Dirk's Blog

  Proper installation of kickout flashing, otherwise known as diverter flashing, can make a significant difference to the overall water protection of a building. This crucial piece of metal is designed to redirect water away from a structure when a roof surface ends at a wall. Neglecting to install kickout flashing can result in water damage and costly repairs. Kickout flashing is responsible for diverting water into a roof gutter, thus preventing water from penetrating the building and causing significant damage. The angle of the flashing is crucial, as it should extend at least 4 inches up the sidewall and have an approximate angle of 110 degrees. It's worth noting that kickout flashing is required where the eave of a sloped roof intersects with a vertical sidewall. A common scenario is where the eaves of a garage roof meet the wall of a two-story home. Proper installation of kickout flashing is a necessary detail that should not be overlooked, as it can prevent major water damag...

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th being an unlucky day has a long and complex history that is influenced by various cultures. Despite not being entirely clear how this specific combination of day and date became associated with bad luck, there are a few theories and historical factors that might have contributed to the superstition: 1. Christian Influence suggests that the fear of Friday the 13th has roots in Christian tradition. According to the belief, Jesus and his 12 apostles were at the last supper. This led to an ominous pairing and unfortunate events since it was on a Friday and the number of people was 13. 2. Norse Mythology has a story about a banquet in Valhalla where 12 gods were present, and the trickster god Loki was not invited. But he crashed the party and became the 13th guest, which eventually caused the death of the beloved god Balder. 3. Historical events that contributed to the superstition include the execution of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 1...

  When constructing a building, the foundation plays a critical role in ensuring stability. It is responsible for supporting the entire structure and preventing it from settling or moving. Surprisingly, foundations themselves can shift throughout the year due to factors such as soil movement caused by water, the slope of the land, or nearby trees. This is why it's crucial to regularly check the foundation of any building to ensure that it is level and not compromising the rest of the structure. If a foundation shifts, it can cause issues such as misaligned doors and moisture seeping through walls and windows.  To avoid these problems, it's essential to use the appropriate type of foundation for the building and to avoid using adjustable jacks as a long-term solution. If using block foundations, they should be adequately aligned and laid upright on a concrete pad to distribute the weight evenly. If the foundation appears compromised or is leaning, it should be inspected by a st...

  A garage Door Opener's typical life expectancy is 10-15 years, keeping up with maintenance can help increase the lifespan. Listen to the door open and close. Louder noises suggest resistance and is working harder. An opener's life expectancy is determined by how hard the motor has to work. Ensure safety cables and torsion springs remain intact. These will go out and need to be replaced as time goes on. Tighten any loose nuts or bolts as they appear. View and replace rollers as needed, steel or nylon. Nylon rollers with ball bearings are most preferred and will keep the unit quiet. Lubricating the moving components will add years of operation to your garage door. Use white lithium grease or garage door lubricant on the opener's chain, screw, springs, and hinges (any moving part). Test the garage door balance by disconnecting the opener, pulling the release handle (usually a red cord), and manually opening the door halfway up. If it doesn't stay still, the counterweigh...

  It is imperative to note that shingles should extend 1/4" and not extend beyond 3/4” (19 mm) past the drip edge. Overhanging shingles beyond this limit are not supported and may break off, leading to potential damage. Without an overhang, water may run down the side of the facia, causing moisture intrusion. Regrettably, this is not a consideration that most home inspectors take into account. Thus, it is crucial to check the roof's shingle overhang during inspections. Gutters are another crucial element that can prevent additional issues. Adequately installed gutters can save homeowners from potential headaches caused by water damage.

  A basic emergency supply kit should include items like: Water, at least one gallon per person per day Non-perishable food, for at least a few days Flashlight, with extra batteries First aid kit Battery-powered or hand crank radio Local maps Manual can opener Tissues Toilet paper and bags with ties Paper and pen or pencil You can store these items in an easy-to-carry container, like a backpack or duffle bag. Depending on your family's needs, you may also need: Medical supplies Pet food Contact lens solution Diapers You should also keep copies of important documents, such as: Medication list, Proof of address, Passports, Birth certificates, Insurance policies.

In the realm of modern technology, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) has become a ubiquitous feature that allows electronic devices to connect and communicate with each other without the use of physical cables or wires. This remarkable technology utilizes radio waves to transmit and receive data between devices that are equipped with WiFi capabilities. The idea of wireless communication was first demonstrated by ALOHAnet in 1971 when the potential of this technology was realized. However, it wasn't until 1974 that Vic Hayes popularized the use of his type of WiFi by introducing the ISM band for unlicensed use. Today, WECA "from Alliance & Interbrand coin the term WiFi" has become an indispensable feature that is widely used by a plethora of electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It typically operates on either 2.4 or 5 GHz frequencies to connect to the internet, making it an essential part of our daily lives. Now with that being said which one should ...