonry or frame exterior that support a flat deck of some sort.
Because the support joist extends back into the structure for support, it is referred to as "cantilever" :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantilever
I've been involved in custom home building since 1978, and I can tell you that this is all-too-often a nightmare scenario. One of the biggest problems is finding a satisfactory deck material that is asthetically pleasing, leakproof, and will move at the same rate as the home without cracking, warping, peeling, leaking, etc.
Your problem most likely is occuring at the point that your deck meets the exterior wall. You must completely remove any surface material and get to the structural deck material and flashing. Likewise, you need to examine the pan that the exterior doors sit in for leaks.
When I address problems like these, I make sure that the deck is nicely sloped and completely unobstructed, and finished with a material that is water-tight and durable (www.sanitred.com). The joint between the deck and outside wall has a fat bead of urethane caulk, completely visable for quick inspection. If neccesary, I remove and replace the bogus pan under the door with heavy-guage aluminum and joints that are riveted and sealed inside and out with urethane caulk. The railing and ballustrade is fastened to the deck in a manner that I never have to worry about water being obsstructed or leaking through my fasteners or support posts.
I wish I could count the number of times I have removed fractured concrete, warped and rotted deck boards, improperly installed flashing, improperly pitched decks, bogus finishes like Elastomeric or Drylok, bogus sealing materials like latex caulk and plastic roof cement, rusted or improperly made door pans,
corroded fasteners and flashing made of galvanized steel, (the list goes on)
I guess I am trying to paint a picture that this is serious business, and can cause extensive damage if left unresolved. I hope this information proves to be of some value.
question:
what things do you need to find out in order to predict if a design will stand up to the use that is intended?
can you give me only one paragraph only please thanks
answer:
You need to know the tensile and load bearing strength of the construction materials, the shear strength of the fasteners and the overall and inherent strength of the design.
It's always a good idea to build the device or structure to stand up to more than the intended use. I always cringe when I hear about a deck, balcony or roof that collapses.
question:
does a joist note, giving size, spacing, and direction and shown on a floor plan, pertain to the framing above?
answer:
A well drawn set of plans will have a section page for all details from footer up, If your joist note is on section one, and not section 2, find out what is on section 2, it should give detailed meanings to all notes. Look for the detail notes on floor plans too, not just elevations. If it is a 2 story, the decks might be the same, but doubtful, might be the same materials, say, 2x12, or laminates, but the second floor might be a different layout to accommodate duct work or plumbing or balcony's, etc.
question:
how we can repair spalling in roof slab & corrosion of reinforcement if seen in that slab?
answer:
Full Disclosure, I work for this company but its a very exciting product/methodology:
Using proper sealants on the exposed re-bar and surface of concrete deck (very viscous material that penetrates concrete) we can stop all rebar corrosion for 10 years guaranteed and an additional 10 years guaranteed if retreated after 10 years. Stopping the rebar corrosion will stop MOST ALL of the concrete spalling, but all presently spalled/chipped concrete can be replaced with a proprietary epoxy formula laid into a pultruded fiberglass mold that is stronger and longer lasting than concrete and will not spall again. We mainly do this procedure on Balcony edges at the moment but it may be applicable to your concrete roof application. Check out our website at www.edgegard.com, it may at least give you some IDEAS about how to approach this problem. Regards, - Gregg Radell
question:
The worst decking material in the world...PVC?
I would be convinced it is. It turns white, it scratches, it's garbage. Stick with wood even though it's more trouble in one way, it's a lot less trouble in another. I rue the day I bought that stuff
@ranger: That is exactly what I have. Garbage.
answer:
Hi You 100% spot on wood is the best if treated correctly the only other material I have used that's any good is recycled car tyres that can be used for decking that's in the UK its available in red brown green and a dark blue we have also used it on flat roofs and balcony's great stuff never fades. PVC has its uses I expect, It saves trees is the main one.
cheers
Bob a job
question:
my condo on 3F has balcony low fence "EEEEE" with large space between, I am afraid of...?
...tenant's baby fall down from there
if a family wants to rent the condo, what shall I do to prevent any accident?
answer:
First off, I think you're very smart to worry about this. Even though it should be the parents responsibility to make sure their child isn't in a dangerous situation unsupervised, you really need to protect yourself from liability by assuming they're going to be negligent in their care.
