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    Is There Asbestos in Stucco and Exterior Plaster?

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    Asbestos in Stucco
    Asbestos in Stucco and Exterior Plaster

    Technically speaking, exterior stucco does not contain asbestos particles in it. Although cement board, that is used for backing of stucco on exterior surface of building can contain asbestos. It can be dangerous for human health while demolishing.

    Biggest misleading factor in designated substance industry is calling materials names that don’t apply to them. Just like that, plaster siding is often called stucco. They are completely different but may look similar at finish stage.

    Plaster mix on other hand may or may not have dangerous asbestos in it. Installations of this product between 1930 to 1980 have higher chance of having designated substance and have to be properly remediated by licensed professionals.

    Nothing you read about is 100% sure, and even our information has to be backed by physical evidence. To know if there is asbestos in stucco of your home, complete lab test and DDS report.

    Why People Think Stucco Contains Asbestos

    If debate about asbestos in stucco and similar products exist, than many of you might have thought about the possibility of it being true. In fact most of people don’t know the answer and just guess where dangerous substance is present.

    We know of four reasons that some of you may think there is asbestos in stucco:

    • They Were Told so
    • Mistake It with Plaster
    • Stucco Backing Cement Board
    • Year of Installation

    The job of every asbestos related article is to educate everyone around. Way too many people die from long-term deceases caused by this substance and we all want to make the number lower every year.

    Understanding potential danger is first step of protecting yourself from it.

    They Were Told so – the only way to know this for certain is to do a lab test. Results will show if stucco or what you think looks like stucco has inside.

    Your friends, coworkers, clients or company boss can say whatever they want, but relying on their opinion can get you in trouble.

    Mistake It with Plaster – stucco looks very similar to plaster on exterior walls. Home owners that have never worked in construction industry may not know the difference at all.

    Plaster was and is tilled this day used in wide range of application. It can be poured into molds, installed on rough and smooth surfaces. Stucco is mixed with Portland cement and usually used only on exterior of house.

    Stucco Backing Cement Board – stucco finish is applied on top of something. In colder areas rigid insulation is used as underlay, but wormer regions mostly use it on top of cement boards.

    These cement boards could potentially have asbestos in it, but stucco never does. Therefore some people just say its stucco with dangerous material and not layer behind it.

    Year of Installation – Asbestos was used heavily in residential and commercial construction during mid-1900s. Knowing this may scare you every time you see stucco or plaster.

    Just because material was installed during the era of asbestos, doesn’t mean everything is contaminated. Check the facts with lab results and stay safe.

    Difference Between Stucco and Plaster

    Remodel On Point already mentioned that stucco and plaster look almost the same and nonprofessional can mistake one from another.

    Now it’s time to talk about three main differences between these finishing materials for exterior façade.

    1. Application/Installation Method
    2. Materials It’s Made of
    3. Potential Dangers and Asbestos in It

    Trades that work with stucco or plaster for many years know the difference and how each material should be treated. Those who are unfamiliar with details can see more detailed breakdown below.

    Application/Installation Method – Stucco is applied on hard surface with some type of grip. For better strength and crack avoidance, mesh is secured to exterior plywood or block wall.

    Plaster can literally hold on anything. It is more like paint or glue that reacts to harden into cement base substance. Most of molds for interior and exterior design are poured plaster.

    Materials It’s Made of – base of plaster materials is gypsum. It can be applied on surfaces like ceiling or wall, poured into molds or used to patch holes.

    Stucco’s initial base is always with Portland cement and lime products. Fiberglass particles are added for extra strength and tight grip.

    Potential Dangers and Asbestos in It – stucco by itself never has asbestos in it, while plaster can be contaminated. Don’t trust your instincts because cement board behind, insulation layer and adhesive glue can be with asbestos fibers.

    The biggest problem is differentiating one from another to be safe while working on removal.

    Why Was Asbestos Used in Stucco Cement Boards

    It is sad to say that asbestos was used in all sorts of construction materials just 50 years ago. It was added to tiles, concrete mix, insulation, roofing and many more products.

    Noon e new all the danger asbestos particles can cause to human health. That is mostly because effects were long term. Exposed workers could develop sickness 10 – 20 years later.

    Too bad studies did not start few decades after asbestos was produced and used almost everywhere. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people were exposed to it.

    Asbestos particles increase durability, strength, insulation level to exterior plaster. Of course it was popular in manufacturing; especially the costs of production were so low.

    Is Plaster Asbestos Dangerous?

    Every type of asbestos contaminated material can cause harm when disturbed. What it means is while it sits quietly inside original material it does not pose any danger.

    When plaster or cement backing board behind stucco is cut, broken or demolished in any way that creates dust, asbestos particles escape and get airborne.

    Changing exterior façade becomes more challenging for workers. Most of them are not trained in handling designated substances.

    Technically home owners should notify all workers about hazards and presence of asbestos is definitely one of them. There have been cases when workers sued and won cases for not being aware of dangerous substance of work.

    Other Exterior Siding Materials that Contain Asbestos

    Besides Plaster and cement boards, there are plenty of siding materials that can be contaminated with asbestos. There is no reason to risk your health over a tiny pay check. Do your own due diligence and find out if exterior façade you work with is dangerous.

    Asbestos and other dangerous materials can be in:

    • Slate Tiles
    • Specialized Paints
    • Adhesive Materials
    • Vapor Barriers
    • Vinyl Siding

    Newly installed materials during renovation or new construction have very low chance of risk. Nevertheless the cost to test stucco or plaster for asbestos is not high. Only for $50 – $150 you can get lab results confirming whether material is contaminated or not.

    Issues With Cracks in Garage Floor and Prevention Methods

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    Cracks in Garage Floor
    Prevention Methods for Garage Floor Cracks

    Commercial and residential garage concrete floors have tendency to crack over time. It can penetrate all the way through slab or be a small hairline crack that goes only an inch or so in depth.

    Don’t overreact right away. It is a common issue that can be solved easily by sealing small or large crack. Lifespan of concrete is 100 years, but small cracks appear much sooner. Usually is it not a structural defect but can cause minor or some major problems.

    What Issues Come Up After Cracks in Garage Floor Occurs

    • Radon Gas or Similar
    • Moisture/Water Coming Through
    • Ants Invade The Garage
    • Costly Constant Repairs
    • Structural Integrity of Building

    With certainty everyone should agree there is no better material for garage surface than concrete. It create sealed and very strong slab that withstands thousands of pounds of weight, easy to install and does not cost a lot.

    Common Issues of Cracks in Garage Floor

    Every construction defect can lead to further issues. Specific function of material is disturbed and it no longer serves to full potential. Remodel On Point explains 5 problems that start with tiny cracks in concrete floor.

    Radon Gas or Similar – Certain states have higher risk of underground gas coming through foundation and base slab. One of those gasses is Radon. It is believed to potentially cause cancer and other health problems.

    Completely sealed garage floor with concrete protects from gasses coming through. Check if your area is in known for dangerous underground gasses.

    Moisture/Water Coming Through – You don’t need to have underground water for moisture to come through garage floor cracks. Condensation and wet soil will do the trick for you.

    Completely sealing each spot in foundation and concrete slab assures there is not moisture on the way. Wet surfaces can increase chance of mold growth.

    Ants Invade the Garage – Colonies of ants can get through smallest cracks in garage floor. They seem to appear out of nowhere and keep on finding things on floor to feed on.

    Ants are harmless and most of the time just annoy home owner with their presence. Sealing all homes is the only method to make sure no ants are getting through.

    Costly Constant Repairs – To make it look like new, repairs are made for garage concrete floor. Small crack can quickly grow and the cost to fix will be higher than few hundred dollars.

