Dirk's Blog

  The safety of decks is a top priority in our nation, with a staggering 6,000 individuals suffering injuries annually as a result of deck failure or porch collapse. It is common for individuals to forego the process of obtaining a permit for deck construction, believing it to be unnecessary. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that acquiring a permit is a necessary step towards ensuring safety, even if it may be time-consuming and inconvenient. Every deck must possess the ability to withstand extreme conditions, including the ability to hold up to 200 lbs of pressure on the railing. The spacing between spindles should be no less than 4 inches apart. The maximum height for deck steps should be no greater than 7-3/4 and remain consistent throughout. The state of joist hangers and ledger attachments is the most common concern I encounter. To attach the ledger board to the building frame, it is recommended to use Lag Bolts or Deck Ledger Board Fasteners. Joist hangers, on the other ...

No matter how you celebrate the 4th of July it is important to know the history "for those who don't know the history will be doomed to repeat it." Benjamin Franklin. Independence Day should have been on July 2, 1776. They (Congress) voted for independence from Great Britain on that date. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence and wanted a new Constitution every 19 years. John Hancock was the first to sign it. And the last person (Thomas Mckean) signed the Declaration on August 2nd 1777 "the actual date is disputed". John Adams actually said in a letter to his wife that the 2nd day of July should be celebrated with parades, bonfires, and fireworks for years to come. As in protest, he didn't go to any parties on the 4th of July. 3-presidents died on that day John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Died on July 4th 1826 and James Monroe Died on July 4th 1931. So far Calvin Coolidge was the only president born on the 4th of July in 187...

  Before joining ACE, I had never encountered push-pull valves. However, since then, I have seen their frequent need for replacement. These valves are commonly used to supply water to sinks and toilets, but they can develop leaks over time. They typically last for about 10-15 years, so it is advisable to keep an eye on them and avoid operating them when you are away on vacation or for an extended period. If you engage a home watch service, it is wise to request that they check the valves when inspecting your property. The valves are prone to several issues, including leaks at the metal attachment point, around the valve itself, and in some instances, they may shoot out water. This is a consistent problem, usually occurring within the first 5 years of use. However, after that, they can last for many years. While some valves have been known to last up to 30 years, others fail within 5 years or less. To avoid disastrous outcomes, I recommend checking these valves monthly, as even a sm...

  MOLD is found everywhere! Many individuals may be living unaware of the existence of mold in their homes, which can potentially lead to health complications, particularly in children who may have a predisposition to asthma. Studies have revealed a correlation between exposure to mold and various health issues, such as respiratory allergies, sinus infections, headaches, memory loss, and lethargy. It is crucial to note that not all mold types are toxic, but if you can see or smell mold, it is best to eliminate it and address the source of moisture. The color of mold does not necessarily determine its danger level. While there have been rare cases of toxigenic molds causing severe health conditions, such as pulmonary hemorrhage and memory loss, there is no proven causal link between the presence of mold and these conditions. It is worth noting that mold has beneficial uses, such as breaking down debris and being used in certain medications.

  The placement of electrical panels in many homes is causing some issues. Accessibility to the heart of a home should be a top priority, but often homeowners have to move several items just to reach the circuit breakers. Safety is a concern, which is why the NEC has guidelines for electrical panels. The minimum height for the panel box should be 4 feet off the ground, with an average height of 5-6 feet. The panel door should open to a 90-degree angle and the electrical meter should be located near the panel. Additionally, there should be at least 3 feet of clearance in front of all electrical equipment, including panelboards, switches, breakers, starters, and transformers. It's also important to note that all panel doors and access doors must be able to open at least 90 degrees.

In the past, I, Dirk, used to walk in the Pride parade and celebrate this month with my gay and lesbian friends. Now as a Christ follower, I just preach the truth and love others no matter what sexuality they happen to be. We cannot win people to Christ by pointing fingers and blaming others for the sinful acts that they do, while we have our own sinful acts that we need to deal with. Treat others as we want to be treated. Matthew 7:12 The term "pride" often carries negative connotations, but it's interesting to note that an entire month is dedicated to celebrating PRIDE. However, many people may need to learn the origins of this Pride Month. It was established in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Inn Riots, and the name "Pride" was chosen as a slogan to represent the event. The first march was a peaceful gathering with no dress code, where individuals were free to express their sexuality pridefully without fear of judgment. The word Pride means to have a feel...

 Why do pull-down ladders remain a common problem?  It should be noted that cutting the cords on the bottom of trusses to make room for attic stairs is not advisable unless advised by a structural engineer. It is important to never cut a truss without proper guidance. Most attic ladders have a piece of wood propping the attic access open which then allows for the warm garage air to circulate in the attic area, but this can be detrimental to the proper ventilation of your attic. Proper ventilation should come from soffit vents and ridge caps or gable vents, allowing for 1 square foot of air movement for every 300 square feet. Adding extra air into the attic can result in mold and mildew, as well as compromise the direction of attic ventilation, causing the sheathing underneath the shingles to heat up and the shingles to fail earlier than expected. Additionally, the access to the attic should be covered by fire-retardant material, such as sheetrock or metal, especially in garage...