Now, I've never been in the situation you're in exactly, but here are some good suggestions for steps you can take that should help:
First, you can cover your railings with plastic garden fencing, shade cloth, or Plexiglas. Plexiglas is by far the most expensive choice, but is typically the most attractive. If you live in a windy area, the Plexiglas may offer the additional benefit of serving as a windbreak. You can secure any of these materials to the railings with screws or plastic cord ties. Avoid using staples; if they're dislodged, they present a serious choking hazard. Covering the railings is particularly important if the spindles run horizontally, as attaching something to the balcony side of the railing will also deter your child from climbing.
As an alternative to covering the railings, you can add additional spindles to make the openings narrower. This is a particularly appealing alternative if your railings are made of wood. Using additional spindles also tends to be attractive and can be more affordable than Plexiglas.
When you're protecting your railings, don't forget any external stairs. If you have stairs leading down from your balcony or deck, building a gate to match your existing railings is usually the best way to go. Be sure the gate's latching mechanism is childproof and/or out of reach.
Try to get in the habit of keeping any patio furniture away from the railings. Doing so will make it a little more difficult for your child to climb up and lean over the railing.
Finally, consider adding latches to any doors or windows leading out to your balcony or backyard. These latches should be installed well out of your child's reach.
Good luck!!
question:
Material for solid flat patio cover roof?
I just built a 16'x36' solid patio cover on the back of my house. The slope is 1/4" per 12". We did it this flat because we are planning on turning it into a walk-out balcony at a later date. Currently I have 3/4" Tongue and Groove OBS as the roofing. What are my options for covering the OSB? Because of the slope I can't use Asphalt per my permit...any other suggestions? Just painting it might be an option as in a couple years I will be putting some type of decking on top of the OSB. Is there a roll-on (paint-on) rubberized material that will work for now? Will the paint on stuff stick to the OSB or should I prime it first? I looked into Black Jack 5527 Roof-Gard 700, but they don't mention applying to a wood roof. Thank you in advance.
answer:
roll roofing will work, and so will metal.
Solid rubber roofing material glued to the wood will seal it for many years. UV protection is already on it. Last I used was called "rapid roof" brand. not sure if is still made.
question:
What material should I use to fill cracks in a wood deck installed on a balcony over a downstairs room?
The deck is 12 years old, and must be repainted. Something (caulk maybe or tar) was in the cracks, but has come loose and must be removed. What is the best thing to refill those cracks with so the deck won't leak? Under the wood there is rolled roofing over plywood. It does not leak now. I think the wood was stuck to the roofing with tar and the cracks filled with caulk previously.
I don't think wood putty would expand and contract with the wood, so might leak. I don't think tar would allow paint to adhere to it, and I plan to repaint it. I just wonder if caulk will fill all the cracks well enough to give a leakproof surface as the rolled roofing underneath will surely one day wear out. It doesn't leak now, but the deck is 12 years old and not covered.
answer:
Filling in the cracks, (the space between the boards?) would not accomplish anything since it's the roll roofing system underneath that is the water barrier. This is evidenced by the fact that the stuff you say is between the cracks now has come loose, and the roof still is not leaking.The wood deck was probably set in the tar to prevent the nail holes from leaking.
If it ain't broke don't fix it. If you go messing around trying to fill the cracks you are liable to dam it and cause leaks. No telling why someone thought it was a good idea to caulk the cracks.
It may last a few more years as is.
If, after you remove the stuff that is between the cracks, it leaks, then the only right way to fix it is to take off the deck, and install new roofing underneath, and reinstall the deck.
12 years is a long time for roll roofing.
question:
How to clean deck screens?
I have a screened-in deck on the second floor of my townhome. There is railing around the bottom half, with screening material on the inside, held in place with a wood frame. Around the top half are screens with metal painted frames that are screwed into place.
The entire deck is enclosed (it's tiny, like a small balcony).
How would one clean the screens? I don't want to mess with them too much and have them getting loose or buckling in their frames. I can't use a hose from the inside because there's no faucet.
I'm not accustomed to being a homeowner, so I suspect I will be posting a lot in this forum.