    Don’t wait too long and get it done as soon as you find the crack in concrete. If not fixed right away, more cracks and loose concrete can appear.

    Structural Integrity of Building – Small problem can become big one if structural points get damaged. Concrete slab is often connected with footings or even could be poured together.

    Large cracks that continue all the way to footings or specific points on which structural wall sits, can cause big issues.

    How Do New Cracks in Garage Floor Appear?

    There are at least dozen reasons why garage floor is made out of concrete. Top of them are being: it is very hard material that withstands loads of pressure, it is easy to install and it does seal completely foundation of garage.

    Cracks should not appear out of no reason, and if you see one it’s probably one of listed below causes.

    • Exposed to cold temperatures
    • Thickness is less than recommended
    • Low quality concrete
    • Too much pressure applied
    • Bad installation techniques
    • Not enough time to cure
    • Underground waters or air pockets

    These are most common 7 reasons why cracks appear in garage floor. Don’t forget that like every other material, concrete has end of its’ life in about 80 years. Even with ideal installation and perfect condition it will show cracks after 50 years.

    Exposed to cold temperatures – We almost never see concrete slab installed during winter out in open. Concrete needs at least +10 Celsius or 50 Fahrenheit temperature to cure properly. Chemicals can be added for work during application in cold month, but it’s not guaranteed that hairline cracks won’t start coming through.

    Hard materials react poorly to change of temperature as well. Meaning that if summer is too hot and winter is too cold, concrete lifespan is shortened.

    Thickness is less than recommended – minimum thickness for garage concrete floor is 4 inches. Larger surface area requires more stability and thicker slab is installed. For straightening it even more, rebar can be added.

    Commercial garages assume use of heavy cars and high traffic. Therefore the amount of concrete poured should increase to 6 inches.

    Low quality concrete – not everyone knows, but concrete has different grades. Each type is meant for specific application. For garage slab concrete M10 and M15 are used most of the times. It is closer to the bottom of the table for strength, but lower grades do exist.

    Higher grades can be used as well, but it will cost a lot more. Ask contractor what type of concrete they are planning to pour for your garage floor installation.

    Too much pressure applied – residential and commercial garage use is not the same by any means. You cannot install 4 inch slab and expect to have no cracks in garage floor while operating heavy truck or installing car lift.

    Know your limits and understand how much pressure your garage floor can handle. For second car lift structural engineers require additional foundation pads or strip of footing.

    Bad installation techniques – professional crews with years of experience will install it differently from first time DIY experiment. If improper techniques are used, cracks can come up within first two years.

    Vibrator is used to distribute all concrete and release pockets of air that are trapped inside the mixture.

    Not enough time to cure – within two days after installation of concrete garage floor it will be solid enough to walk on without any problem. However to park a car on top of it is not the right time yet.

    Professional installers recommend at least 7 days to cure for residential garage floor use and minimum two weeks for commercial.

    Underground waters or air pockets – unfortunate home owners with high water beds can experience cracks in garage floor due to water flow under slab.

    Part of soil is washed out and pockets of air appear right under garage slab. With enough pressure it can crack.

    How to Avoid or Prevent Cracks in Garage Floor?

    Remodel On Point team wants to share some tips for installation and use of garage floor that prevents from cracks appearing sooner than normal.

    Stick to practice that is used by professional trades to get maximum time out of your garage slab before it starts cracking. These would increase lifespan of concrete by at least 50%.

    • Install in warm conditions
    • Add rebar for strength
    • Make sure its thick enough
    • Cover up with material or hey
    • Proper use of surface

    Our 5 points to prevent cracking in garage floor are not suggestions, but rather mandatory requirements for installation and use of slab. What 20-30 years ago was a recommendation now is standard practice.

    Install in warm conditions – concrete firms up better in worm conditions. Pouring it during winter while snow is on the ground is definitely a red flag.

    Even though garage space is inside, the soil can be frozen and every experienced concrete worker should recommend defrosting and making the premises worm before pouring concrete.

    Add rebar for strength – a net of steel rebar is often added for tightening up entire surface area. It works as a component for concrete to wrap around and hold tight.

    A good distance between rebar would be 8 – 12 inches. Therefore rebar net should be with 1 square foot squares or smaller. Lift it up few inches from the ground to makes sure steel is positioned in the middle of slab.

    Make sure it’s thick enough – don’t trick anyone with think concrete slab. It will be a disaster if garage floor has less than 3 inches of concrete poured.

    Everything less than 4 inches thick should not be installed even with reinforcement features. If necessary make it thicker by excavating more dirt.

    Cover up with material or hey – concrete likes to rest without being touched or disturbed. Special material is used as cover for outdoor and indoor slabs or sidewalks made with concrete.

    You may see hey put directly on fresh concrete in enclosed areas. It also protects fresh concrete in cold and humid areas. Hey absorbs moisture from air and keeps in inside for the period of curing.

    Proper use of surface – never mix or intend to misrepresent type of use for garage floor. Saving few bucks during installation and assuming regular garage concrete floor can be used for commercial use is asking for trouble.

    If you are not sure about thickness, connections to foundation walls, rebar and additional support features – ask structural engineer for assistance.

    How Long Does it Take for Cracks to Show?

    In normal conditions cracks will start appearing within 20-25 years of use. Without following simple rules of initial installation, it can start way sooner. Bad installers can cause garage floor cracking and crumbling only in 2-3 years.

    Overpaying and getting higher than average quality concrete slab in garage can keep it in almost perfect condition for close to 40-50 years. Although its double the time, the cost for exceeding average lifespan may be not worth it. Fixing small crack does not cost a lot of money.

    How to Repair Cracks in Garage Floor?

    When you just notice the crack on garage concrete slab it’s important to deal with it right away. Fixing the problem soon can save money in a long run and prevent it from reoccurring in other spots.

    Professionals that infill holes can charge $120 – $150 per crack or $500 per garage slab if you have 5-10 small to medium size cracks in concrete.

    First is to find out if the crack goes all the way through the slab. Smaller cracks are easier to fix and they don’t cause immediate problems to garage.

    1. With regular saw expand the crack and Follow the line to full depth.
    2. Clean the hole from loose pieces of concrete and vacuum out all the dust.
    3. Fill it with epoxy or polyurethane and let it dry for at least 2 days before walking on it.

    Tis 1,2,3 step process can be easily done at home without hiring professionals. Do it on your own and spend several hundred dollars elsewhere.

    How Long After Shocking Pool Can You Swim

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    Shocking Pool
    Swiming after Shocking Pool

    Pool shocking is very important to maintain water quality. This prevents the development of harmful bacteria that can affect humans. Since most shocking substances contain chlorine, how long after shocking pool can you swim becomes an important question.

    After shocking a pool, it is recommended to wait at least 12 hours before using it. This time directly depends on the substances used. If you have used non-chlorine shocking, you can use the pool for 15 to 20 minutes. For greater confidence, limit pool use for 24 hours after shock it.

    How Long After Shocking Pool Can You Swim

    Type of ShockThe Average Time Before Using a PoolBest Time Before Using a Pool
    Calcium Hypochlorite8 – 12 hours24 hours
    Sodium Di-Chlorite6 – 9 hours16 hours
    Non-Chlorine Shock15 – 20 minutes1 hour

    If you are not sure how long you should not use the pool after shocking it, then you should pay attention to the description of the substance used. Each manufacturer writes the composition on the product packaging and the method of use.

    Different Types of Shock Products

    If you take a closer look at the table, you will immediately understand that the composition of the substance used affects how long after the shocking pool can you swim. There are many varieties of shocks, but most of them can be attributed to three groups.

    Calcium Hypochlorite Shock

    The most popular are Cal-hypo shocks. They contain a large amount of free chlorine, which evaporates rather quickly when exposed to open sunlight.

