Tag Archives: Building Materials

Home Inspection Tips

March 7, 2016

Most likely your home will be the biggest purchase you will ever make. So when looking for a house, you’ll want to make sure that it’s a good investment.

Don’t Fall in Love with a House

Before you purchase a house, you’ll want to have it inspected. Therefore, it is important that you avoid making an emotional commitment before you have a professional inspection done and have reviewed the report.

If you choose to make an offer prior to the inspection, be sure to include a contingency clause. That is, your offer is made contingent upon the receipt of a passing inspection report.

What to Look for in the Inspection

The point of the inspection is to uncover any potential problems. This is especially important with costly repairs in areas of electrical, heating, air conditioning or plumbing. To ensure a thorough examination, some steps you should require in your home inspection include:

Examination of the exterior including the roof and foundation.
Inspection of the electrical system.
Inspection of the heating/air conditioning system.
Inspection of the plumbing system.
Inspection of the basement as well as each individual room.

What to Look for when Hiring an Inspector

To get a quality inspection, you’ll need to be sure your inspector is qualified. Referrals are the best way to find a good person or agency. Look for inspectors that are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors. You’ll want the home inspector to be both licensed and insured.

Make sure your inspector will issue a detailed, written and signed report within a few days following the inspection.

Be Sure to Attend the Inspection

It can be tempting to skip being around during the time of inspection. However, this is a big mistake. Being present will allow your inspector to better explain and even show you his findings. You will also learn a lot more information and detail about the house by attending.

Deducting Costs for Repairs

With your report in hand, you can better negotiate or renegotiate the price of the home.

Have these repairs done by a professional, or do them yourself with supplies from Deelat.com! Deelat Industrial carries everything you will need for home improvement from flooring and carpeting supplies to plumbing and electrical.

Sun Tunnel: Buying a Solar Tube for Home Installations

December 3, 2015

Sun tunnels are known by many different names – solar tubes, sky light tubes, light tunnels, etc. – but all these terms mean the same thing. Essentially, a sun tunnel is a miniature sky light. It creates a light-opening in the roof of the home, so that natural light can travel through the tube and serve as an interior light source.

All sun tunnels have similar design. In general, sun tunnels have a dome or window that is attached to the roof of the home to capture sunlight, which is sealed properly. The sunlight then travels down a reflective tube – which may be made of plastic or aluminum and be rigid or flexible – ultimately delivering natural light into the home or office.

Choosing Sun Tunnels for the Home or Office

There are just a few considerations that need to be made when determining which sun tunnel is right for your home or office. First, and most importantly, you should determine the size of the sun tunnel.

There are a few different areas that you will need to size:

Sun window or dome: Determine what size is possible on the roof of your property.
Sun tunnel tubing: Choose a tunnel tubing that will reach from the roof to the interior ceiling.
Sun tunnel opening: Determine the possible opening size for the interior ceiling.

Secondly, you’ll also want to determine if you’ll need a rigid or flexible tube. In general, flexible tubes are ideal for cramped spaces where it’s impossible or difficult to reach the loft space above the ceiling. Solid tubes require loft access. The biggest difference is that rigid sun tunnels, in general, tend to limit the number of bounces of light, resulting in better sunlight transmission. But due to the higher cost of construction, rigid tunnels typically cost more.

How Effective Are Sun Tunnels?

The light results you receive from a sun tunnel are dependent on a number of factors. For example, the positioning of the sun tunnel, as well as the length of the tube, both factor into the finished light output. Typically, flexible and rigid tunnels also have an effect on the amount of light that is transmitted.

Positioning: Sun tunnels collect sunlight, and thus, tunnels installed on the most lighted areas of the roof, i.e. south-facing surfaces, receive the most light. Sun tunnels on south-facing surfaces tend to transmit more light. Yet, even if the tunnel isn’t placed on direct sunlight, it will still transmit a noticeable amount of light.
Tube Length: In general, longer tubes result in more lost light. The reason: Longer tubes require the light to be bounced more times to reach the diffuser in the ceiling below. As the light bounces, some of the energy is lost, resulting in dimmer outputs.
Rigid or Flexible: Finally, the type of tube that you use has an effect on light output. Flexible tubes tend to bounce light more, resulting in a greater loss of light. Rigid tubes, on the other hand, have smooth reflective surfaces, and as a result, the light is bounced more efficiently. This is particularly true over longer distances, in which case a long rigid tube would be the most effective option.