Thanks for any tips anyone can give me!
answer:
I just "wash" mine with a piece of scrap carpet. Not wet, dry.
question:
Baby Proof a Railing?
I have a railing in my living room dividing our lower level entry. A baby gate will fit on either side. Any ideas for what will work below the railing, it is a 9" gap from carpet to railing which is rod iron. Thanks!
answer:
Can you wrap fabric or some thick material with those zip clips around the bottom of the railing and then attach it to the side of the wall underneath the railing somehow? 9 inches is not a huge gap, but I can see why you might be concerned. What about one of those clear plastic or mesh rail guards that are usually used on decks or balconies?
question:
I would like to put down a hard exterior grade wood, Mangaris, over a deck. Should I use sleepers?
I could nail the wood directly onto the existing balcony floor, which has a poured vinyl kind of material now, but I was affraid the wood might rot after it rains. So then I thought maybe leave a little bit of room, like 1/8", between the wood slats and put them up on sleepers which wood direct the water to the edge of the balcony. Is this a good solution and what should I make the sleepers out of? Plastic lumber?
answer:
How much room do you have under the threshold of your patio door? If you have the space, I'd recommend using pressure treated sleepers. 2x4's would be best, but you can get by with 1x4 if space is limited. Secure them 16" on center with Tapcons, then space your deck boards with an 8d nail. Hope this helps.
question:
I have a condo question about construction?
I bought a condo on the second floor of a condo building. It had a balcony that looked nice at the time because it had new indoor outdoor carpeting. Later, I noticed that it was slowly rotting and needed replaced. I contacted the condo association who said that they would fix it. That was five years ago. It's still not replaced. But, since then in talking to the construction guys who do the work out here (I don't know if they're the actual builders of the condos), that they just have two sheets side by side of plywood for the decking of the balcony. They want to replace it with the same thing. If I had known that this type of inferior material was used, I never would have bought the condo. I have brought this up time and again with the condo presidents and the construction guys who do all of the work out here. Both said that they would look into other materials to use this time for the decking. Neither has done so. In fact, the construction company said that they'll probably just use plywood again; but, if I wanted to, I could get some coating applied that might help. What do I do? I could possibly replace it myself at my own expense with something better, but there are also uniform codes out here for all condos.
answer:
If plywood was used on top of the "real" balcony, it's sure to meet code. No inspector would have passed a balcony built solely of plywood if it didn't meet code.
Your City planning department will (or should) hav record of the general contractor who built the condo complex. Start there. Explain your problem & verify that all construction materials used are up to code.
question:
I have Tired to Put My answers in before and NO ONE WOULD HELP. So lets try it this way. Please Help?