    Since this shock is unstabilized, it is quickly burned by ultraviolet rays. To avoid this one resorted to adding cyanuric acid to the pool. With the right use of most Cal-hypo shocks, you should be able to swim in the pool after 8 to 12 hours.

    This is quite a long period, but you can do shocking in the evening and use the pool in the morning. While this will be sufficient in most cases, you can wait 24 hours before using the pool. A day will be enough for the filters to remove all used chlorine from the water.

    Cal-hypo shocking is usually used before and at the end of the season. Also, such strong shocking can be used if signs of algae appear in the pool. Cal-hypo shock can increase the PH level in the water. Before using the pool, it is worth taking measurements, and if necessary, bringing the PH level back to normal.

    Sodium Di-Chloride Shock

    Di-chloride is a stabilized version of slowly dissolving chlorine. Because of its formula, Di-chloride is less susceptible to sun fading, allowing the water in your frame pool to maintain proper chlorine levels longer.

    After using Di-chloride shock, it is recommended to wait 6-9 hours before using the pool. As with Cal-hypo, you can shock it in the evening when the pool is not in use.

    Di-chloride is available in various chlorine ranges from 15% to 99%. Row long after shocking pool can you swim depends on the use of different types of Di-chloride shocks. The best option would be to get this information from the manufacturer of the product. Also, for greater confidence, you can extend the time to use the pool up to 12 -16 hours.

    Non-Chlorine Shock

    Monopersulfate shock is one of the most popular types of non-chlorine shocks. If the top priority is how long after shocking pool can you swim, then you should pay attention to this shock. After using non-chlorine shocks to clean your pool, you only need to wait 15 to 20 minutes to continue swimming.

    Non-chlorine shocks are used more as an auxiliary cleaning method. They oxidize the water and interact with the chlorine present in it to remove impurities. This shock method is recommended for intensive use of the pool or after heavy rainfall.

    Non-chlorine shocks will help remove contaminants from the water without altering the cyanuric acid level. Although this method does not affect the chlorine level in the water, you can still wait one hour before using the pool to be sure. This time will be quite enough for all the chemical reactions in the water to pass.

    When Need to Shock the Pool

    There are several reasons for swimming pool shocking. First of all, this is the disinfection of water and the destruction of bacteria, as well as the prevention of the appearance of various types of algae.

    If, in the case of algae, you can see them appearing in the pool, then in the case of bacteria, you can only guess about their presence. Let’s take a look at some tips on when to carry out pool shocking in more detail.

    1. The First Use of the Season
    2. Shock After Intensive Use
    3. Shock Pool After Extreme Weather
    4. When You See Signs of Algae
    5. When Preparing for Winter

    The First Use Pool of the Season

    In most regions, the use of the pool is seasonal and is not used during the cold season. Over the long months, remaining bacteria and other microorganisms can develop in the water. To avoid negative effects, it is recommended to carry out a pool shock before the start of the season.

    For the first time in a year, it is recommended to use intense chlorine-containing shock, it can be either Calhypo or Di-chlorine. Since this is only the beginning of the season, the preparation of the pool takes place significantly before using it, which means you do not have to worry about how long after shocking the pool can you swim.

    Shock After Intensive Use

    Intensive use of the pool can lead to pollution. Hair, pieces of dead skin, sweat, and other human fluids can cause bacteria to grow in your pool.

    Therefore, to avoid the development of pathogens, it is recommended to carry out a pool shock every two weeks with its daily use. Non-chlorine agents can be used for routine shocking.

    This shocking will allow you to use the pool in literally an hour, which is very convenient on hot summer days. It is also worth noting that since this method does not contain chlorine, it is advisable to check the residual active chlorine level in your pool. If it is very low then it is worth doing Cal-hypo or Di-chloride shocks.

    Shock Pool After Extreme Weather

    Extreme weather can be another source of pollution in the pool. Strong winds can fill the pool with dust and debris, and rainwater can contain many bacteria.

    After extreme weather, it is worth cleaning the pool and measuring the chlorine level. If it is very low, then it is necessary to carry out a pool shock. This will restore the chlorine balance in the pool, which will prevent the development of microorganisms.

    Remember that after using each of the shock products, it is required to wait a while before using the pool.

    When you See Signs of Algae

    When algae start to form in your pool, it’s hard not to notice. This means that there is active chlorine in the water for protection. To get rid of the algae, an intense shock using Hypo-chlorite or di-chloride is necessary.

    Chlorination will kill all algae and cleanse your pool. After intensive shocking, check the PH level of the water and wait 24 hours before using the pool.

    When Preparing for Winter

    When preparing the pool for winter, it is worth taking care of the quality of the water. Since you will not be using the pool for several months, microorganisms and algae may develop in the water during this time.

    So that you do not have to change the water and carry out a complete cleaning of the pool at the beginning of the next season, it is worth taking care of it in time. Use chlorine shock products before closing the pool for the winter.

    This will preserve the quality of the pool water. How to properly take care of a pool in the winter season, you can find out in our article “How to Take Care of a Pool in the Winter Right”.

    How Long does it Take to Install a Water Heater

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    Water Heater Installation
    Time Needed for a Water Heater Installation

    In most cases, people need to replace water heaters due to breakage. In this case, you cannot hesitate, and the question of how long does it take to install a water heater becomes relevant. The installation time often depends on the tap of the water heating system.

    The installation of the water heater takes 2 to 3 hours when done by a couple of technicians. If the water heater is replaced, the installation time may increase by 1-2 hours. Installation time can be affected by individual conditions such as the size of the water tank and free access to the room.

    How Long does it Take to Install a Water Heater

    Heater TypeInstallReplacement
    Traditional Water Heater2 – 4 hours3 – 5 hours
    Tankless Water Heater2 – 3 hours2 – 3 hours
    Condensing Water Heater6 – 7 hours7 – 8 hours
    Heat Pump Water Heater2 – 4 hours3 – 5 hours
    Solar Water Heater5 – 7 hours6 – 7 hours
    Installation of the water heater by two specialists.

    It should be understood that the time indicated in the table is the average value. Each case may have its characteristics. For example, it will be necessary to use welding or install additional elements. In such situations, it may take more time, but an experienced technician will tell you immediately about possible delays in the installation.

    Features of Installing Different Water Heater Types

    As already indicated in the table above, each type of water heater has its characteristics that affect the installation speed. To understand what delays you may encounter, it is worth examining each of the options listed in more detail.

    1. Traditional Water Heater
    2. Tankless Water Heater
    3. Condensing Water Heater
    4. Heat Pump Water Heater
    5. Solar Water Heater

    Traditional Water Heater

    Water heaters with a water tank are the most common and fairly easy to install. Nevertheless, several reasons can affect the installation time of this type of water heater system.

    The main thing that can affect how long does it takes to install a water heater is the size of the water tank. This system uses a water reservoir and its size greatly affects the installation speed.

    Firstly, the water tank is quite heavy and you will need two specialists to move and install it. Difficulties in replacement may also arise if the access to the installation site is rather narrow and it will be difficult to carry the water tank there.

    It should also be understood that when replacing such a system, you first need to drain the water from the old water tank. This process is quite slow and can take 30 – 90 minutes. Technologically, the installation of a conventional water heater is not very complicated, but it requires sufficient physical strength, which affects the installation time.

    Tankless Water Heater

    Tankless water heater installation is one of the fastest. This is primarily because this water heater is much smaller. Due to the lack of a huge water tank, during installation, you get rid of several stages at once.

    Firstly, it is much easier to install it, because it is much smaller. Also, craftsmen will not have to waste time draining water from the water tank when replacing the device. Physically, the installation of such a water heater is much easier and saves you time.