Overall, the average output of a 2-meter, non-south-facing tube would be about 100w for a rigid tube and 60 watts for a flexible tube. That’s about the same output as you’d receive from a standard lightbulb. For south-facing sun tunnels, the results can be about double.

Buy sun tunnels on Deelat.com. We offer a range of flexible sun tunnel kits and rigid sun tunnel kits. Plus, we’re your source for sun tunnel parts and accessories.

Double Action Spring Hinges: What Are They and How Are They Different

June 5, 2015 Leave a comment

Double action spring hinges are a specialized type of spring-loaded hinge that allow a door to open in both directions. For this reason, they’re often called “saloon door hinges” or “café door hinges,” as they’re commonly used in both locations. For example, restaurant kitchen doors – which swing open both ways, and automatically close – are often hung with double action spring hinges.

These hinges differ from standard door hinges in a number of ways, and they’re available in all different sizes, finishes and weights. The size of the double-action hinge you will use depends on the size and weight of your door.

What Are Double Action Spring Hinges Used For?

Spring loaded hinges enable a door to open in both directions. These hinges are made with two spring-loaded pivots, enabling the 180-degree range of motion in either direction. They’re fashioned to a door and jamb like standard hinges, often in a mortise or indention, and they’re made from a variety of materials, including:

Satin or Polished Brass
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Stainless Steel
Zinc Copper

Plus, another feature is that the spring tension increased. The double springs in each door can be adjusted for either more tension or less tension, for a faster or slower closing action. For example, high-tension spring hinges close more quickly and with greater force. In kitchens, the hinges are often tightened with less tension, so they swing slowly and freely in either direction.

Why Double Action Spring Hinges Are Different

The biggest differences between spring-loaded hinges and standard hinges are, of course, their ability to open in both directions and the self-closing action. That’s why double-action hinges are used in highly trafficked areas – like kitchens and industrial facilities – where the door will be opened and closed frequently and traffic will be coming in either direction.

Another difference is that a trio of double-action hinges is often used on each door, especially heavier doors. Plastic kitchen doors that are lightweight can often be attached with just two hinges, but for heavier doors, three hinges are needed to position the door. You can refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the size and number of hinges to use.

The reason that three hinges are often used is because they’re open and closed frequently. Often with just two hinges, the joint can quickly become loose. In this three-hinge installation, one is installed close to the top of the door, and a second is installed just below. The third hinge is attached lower to the ground. In this type of installation, the top hinge holds the brunt of the door weight.

Deelat.com has the lowest prices online for double-action spring door hinges. We offer a range of sizes from 3 inches to 8 inches in a variety of quality finishes.

Fly Traps and Fly Catchers: Types and Uses for Insect Control

April 10, 2015 Leave a comment

Spring and summer are fly season throughout North America, and during the year’s warmer months, flies can become problematic pests in homes, barns, workplaces and gardens. So what can you do to control flies at home or work?

: A Typical Fly

One effective method for pest control is a fly trap or fly catcher. Fly traps are convenient, low-cost devices that can be used in a variety of locations to control problem insects. Often, they use bait – whether a chemical scented bait or electronically – which lure flies into the trap. Today’s traps are more sophisticated and hygienic than those sticky, hanging paper traps you might remember from your grandpa’s barn. In fact, you can choose a number of devices, from electronic indoor/outdoor fly traps and easy-to-hide plastic bait stations, to discrete hanging traps and bottle fly catchers.

But which type of trap is right for your home, barn or workplace? Some devices are created to be used in home, because they employ non-toxic, non-smelling bait and are built with concealed stations. Other traps are designed for industrial – they’re made to catch flies fast and efficiently, yet may not be the most attractive.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fly Trap

The type of fly trap you use depends on the location you’re targeting the pest. For instance, indoor locations, whether in the home or at the office, require traps that are designed to be used indoors, while indoor/outdoor traps should be used in barns and commercial properties. Here are a few things to consider:

Type of Bait: Many fly catchers use scented baits to attract flies into the trap. Some of these traps may have strong odors, and in these cases, the traps should be used for outdoor applications. Also, fly trap bait is often chemical, and therefore, you should find a trap that is designed to protect users from coming in contact with the bait. This is especially important in areas where people are more likely to come into contact with the trap, like homes where small children or pets are present.