1. Report binders that have checklists and thumb-indexed
reference materials are
A. inexpensive and official looking.
B. impressive and can create more business.
C. difficult to use.
D. a client s option.
2. Partial inspections usually
A. don t require a pre-inspection agreement.
B. require no disclosure from the seller.
C. require a limited pre-inspection agreement.
D. are requested by lawyers.
3. The pre-inspection agreement is
A. a written contract between the home inspector and the client.
B. seldom needed for partial inspections.
C. the document that ends the inspection process.
D. an alternative to punch-list inspection reports.
4. A narrative report is a type of inspection report that s
A. set up as a checklist.
B. used only for relocation inspections.
C. prepared in a business letter format.
D. delivered to the client on-site.
5. What type of inspection is a bank most likely to request?
A. Partial inspection C. Pre-sale inspection
B. Remodeling inspection D. Punch-list inspection
6. When does a home seller generally fill out a property condition disclosure form?
A. As soon as he or she decides to sell the property
B. After a pre-sale inspection is completed
C. After the home has been sold
D. Before requesting a pre-sale inspection
7. To be impartial and lawful, a pre-inspection agreement must be
A. paid for by the lender.
B. signed by the real estate agent.
C. used within 30 days.
D. negotiable and capable of being altered.
8. The Standards of Practice published by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
are quite inclusive and
A. describe the procedures used in a termite inspection.
B. explain that inspectors may never examine heating systems.
C. can be referred to in court, if necessary.
D. list the fees inspectors must charge for their services.
9. Another term for a pre-inspection agreement is
A. standard of practice. C. scope of work.
B. pre-sale inspection. D. partial inspection.
10. An important skill for the beginning home inspector is
A. good telephone interviewing technique.
B. experience in issuing building permits.
C. ability to interpret building codes.
D. familiarity with reading electric meters.
11. The two-step process of reporting includes
A. on-site inspection and the job order form.
B. report writing and payment for services.
C. data collection and report writing.
D. the pre-inspection agreement and the on-site report.
12. The job order form is used to
A. record data for the insurance company.
B. limit the real estate agent s liability.
C. report home conditions to prospective buyers.
D. record a client s request for an inspection.
13. According to most standards of practice, an inspector is normally required to check all of
the following except
A. walkways. C. fences.
B. driveways. D. attached garages.
14. Based on most standards of practice guidelines, which of the following home components
should you include in your inspection?
A. Burglar alarms C. Door locks
B. Appliances D. Windows
15. Based on most standards of practice guidelines, which of the following home components
should you include in your inspection?
A. Privacy walls C. Swimming pool wiring
B. Attached decks D. Home protection systems
16. Based on standards of practice guidelines, which of the following home components is
normally required to be inspected?
A. Awnings C. Storm window
B. Storm door D. Balconies
17. Which of the following is an example of ethical behavior by an inspector?
A. Recommending a contractor in return for a percentage of the work done
B. Overlooking a small problem to help close a sale
C. Refusing to share information without the client s permission
D. Giving the real estate agent a percentage of the inspection fe
18. When inspecting a heating system, you should always
A. operate the automatic safety controls.
B. ignite solid-fuel pilots.
C. try to operate the system regardless of the conditions.
D. open readily accessible access panels.
19. Your inspection of a house s _______ relates to the condition of the roof.
A. electrical system C. foundation
B. attic D. windows
20. A statement describing both the requirements that must be met by a product or process
and the ways in which satisfaction of the requirements will be measured is called a/an
A. standard specification.
B. established procedure.
C. a standard recommendation.
D. ASTM test.
answer:
Ok sure! I graduated Harvard
B
D
C
A
A
B
C
D
A
B
D
C
A
D
C
A
B
B
D
D
question:
a luxery hol?
i want to book a luxery hol for my fellas 40th birthday.
somewhere for just me and him and somewhere relaxed and peaceful
i know he would love one of those places where u have a wooden villa that stands on stilts in the water. where wud i find that pls
answer:
Tanjong Jara Resort:
Tanjong Jara Resort is situated on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and lies mid-way between Kuala Terengganu in the North and Kuantan to the South. The Resort is built on a sprawling 17-hectare beachfront site facing the South China Sea.
All 99 rooms are uniquely designed using local rich timbers and furnished to a high standard using luxurious fabrics and materials. The rooms and suites are positioned along a beautiful coastline, facing the South China Sea, the tropical landscaped gardens and beach. Originally built in 1979, the Resort was awarded one of the world's foremost prizes for architecture, the prestigious Aga Khan Award.
Extensive research into the historical architecture of the area, the Malay culture, climate, history, art, geography and other environmental factors was undertaken prior to designing this project. The knowledge gained from the research, in particular about the East Coast, its people and their heritage led to the design of a resort imbued with the very essence of its locale.
The basic design motif for the buildings was found in indigenous and leisure-oriented Istanas, the elegantly crafted wooden palaces of Malay sultans of long ago. It features traditional art forms and craftsmanship. The Aga Khan Award jurors praised Tanjong Jara Resort for the courage to search out and successfully adapt and develop an otherwise rapidly disappearing traditional architecture and craft to meet the demands of contemporary architecture.
Although it has recently been extensively renovated to the standards of a modern deluxe international resort, its original beauty has been preserved, and even enhanced. The look and feel reflects a combination of styles from within the Malay Archipelago, the philosophy being to assure guests of an experience that is Unmistakably Malay.
Tanjong Jara Resort, Batu 8 Off Dungun, 23000 Dungun,Terengganu, Malaysia.