    The only difficulty in installing a tankless water heater is the correct connection of the water and gas supply for heating. The installation of such a system can be performed by one specialist, however, if a team of two people works, the installation will be much faster and will take a couple of hours.

    Condensing Water Heater

    The Condensing water heater is very difficult to install. As with conventional water heaters, they have a water tank. In addition, in this case, this tank will be very impressive in size.

    Moving such large equipment can take considerable time and physical effort. In addition, when it comes to replacing equipment, the installation time of the condensing water heater can take up to 7-8 hours.

    It is also worth considering that speaking about how long does it take to install a water heater, we mean that all the preparatory work has already been completed and the HVAC system has been adapted. Otherwise, these works can be significantly longer.

    Heat Pump Water Heater

    The installation of a heat pump water heater is very similar to a conventional water heater. Because of this, the time required for its installation will be approximately the same and will take 3-5 hours. It is worth noting that since the unit is very massive, it is very important to plan how to carry it to the room where it will be placed.

    Solar Water Heater

    Using solar water heaters is a great idea because of the use of renewable energy. Nevertheless, this is not a simple construction, and it would be logical to ask how long does it take to install a water heater.

    In the case of a solar water heater, installation may take much longer. This is because, unlike conventional systems, the installation takes place directly on the roof of the house. Depending on the model chosen, a solar battery and water tank with pipes are installed.

    On average, it takes 5-7 hours to install a solar water heater but may take longer due to some factors. These factors include the slope of the roof, the weight of the structure, the readiness of the roof covering for the installation of solar panels. How long the installation of the solar water heater will take you can find out from the company producing the installation.

    Difference Between the Installation of the Water Heater in a New House and Replacement

    An important role in how long does it take to install a water heater is played by the circumstances under which this process is performed. For this, two main criteria can be distinguished, replacement of the water heater during renovation or installation in a new house.

    Replacing the water heater in the house takes a little longer than the first connection. This is because the system has already been used and it is necessary to dismantle the old equipment.

    If a water tank is used, then first of all it is necessary to drain the water from it. This process can take from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on its size. After the water is drained, it is necessary to shut off the water and gas supply system to the water heater. Only then can the equipment be replaced.

    In the second case, when installing a water heater in a new home, workers will need less time. This is because the system is new, and it is only necessary to carry out the installation, without the need to dismantle the old equipment. Therefore, the installation of the water heater in the new house takes 1 – 2 hours faster.

    Who Can Install Water Heaters

    In most states, water heaters can be installed by licensed plumbers or HVAC professionals. This is because errors in the connection of these systems can cause serious damage to your home.

    Water heaters have a direct connection to the water supply and depending on their type, gas and electricity are used. Such responsible work, undoubtedly, should be entrusted to professionals.

    In addition to the fact that you will be sure of the quality of the installation, it will also be a pleasant bonus that the work will go faster.

    How to Tell the Difference between Cellulose and Asbestos Insulation?

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    Cellulose vs Asbestos Insulation
    Difference between Cellulose and Asbestos Insulation

    Asbestos minerals were rapidly used in construction for many of reasons during 1950s – 1980s. It was added into compounds, concrete mixes, vinyl products and insulation material.

    Nowadays renovation of house can rise up concerns about present asbestos in insulation and how to find out what type material was used during initial build.

    The only way to tell the difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation is to sample material and send it to labs for examination. Any other methods are not recommended and may be dangerous for untrained workers.

    Saying all that, there are people who claim to distinct asbestos insulation from regular cellulose. We wanted to discuss this more and try to understand in all depth the possibility to differentiate these two materials.

    Made ofColorShineYear of Installation
    Asbestos InsulationMineralsBrownyes1950 – 1980
    Cellulose InsulationPaperGreyno1980 +
    Main differences between cellulose and asbestos insulation

    How to Tell if Insulation Has Asbestos?

    Asbestos is not the material, but a mineral that is added to insulation product. Asbestos rich material is known as Vermiculite.

    Vermiculite insulation has 4 main differences:

    • Manufacturing
    • Distinct Color
    • Shine
    • Year of Installation

    During renovation or demolition its already too late to try and understand what type of material you have for insulation. Designated report should be provided prior to even touching materials that are questionable and have potential danger to health.

    Nevertheless Remodel On Point wants to spread the word about how asbestos contaminated insulation looks, if for some reason lab results were not done.

    Manufacturing – Vermiculite insulation is manufactured from natural minerals. All parts of insulation are mined and combined together at factory.

    Tiny fibers are combined together into insulation material that expands when heated. It becomes great product for heat transfer, insulation of pipes and prevention of fire from electrical wires.

    Distinct Color – unlike other types of insulation, vermiculite material with asbestos has slightly darker or even brown color.

    Any other insulation can become darker with appearance of dust and potentially mistaken for asbestos material. This method of differentiating insulation is highly unreliable.

    Shine – Fibers from minerals create distinct shine of the insulation. All other types of material do not have any glow or shine, because of what they are made of.

    With years of time insulation sits behind walls with dust and other debris. The shine disappears and workers may confuse vermiculite with something else that causes less harm.

    Year of Installation – those who deal with asbestos remediation on daily basis know that most of contaminated materials were installed between 1950s and 1980s.

    Mines that produced almost all of vermiculite closed in 1990 and construction industry moved on to safe materials for insulation production.

    Main Distinctions of Cellulose Insulation

    As technology and safety measures advance, cellulose insulation was designed specifically to substitute dangerous asbestos contaminated material.

    It is paper based and literally looks like shredded rough paper. It becomes so thin; you may think those are some sort of fibers.

    The color of cellulose insulation is somewhere between light and dark grey. It depends on how long it was installed and how much darker it got with mix of dust and other debris.

    Leaks of air create much darker look, because it transports small dust particles which get trapped inside insulation.

    Cellulose insulation is primarily blown into the attic or wall cavities covered with vapor barrier.

    Experienced Professionals Know What to Expect

    Although these methods are highly not recommended and prohibited within remediation companies, some professionals that have experience working with asbestos for over few decades can sometimes predict contaminated substance.

    To regular person there would be no visible difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation, while remediation teams can expect one or the other in certain homes.

    • Approximate Age of House
    • How it Looks

    We cannot stress enough to repeat over and over that the only proper way to identify asbestos in material is to perform lab test.

    Approximate Age of House – educated workers know during which years asbestos was popular in home construction.

    Simply figuring out age of the house is first good hint whether cellulose or asbestos insulation was used in attic as well as between studs.

    How it Looks – to untrained eye all insulation looks the same, but veterans of industry can distinct asbestos from regular cellulose.

    Of course the rate is not 100%, and very often they can be wrong. This is not the method to be used for finding contaminated material for sure.

    7-8 times out of 10 asbestos remediation can see that certain material is either asbestos or cellulose. As long as we know it could be just lucky guessing.

    How Not to Test Insulation for Asbestos

    Methods of distinguishing asbestos insulation from cellulose listed above are just for comparison and education on each substance. They should not be used to identify presence of designated substance by any means.

    However our team wanted to underline two common ways to figure out what material workers are dealing with. They are highly dangerous, but some people rely on them anyways till this day.

    Believe Someone Else

    Under no circumstance information about designated substance should be hidden or undisclosed. Just because someone says this specific insulation is safe to work with does not mean you should believe it.

    Home owner, your boss or fellow workers can tell you all day long that they are 100% sure based on some information they know, insulation has no asbestos in it.

    Designated substance survey has to be completed and posted on jobsite for safety of all workers and occupants.

    Smell or Taste

    Only people that do not care for their life or have absolutely zero understanding about asbestos’ health hazards would try to smell or taste material.