Deelat Bait Station Fly Catcher
Concealability: Many traps are designed to blend into their surroundings and be as discrete as possible. For example, fly bait stations are made of a sturdy plastic, and the pests enters into an enclosed house. Thus, once the insect enters the trap, the flies aren’t visible to people passing by. That makes more concealable traps ideal for indoor applications. In outdoor locations like barns or industrial facilities, concealability isn’t usually as much of a factor.3
Location of Use: Often, traps are designed to be used in a certain location, whether a windowsill or area a door jamb. For instance, bait stations and bottle traps can be placed near problem areas like windows, while hanging traps are designed to be hung in open air near the problem locations. Plus, be sure to choose a trap that is designed for indoor or outdoor use, depending on where you’ll be putting it.
Electronic vs. Baited Traps: Today, electronic traps are becoming more common, and they’re just as cost-effective as baited traps. Electronic traps use lights and suction systems to lure pests into the trap. The biggest difference is cost. Baited traps usually cost a few dollars per trap, while top-of-the-line electronic traps can cost $50 or more. Plus, electronic traps may not be suited for outdoor locations, where weather extremes can cause malfunctions.

Shop an assortment of fly traps and fly catchers on Deelat.com. We have electronic fly catchers, as well as some of the most effective baited fly traps on the market. Here, you’ll find some of the best prices on the web – we guarantee it.

How Aluminum Stair Nosing Can Protect Your Staircase

March 19, 2015 Leave a comment

Stair nosing is the part of the step that overhangs from the riser, or the front of the step. It’s very common for interior stairs to have nosing, and you see it on all types of staircases, from hardwood steps to carpeted staircases.

The overhang serves a few purposes. First, it provides better footing and signals that a step is about to end. For this reason, these types of steps are usually safer and they better prevent falls. Plus, it helps to protect the riser and the nosing provides a finished look. The nose is often the part of the stair that receives the most wear and tear.

Luckily, since the nosing takes a lot of wear and tear, there are applications you can take to protect your steps. For instance, adding a stair nosing covering, like aluminum stair nosing strips can protect against wear and provide treaded footing.

When to Use Aluminum Stair Nosing and Stair Tread?

L-shaped stair nosing is made from all types of materials, including rubber, vinyl, wood and steel. But one of the most common is aluminum stair nosing with built-in tread.

Aluminum nosing is commonly used because it’s extremely durable, easy to work with, and it can be applied to nearly every type of staircase, from concrete, to tile and hardwood. Plus, aluminum nosing can also be used inside and out, and it’s an extremely affordable building material.

Generally, aluminum nosing strips are attached to the tread, or top of the step, as well as the riser, the front of the step. They can be used in a variety of locations, and for a variety of reasons, from protection to providing better footing. Luckily, there are many different types of nosing strips and they can be applied to just about any type of staircase. They are commonly used in public facilities, for added protection against falls, and they can be added to the home to protect the staircase.

Stair Nosing Maintenance and Installation Tips

Installing and maintaining aluminum stair nosing is very easy, but proper application and maintenance are important for best results. For instance, improper installation of stair nosing and tread can cause the strip to become loose, which creates a potentially dangerous tripping hazard.

Here are a few things to consider when installing nosing thread:

Consider Building Codes: A stair’s nosing can have a maximum overhang of 1.25 inches, according to International Building Code. This figure may be different in your location, but in most cases, the length includes the aluminum nosing. That means you must compensate the added length of the stair nosing mold, so you don’t overextend the nose.
Avoid Aluminum Burring: Generally, aluminum nosing comes in long strips that need to be cut down to fit each step. This can be done with a hacksaw, but this process can create a sharp edge. Be sure to smooth these edges with a file before installing.
Clean Before Application: Any irregularities in the step, caused by dirt and grim, or chips and cracks can cause the nosing strip to fit improperly. Before installation, you should clean the step thoroughly, as well as repair holes, chips and cracks.
Use the Right Shape: Your nosing should match the shape of the step. Generally, L-shaped aluminum nosing fits most standard steps that create a 90-degree angle. For steps with curved nosing, a specially shaped nosing strip might be necessary.
Ensure a Tight Fit: The integrity of the stair nosing requires a proper fit. That means the treading and nosing strip should sit flush on both the tread and the riser of the stair. Plus, gaps or space should not exist in between the nosing strip and the stair.

At Deelat.com, you’ll find low-cost, premium aluminum stair nosing and stair treading for interior and exterior staircases. We carry a variety of nosing strip styles, at the best prices, in of any length – guaranteed.

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