Tel: +609-845 1100 Fax: +609-845 1200 Reservation: In Malaysia +603-2145 9000,
or
Pangkor Laut Resort:
This internationally acclaimed resort is located on the 300 acre privately owned island of Pangkor Laut, one of Malaysia's few remaining unspoiled islands. Only a fraction of the island has been developed to house the Resort while the rest is covered by lush and unspoiled two million year old rainforest.
Located off the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsular, amidst the exotic surroundings of the Malaccan Straits, Pangkor Laut Resort was voted one of the two most beautiful islands in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine.
A total of 148 Malaysian-style luxury villas have been painstakingly created to blend with the natural environment of the Island. Every villa and suite features spacious interiors, luxurious fabrics, and private balconies with cushioned deck chairs. Ensuite bathrooms have large vanities, a separate shower and many have an oversized tub in a private outdoor courtyard or if indoors, enjoy large windows opening out onto the tropical gardens or sea.
In total, there are seven restaurants, a fully equipped gymnasium, an award wining spa, squash and tennis courts, as well as a range of water sport activities and luxury sailing. Nature lovers may join Uncle Yip, the resident naturalist, on a trek into the jungle for a close encounter with the island s fascinating flora and fauna.
The beauty of the island so overwhelmed Luciano Pavarotti during his visit to the island, he proclaimed, This place is enchanting. It is paradise. This morning when I woke up, I went out and I was moved, almost crying to see what beautiful things God has done .
Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut Island, 32200 Lumut, Perak, Malaysia. Tel: +605-699 1100 Fax: +605-699 1200
Reservation: In Malaysia +603-2145 9000,
question:
MY little girl loves pirates!!!?
So i'm having here a girly pirate theme. i need some idea's for food & games & decoration.. Its at park
heres a link of her theme
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pink-Pirate-Girl-Beverage-Napkins-16ct_W0QQitemZ180246828613QQihZ008QQcategoryZ26387QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
My little girl will be turning 4
answer:
You didn't give your daughter's age. That makes a difference in the kinds of activities the kids might enjoy.
Assuming she is between four and eight, they might enjoy making their own pirate fishing poles with crazy craft materials like feathers and ribbons, dowels or sticks, and string, then playing a fishing game off of a balcony or deck. They could take turns "fishing", and an older child or a grown-up can attach simple prizes (plastic jewels and rings, pirate eye patches, etc.) to the fishing poles. These prizes can go into their own treasure chests, which become the party favors.
Do you have a sandbox? You can bury things like shells and plastic prizes and give them little shovels to dig for treasure.
How about a "treasure map"-based scavenger hunt? Imagine your home and yard as a ship and island, and give them clues about where to look for treasure. Each stop on the treasure/scavenger hunt could include a clue that will eventually lead them to a big X in your yard or elsewhere, marking a place where they will find treats for everyone, or maybe the CAKE!
How about pirate academy? Pirates need to learn how to dress up properly (eye patches, hats), make a good pirate sneer, and walk and talk like a pirate. Pirate hats would be fun to make out of craft foam or newspaper that can be decorated. You can put funny names into three bowls, and let each kid pull out three names that will go together to make their own funny pirate name, which can be on a name tag. There's a book called "Everything I Know About Pirates" that would be perfect to either read to them or get ideas from. It has a pirate name list in the back.
If the kids are younger, they might like to sing and dance along to a Wiggles song about "Captain Feathersword".
Good luck with your party! My daughter likes playing pirate, too. :-)
question:
How to protect my child by fixing the stairway down to basement?
We need to construct something to run along side the stairway to the basement. There is a family room down there, so we go up and down often. There is one railing on one side, but I'm basically picturing about 3 railings per side, so that there is no gap big enough for him to fall through... the stairway is open, so there is no wall on either side.
I could just get some 2 x 4's and put up a hodge podge fix, but I'm looking for some other sugestions, thanks!
answer:
You want " Guards" close enough NOT to pass a 4" sphere. This is intended to prevent a child's head from getting stuck.
I did 3.5 inch spaces on all my deck and stair railings.
Copy from the Building code here:
Guards required. Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade
below need guards not less than 36 inches in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches above
the floor or grade below need guards not less than 34 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
Guard opening limitations: Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches
must have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter. The use
of horizontal rails may be approved by submitting an Alternate Design, Materials or Methods Request Form to the Building
Official.