    It may even seem funny, but these people exist and many of them die every year due to poor decision making. Working around asbestos without personal protective equipment leads to serious illnesses and trying to smell it is even worse.

    How to Handle Both Asbestos and Cellulose Insulation

    Removing or installing cellulose insulation is a piece of cake. After many studies, this material concluded to be safe for human’s health while working with cellulose outdoor and indoor.

    Simple mask is recommended for use, because inhaling any particles but air is not right. It can lead to minor health problems or allergies.

    Remediation of insulation with asbestos is far more serious. It starts from special personal protective equipment and goes as far as technical equipment during room pressurizing and required licenses to work with designated substance.

    Only approved professionals should work with asbestos substance, because they have been trained and know how to handle different types of asbestos.

    Steel Garage Door Rust Removing and How to Prevent It

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    Steel Garage Door
    Removing Rust from a Steel Garage Door

    Newly installed garage doors can last anywhere from 5 to 50 years. It could be dent, damaged, broken and completely rusted. Different material types of doors have pros and cons with specific damage possibilities and expected lifespan.

    On average steel garage door rust appears within first 10-15 years of use under normal conditions. With better work quality and continues maintenance rust time can be extended for up to 30 years and even more in rare cases.

    Although steel door is on top of most secure and most expensive, it’s main weakness is potential rusting in time. It’s actually enviable, and only thing home owners can do is make it last longer.

    Regular MaintenancePoor Maintenance
    Great Quality Manufacturer20-25 years10-15 years
    Poor Quality Manufacturer10-15 years 5 years
    Rust appearance time chart for garage doors

    In other words most of it depends on actual material and how good you take care of garage steel door before and after rust shows.

    How to Remove Rust from Garage Door?

    This day will come when your awesome looking steel door starts to show rust on edges. The best thing home owners can do is to stay alarm and know how to remove garage door rust and keep it from happening again for many years ahead.

    Here are the steps to deal with rust:

    • Remove Bits of Rust
    • Fill Holes
    • Clean and Wash
    • Apply Paint

    Professional rust removers will charge a lot of money to fix this problem, but we can teach anyone to do it fast and without spending too much.

    Remove Bits of Rust – after identifying actual rust and making sure its not just pieces of dirt it is important to remove it right away. Otherwise rust will spread rapidly.

    Vinegar is known to be the best solution to get rid of rust. Chemical reaction helps to dissolve it fast.

    After removing all visible bits of rust, use metal scrubs and other tools to cut all the way to cut all weak or loose metal.

    Fill Holes – when first step is completed properly, you will be left with few holes in garage door. Don’t be afraid – it is part of the plan.

    Local hardware and auto body shop sell steel/metal fillers in tubes or small buckets. Apply to infill each hole carefully and sand to make perfectly smooth surface.

    Clean and Wash – let the filler dry for at least half a day. Scrub the paint around each hole for 1-2 inches in all directions.

    Rinse garage door with hose and wipe using regular cloth. Removing all bits of dust and small pieces of debris is critical before painting. Painting over bits of dirt and clogs of old paint is not the best practice.

    Apply Paint – Do not forget to prime entire door before starting to paint. Take your time and cover every square inch. You want the result to look perfect, without lines or shiny spots.

    Spray gun is probably the best tool for garage door painting. Ask hardware store for specific paint that is used only for metal or steel applications.

    What Causes Rust on Garage Door to Appear Sooner

    Corrosion is a chemical reaction which is known as oxidation. Metal reacts with oxygen and starts to rust. Factory paint and seals have been used to slow down the process.

    It coats metal and prevents from direct contact with oxygen. Several additional factors can cause rust to appear sooner.

    • Weather
    • Salt
    • Garage Door Materials
    • Paint work
    • Fixing Deficiency
    • Maintenance

    Further we want to explain how and what increases the chance of rust on garage door. If any of our readers wants to add comments or more points, please contact our team via email.

    Weather – as we all know steel stays in better condition with controlled environment. Unfortunately people cannot control weather and only adapt to it.

    States and countries with more rapid rain and snow during seasons have lifespan of garage doors way smaller due to corrosion. Water resistant paint and solutions can help prevent that.

    High humidity is another factor to speed up rusting, because technically water just stays in the air.

    Salt – places where salt is used for ice prevention are specifically dangerous for garage doors and rust occurrence.

    Small pieced of ice and even ice dust can escalate corrosion. If not take care, garage steel door can get bits of rust at the end of the season.

    Occasionally wash it and wipe of dirt with salt from garage door and there should be no problems.

    Garage Door Materials – although we are talking about one type of material garage door is made of, there are different methods of manufacturing used.

    Good quality of steel with additional chemicals for rust proofing serves much longer than unknown supplier product without warranty.

    Ask supplier or manufacturer for process of steel, additional methods of protection and warranty for garage doors you purchase.

    Paint work – similar to steel material, paint on top is important factor that protects from rust. It should completely cover steel door to avoid direct contact with oxygen and moisture.

    Commercial painting of products like garage door is completely different from man painted items. Large spray machines are used to cover it from all sides.

    Another method of commercial painting process is to place items in large containers with paint to coat it equally from every corner.

    Fixing Deficiency – removing first spots of rust, or leaving it to its own faith is going to make a difference in garage door lifespan too.

    If you don’t want to deal with it, hire a handyman or professionals that remove rust from garage doors every day. In long run it will still save you money and unnecessary problems will go away.

    Maintenance – Simple steps of care that we have listed above can help garage door last 50% longer and save lots of money for buying new door sooner.

    Wash it together with windows, lawn cutting or any other exterior work of the house. This way there will be a reminder to actually do it.

    Nothing special is required for washing it – just water hose and dry cloth.

    How to Prevent Rust on Garage Doors

    Everyone wants to exploit their purchase to the max. With garage doors it can expand lifespan for as long as possible.

    Remodel On Point wanted to give 5 tips on how to avoid or prevent rust on installed steel garage doors.

    • Get different type of door
    • Get quality manufacturer
    • Keep cleaning
    • Get rid of water
    • Fix and repaint in time

    Simple care can make steel garage door last much longer. Knowing and performing several recommended things few times a month can increase the lifespan of steel for over 50%.

    Steel garage door is a luxury item compared to products made with other materials. It costs a lot to buy and install beforehand. Therefor it requires care and maintenance to keep looking good for many years.

    Remodel On Point can recommend great manufacturers and installation teams for any type of garage door.

    How Long does it Take to Paint House Exterior?

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    Paint House Exterior
    Time Needed for Paint House Exterior

    How long does it take to paint house exterior depends on many factors. First of all, it is important to understand what material the house is made of and its dimensions. For example, modern houses can be made of combined materials and some of them do not need painting.

    For exterior painting of a 2000 sq ft house, two professional painters will need 7 – 8 days. If the house is very high or non-standard form, this can increase the time it takes to paint the house. DIY exterior painting of such a house can take up to a three weeks of work.

    How Long does it Take to Paint House Exterior

    2 PaintersDIY with friend
    House Washing1 day1 day
    Preparing Stage1 – 2 days3 – 5 days
    Trimming Surfaces2 days4 days
    Painting Walls2 days 4 days
    Cleaning1 day 2 – 3 days
    Total7 -8 days14 – 17 days
    Exterior painting of a 2000 sq ft house.

    The information in the table will give you a rough idea of how much each house exterior painting process can take. It should be understood that each house is unique, and you can only know exactly the required time for painting if you know all the details.

    Stages of Painting a House Exterior

    Exterior house painting is a set of many processes, each of which will take a lot of time and effort. To have a detailed idea of how long does it take to paint house exterior, it is worthwhile to understand each of them in detail.

    House Washing

    All preparatory work must be done before painting the house. A lot of dust and dirt accumulates on the walls of the house, so you should wash it before painting the house.

    Painters will need a whole day to clean a house of 2000 sq ft. The absence of dirt and dust will allow you to see all the damage that could occur in the walls of the house over the years of operation.

    Preparing Stage

    The second step for any painting is preparation, and this is important for exterior painting. If this is not a new home, then remove any peeling paint. Since during this process all the debris will fall to the ground, it is necessary to first put a special canvas on the ground.

    If there are shrubs around the house, they also need to be covered, pieces of paint falling on them will ruin the whole appearance of your house. It is also necessary to cover with a protective masking tape all surfaces that border the painting area.

    Also, during preparation, it is necessary to close up all irregularities and holes with putty or sealant. Depending on the damage to the walls of the house and finishing surfaces, this process can take 1 – 2 days. If the walls are in good condition, then two painters will need one day to complete all the preparatory work.

    Trimming Surfaces

    After the preparatory work is over, it’s time to start painting. The first step is to paint the finishing surfaces. This process will take up to two days for professional painters, depending on the complexity of the structure of the house.

    Also at this stage, paint over the edging of the walls. This allows you to simplify the painting of the main surfaces of the walls, without going beyond them.

    Painting Walls

    Wall painting can be done in two ways. Depending on the type of home, a spray gun or paint roller may be used. Using a sprayer can significantly affect how long does it take to paint house exterior and speed up the process.

    For high-quality painting of the outer part of the walls, two layers of paint are used. It will take 1-2 days for painters to paint one coat of paint in a 2000 sq ft house.

    The speed of painting the walls also depends on the material from which they are made. For example, the slowest process will be to paint wood surfaces. Since they have an uneven surface, a wide brush is used to paint such walls. This greatly slows down the process and the painting of such a house can double.

    Cleaning

    The final step in painting the house will be cleaning. All debris and materials that have been used to protect surfaces from paint must be removed. The cleaning process is quite laborious and takes a whole day to complete.

    What effects time to paint house exterior

    • House Height
    • Complexity of Construction
    • Painting the House During the Cold Season

    House Height

    Many factors affect the time of painting the outside of the house. First of all, the height of the house affects the duration of painting a house. A house with high ceilings is much more difficult to paint because painters will have to use high stairs. Constant climbing on leaders slows down the painting process significantly.

    Complexity of Construction

    How long does it take to paint house exterior also depends on the shape of the house. Modern houses come in completely different shapes, so the painting will take longer if the house is made in a non-standard form, with many protrusions and additional elements.

    Painting the House During the Cold Season

    If you decide to paint your house, then you should take care of what time of year it is best to do it. Since drying of the paint plays an important factor in the speed of painting a house, this process should take place as quickly as possible.

    The optimum temperature for painting is 25 -28 degrees Celsius, with a relative humidity of 50%. Therefore, the optimal period for painting a house is from late spring to mid-autumn. If you paint at home during the colder season, the process can be significantly delayed.

    How to Speed Up the House Exterior Painting Process

    As you may have noticed, a lot of details can affect the time it takes to paint a house exterior. If you have a tight time frame and need to know exactly how long does it take to paint your house, then the best solution would be to invite experts for an estimate.

    A professional team will be able to evaluate all the details and will tell you exactly how long the painting will take. When the time of painting the house plays an important role, it is worth contacting at least three companies to estimate the work.

    When talking with a contractor, it is worth focusing on the deadlines and what solutions they can offer to speed up the painting of the house exterior. Such solutions can be an increase in the number of workers or a painting technique.

    However, it is worth noting that speeding up the painting process can significantly increase the cost of work. After receiving their answers, you will be able to choose the ideal offer for you of work time and price.

    Install Garage Steps Towards House to Prevent Flooding

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    Garage Steps
    Garage Steps Towards House

    It is not uncommon to see entire main floor of the house with garage to be on the same level. However for safety and extra precautions, more new build homes have steps up from garage slab towards the house.

    Unfortunately once the house is built with garage being on the same level with house first level, it is impractical to change it and add steps to the house. That would involve either raising entire house or lowering garage floor, which would only attract rainwater.

    Some houses don’t even have an entrance from garage towards the house. You would literally have to exit thought garage door and walk around to get inside.

    These homes are easier to adjust and with readjustment of structural wall with addition of exterior door, the steps to garage can be installed.

    Types of Garage Steps to Install

    If your house has great height and position of garage and entrance to the house, but steps were not installed yet by original builder there are few options we can suggest.

    There are four types of stair materials that work perfectly for easy installation and literally any weather conditions. Some can be purchased in store and some are super easy to make on your own.

    4 Types of Materials for Garage Steps

    • Concrete
    • Metal
    • Wood
    • Blocks/Bricks

    Main difference of materials used for steps is how long they will survive and costs associated with buying or making them. Honestly variations are not significant and any step works just fine.

    ConcreteMetalWoodBlock/Brick
    Buy Prebuild$60$80$50$70
    Cost of Materials (DIY)$150$50$30$50
    Cost of garage steps made from different materials

    Concrete – by far the most popular material for home garage steps is concrete. Typically it would be already made with garage slab by home builder.

    Otherwise there are two options for making new steps. Buy precast steps for $40 – $80 and simply put them in place or form and pour concrete mix.

    Metal – not seen in many homes because of cost or unavailability to purchase. Metal steps are definitely great looking and compliment any garage.

    If you have a place nearby that sells premade metal steps that is awesome, because it’s a rare find. Building custom metal garage steps is not recommended unless you have extra hundreds of dollars laying around.

    Wood – the easiest material to work with. Steps with wood can be made within minutes and cost of materials is the cheapest from all options.

    Some hardware stores sell premade stringers that can be cut and installed in place with steps fastened to them.

    Blocks/Brick – for handy people that want to build something with their own hands and create steps that last longer than wooden we suggest using blocks or bricks.

    Raw material and cement mix should not cost more than $30 together. Without professional help it could be done within an hour by going through guide on google or youtube.

    Installing Regular Risers and Stringers in Garage

    It is surprising to see regular interior style stairs in the garage. We are talking about fully finished riser and stringer with coat of paint or stain on solid finished.

    One thing is to make stairs with rough wood materials or even pressure treated, but matching interior house stairs is not right thing to do.

    Garage is considered as outside space and should be treated as such. All stored materials, kept tools, and installed fixtures will react to heat, cold and humidity.

    Garage is typically not heated, insulated or vented to interior home standards. Therefore installing regular oak or maple stairs is going to be a big mistake.

    Wood will bend and crack within few months. It is a normal reaction to temperature change and moisture in the air.

    Reasons for Garage Steps in House

    Existence of garage steps towards the house automatically means there is height difference between garage slab and landing. It could be main floor, mid stairs or separated mud room.

    This height separation is created for specific reasons and we want to go over each one. Here are 3 main reasons for installing garage steps in a house:

    • Raised House with Basement
    • Flooding Through Garage
    • Specific Design

    Sure enough there could be other ideas why stairs are implemented in construction process. Let us know your thoughts and ideas of other reasons.

    Raised House with Basement – If house has a basement level, the main floor is positioned above ground. This gives the ability to have windows in basement and natural light is always in priority.

    Main level is raised, but garage slab is continued from drive way with natural slope of soil next to the house. This difference in height is compensated with two or more steps.

    Flooding Through Garage – Next reasons is specific for safety measures. It is controlling potential floods and any water that can come from outside.

    Full foundation is raised above slab for at least a foot. Therefore if water comes into garage it would need to be filled all the way up before water goes inside of the house and damages finfish materials.

    Specific Design – Not ever building is positioned on ideal flat ground. Often we see backyard ground level is much lower than entrance of the house. There are back splits and tons of other unique designs for homes.

    To accommodate all structural need and combine construction with complicated slope of land levels of house can be different. Therefore garage may need few steps up towards the house.

    Size of Garage Steps Towards House

    To install or buy steps for garage we need to know preferred sizes and specifications. Although it may seem not logical, but exterior steps differ from interior.

    • Minimum Width 36 inches
    • Two steps – Ideal Design
    • Height and Depth of Steps

    Why would they be more complicated than any other steps or stairs? Let’s look at each reason separately and come to overall conclusion.

    Minimum Width – all exterior entrances have to have potential to bring in appliances, furniture and other large objects. If the door with frame is large enough to fit stove and fridge, the steps need to be at least 36 inches wide.

    Preferable with of garage steps is 42-44 inches. It should overlap door frame on each side for at least 6 inches.

    Two Steps are Ideal – one or no steps at all increase the risk of flood in case of heavy rain or overflowing water sustaining system.

    Many states have regulations that mandate installation of railing if stairs have exactly three or more steps. Therefore ideal amount is to have  two steps in garage.

    Height and Depth – all exterior steps are built with maximum height of 7 inches and depth that feels comfortable stepping with outdoor shoes. Average depth for garage steps is 12 inches.

    How Long does it Take to Paint a Room – Remodel On Point

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    Paint a Room
    How Long does it Take to Paint a Room

    Painting rooms in each house can have characteristics that affect the speed of the process. To have a rough idea of the timing of painting, you need to know all the factors that can affect this.

    Two professional painters will paint a 250 sq ft room in 3 days. If you decide to paint such a room yourself, then you will need up to 5 days. Even for painting the smallest room, it will take at least 2 days due to the drying process of the paint.

    Let’s take a closer look at what stages of the painting exist and you can understand how long does it take to paint a room. Since the painting process for each room will be the same, consider using typical room sizes as an example.

    100 sq ft250 sq ft500 sq ft
    DIY with Friend4 Days5 Days6 Days
    2 Professionals3 Days3 Days4 Days
    4 Professionals2 Days2 Days3 Days

    What affects the complexity of painting a room

    The interior of each room can have its unique features, which can affect the speed of painting. Here are some popular examples that can increase the time required to paint a room.

    • A lot of trims, crown moldings
    • Painting around the kitchen and existing cabinets
    • High ceilings
    • Several colors on walls
    • High Humidity or temperature

    When giving you an approximate working time, painters take into account the possibility of these delays. So, you shouldn’t worry about extended repair times when done by professionals.

    Trims and Moldings

    In modern interiors, decorative curly inserts such as trims and moldings are very common. Undoubtedly they are very beautiful, but you should understand that painting them is much more difficult than painting a flat surface. It may take additional time to paint over such elements with high quality.

    Kitchen Painting with Cabinets

    If you decide to paint the kitchen in which the cabinets are installed, then several difficulties await you. In order not to spoil the appearance of the cabinets, it will be necessary to dismantle them or protect them from paint ingress.

    This will complicate the preparatory process and will take more time. Also, if you leave the cabinets in the kitchen, it will complicate the painting process, because you will need to carefully trace every detail.

    High Ceilings

    If your home has a high ceiling of 10 feet or more, this will affect your paint rate. To work with high walls, you will need to use a ladder, which will significantly slow down the work process.

    Several Colors on Walls

    Another reason that can increase the time it takes to paint a room is the use of multiple colors. If you have planned two-color or multi-colored walls, then you should understand that such work is much more difficult.

    If you want to know how long does it take to paint a room using several colors, then it is better to ask the masters who will do this work. Depending on the complexity of the drawing, the process may take a different amount of time.

    High Humidity

    Most of the time in painting a room is spent drying the paint. If the room has a low temperature and high humidity, the paint will take much longer to dry. To prevent this from happening, provide ventilation and a comfortable temperature in the room.

    Stages of Painting a Room

    Painting a room is a complex process consisting of several stages. To understand why painting a room takes so long, it is worth understanding the features of each of them.

    100 sq ft250 sq ft500 sq ft
    Room Preparation1-2 hours2-3 hours3 – 4 hours
    Cutting and Filling2-3 hours3 – 4 hours4 – 5 hours
    Priming and Painting3-5 hours4 – 6 hours6 – 7 hours
    Cleaning1 hour2 hours3 hours
    The time indicated in the table will be required by two professional painters.

    It should also be noted that the time indicated in the table does not take into account the drying time of the paint, after each of the stages, this is only an approximate time required to complete each stage of painting.

    Room Preparation

    Paint can give a room a beautiful look, but it can also stain everything around it during the painting process. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to take care of all furniture and surfaces that cannot be painted.

    Before painting, all furniture is removed from the rooms, and if it is too massive, then it is covered with a special canvas cloth and the edges are glued.

    Also at this stage, all cracks and dents in the walls are sealed with putty. Skirting boards and window frames are covered with molar tape so that no drops of paint fall on them. All these preparatory steps create space for work, without the danger of staining other surfaces with paint.

    Cutting and Filling

    Each surface has its boundaries, and when you use a roller to paint the walls, it is very difficult to keep them. In order not to lick beyond the boundaries of the painting zone, cutting is done before the main painting.

    Cutting is the delineation of the boundaries of the paint. Using a medium-sized brush, paint is applied to the edges of walls, along with windows, and around doorways. You kind of outline the painting area, and in the future, it will be very convenient to use a roller to paint the main part of the walls.

    Priming and Painting

    This is followed by the main process, at the same time it is the most laborious. Having outlined the boundaries, all that remains is to prime and paint the walls. Experienced professionals will complete this stage of the work rather quickly, even though it is associated with physical difficulties.

    For the speed of work, it is very wise to choose the right tools. For example, using a wider roller will allow you to paint over a larger section of the wall. Also, since it is not convenient to use a ladder inside the house, it is worth taking care of extension cords, which allow you to easily reach the top of the wall.

    Cleaning

    Cleaning is considered the last stage of work. During cleaning, employees bring the room to its proper form. Furniture is brought back in and all protective materials such as masking tape and canvas are removed. After cleaning, the room is ready for use.

    Time Delays

    Having examined in detail each stage of painting a room, it is also worthwhile to understand that between each of them it is necessary to allocate time for the paint to dry. Painting a room of this size will take about 10 hours of work, but it will take 2 to 4 days.

    As the paint dries, painters can prepare and paint other rooms in the house. Because of this, painting the whole house will be much faster than painting a separate room, because the work will be more productive.

    How to Speed Up a Room Painting Process

    It often happens that the question of how long does it take to paint a room is very important to the homeowner. For example, you have little time for repairs and you need to quickly move into the house. It is also possible that repairs are done before the sale of a house where time plays a significant role.

    For such cases, there are several ways you can speed up your painting at home.

    • Remove all Furniture
    • Provide Room Ventilation
    • Hire more Painters

    Using these tips can save a lot of time while painting the walls. This plays a special role when you paint the room yourself.

    Remove all Furniture

    Even if you do not paint the rooms yourself, you can prepare the rooms before starting work. Take out the furniture and make sure the rooms in the house are empty. This will significantly save the time required for painting the interior.

    It will be convenient for painters to work in a vacant room, without constantly moving furniture from room to room. This will also speed up the preparatory process and paint the rooms one by one.

    Provide Room Ventilation

    As we mentioned earlier, an important factor that slows down the process of painting rooms is the time it takes for the paint to dry. To speed up this process, you need to take care of the temperature and humidity in the rooms.

    If the rooms are well ventilated and have a temperature of 23 – 27 degrees Celsius, then the paint will dry much faster. If you decide to ventilate the rooms with open windows, make sure that dust does not enter through them. Dust can settle on fresh paint and ruin its appearance.

    Hire more Painters

    As in any type of work, the number of employees affects the speed of execution. If the timing of the completion of the repair is important to you and you are in a hurry, then you can simply hire more painters.

    It is also not worth hiring painters from different companies, since their interaction plays an important role. Inconsistency between workers can slow down the painting process at home.

    How Long does it Take to Paint a House – Remodel On Point

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    Paint a Room
    Time Needed for House Paint

    The appearance of the house plays a huge role in its perception, both by residents and guests. To give it a proper look, it is important to paint it with high quality. You can hire professional painters to paint your home, or do the job yourself.

    Painting a house with an area of 2000 sq ft will take up to 10 days. This is how long it takes two painters for interior and exterior painting. If you do the work yourself, the process can take 16 days, provided that you devote at least 6 hours a day to painting the house.

    1000 sq ft2000 sq ft3000 sq ft
    DIY with Friend12 Days16 Days22 Days
    2 Professionals7 Days10 Days14 Days
    4 Professionals5 Days7 Days9 Days

    Painting a house can be divided into two main parts, these are interior and exterior painting. Each of the parts has its difficulties and features that affect the speed of painting. Let’s take a closer look at what stages the external and internal painting of a house consists of.

    How Long is Interior Painting of 2000 sq ft House?

    The time required for painting 2000 sq. ft. at home directly depends on who will do the work. It will be logical that a DIY project will take much longer than a professional painter would do. On average, a team of two people will need up to 10 days to complete the painting work, in a house with a size of 2000 sq. ft.

    Wall painting consists of several stages after which it is necessary to allow time to dry the paint. Here is a basic list of the jobs affecting how long does it take to paint a house interior:

    1000 sq ft2000 sq ft3000 sq ft
    Preparing and Patching Holes1 – 1.5 days2 days3 days
    Application of Primer1 – 1.5 days2 days2 days
    First Coat on Walls and Ceiling2 days3 days3 – 4 days
    Doors and Trims1 day1 day2 – 2.5 days
    Second Coat of Paint1 – 2 days2 days2 -3 days
    Total Time6 – 7.5 days10 days12 – 14.5 days
    Time are indicated for the work of two professional painters.

    Each of the stages of painting has its characteristics that affect the speed of work. For a better understanding, it is worthwhile to figure out what is being done at each stage, and what situations can increase the time spent on painting the interior.

    1. Preparing and Patching Holes
    2. Application of Prime
    3. First Coat on Walls and Ceiling
    4. Doors and Trims
    5. Second Coat of Paint

    In most cases, the time required for each of these processes is individual. This is due to the complexity of the interior or damage to the walls.

    Preparing and Patching Holes

    The first stage before painting the walls is preparatory work. During this process, the room is made as empty as possible, removing all furniture and things from it. Having freed up the space of the room, it is necessary to prepare all surfaces for painting. To do this, clean out old paint and patch holes that could have formed on the walls.

    During preparation, cover all surfaces that will not be painted with a canvas cloth. Also, for the corners of surfaces, masking tape can be used, which can be easily removed after painting. This is done in order not to smear paint on the floor and other details.

    Application of Primer

    The next step in painting walls is priming. The primer is applied to the walls to better adhere to the paint. The paint adheres much better to the primer than to bare walls.

    This significantly reduces the number of paint coats required for the walls. Using a primer saves the amount of material and time required for painting.

    First Coat on Walls and Ceiling

    When the primer is dry, you can proceed directly to paint. During this process, the first coat of paint is applied to the walls and the ceiling is painted. The application of the first coat of paint to the walls is divided into two processes, “cut in” and painting the main surface.

    Cut in is painting the border of all surfaces with a brush. After that, it is much easier to paint the wall with a roller, without leaving the aisles of the painting zone.

    Doors and Trims

    While the first coat of paint on the walls and ceiling dries up, paint the doors and trims. This stage requires painting skills, as it is done with a brush or spray.

    In most cases, doors and trims have uneven surfaces, making the painting process difficult. Because of this, the relatively small surface of doors and trims takes a long time to paint.

    Second Coat of Paint

    The final touch in painting a room is considered to be the second coat of paint. Reapplying paint to the wall creates contrast and a deeper shade of the selected color. After the final layer of paint has dried, they are cleaned and the furniture is brought into the room.

    How does House Layout Affect Painting Speed?

    Explanation of how things are different, houses can be open and easy to paint, many rooms make it more complicated.

    How long does it take to paint a house can also be influenced by the layout of the house. To understand this, let’s take two houses in the same area. In the first version, we will have a house with spacious rooms and few walls, and in the second house, there will be many small rooms fenced with walls and doors.

    In the first version, it is much easier to work at home. Open spaces are much easier to paint because you have fewer corners and walls. In such rooms, 4 people can easily work without interfering with each other, which will significantly speed up the process.

    If there are many small rooms in the house, the painting of the house will be delayed. Firstly, because of the large number of walls, there will be a lot more work. Secondly, in small rooms, it is much more difficult to work because of the limited space.

    As you can see, the layout of the house also greatly affects the speed of painting. The difference in time required to paint a house with the same area can be up to 3 days, which will significantly increase the repair time.

    How Long Does Exterior Painting Take?

    In addition to painting the interior, there is also the exterior painting of the house. The time required for an exterior house painting can vary significantly on each project.

    First of all, it depends on what material the exterior of your house is made of. There are several options on which the time required for painting the exterior depends.

    MaterialDays
    Brick and Stone0
    Combined Materials1 – 3
    Wood and Plaster4
    The time needed two painters for painting 2000 sq ft house exterior.

    Brick and Stone

    If your house is made of brick or stone, then in most cases you will not need to paint them. Metal facade panels, which have become very popular in modern houses, also belong to materials that do not require painting.

    The only time an exterior painting may be needed for such a house is when a complete renovation is being carried out and the bricks have become very tarnished. Since this is a very individual case, it is better to check with the company that will carry out the work about the time required for painting the bricks.

    Combined Materials

    Commonly, the house exterior is made of combined materials to make the house look beautiful. For example, the walls of a house can be made of plaster and the corners are lined with bricks or stone tiles.

    In the case of using combined materials, the time required for painting a house exterior depends on the size of the surfaces to be painted. In most cases for a 2,000 sq ft home, exterior painting will take 1 to 3 days.

    Wood and Plaster

    Wood and putty are the most commonly painted materials. Therefore, if the exterior of your house is made of these materials, then the time required to paint it will be maximum. It will take 4 days to paint an entire 2000 sq ft house with a couple of professionals.

    House Exterior Surfaces that Need to be Painted

    In addition to the walls themselves, the house exterior has some surfaces that can also be painted. Such surfaces include window frames, downpipes, and doors. The time of their painting directly depends on their quantity. On average, it will take up to two days to paint all of these elements for a medium-sized home.

    How Long does it Take to Paint a House by Yourself

    It is very difficult to answer the question of how long does it take to paint a house on your own since there are a lot of variables here. If you want to know how much time it will take you to paint your house, then you should take into account the time that professionals spend on it.

    Professional painters will paint the house with high quality and quickly, nevertheless, their services are quite expensive, for example, the cost of painting a house with dimensions of 2000 sq. ft. will cost about $ 4000.

    If you are not in a hurry and are ready to work on your own, then this will save the cost of painting, but you will do it longer than professionals.

    First of all, you should understand that when you paint at home yourself, painting time is not the main criterion. If you have never done this, then you should not rush and invest in the temporary norms of professional painters.

    Plan your schedule correctly and paint your house in stages. Also, to work comfortably, find yourself an assistant. Many work processes during home painting are very difficult to do alone so better find someone who helps you.